Few queries on Redmi 4A (simple but challenging) - Xiaomi Redmi 4a Questions & Answers

I have searched internet for below mentioned queries but could not find a solution. Hope someone can help out here.
(1) How to remove the unnecessary Google apps?
I read somewhere (and on this forum as well) that this can be done through Google Playstore but I dont see the options in Google Playstore account. (Maybe it doesnt work anymore)
(2) How do I remove Mi App Store and other Mi apps?
Can it be uninstalled... or atleast disabled?
(3) What is authenticity of Security app?... remove Cheetah, Tencent?
I am not sure how reliable this pre-installed Security app is or whether it is authentic as I dont see it in Google Playstore (I dont feel comfortable to have any app in my mobile which is not on Google Playstore).
New Android devices actually dont need app/memory cleaner, etc. There are numerous negative reviews about Cheetah, etc. I saw that Security app uses engine of Cheetah, Tencent, etc. Better to remove it?
(4) I dont see many settings in Camera. Is there guide to actually understand the settings, how to use, etc?
(5) I see that there are guides thread in bit and pieces, but is there any complete PDF, user maual or user guide for Redmi 4A or MIUI 8?
Thanks!

Easy solution is to install custom ROM.
Check this, https://forum.xda-developers.com/general/general/update-redmi-4a-users-t3706184.

As I know, user manual for Redmi 4A has not yet been available on the manufacturer's official website.
But manuals for other Redmi phones, such as Redmi 5A, are available there.

1. Removal via Play Store only applicable if you're installing them via Play Store i.e. not pre-installed. If you want to remove the pre-installed ones without root then try this
2. You can't really remove any of the system app if you're on official MIUI ROM because of its stock kernel (dm-verity). Try to remove them and it'll put your phone on a bootloop on the next boot because it checks the system integrity and refuses to boot if it detects any changes to the system, including file deletion. Maaybe you can if you're rooted and you have a modified kernel installed that disables the dm-verity.
3. It's an OEM app, meaning it was from the ROM itself. The manufacturer may decide if their OEM apps will be up on Play Store, so it may or may not be available from there. Think of it like your stock launcher. And well, it's Cheetah. Disable all of its updates and configurations (virus definition, auto scan etc.) and you're good. You can just disable the cleaner engine to stop the cleaner altogether. And as mentioned earlier, don't try to remove a system app if you're on an official MIUI ROMs. Didn't want to risk yourself to putting your phone into a bootloop. Unless you can do it properly then sure thing. Make sure to take a backup beforehand.
4. Most camera settings are pretty self-explanatory, so maybe they decided to not put much on the camera 'guide'
5. No. Not all guides comes with a PDF, and there's not a single guide that covers everything. Sometimes they came like forum threads like this. The only user manual/user guide available is the booklet that came with your phone. And I'm pretty sure that's not the guide you're looking for, as that booklet only covers the very basic operations of your phone.

thatOneWeeaboo said:
1. If you want to remove the pre-installed ones without root then try this
2. You can't really remove any of the system app if you're on official MIUI ROM because of its stock kernel (dm-verity). Try to remove them and it'll put your phone on a bootloop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi thatOneWeeaboo. Thanks for your kind help. :good:
Just a basic question.. are those Google apps and Mi Apps "pre-installed ones" or "system apps"?
I read somewhere that bloatware can be removed by simple app known as "Activity Launcher".. but will have research about it... Any inputs on it?

Biker Biker said:
are those Google apps and Mi Apps "pre-installed ones" or "system apps"?
I read somewhere that bloatware can be removed by simple app known as "Activity Launcher".. but will have research about it... Any inputs on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically speaking, System Apps are 'pre-installed' and pre-installed apps isn't always a system app. If the latter is your case, you can just remove them via your Apps section in your Settings menu, no need lengthy steps or commands.
You've probably read a similar guide that I linked and the "Activity Launcher" app's purpose is to launch a certain app's activity, therefore it's isn't actually removing the bloatware. As far as I know, it is used to launch the AOSP version of the Aplication Settings that normally isn't visible within the MIUI skin. You can actually disable most Google packages and some MIUI apps within there.

skmaiti2050 said:
Check out my thread for simple solution for system apps:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/miui-8-debloater-script-t3678972
And for camera, there is a mod you can try http://en.miui.com/thread-577424-1-1.html
After that you get the manual mode. In simple, set low ISO on good lighting scenes like sunrise or outdoors and high ISO for dark places, indoors and don't use flash when high ISO is set or you'll get a distorted image.
For shutter speed, set it to shortest on daylight scenes and for night scenes set it to the longest so it will be capable of capturing more light. For focus, when taking macro set focus to lower values and taking normal shots set it 35 to 50 and for broader views and distant object set it higher values.
Hope I helped you, but quite late
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying mate, but I dont think I would want to install all those zip files in my mobile. You never know if they are itself corrupted/malware/spyware. But thanks for replying!
I dont want to install anything which doesnt come from google playstore.

Biker Biker said:
Thanks for replying mate, but I dont think I would want to install all those zip files in my mobile. You never know if they are itself corrupted/malware/spyware. But thanks for replying!
I dont want to install anything which doesnt come from google playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're insisting to not install anything that doesn't come from Play Store, then try another camera app, like Open Camera. Other than that, there's isn't much you can do without installing things outside of the Store. Actually, LineageOS's stock camera, dubbed Snap Camera, is a pretty great camera app. But since it's not from the Play Store then I won't recommend it to you because, well, it's not from the Store.
Biker Biker said:
You never know if they are itself corrupted/malware/spyware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a pretty much a valid concern, but there's other people's testimony if things are actually working. So you can see e.g. if it's fixed your problem or make it worse by messing up stuff.
Also, not all Play Store apps are safe, though. There are some apps that collects your information/personal data without you knowing e.g. a Keyboard app that asks for your Device ID

Related

UNA ROM, Private, Fast, And Good Looking:)

After weeks of hard work we (Setmov and uncle Fab) proudly present you the first Una ROM for the galaxy Grand I9082, based on 4.1.2 XXAMF7.​
DISCLAIMER​As usual, your phone your responsability, we won't take any responsability if it flies out of the window or if your girlfriend/boyfriend runs away with it.
PLEASE, DO READ OP COMPLETELY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS, ANSWERS TO MOST PROBLEMS ARE THERE
WHAT IS UNA?​Una is a new concept that takes security to a new level.
Are you tired of seeing so much blatant, outrageous and shameless invasion of your privacy and data mining hidden behind nice sentences like "enhanced use experience" or "complete integration with the system"? We decided to develop secure ROMs where privacy means just that – Private!.
It’s free of charge, we are a non profit structure and we are not here to make big bucks.
WHAT UNA ISN'T​UNA isn't a way to help you to stealthily buy massive destruction weapons to foment a coup d'etat in your favorite banana republic or to prepare the third world war:silly:.
UNA secures what leaves from your phone (ie your personnal data doesn't leak and no app can look over your shoulder to spy your activities), but it can't competely secure what comes into your phone.
Why is that?
Because it's just not possible to fully secure a phone from what comes into it, and anyone claiming to be able to do it is either a liar, or an ignorant, or both.
There are too many attacks, some not well documented, if documented at all, and some unknown to the public, and there are too many ways to hack a phone, especially if the user doesn't use his/her common sense.
If you are the type of person that installs apps from shaddy source and/or warez web sites (sites offering cracked paid apps) chances are that at some point you will unknowingly install a malware or a spyware. The same applies if you click on any link, specially on SMS' and emails, if you let any pop out window appear or if you don't protect your lockscreen with a password/pin/pattern and let anyone get physical access to your phone.
A bit of judgment and common sense can save you a lot of trouble, but there's unfortunately nothing UNA can do about it.
Then, if you use your phone to call through GSM your provider will know where you are. If he didn't you wouldn't be able to make any call, the signal has to find you and there's nothing UNA or anyone can do about it.
The only way to prevent that is to disable the phone functions (but then your phone will turn into a wifi only device) and reenable them when needed, head to the scripts section to learn how to do it.
Last but not least, bear in mind that the agencies have armies of tech savvy henchmen and 10 storeys computers, and tricks we can't even imagine, so think twice and use your brain before you attempt to outsmart them...
UNA IS FOR YOU IF:​. You are willing to learn how to use an unconventional ROM and generally speaking to understand how things work, even if it sometimes requires a little effort to fix this or that little problem (bear in mind that it took us a lot of work to develop Una to where it is now),
. You don't mind a few little occasional bugs here and there that come from all the restrictions the ROM contains,
. You want to take back ownership of your phone from google’s claws.
UNA IS NOT FOR YOU IF:​. All that you care about is the latest gimmick in the latest OS,
. You can't live without the google’s apps,
. You are the kind of person that never reads through the OP and only scroll down to the download section, and then complain that things don't work and/or ask stupid questions in which are answered OP. An example? One guy makes a mod and writes clearly in OP that it's specifically for 4.2.2. Then some people complain: "it doesn't work on 4.4.2"...
If you are that type of person, please do yourself and us both a favour, and close this window now.
ARE WE PARANOID TIN FOIL HATS? OR TERRORISTS? OR CARTEL BOSSES?​Nope, we only are people that don't see why we shouldn't be in control of our phones. Or why our phones can be wiped remotely, why apps or updates or who knows what can be downloaded and installed without asking for our consent, why SMS' can be sent without us to know, why we should pay for the bandwidth used for data mining and unwanted downloads, and why all those activities should deplete our battery and kill our RAM.
You think we are overreacting here?
You don't have to take our word for it, just download and install Network Log from here:
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=network+log&fdid=com.googlecode.networklog
Give it root permission, start logging and open some web pages. Come back to Network Log after a few minutes and see for yourself, you'll be surprised (or maybe horrified?) to find out that your android system, your settings, your kernel etc. connect to all sorts of funny IPs, including and foremost google’s.
Now you see what we mean?
It's time to go for Una
UNA'S FEATURES​. Rooted.
. Deodexed.
. Zipaligned.
. Busybox and sqlite installed.
. Init.d support and scripts.
. Auto start disabled for most apps.
. About 120 system apps, 40 framework jars, 30 permissions xmls and 25 libs removed, plus files here and there.
. Very low RAM and CPU consumption, more than 8 hours screen time with the WIFI on, 1% battery decrease every 10-12 hours while in stand by.
. Heavily and extensively modified system, in order to make it secure and prevent it from leaking your data.
. App Settings, Firewall and Xprivacy built-in, and already applied out of the box to make sure you are well protected.
. Xprivacy is a fantastic tool but it has one big limitation, it can't restrict the Android System from accessing your serial numbers and leaking it. For that reason these IDs have been edited as follows:
build.serial (androidboot.serialno) and ro.serialno are both set to "1",
android id is set to "android",
net.hostname is set to "1".
. Wlan serial number set to "00000001" (this number identifies you everytime you connect to the internet, and Xprivacy can't do anything about it).
. USB ID (iSerial) set to 1.
. Unreadable cp access.
. Vulnerabilities patched thanks to Master Key Multi Fix and Fake ID Fix.
. ADB disabled (can be re-enabled, see below).
. By default ADB, all google access (including youtube, blogspot and google search) and the Media Storage are disabled. You can re-enable some or all of them, instructions are in the "HOW TO USE THE ROM" section.
. Plenty of under the hood modifications to make the ROM fast and fluid.
. Multi-purpose navigation keys.
. Call button in contacts.
. Because secure doesn't mean ugly, the whole ROM has been themed with a beautiful green color (if there are enough requests other themes will follow), transparency, and Lollipop HD wallpapers.
. KK style pop-up toasts.
. Multiwindows have been revamped, they are no longer only static in Samsung style but now they can float and be resized too, like on a computer.
. All apps can be opened in floating mode.
. Possibility to choose between different multiwindows layouts in KK's style.
. Heaps of hand picked and carefully scrutinized open source apps.
There are 2 non open source apps (Greenify and Quick Pic) but they are safe, believe me, I have thoroughly examined them. Still, you can always uninstall them if you feel like it.
In time we will develop our own apps, but first we want to see how people respond to the Una concept...
Installed apps/tools​. 920 Editor, to create and edit scripts or text files.
. AF+ Firewall.
. Alarm clock.
. APG, to encrypt messages.
. App Settings, to restrict apps' permissions, change DPI on a per app basis and more.
. Arity, a calculator.
. Conversations, a secure and encrypted chat, modded by uncle Fab for increased security.
. Fdroid, an alternative to the Play Store, and all the apps are open source!
. Floating stickies, to make small notes on the fly.
. FTP Server, to copy files to/from your phone wirelessly.
. Ghost Commander, a very powerful dual panel root file manager.
. Gravity Box, a theming engine.
. Greenify, to make apps behave by hibernating them when not in use.
. K9 Mail, an email client.
. Kernel Adiutor, if you feel like playing with kernel tweaks (but you have to know what you are doing).
. Lightning, a fast and light weight browser.
. Multiwindows Manager.
. Network Log, to check where your apps connect and chase unwanted connections.
. Open Camera.
. Tor (Orbot) for Android, modded by uncle Fab for increased security.
. Orweb, a browser designed to work along with Tor.
. OS Monitor, to monitor and kill your phone's processes, and more.
. Pale Moon, based on Firefox for Android, for a full desktop experience with Mozilla add-ons preinstalled for enhanced security.
. PDF Reader.
. Preferences Manager, to edit the otherwise difficult to read shared_prefs files in data/data.
. Quick Dic, a good selection of free dictionaries.
. Quick Pic, a Gallery app.
. Rmaps, a maps app where you can download maps from various sources for offline use.
. Search Light, a torch.
. Terminal Emulator, fire up your commands and show your phone who is the boss!
. Text Secure, a secure and encrypted SMS app, modded by uncle Fab for increased security.
. Tint Browser, another fast web browser.
. Urecord, to record sounds with different sample rates.
. USB Mass Storage Enabler, to connect your phone to any computer (note that it only mounts the external SD).
. Viper4Android FX, a powerful sound enhancer.
. Viper4Android XHiFi, some more sound enhancements.
. VLC, a video and music player favourite.
. WI-Fi Privacy Police, to secure your connections even better than they already are.
. Xposed Installer, a great framework that enables apps like App Settings or Xprivacy to work.
. Xprivacy, last but not least, the best privacy app.
WHY IS THIS ROM 4.1.2 BASED AND NOT 4.2.2?​
Because Samsung did a complete failure with its 4.2.2 version for Galaxy Grand.
High RAM consumption, no floating windows, bugs.
Plus, the newer the android version the more spying there is, despite google's sweet talk about "enhanced user's experience", the infamous Fused Location being a good example.
INSTALLATION​As usual, make a backup first!
Do backup your contacts and whatever is important because all your apps and data will be erased (your sd card contents won't be deleted though).
Do backup your /system/csc folder, in case you need it for later.
Do backup your efs folder (VERY IMPORTANT).
Open an android terminal from your phone, first type "su" (without the quotes), enter, then type:
busybox dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p17 of=/sdcard/efs.img
This will create an efs backup caled efs.img in your sd card.
If you need to restore it type:
busybox dd if=/sdcard/efs.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p17
Before you install the ROM, download Philz recovery from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2452985
We chose Philz since AFAIK it's the only one that allows you to lock you recovery with a password (highly recommended, if your recovery is not password protected it wouldn't take more than 2 minutes for someone to disable your pattern or pin protected lockscreen and access all your personal data on the phone).
Philz' installation instructions
You need to have Samsung drivers installed.
Boot your phone into download mode (press volume down and power at the same time).
Open Odin 3.07 and connect your phone.
Click on the PDA slot, navigate to where the Philz recovery is located and select it.
DOUBLE CHECK AND MAKE SURE THAT "RE-PARTITION" IS UNTICKED (only "Auto Reboot" and "F.Reset Time" should be selected).
Click start and wait while Odin flashes Philz.
If everything went well your phone will now auto-reboot into the system. Go into recovery, you should see your brand new Philz.
If you are still on stock recovery then repeat the above steps, but this time untick “Auto Reboot” in Odin.
When in recovery, if before you reboot you see a text on the screen displaying “yes – disable flash recovery”, select it to avoid stock recovery overwriting Philz.
Now, download Una from here (scroll down until you get to the download section):
http://unaos.com/
Unzip the ROM and copy it to the backup folder that is inside the clockworkmod folder in your sd card (if there's no backup folder create it by choosing "mkdir" in Ghost Commander).
Boot into recovery.
Go to restore from sdcard, choose 2015-03-23.10.56.05, and go for it!
Once it's done reboot, congratulations, you have installed Una ROM on your phone!
The screenlock password is 23052015​
IMPORTANT!!!​I haven't tried the latest 4.2.2 ROMs and I don't know if they have Knox or not (the earlier versions hadn't).
If they have it and if you are on such a ROM you'll have to choose custom restore and uncheck boot in the menu, because since the bootloader you have is Knoxed you may get a brick if you downgrade it to a pre-Knox version, don't play with that!
If you choose to proceed, you do so at your own risk, but in any case look first on the internet to find out if it's doable.
If it doesn't work for you then I'm sorry, you are out of luck, shame on you Knox...
If it works please report it here so that other people will know, thanks in advance!
HOW TO USE THE ROM​. Swipe down to access the applications drawer.
. Swipe up to open the notifications.
. Go to settings and set a stong password/pin/pattern protected lockscreen (recommended), default password is 23032015.
. Go in recovery and set a recovery password (recommended).
. Long pressing on the menu key toggles expanded desktop (full screen, no more navigation bar and no more status bar).
. Double pressing the menu key kills and hibernates the current application.
. Long pressing the recent key brings you back to the last application (convenient to switch from one app to another).
. Between the home and the back key there's a supplementary key that can display up to 12 apps (editable in gravity box).
Double pressing that key shows the sound panel, long pressing it shows the reboot menu (note that there's an option to take screenshots in the reboot menu).
. When you open an app you'll see a cascade icon at the top or the bottom right, press it and the app will turn into a floating window like on a computer. Now, open the notifications and check the 4 icons at the top, click any of them and the currently opened floating window (s) will be reorganised according to the layout you chose.
. Go to /system/etc/security/cacerts, check the certificates that are there (you'll find the certificate's name approximately by the middle of the file), and erase the ones you don't need/like.
When you want to transfer files to/from your phone open the USB Mass Storage Enabler app and enable mass storage, that's it. When you are done, don't forget to eject your phone from the computer and to reenable MTP from the app.
. When you install a new application, by default it will be fully restricted in both Xprivacy and the Firewall.
Before you open the newly installed app wait until the Xprivacy icon appears in the status bar, then and only then can you open it.
Most likely the app will crash.
Go to Xprivacy, open its settings and then usage data, you will see what restrictions caused the crash. Re enable some, provided that they are not too invasive.
Many apps require "load.Library" to be allowed in the shell section, that's ok.
Others may need to access the sd card, that's in the storage section and it's ok to allow it for apps that really need to access the storage, like players, cameras or file managers (for other apps try to keep it restricted).
Root apps obviously need "su" and/or 'sh", and sometimes "exec", in the shell section.
Always try to enable as few fields as possible, and bear in mind that data requested by an app is not necessarily needed for that app to work (especially true for identification, internet and mcc/mmc access).
Lastly, give the app internet access in the Firewall if, and only if, it needs it, and restrict some more permissions in App Settings.
If you can't tame the app consider uninstalling it and look for a similar one that has less built-in spyware.
SCRIPTS​. As said above, by default ADB, all google access (including youtube, blogspot and google search) and the Media Storage are disabled.
If you want to re-enable some or all of them, open the folder on your home screen called "scripts". Click on the desired script and it will be automagically executed.
If you choose to enable/disable google access you ll have to go to the Firewall to reapply its script. Open the firewall, go to settings, choose set custom script, click OK.
. You will see more scripts to disable/enable the Bluetooth, the FM Radio and the Phone.
If you disable the Phone and later want to re-enable it do as follows:
untick App Settings in Xposed's modules section, re-enable Phone, reboot, then enable App Settings again.
. Some scripts will enable you to backup/restore your efs partition and flash a recovery.img (to restore or flash an .img, make sure it's in your internal sd and execute the script).
. Other scripts can enable/disable am and pm, but don't play with it unless you know what you're doing.
. You can uninstall the Wallpaper Chooser and the Media Storage if you want, or keep them disabled and resurrect them when needed.
. If you are very privacy concerned you should consider using the "uncle's phone lite" mod because it enables you to call with only the Phone and the Telephony Provider apps (CSC, Contacts, Contacts Storage, Logs Provider and STK are completely de-activated). That's the method I use to make calls, but you have to know that the dialler forces close after you complete the call (not a big deal in my opinion but still, I may look into it one of these days). You'll find the mod in the add-ons section.
BUGS​. For some reason the ADW Launcher doesn't allow transparency in the navigation bars while in portrait, I'm working on that.
. You can't download anything from Lightning and Tint Browser, that's because the Download Manager and the Download UI have been uninstalled. If you need to download something, copy the link and paste it in Pale Moon, it has its own download engine.
. Part of the lockscreen and the dialer don't show in landscape mode, it's because the DPI has been modified in order multi layouts floating windows to work.
. All the installed apps work, but other apps you install may crash. I call that kind of apps "google’s henchmen", they only work if the play store services or the bla bla app are installed and of course they won't on Una since all that garbage has been removed.
If I install your app, why do you want to force me to install your boss' app too? Forget about those apps and search Fdroid, you'll find what you need...
. Depending the way you use your phone you may have to fine tune Xprivacy and reenable some permissions, I'm sorry for the inconvenience but it's impossible to set Xprivacy for all users since we all have different ways to use our phone.
ADD-ONS​. Uncle's themed Sony keyboard, flash it in recovery. It's not open source and that's why it's not included in the rom by default, but it's my every day keyboard because it works fine and because I themed it to make it look nice.
. HD Wallpapers
. Universe Wallpapers
http://unaos.com/addons
If there are many users' requests then I'll upload the following:
. Uncle's phone lite (with clipboard and dialer) for hardcore users. It's safer than using the regular phone configuration, but the dialer forces close when you hang up the call. Flash it in recovery, wipe dalvik-cache, reboot.
. Completely disable internet access for the Android System. Lightning and Tint Browser won't connect anymore since they use the same web engine as the Android System (that is anyway not very safe in 4.2.2), but Pale Moon still works thanks to its build-in web engine. Flash it in recovery, wipe dalvik-cache, reboot.
UPDATES?​There will be some, but no ETA, you'll have to be patient because now we have to design and release Una for three other phones.
Still, any suggestions/comments/bug reports are welcome, help us to improve Una!
FEATURES REQUEST​Yeah, sure, we'll see what we can do but we don't promise anything
That's all for now, enjoy the ROM!!!
The Una team
CREDITS​Big thanks to:good::
F-Droid
M66B (Xprivacy)
Rovo89 (Xposed)
Tungstwenty (App Settings, Master Key, Fake ID Fix)
Ukanth (AF+Firewall)
Jecelyin (920 Editor)
Kraigsandroid (Alarm Klock)
Thialfihar (APG)
Arity (Arity calculator)
Siacs (Conversations)
Ppareit (FTP)
Ghost Squared (Ghost Commander File manager)
Mohammad Adib (Floating Stickies)
C3C076(Gravity Box)
Oasisfeng (Greenify)
K-9 Dog Walkers (K9 Mail)
Grarak (Kernel Adiutor)
Anthonycr (Lightning)
Xperiacle (Multiwindows Manager)
Pragmatic Software (Network Log)
Mdwh2(Open Camera)
The Guardian Project (Orbot and Orweb)
Eolwral (OS Monitor)
Moon Child and Cyansmoker (Pale Moon)
Droidapps (PDF Reader)
Androguide.fr (Pimp My Rom script)
Simon Marquis (Preferences Manager)
Thad Hughes (Quick Dic)
Q-Supreme team (Quick Pic)
Robert.Developer (Rmaps)
Search Light (Search Light)
Jackpal (Terminal Emulator)
Anasthase (Tint Browser And Tint Browser Adblock Addon)
Thomasebell (Urecord)
Mohammad Abu-Garbeyyeh (USB Mass Storage Enabler)
Zhuhang (Viper4Android FX and Viper4Android XHiFi)
Videolan.org (VLC)
Brambonne (Wi-Fi Privacy Police)
Did I forget someone?
If that's the case let me know and I'll put your name here.
reserved
No screens?
ishmeet1995 said:
No screens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go
I like the effort but there are seriously some thinks you may not know what you are talking about, maybe because lack of knowledge.
Did I mention that I found google’s DNS in Tor (Orbot)? Pretty bad but fear not, I've patched it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most DNS lookups are local to the exit node with occasional use of Google DNS, changing a DNS itself is no guarantee for more security since the data needs to be anonymize too, that's possible if we use I2P together with TOR (because it's impossible to surf the web secure since not all provider/sites using a strong encryption for all stuff like content, external content and the whole site).
Open source vs closed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, mostly I agree open not automatically means it's safe at any time (see opensll and other popular projects) but here it would be help to see some source because you talking about trust and how can we trust you without looking in the code? Is there are proof for all your changes you done?
I've explored deep into the hidden depths of this Samsung ROM, and I didn't find anything questionable (but I had already removed around 150 apps, so there wasn't much left) from Samsung's side
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you do that if you don't have the source for e.g. the radio modem or other closed parts from a stock rom? Via reverse engineering? - You must have spent a lot of time for this ... I was not able to do it and not even any expert here on xda, it's impossible to one man to reverse and understand all stuff it would take years, even with good tools like IDA and 20 years of knowledge. You can maybe, maybe! only see some parts ... but not inspecting all aspects and since there is no reference I guess nobody can't say what's really secure.
Encrypting would only attract suspicion - why does he encrypt his messages? He must have something to hide!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you have no idea what you talking about, this shows it. It's not about "..but I have nothing to hide!" it's a common thing, maybe you should read this first.
To tag something with secure is very easy but to proof that without anything is almost impossible. One of the benefit you mentioned is to hardening the OS but that also could be done with scripts/binary's or other stuff without downloading the whole rom, xda is full of it - but sadly most of all "security" things here are never really tested or under the scope from known experts. - but people always believe in the hype and the myths!
Don't get me wrong but maybe you think about it and release something we all can work with (especially the changes only as a diff or something).
CHEF-KOCH said:
I like the effort but there are seriously some thinks you may not know what you are talking about, maybe because lack of knowledge.
Most DNS lookups are local to the exit node with occasional use of Google DNS, changing a DNS itself is no guarantee for more security since the data needs to be anonymize too, that's possible if we use I2P together with TOR (because it's impossible to surf the web secure since not all provider/sites using a strong encryption for all stuff like content, external content and the whole site).
Well, mostly I agree open not automatically means it's safe at any time (see opensll and other popular projects) but here it would be help to see some source because you talking about trust and how can we trust you without looking in the code? Is there are proof for all your changes you done?
How you do that if you don't have the source for e.g. the radio modem or other closed parts from a stock rom? Via reverse engineering? - You must have spent a lot of time for this ... I was not able to do it and not even any expert here on xda, it's impossible to one man to reverse and understand all stuff it would take years, even with good tools like IDA and 20 years of knowledge. You can maybe, maybe! only see some parts ... but not inspecting all aspects and since there is no reference I guess nobody can't say what's really secure.
Sure you have no idea what you talking about, this shows it. It's not about "..but I have nothing to hide!" it's a common thing, maybe you should read this first.
To tag something with secure is very easy but to proof that without anything is almost impossible. One of the benefit you mentioned is to hardening the OS but that also could be done with scripts/binary's or other stuff without downloading the whole rom, xda is full of it - but sadly most of all "security" things here are never really tested or under the scope from known experts. - but people always believe in the hype and the myths!
Don't get me wrong but maybe you think about it and release something we all can work with (especially the changes only as a diff or something).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I’m sorry you feel that way. Did you install the rom at all?
Dear Dev,
Thanks for the ROM for our grand community, but after 5.0 Lollipop do you think people will shift to 4.1 ICS again?
Anyways very nice effort for great customization.
:good::good::good::good::good:
unclefab said:
UNA IS FOR YOU IF:​. You are willing to learn how to use an unconventional ROM and generally speaking to understand how things work, even if it sometimes requires a little effort to fix this or that little problem (bear in mind that it took us a lot of work to develop Una to where it is now),
. You don't mind a few little occasional bugs here and there that come from all the restrictions the ROM contains,
. You want to take back ownership of your phone from google’s claws.
UNA IS NOT FOR YOU IF:​. All that you care about is the latest gimmick in the latest OS,
. You can't live without the google’s apps,
. You are the kind of person that never reads through the OP and only scroll down to the download section, and then complain that things don't work and/or ask stupid questions in which are answered OP. An example? One guy makes a mod and writes clearly in OP that it's specifically for 4.2.2. Then some people complain: "it doesn't work on 4.4.2"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hemant4409 said:
Dear Dev,
Thanks for the ROM for our grand community, but after 5.0 Lollipop do you think people will shift to 4.1 ICS again?
Anyways very nice effort for great customization.
:good::good::good::good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think everything is quite well explained and your question answered in the OP. Thank you for your interest.
hemant4409 said:
Dear Dev,
Thanks for the ROM for our grand community, but after 5.0 Lollipop do you think people will shift to 4.1 ICS again?
Anyways very nice effort for great customization.
:good::good::good::good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ..never
Edit: and 4.1 is not ICS
I expected that kind of reply, from you or from one of the forum's security experts, the same people that ignored me when I offered to share knowledge and to give advices/opinions on the security thread.
CHEF-KOCH said:
Most DNS lookups are local to the exit node with occasional use of Google DNS, changing a DNS itself is no guarantee for more security since the data needs to be anonymize too, that's possible if we use I2P together with TOR (because it's impossible to surf the web secure since not all provider/sites using a strong encryption for all stuff like content, external content and the whole site). .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m not the guy that developed Tor, what you are talking about is his business, not mine.
All what i did was to change google's DNS in Tor's code, period.
Well, mostly I agree open not automatically means it's safe at any time (see opensll and other popular projects) but here it would be help to see some source because you talking about trust and how can we trust you without looking in the code? Is there are proof for all your changes you done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody needs to trust me.
As I wrote in OP (did you read it?):
You don't have to take our word for it, just download and install Network Log from here:
https://f-droid.org/repository/brows...ode.networklog
Give it root permission, start logging and open some web pages. Come back to Network Log after a few minutes and see for yourself, you'll be surprised (or maybe horrified?) to find out that your android system, your settings, your kernel etc. connect to all sorts of funny IPs, including and foremost google’s.
Now you see what we mean?
It's time to go for Una
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the ROM, and see by yourself how it behaves.
Another thing is that all the installed apps in the ROM are open source, apart from 2 that I have reverse engineered, inspected and restricted (Greenify and Quick Pic), and as I said in OP people are fee to uninstall them.
To be honest, on my daily ROM I do use some closed source apps that are very good, that only have legit permissions, that don t spy on me whatsoever, and that dont connect anywhere.
But sadly I couldn t include them in this ROM, because I knew that if I had done it people like you would have criticized me.
How you do that if you don't have the source for e.g. the radio modem or other closed parts from a stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Radio modem and the like are closed source, and I never said that I did anything there.
But that s the same in an AOSP or CM ROM, and the only way to overcome that problem is either replicant (but they don support many devices) or baseband isolation.
I have full baseband isoltaion on my daily ROM, but hey, do you think that i could make such a ROM for public release? Do you think that people would like a ROM that transforms their phone in a wifi only device, and need to connect to a modem to have data connection and to call or receive sms'?
Still, people can achieve baseband isolation on this Una Rom, instructions are in OP.
Anyway, all what I said, again in OP is that :
spying that is present on AOSP too since it's google’s material as well (compare the apps' permissions and the network connections in an AOSP/custom ROM and in a stock ROM, it's more or less the same, or better, look at the code).
You can't do everything you want on a closed source ROM (I bet you can't on AOSP either), but to edit and clean the system you don't need the full source code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see?
I have removed over 100 system apps, dozens of jars, some xmls and libs, then I have cleaned the remaining apps and jars, then I have set very carefully and very restrictivey the firewall, App Settings and Xprivacy, then I have applied other security related tweaks and yes, Una is secure.
No more data mining, no more unwanted internet connections to google, amazon and who knows where, if that s not secure for you then I don t know what can be called secure.
To tag something with secure is very easy but to proof that without anything is almost impossible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
Once more, you don t need to trust me.
Install the ROM, open Network Log, look at the Task Manager etc., and see what happens.
maybe you think about it and release something we all can work with (especially the changes only as a diff or something).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you need to get anything from someone like me?
You said that I don t know what I am talking about, that I have a lack of knowledge etc., so why would such an expert like you benefit from it?
By the way, did you try the ROM?
BTW again, thanks for the link but sorry, I still don't feel concerned.
I don t use my phone for bank transactions, I m not working on big secret projects, I have blocked adds in the host files and I never get any spam.
Still, thanks for remembering me about encryption, I had forgotten to add in the encryption chapter in OP that Una has encryption apps (APG, Conversations, K9 Mail, Text Secure).
@hemant4409
First, the galaxy Grand will never get Lollipop from Samsung.
From custom ROMs, maybe, but that s not the point.
If people like more gimmicks and fancy transitionts than security it s their problem....
Congrats to all your work and the time spent on the Security subject and thanks for taking the time to share your work. This is the first time I see such a custom rom on XDA (on Internet I'd say) so I wanted to express my gratitude.
Hats off.
You provide a lot of information about security and privacy and the first question is 'No screenshots?' lol
Primokorn said:
Congrats to all your work and the time spent on the Security subject and thanks for taking the time to share your work. This is the first time I see such a custom rom on XDA (on Internet I'd say) so I wanted to express my gratitude.
Hats off.
You provide a lot of information about security and privacy and the first question is 'No screenshots?' lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's screenshots
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59640778&postcount=4
oskar01 said:
Here's screenshots
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59640778&postcount=4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG!! He was kidding:cyclops:
I’m sorry you feel that way. Did you install the rom at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm dl'ed the rom and see what whas changed because a friend asked me to make a statement if this rom really secure anything. Btw no need to quote all stuff over and over again and again.
All what i did was to change google's DNS in Tor's code, period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't change something you don't have access to or something that is important if we talking about DNS, you can't change the exit nodes. And as mentioned changing a DNS server is no guarantee since they also can log your stuff - it's all about trust, sure - but an OpenNIC without logging (that's proofed) would more help. For more security related stuff about DNS please first read this and this. DNS is not secure anymore, no matter which provider and according to the NSA they have some techniques to identify and infiltrate some servers.
Nobody needs to trust me.
As I wrote in OP (did you read it?):
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, nobody force anyone to install and use your stuff, that's what I'm not saying - but to say x and y was removed or changed is very hard to trust without anything except your words. It's no offensive at all.
Another thing is that all the installed apps in the ROM are open source, apart from 2 that I have reverse engineered, inspected and restricted (Greenify and Quick Pic), and as I said in OP people are fee to uninstall them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I simply not care about the apps, no matter if it contains malware or not, as long they not have any root access or internet connection is simply has no effect. Most apps today do not want to destroy the hardware, they just want to collect and grap your private data and send them back if you turn wifi on (which makes t harder, because without deep package inspection you won't ever notice that there are some wired behaviors with app xy.
... people like you would have criticized me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just one of the people that can't handle valid arguments or is unable to accept any other arguments we can just stop the whole discussion. - What I've learned from xda is that some people are unable to discuss and calling the moderator instead (for no reasons). It's not against your work, it's to inform and to show others if it's really offers that what you promise here or not. I really hope you understand it.
But that s the same in an AOSP or CM ROM,..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not some roms use (outdated) open source modem sources, like CM which is always a big discussion because people "always" complaining about signal related stuff and possible battery drains. Or in other words some people say that with a stock modem/radio they have a better signal compared to CM.
I have removed over 100 system apps, dozens of jars, some xmls and libs, then I have cleaned the remaining apps and jars, then I have set very carefully and very restrictivey the firewall, App Settings and Xprivacy, then I have applied other security related tweaks and yes, Una is secure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing security apps is the last line of defense, not the first. Read more about here. I guess you not touched the network code (because it's closed) so that won't change anything at all.
Install the ROM, open Network Log, look at the Task Manager etc., and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same again that won't change something on application layer, tor is also affected.
.. so why would such an expert like you benefit from it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I not use it, as said a friend asked me because he usually like your work.
.. I have blocked adds in the host files and I never get any spam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blocking ads via hosts file not works if you change your mobile connection from e.g. 2G/3G/wifi/lan since on most roms the hosts never gets a re-apply. If you not getting any ads you are a lucky boy but it's very decency on which www your are or which addon you use. If you use Firefox/Plae Moon just use uBlock and configurate the filter list (so no ads at all too) but that not works for apps (but there are also minminguard or adaway [hosts] for it. Sad think about the hosts seems that it coasts more battery and usually takes longer to boot - but okay, anyway matter of taste which stuff you prefer.
Text Secure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better link or integrate the SMSSecure it's based on Text Secure but encrypts SMS (since Text Secure removed that for some reasons).
.. security related tweaks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one? TCP/IP stack hardening, protocol changes like only forcing to use latest TLS or what? You see some important details are missing.
I expected that kind of reply, from you or from one of the forum's security experts, the same people that ignored me when I offered to share knowledge and to give advices/opinions on the security thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I reply'ed to this thread but my answer was way to long so I got a loading problem (the reasons I asked a mod to remove my post). I'm working on something but it's not fully done yet. The problem is that it will be the longest post here on XDA ever (if I release it here - I'm not really a xda fan) and it's very complicated so there will be a lot of people that may possible will never understand all stuff.
So, sorry if you feel that I "ignored" your post. But feel free to visit my Github stuff or just visit infosec institute to read my other stuff.
So the main question is here if you show us your mods or not? Or if you plan to release a "hardening package" or not? That's all I want to talk about.
@CHEF-KOCH
You came out of the blue on this thread, basically saying that I'm a moron that doesn't know what he's talking about and implying that this ROM is garbage, then you said you will download the rom and make a statement about whether it's secure or not.
And...?
Nothing, but you edited your post with the following:
So the main question is here if you show us your mods or not? Or if you plan to release a "hardening package" or not? That's all I want to talk about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that fair?
Seriously, what would you think and what would you do if you were me?
If this ROM is garbage, prove it.
Otherwise, go polluting another thread...
unclefab said:
@CHEF-KOCH
You came out of the blue on this thread, basically saying that I'm a moron that doesn't know what he's talking about and implying that this ROM is garbage, then you said you will download the rom and make a statement about whether it's secure or not.
And...?
Nothing, but you edited your post with the following:
Is that fair?
Seriously, what would you think and what would you do if you were me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother with @CHEF-KOCH. He just want you to share your knowledge with him, so he can "use" it and make you look like an idiot! Also, he is a liar, he didn't come here because of a "friend" but because of my post on your security thread. When he had some strange "loading issues" I also asked him very politely where was the problem....he never bother to reply, and he deleted the post, so what kind of person he is? He is a hater, and a spitter and "no constructive help" from him, so don't lose your time with him!
I'm giving up, useless to talk here.
CHEF-KOCH said:
I'm giving up, useless to talk here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you mister know it all, and please don t come back, there are plenty of other threads to pollute...
Too bad that you couldn t prove that this rom is garbage
And too bad that you are too arrogant to admit that you were wrong when you implied that I m an idiot and that this rom is garbage...
i can only post one :thumbup: per post , but if i could then ........... :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: , at least some knowledgeable people are trying.
"all I can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Awesome thread
I do not have Grand but my brother has it. I was searching a rom for him and found your thread. I must say I did not find any thread like you in at least Samsung area. You people did a great work. Security is a great concern and if you secure the system then it itself become light weight because you take out spyware craps out of it. I appreciate your work. Good job man. Pleas e develop something in Note 3 LTE section as well.

[GUIDE] Stop Google Play Services Wakelocks (AppMeasurement, net_scheduler, etc.)

Update 09.12.17: The methods below may not fully work on the latest OS versions. There is an ongoing discussion in the last pages so I hope it gets cleared out eventually, sadly I've been busy with my studies and haven't touched my phone since initially making this thread (it's on OOS 4.0.2). I write this just to make sure I don't waste your time accidentally, so please check the latest replies if you're on newer OS versions.
Hello everybody,
*the undermentioned methods and app(s) require root*
I have asked you guys in the AKT thread if you would like to see a small tutorial on how to stop the constant "com.google.android.gms/.measurement.PackageMeasurementService" and "net_scheduler" wakelocks that might or might not be responsible for the device waiting longer than it should before dozing off.
Please keep in mind that this method does work for me, and might or might not work for you, as everybody uses different things/apps so in case you see unwanted behavior, just revert back and sigh that the method has failed you.
I am not responsible for any hardware-/software damage that may occur upon using these settings.
So, now that we've got all the generic stuff out of the way, first few words about why this might bother you:
1) You don't like your device doing stuff you didn't make it do.
2) You want to minimize wakelocks
3) You're here because you just saw the two beforementioned wakelocks and already decided you want to get rid of them.
So, regarding the first one, all I can say is I got the method from this reddit post , which briefly explains which services are doing the waking and what they are. Starting with "At the heart of Firebase is Firebase Analytics, a free and unlimited analytics solution. .." got me raising an eyebrow, as I don't like handling control of my device to other people, without me even knowing.
UPDATE: I have merged the two approaches into just using one app and making the changes on a global level, so you can just do them in like 5 minutes and forget about it, but in case you have problems with disabling package measurement you can also check the hidden text just below for instructions using another app, which was basically "the old way".
So to get rid of the "snooping", as already described in that post, you need to download MyAndroidTools.
Disclaimer: Disabling some services/receivers may "crash" the app. I found it is normal, just go back to where you were and check if you managed to disable the thing you wanted, if yes, then it was successful.
1. Open the app
2. Click on the top left to open the panel, click on Broadcast Receiver.
3. On the menu that opens go to the right column named System. Click search on the top right, type "Play" and choose the Google Play Services option.
4. In the search bar there type at least "ana" and disable the two found results with the names "AnalyticsReceiver" and "AnalyticsSamplerReceiver"
5. Hit x and search again for at least "meas". You will see three results with the names "AppMeasurementInstallReferrerReceiver", "AppMeasurementReceiver" and "PackageMeasurementReceiver*". Disable all three.
****Update 15.02.17*** Apparently this one resets every once in a while, I blame this again on Google's efforts to have their spying on, but anyways. Go to services->system->Google Play Services->search "meas"->disable both "AppMeasurementService" and "MeasurementBrokerService". The third one (PackageMeasurementService) will restart too so don't bother. This should do the trick though.
6. There was discussion about "Campaign Tracking" . I only found it in the same System menu, in Android Pay, by searching at least "cam" you get the result "CampaignTrackingReceiver". Disable it if you feel you want to. I don't use Android Pay and cannot say if it breaks something there, but otherwise have it disabled and haven't noticed any problems so far.
7. Search for Google Play Store in System. In that option, search for at least "app" and disable "AppMeasurementReceiver". Hit x and search for at least "fir", then disable the two results with names "FirebaseInstanceIdInternalReceiver" and "FirebaseInstanceIdReceiver"
8. Done. All the setttings are now global for any sort of app measurements, as far as I know.
This is the "old way" of dealing with app measurement. If you have done the steps above just ignore (hide) this part and continue with disabling net_scheduler below.
So to get rid of the "snooping", as already described in that post, you need to download Root Package Disabler or equivalent alternative.
ATTENTION: As per the last version of the app, I see there might be a bug which reverts some settings when you use the search bar, so please try and find the services by hand in stead of searching, as it is more reliable.
1. Open the app
2. Start with the left-most pane, e.g. "Installed". There you can see all your installed apps
3. Click on the first app on the list, it will display a small menu. Apps that use services will have the bottom-left option named "SERVICES" available, click there. This will take you to the services list that this app uses.
4. Click on the searching icon on the top-right in order to filter the services we need disabling.
5. Write at least "appm" . If the AppMeasurementService is used by this app, it will now be displayed.
6. Tick that off (the switch will turn gray)
7. Hit x, and search again for at least "fireb". This will display all services that use the Firebase SDK. You may also check under the name of the service and see the word is contained in the "executable name", so it might not always have "an official" name that states Firebase, but still use one of their "executables" (sorry for lack of detail)
7.1 Check for any other services that have "analytics" in their description, although I haven't checked if this stops something useful, but I doubt it.
8. When you're done with the current app, it will no longer call these services and cause wakelocks as long as the services remain stopped. To my experience the settings stay after reboot, it's just the above mentioned bug you have to keep in mind since it happened to me now while making the guide, and I know it came with the latest update.
9. Go back to the installed pane and maybe tick on the star next to the app in question. It will be added to the "favourite" list where you can have all those apps and don't bother to search them again if needed.
10. Repeat from step 1 for the next app and go through all your apps. If not you will still get calls to this service from the apps that still have these services on. Also a reminder here, you have to remember and check every new app you install, as most apps do have the service enabled.
11. After you're done with all apps in "Installed", check out bloatware (I think I haven't found anything there, but it's worth checking).
12. "System" apps that I know have some of those services: Calendar, (probably) Chrome (I have that disabled so dunno), Drive, Duo, Gboard, Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google VR Services.
Here are two pictures how an app's services list looks like, and one with some of the services disabled:
all services on
some services off
After doing these steps, you should charge your battery to 90% to reset the battery statistics and you should see that the "com.google.android.gms/.measurement.PackageMeasurementService" wakelock no longer occurs (or stays really, really low, and not thousands like before). If you still have it after all this, then you probably have an app you haven't disabled the services for.
The second approach will get rid of the "net_scheduler" wakelock. Thanks to @denon480 for the idea, it's post #34 in this thread It involves installing (again) MyAndroidTools or equivalent alternative.
1. Open the app
2. Click on the top left corner to open the menu panel.
3. Click on Broadcast Receiver
4. Navigate to the System pane
5. Click on search on the top right. Search for Google Play Services. Click on them when they show up
6. In the search top right, write at least "sche" and you will see the two receivers responsible for the "net_scheduler" wakelock, "SchedulerInternalReceiver" and "SchedulerReceiver" . Here's a picture how it looks
7. Switch the first one off. The app will quit, don't worry.
8. Go back to where you were (steps 1 to 6) . You will see that you indeed managed to swtich that receiver off.
9. Switch the second one off. The app will quit, again no worries.
10. Check if you managed to switch the second one as well. After that you're done!
I hope I could help you guys out. I know there is nothing fancy in these methods but felt a thread might be useful as I saw a good number of requests when I mentioned it in the AKT thread.
Also sorry for misleading the guys I already told it was going to be a short guide, I honestly thought it would take way less words than it did. But I think it is for the better.
Have fun.
* Reserved *
Going through this guide, I was able to get the services disabled through root package disabler, bit my android tools kept force closing for some reason.
*edit* uninstalled, rebooted, reinstalled, and was able to get the app to stay open, and got them disabled. I'm curious to see what my wake locks are going to look like tomorrow. This is pretty much the nougat answer to amplify, huh? =)
MeggaMortY said:
* Reserved *
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Everything is fine or?
tzbigworm said:
Going through this guide, I was able to get the services disabled through root package disabler, bit my android tools kept force closing for some reason.
*edit* uninstalled, rebooted, reinstalled, and was able to get the app to stay open, and got them disabled. I'm curious to see what my wake locks are going to look like tomorrow. This is pretty much the nougat answer to amplify, huh? =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope it gets rid of those for you too. If I remember correctly I noticed the problem since Nougat, but then again I've been on Android since only a few months, coming from a big pause. Last time I was around we were rocking the HTC HD2 and had to deal with very different problems.
1+3_FA said:
I think Everything is fine or?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup looks great.
MeggaMortY said:
Hope it gets rid of those for you too. If I remember correctly I noticed the problem since Nougat, but then again I've been on Android since only a few months, coming from a big pause. Last time I was around we were rocking the HTC HD2 and had to deal with very different problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crazy how much of a beast that phone was. People forget it's actually a windows phone, Android was put on it so much lol!
Thanks for the tips. Works great!
Thank you for your awesome work!
I have two more questions:
1. What about CampaignTrackingService? Could we disable this one as well?
2. In MyAndroidTools under Broadcast Receiver there are lots of receivers like AppMeasurementReceiver or FirebaseInstanceIdReceiver. They also need to be disabled or disabling the corresponding service is sufficient?
Thank you very much
youknownothing said:
Thank you for your awesome work!
I have two more questions:
1. What about CampaignTrackingService? Could we disable this one as well?
2. In MyAndroidTools under Broadcast Receiver there are lots of receivers like AppMeasurementReceiver or FirebaseInstanceIdReceiver. They also need to be disabled or disabling the corresponding service is sufficient?
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I initally disabled that in a few apps and didn't have problems System-wide or with the apps. So you can give it a go and in case of apps not functioning you can revert those back.
2. No for now it's okay to just use the Package Disabler for that. Like I said both apps have similiar functionality, there's probably a way to find the right service/receiver and disable it globally from MyAndroidTools, then we won't need the Package Disabler. But since it did work for me and I don't install new apps more than like once a week, I just didn't bother figuring it out. I can only say that disabling certain services/activities in MyAndroidTools can brake functionality or even bootloop your device, so be very careful in case you wanna find out if it's possible.
MeggaMortY said:
1. I initally disabled that in a few apps and didn't have problems System-wide or with the apps. So you can give it a go and in case of apps not functioning you can revert those back.
2. No for now it's okay to just use the Package Disabler for that. Like I said both apps have similiar functionality, there's probably a way to find the right service/receiver and disable it globally from MyAndroidTools, then we won't need the Package Disabler. But since it did work for me and I don't install new apps more than like once a week, I just didn't bother figuring it out. I can only say that disabling certain services/activities in MyAndroidTools can brake functionality or even bootloop your device, so be very careful in case you wanna find out if it's possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your quick response. I'll give it a try, if anything goes wrong I'll let you know.
Is there any difference between Package Disabler and Disable Service app? I've tried the former, but it was really buggy. Scrolling was so glitchy and with lots of stutters that I've accidentally disabled few services. So I've used Disable Service with success. Now I only wonder whether both apps have the same functionality. Do you happen to know that?
Thanks in advance
youknownothing said:
Thank you for your quick response. I'll give it a try, if anything goes wrong I'll let you know.
Is there any difference between Package Disabler and Disable Service app? I've tried the former, but it was really buggy. Scrolling was so glitchy and with lots of stutters that I've accidentally disabled few services. So I've used Disable Service with success. Now I only wonder whether both apps have the same functionality. Do you happen to know that?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you're disabling services, which we are lol (should've been more obvious for me too I guess), I'd say you should be fine, and even say maybe the same goes for just using MyAndroidTools, just scroll through the Service menu in Table Third-Party and you'll see the same settings you applied with the other app/Package Disabler. I guess I was lazy to realize that since I liked I can favourite the apps I need to keep an eye on in the Package Disabler.
So all in all you should be okay, but even better you may try and just use MyAndroidTools for both. I have some exams coming so I won't be able to test those things but will make sure to update the tutorial if indeed that turns out to be right (for the app you suggested or even just MyAndroidTools).
Give a shout in case you find out something more. And thanks for the info
Followed the guide, thanks for this like said before kind of amplify for nougat. But as I was disabling net.schedule I noticed "my android tool" can do the fire base and app activity. Under service activity and press <...>
I suppose that this two methods doesn't compromise any function of the device right? For example loosing notifications or similar
Sent from my OnePlus 3
Mr.Jay said:
I suppose that this two methods doesn't compromise any function of the device right? For example loosing notifications or similar
Sent from my OnePlus 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like mentioned, it works fine for me, and probably depends on personal usage. I don't use Google Pay for example, and Chrome, and Google Music.... but besides those I haven't had problems anyway.
Disabled everything that is said to do in this thread and it worked great while I was at home while on wifi. I had drain of .5% an hour at times. However today while at work and on LTE, drain went up to 2.6% an hour, plus wakelocks from play services was waking up the device on average over 3 times a minute. When I looked into it further there was one service under play services where all the alarms were coming from. I do have a screenshot of this. Anyone have any insight to this? For the record, I do keep location off on my device.
Edit: I wonder f it comes from moving around a lot, as I'm always on the move as I manage a restaurant. Its not really a major drain, but still makes me wonder.
NJGSII said:
Disabled everything that is said to do in this thread and it worked great while I was at home while on wifi. I had drain of .5% an hour at times. However today while at work and on LTE, drain went up to 2.6% an hour, plus wakelocks from play services was waking up the device on average over 3 times a minute. When I looked into it further there was one service under play services where all the alarms were coming from. I do have a screenshot of this. Anyone have any insight to this? For the record, I do keep location off on my device.
Edit: I wonder f it comes from moving around a lot, as I'm always on the move as I manage a restaurant. Its not really a major drain, but still makes me wonder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you disabled location history in the Google App? The problem is this guide fixes only one concrete aspect of the whole "Google stalking experience" shenanigans. Please check for the thing I mentioned and also in Settings -> Backup & Reset, make sure Back up my data is off if you haven't logged in an account and intend to use that - these two things were also draining battery for me when I was on the go as far as I can remember.
LMcR92 said:
Followed the guide, thanks for this like said before kind of amplify for nougat. But as I was disabling net.schedule I noticed "my android tool" can do the fire base and app activity. Under service activity and press <...>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some checking on that list and am currently testing a way to only use MyAndroidTools for the whole aproach. If it turns out to be working the whole guide would get reduced to like 10 clicks, since the settings are global. I'll post more info after a day or so to make sure it is working, but as for now I see promising results.
Anyone used Franco's Servicely app to do this?
Up, I have updated the guide to just using MyAndroidTools and disabling the receivers on a global scale. So now you just have to do it once and (hopefully) forget about it.
MeggaMortY said:
Up, I have updated the guide to just using MyAndroidTools and disabling the receivers on a global scale. So now you just have to do it once and (hopefully) forget about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will Doing like #1 post notifications from Gmail?
techusthad said:
Will Doing like #1 post notifications from Gmail?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know what you mean by #1 - disabling the AppMeasurement stuff, e.g. first set of instructions? I haven't had problems with Gmail and I use it with two accounts on there.

Huawei Mate 10 Pro Ad Block and other tips and tricks

So here is a short Huawei Mate 10 Pro guide. It might work for other Huawei's as well. If so pls let me know.
How to kill ads on Huawei Mate 10 Pro without Rooting the phone
What does the good people of XDA think is the way to go to kill ads without rooting?
NB: These tips and tricks are not my brain work. It is a collection of problems, issues and solutions to things I've experienced with the Mate 10 Pro, and the solutions are the great work of this forum and various contributors. My only contribution is to try to gather them all here in post one so people don't need to read the whole thread. In particular i would like to thank Pretoriano80 for his contributions in this thread. He made my life easier. Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recap:
Remove Ads from browsers:
This solution worked well for removing ads from browsers, so I bought it from playstore to show my support. Thx to Pretoriano80 for resolving most of my ad problems.
This solution also takes care of the in-apps ads!
Pretoriano80 said:
Hi mate, i also hate aggressive ads, so after many trials and errors, i finally found the best (and also free and no Root) solution.
I'm using an app called "Virtual Hosts" which is blocking ADS by creating a local VPN and loading a host file.
The app is open source and you can get the apk for free, downloading it from here - > https://github.com/x-falcon/Virtual-Hosts/releases < - or from Playstore by paying it (both versions are identical).
Once installed, you can downloaded and use the "host" file from here - >
http://adblock.mahakala.is/ <- or use another one of your choice (i got the file from this thread - >
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youtube without ads:
A youtube version that is slightly altered to filter out ads. Works on non rooted devices and can be installed alongside the original youtube. Notice the modified MicroG apk on the second quote for using this modified youtube with your google account.
Pretoriano80 said:
Yes, you can try the latest x64 version from here - > https://androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=236411 - > it doesn't need root and can be installed alongside YouTube, as a secondary YouTube. [emoji6]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretoriano80 said:
Yeah, in-app ads are also gone. [emoji16]
BTW, if you want to use your Google account with the modified YT app, then you will also need a modified MicroG apk, which is specifically designed for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to root Huawei Mate 10 Pro:
Some of you looking into this thread might wanna have full control over your Mate 10 Pro by rooting. There are various ways but the MAGISK seems really nice, and you can choose which apps shall see root or not. Read more here; https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk
A short video of Magisk; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFJVoIjKZJw
Pretoriano80 said:
Rooting with Magisk is possible on Mate 10 pro, so you can use banking app or any other app that requires a "stock" device. As long as you pass SafetyNET verification and you hide root from the eyes of those apps, than you can use them with Root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei Mate 10 Pro apps loosing 4G and Wifi connection
When I first started to use the Huawei Mate 10 Pro I noticed that every once on a while an app would not work when I tried to restart the app. Suddenly I got an error saying their was no data connection, meaning no 4G or wifi. It was faulty error because I could use data in other apps. For me typically the problem was related to Spotify and Audible. The only fix I could find right away was a full reboot. It always took care of the problem and apps would work properly. Reboots are not welcome in a busy day. So I've looked around and found that I could manually control the power saving management for each app in >setting>battery>Launch. By taking back the control apps worked flawless once again.
A few weeks ago we had a yet another firmware update. And behold, once again the problem started. Only this time even in manual mode in >Launch the apps would still loose their 4G connection randomly, or even wifi if at home. It seemed like a reboot was the only choice to get things working. Until I by pure luck tried to enable the Ultra Battery Saver from the pull down menu. Enable it, then exiting it somehow resolves any power saving issues. Apps they work fine, they get their data connection, both 4G and wifi. The quick fix takes only seconds to complete, and there is no need to do a full reboot in order to have apps fully working.
I'm using adguard. To avoid some popup that coming from browser. And in the same time, if the apps have ads and i use the app continuesly, I'll purchased it, as im supporting the developer.
joppy said:
So I got a new phone, after years with a LG G3 it finally tanked. Today the replacement came. Huawei Mate 10 Pro.
And what a strange experience it was to fire up the unrooted phone. So much ads. Everywhere. Overwhelming.
I've been on a custom ROM rooted G3 for the past 4 years or so. I forgot about the ads.
The plan was to keep this phone stock, no root. In order to comply with all the crazy folks that try to force us to not use rooted devices. But as many of you have seen too, there are so many services that we use daily that will not work with rooted phones. I've worked around that before and have been happy.
But for now I am not ready to use a custom Rom or to root.
how can I kill ads? Ad guard, DNS66 or maybe block-this?
Maybe I am getting old, have a touch of paranoia or are just not brave anymore. But adding APK from sources I don't know much about feels well not good. There are so many scams and ****ware floating around. I would hate to end up with crapware for trying to get some peaceful surf time without ads. Apps are for the most part OK, because I pay for almost all those apps I use, and by paying I support and avoid ads. But even using a browser to read news I get littered in ads. Man ads really take the fun out of internet. I would easily pay good money as yearly fee to avoid ads. IS there anything out there that will work as a paid app?
What does the good people of XDA think is the way to go to kill ads without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate, i also hate aggressive ads, so after many trials and errors, i finally found the best (and also free and no Root) solution.
I'm using an app called "Virtual Hosts" which is blocking ADS by creating a local VPN and loading a host file.
The app is open source and you can get the apk for free, downloading it from here - > https://github.com/x-falcon/Virtual-Hosts/releases < - or from Playstore by paying it (both versions are identical).
Once installed, you can downloaded and use the "host" file from here - >
http://adblock.mahakala.is/ <- or use another one of your choice (i got the file from this thread - >
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098 )
P. S : Let me know how it works for you. Here is working perfectly and with almost no battery drain.
In regards to browsers. I used to use Dolphin browser, which has a good ad blocker, but, ever since Oreo, it crashes when I enable the ad blocker. Anyone have luck using Dolphin? Firefox also has a pretty good ad blocker but I find it slow.
A while back I had to send the much beloved Lg G3 to change screen, and the week it took before it was returned I had a loaner phone, a G5. Phone was not rooted so I added a adblock by DNS can't remember the name of it, but that thing ate battery as well as cpu. One could feel phone starting to bog down while surfing. That being said, I didn't put any time and effort into the loaner phone so I didn't try to tweak anything so the sluggish result could be my mistake also.
As soon as I have made a complete backup I will start trying these, and the virtual host one by one and put a small review here in this thread. I just learned that twrp should now also work for unrooted devices. That makes me very happy as it is familiar to use. Got to check out to see if maybe even Titanium now will work for unrooted phones as well. That would be really sweet.
Forgot how much work it is to get a new phone. Nothing is the same, and every brand UI got their own take on small bits and pieces just so we get our heart rate going
If others have other suggestions for anti-ad apps I will make time to try those as well. Thx you all for your input. Much obliged.
I'm using adclear. Helps a lot.
joppy said:
A while back I had to send the much beloved Lg G3 to change screen, and the week it took before it was returned I had a loaner phone, a G5. Phone was not rooted so I added a adblock by DNS can't remember the name of it, but that thing ate battery as well as cpu. One could feel phone starting to bog down while surfing. That being said, I didn't put any time and effort into the loaner phone so I didn't try to tweak anything so the sluggish result could be my mistake also.
As soon as I have made a complete backup I will start trying these, and the virtual host one by one and put a small review here in this thread. I just learned that twrp should now also work for unrooted devices. That makes me very happy as it is familiar to use. Got to check out to see if maybe even Titanium now will work for unrooted phones as well. That would be really sweet.
Forgot how much work it is to get a new phone. Nothing is the same, and every brand UI got their own take on small bits and pieces just so we get our heart rate going
If others have other suggestions for anti-ad apps I will make time to try those as well. Thx you all for your input. Much obliged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root was never required for TWRP to work, only unlocked bootloader. Anyway, there's no TWRP available yet for Mate 10 Pro.
Titanium Backup will never work without root cause is the only way it can write on the /data partition.
Oh ok I thought that no-root-needed was a new feature for twrp. I guess as Titanium will not work with un rooted phones neither will any other apps similar to Titanium?
Is there any apps similar to twrp that will work with Huawei Mate 10 Pro?
No matter what I guess I just have to start testing adblockers this weekend. Because I can't take all the ads I struggle with now. Too bad I didn't start out with the new phone by testing, before I sat up the phone they way it is now, with all apps, settings etc. Cos now if I would like a fresh start after testing various adblockers I will need to do the whole process of installing and tweaking all over again unless I find something like twrp for the Mate Pro 10.
Btw the xda app named my device BLA-L29, is that a name that is widely used for the Mate 10 Pro? Never seen this name before.
joppy said:
Oh ok I thought that no-root-needed was a new feature for twrp. I guess as Titanium will not work with un rooted phones neither will any other apps similar to Titanium?
Is there any apps similar to twrp that will work with Huawei Mate 10 Pro?
No matter what I guess I just have to start testing adblockers this weekend. Because I can't take all the ads I struggle with now. Too bad I didn't start out with the new phone by testing, before I sat up the phone they way it is now, with all apps, settings etc. Cos now if I would like a fresh start after testing various adblockers I will need to do the whole process of installing and tweaking all over again unless I find something like twrp for the Mate Pro 10.
Btw the xda app named my device BLA-L29, is that a name that is widely used for the Mate 10 Pro? Never seen this name before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing the app i recommended has no risk, you don't need to backup anything. If it works and you like it, then you keep it, if not, just uninstall the app simple as that.
That app is open source, so no bloatware or any hidden stuff, it doesn't use DNS to circumvent ads and doesn't track anything, all it does is pointing Internet traffic to your "host" file, it's nothing like AdGuard and similar apps that also sell your data to third parties.
It only takes 5 minutes to test and decide, without any harm. [emoji6]
@Pretoriano80 thx a lot. That worked great, so great I had to support by buying the app.
Next step is to make youtube clutter free.
joppy said:
@Pretoriano80 thx a lot. That worked great, so great I had to support by buying the app.
Next step is to make youtube clutter free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, i knew it would work perfectly. Battery drain is also low and it doesn't throttle net performance.
I think that for YouTube the only alternative with no root is to use a modified version (look here on XDA if interested).
@Pretoriano80 Not sure I follow you, modified youtube? Search came up blank.
Is that an app/apk to replace the default youtube app? Because when I try to uninstall youtube from phone I get an error msg saying "system app can not be uninstalled". Should I just overwrite?
joppy said:
@Pretoriano80 Not sure I follow you, modified youtube? Search came up blank.
Is that an app/apk to replace the default youtube app? Because when I try to uninstall youtube from phone I get an error msg saying "system app can not be uninstalled". Should I just overwrite?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to deactivate the app and install the modded apk.
Ok, will retry. Seems that iYTBP - injected YouTube Background Playback might be a solution worth trying?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-iytbp-injected-youtube-background-t3560900
If you have tried other ones that works well for you feel free to share and recommend.
joppy said:
Ok, will retry. Seems that iYTBP - injected YouTube Background Playback might be a solution worth trying?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-iytbp-injected-youtube-background-t3560900
If you have tried other ones that works well for you feel free to share and recommend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can try the latest x64 version from here - > https://androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=236411 - > it doesn't need root and can be installed alongside YouTube, as a secondary YouTube. [emoji6]
joppy said:
Ok, will retry. Seems that iYTBP - injected YouTube Background Playback might be a solution worth trying?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-iytbp-injected-youtube-background-t3560900
If you have tried other ones that works well for you feel free to share and recommend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You Can use newpipe. You Can download it for free on f droid open source market. Works very well
Thx again @Pretoriano80. Now I got a phone that is very usable and responsive and it is still not rooted. I will quote your ad free youtube solution in the first post so others find what they need easily.
Now lets hope all them crazy people out there stops with the root discriminating behavior, so that people in the future damn well self decide to root or not without being locked out from using services, apps or whatever.
joppy said:
Thx again @Pretoriano80. Now I got a phone that is very usable and responsive and it is still not rooted. I will quote your ad free youtube solution in the first post so others find what they need easily.
Now lets hope all them crazy people out there stops with the root discriminating behavior, so that people in the future damn well self decide to root or not without being locked out from using services, apps or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, in-app ads are also gone. [emoji16]
BTW, if you want to use your Google account with the modified YT app, then you will also need a modified MicroG apk, which is specifically designed for it.
One more thing to get sorted, and that is a backup. I would prefer to find a custom recovery image that works with Huawei Mate 10 Pro, and that will also work well for non-rooted devices.
I have only used twrp myself, but twrp will not work with Mate 10 Pro. I also know about cwm recovery, have not tried it yet but that one will only work for rooted devices. So neither twrp or cwm will work for the BLA-L29/Mate 10 Pro.
Any suggestions?
joppy said:
One more thing to get sorted, and that is a backup. I would prefer to find a custom recovery image that works with Huawei Mate 10 Pro, and that will also work well for non-rooted devices.
I have only used twrp myself, but twrp will not work with Mate 10 Pro. I also know about cwm recovery, have not tried it yet but that one will only work for rooted devices. So neither twrp or cwm will work for the BLA-L29/Mate 10 Pro.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For backup use Huawei Backup on your phone, or HiSuite on PC... works just fine.

Clarify - what is (by now) possible with XZ1C, Need to decide wether to buy or not

Hey Guys,
i'm really tempted to buy an Xperia XZ1 Compact, but am really wondering if i can live with the Restrictions Sony 'implemented'. I read some threads, but am still unsure about some facts.
I thought Id write down what i found out, would you mind to correct any conclusion that is wrong? (As of 2018 Mar 21)
1) By unlocking the Bootloader, the DRM-Keys are lost forever, thereby warranty is likely void
2) By now there is no way to backup the DRM-Keys. There is a Bounty-Program for finding a solution, but by now that isnt solved, and it seems more unlikely that a solution might pop up anytime soon.
3) It is possible to unlock every Bootloader, even those with status "allowed: no"
4) Sony provides an official way to unlock the Bootloader, but that renders the Camera (and some other Features) unusable.
5) There is a DRM-Fix that simulates the DRM-Keys, so it is possible to use the Camera and other Special Features without any downside, aside that the original DRM-Keys are gone forever.
6) If not rooted, it is always possible to downgrade the Firmware to a Version that is compatible with XperiFIX
7) Even without Root, it is possible to uninstall every unwanted Package over ADB
8) Even without Root, it is possible to disable/delete unwanted sounds like Startup/Shutter/Screenshot etc...
Would be really glad if you could correct anything that might be wrong, so i can really decide if could live with those limitations!
Thankin u! :good:
dafunkydan said:
Hey Guys,
i'm really tempted to buy an Xperia XZ1 Compact, but am really wondering if i can live with the Restrictions Sony 'implemented'. I read some threads, but am still unsure about some facts.
I thought Id write down what i found out, would you mind to correct any conclusion that is wrong? (As of 2018 Mar 21)
1) By unlocking the Bootloader, the DRM-Keys are lost forever, thereby warranty is likely void
2) By now there is no way to backup the DRM-Keys. There is a Bounty-Program for finding a solution, but by now that isnt solved, and it seems more unlikely that a solution might pop up anytime soon.
3) It is possible to unlock every Bootloader, even those with status "allowed: no"
4) Sony provides an official way to unlock the Bootloader, but that renders the Camera (and some other Features) unusable.
5) There is a DRM-Fix that simulates the DRM-Keys, so it is possible to use the Camera and other Special Features without any downside, aside that the original DRM-Keys are gone forever.
6) If not rooted, it is always possible to downgrade the Firmware to a Version that is compatible with XperiFIX
7) Even without Root, it is possible to uninstall every unwanted Package over ADB
8) Even without Root, it is possible to disable/delete unwanted sounds like Startup/Shutter/Screenshot etc...
Would be really glad if you could correct anything that might be wrong, so i can really decide if could live with those limitations!
Thankin u! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
add bluetooth problems to your list of cons.
Sent from my G8441 using Tapatalk
With the Bootloader unlocked, you won't receive OTA updates anymore.
jbarba76 said:
add bluetooth problems to your list of cons.
Sent from my G8441 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Bluetooth problems here.
dafunkydan said:
so i can really decide if could live with those limitations!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The DRM fix made by sToRm// works on any firmware (next release) and any XZ device.
The DRM that sony installed is broken when you unlock your bootloader and sToRm//'s fix enables it. So there is no loss of quality with the camera, it's exactly as stock. The DRM is fixed or broken, the camera is fixed or broken, there is no half way 'dodgy' pictures that people imagine.
Yes, you won't receive any OTA updates if your phone is rooted, but there is Xperiafirm and Newflasher, to keep you up to date. Then reflash with sToRm//'s app and you're good to go.
Yes, you can delete or disable apps you don't want without root.
Disabling sounds needs no special permissions and the level of tweaking as to what apps make visible/audible notifications on Oreo is superb.
In the old days you wanted to root your phone to control all the battery eating apps, but Google/Sony have been aware of the drive to extend battery life for a long time now and with a few exceptions, changing the configuration of the services will probably make your battery worse not better. The battery life on the XZ1 compact is the best of any phone I've had, straight out the box, no tweaking required.
The only other main driver for rooting your phone was to be able to customise it and change the frramework colours, but you can do that without root now.
Be sure you want to root you phone for the right reasons, not because it's fashionable, or because you want Xposed installed so that when you press the volume the flash comes on.
There's a chance you'll break your phone in the process, so is what you want to root your phone for important enough to have to buy a new phone for?
I'm not trying to put you off, but if you read sToRm//'s thread, there's loads of people getting into a real mess trying to root when they don't even know what ADB is. They've unlocked their phones, broken the camera, but now stuck unable to get the fix to work. Don't go there.
Hi there. Just giving my two cents here.
First the op is right I think in everything he said. I'm just not sure what the unlock bootloader part but other than that looks legit. It's a great idea for topic because Sony really screwed up some things in this phone. I had a z3 compact before which lasted like 2 years until I decided to upgrade to a s8 last year. Great phone but I really didn't like the size so decided to switch back to this. Overall I like it but the limitations Sony has put are ridiculous and defeat the whole purpose of getting an android.
Anyways I wanted to root because I use VPN and as a result I couldn't get a decent ad block solution because of that. Now with root I can use adaway and mimminguard while using VPN so I'm happy. Anyways I bought the phone on a online shop with only 3 month warranty. As it expires next week I decided to give it a go during the weekend.
With xperifix its really a simple process the dev made a great job. I'm far from being an expert in Android stuff and I could do it almost hassle free. So if you really want to root the phone and don't care about the TA or warranty go for it. Otherwise stay out of it as the last user said
Good day.
I had several Android phones, and all rooted except the lastest two, Galaxy S8 and Sony xperia XZ1 compact.
I see no real advantage in rooting latelly, Android OS has become more mature and apps like xposed, titanium backup, greenify are no longer needed IMO.
I used xposed for astetic purpose.
Now is possible to backup Apps and data with Xperia Backup, it is possible to freeze system apps with BK disabler, so i no longer need Titanium backup.
I can force doze the phone with Naptime, and apps are hibernated earlier, so no longer need for Greenify.
Not worth loosing warranty.
Hansoliv said:
Good day.
I had several Android phones, and all rooted except the lastest two, Galaxy S8 and Sony xperia XZ1 compact.
I see no real advantage in rooting latelly, Android OS has become more mature and apps like xposed, titanium backup, greenify are no longer needed IMO.
I used xposed for astetic purpose.
Now is possible to backup Apps and data with Xperia Backup, it is possible to freeze system apps with BK disabler, so i no longer need Titanium backup.
I can force doze the phone with Naptime, and apps are hibernated earlier, so no longer need for Greenify.
Not worth loosing warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ you can theme with substratum without root. i really cannot see why people bother with root these days.
edit: not trying to be contentious, i get that some people still love to root for some niche mods. i just mean that compared to five years ago when i needed a tonne of mods to get my galaxy s3 looking and feeling nice, there seems to be much less need for it with a device/OS this good and so many great rootless mods.
Is it possible to encrypt the device with a password at boot, with pin+fingerprint and only user fingerprint at boot?
i'm looking to strengthen my security with a new device and upgrade from z3 compact, but still unsure. love the compact, hate DRM-stuff of sony
luminoso said:
Is it possible to encrypt the device with a password at boot, with pin+fingerprint and only user fingerprint at boot?
i'm looking to strengthen my security with a new device and upgrade from z3 compact, but still unsure. love the compact, hate DRM-stuff of sony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone partiton is encrypted by default.
You only need to set either pin unlock or pattern unlock (both have fingerprint option) and that will lock the phone and make the partition unreadable, no MTP access or recovery access via TWRP.
If you want to read the phone in TWRP then you need to have set the pin unlock and TWRP will ask you for the pin to continue.
This doesn't apply to the external SD card.
Fingerprint unlock to boot? you've been watching too many spy movies.
1) By unlocking the Bootloader, the DRM-Keys are lost forever, thereby warranty is likely void
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keys are lost, warranty not necessarily. I unlocked bootloader on a Z1 compact and had to sent it later to Sony because of defect battery and they fixed it without complaints.
2) By now there is no way to backup the DRM-Keys. There is a Bounty-Program for finding a solution, but by now that isnt solved, and it seems more unlikely that a solution might pop up anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, not sure when or if ever a vulnerability that allows root acces will be found. For Tablet Z4 it took very long time until I could backup my keys (~ 1.5 years as far as I remember)
4) Sony provides an official way to unlock the Bootloader, but that renders the Camera (and some other Features) unusable.
5) There is a DRM-Fix that simulates the DRM-Keys, so it is possible to use the Camera and other Special Features without any downside, aside that the original DRM-Keys are gone forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to be solved (did not test it). But not perfect solution of course. Needs for example additional steps on every firmware update.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1-compact/development/kernel-sony-xz1-compact-16-january-2018-t3736068
6) If not rooted, it is always possible to downgrade the Firmware to a Version that is compatible with XperiFIX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, no problem. Use FlashTool and XperiFirm. Doesn't matter if bootloader unlocked or not. In some cases you may need to reset data to factory default too on downgrade. It may be wise to backup firmware packages when new version is released because you can download only latest and second latest in XperiFirm. Older get removed!
7) Even without Root, it is possible to uninstall every unwanted Package over ADB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly no, you can only disable system apps. You would need read/write access to system partition which you cannot get without root.
Examples of uninstallable apps: "Amazon Kindle", "Amazon Shopping", "AVG Protection", "Facebook", "Facebook App Manager", "Spotify", "Talkback".... oh Sony )
8) Even without Root, it is possible to disable/delete unwanted sounds like Startup/Shutter/Screenshot etc...
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Click to collapse
No startup sound present at all.
Shutter sound can be disabled in Camera settings.
Screenshot sound cannot be disabled.
allofmex said:
Examples of uninstallable apps: "Amazon Kindle", "Amazon Shopping", "AVG Protection", "Facebook", "Facebook App Manager", "Spotify", "Talkback".... oh Sony )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can uninstall all of those,, permanaently, without root, perhaps you are unfamiliar with ADB?
Didgesteve said:
You can uninstall all of those,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hint. The end of your linked article mentions that these apps are still not deleted from device. They are just deleted for default user (user 0). It is a little bit better than disabling the app because if they are "uninstalled" by mentioned adb command the don't show up in your Settings -> App list anymore, but you will not free space on device.
I just tested it before, no change on free storage size after "pm uninstall...".
allofmex said:
Thanks for the hint. The end of your linked article mentions that these apps are still not deleted from device. They are just deleted for default user (user 0). It is a little bit better than disabling the app because if they are "uninstalled" by mentioned adb command the don't show up in your Settings -> App list anymore, but you will not free space on device.
I just tested it before, no change on free storage size after "pm uninstall...".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you leaving the '-k' switch in?
pm uninstall -k --user 0 "package name goes here"
the 'k' switch preserves the folder and data and I'n not entirely sure why the example of how to uninstall shows that configuration.
If you delete without that switch, it will infact remove the files
pm uninstall --user 0 "packagenamegoeshere"
Think about it before rooting or mess up the phone.
I already wrote this in another thread.
Seriously, it's not KitKat days anymore guys. Besides adblockers, what do u need root for since Android Oreo? And I mean really useful stuff, not theming or or freaking sounds...
And about the damn ad blocker, u can Google it and u will find a few ways to have it, without root.
.... Or maybe it's just me getting older so I don't see any reason to bother about it ???
BK disabler for XZ1 compact?
I checked out BK disabler in Play store, it says it's for Samsung only and it's a paid app with no trial version. However I did notice in reviews (if I pick "From this device model only") that someone with XZ1 compact gives this app 5 stars. Is this a better way to deal with unwanted uninstallable apps than ADB?
Hansoliv said:
Good day.
I had several Android phones, and all rooted except the lastest two, Galaxy S8 and Sony xperia XZ1 compact.
I see no real advantage in rooting latelly, Android OS has become more mature and apps like xposed, titanium backup, greenify are no longer needed IMO.
I used xposed for astetic purpose.
Now is possible to backup Apps and data with Xperia Backup, it is possible to freeze system apps with BK disabler, so i no longer need Titanium backup.
I can force doze the phone with Naptime, and apps are hibernated earlier, so no longer need for Greenify.
Not worth loosing warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
strate aero said:
I checked out BK disabler in Play store, it says it's for Samsung only and it's a paid app with no trial version. However I did notice in reviews (if I pick "From this device model only") that someone with XZ1 compact gives this app 5 stars. Is this a better way to deal with unwanted uninstallable apps than ADB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good day.
. Sorry, i totally forgot it was a paid app, i bought it for my Galaxy S8 last year. It seems that the last version is 10.9 that works in all android.
And i followed this instruction. (https://kunkunsoft.wordpress.com/setup_device_owner_2/)
I personally use the app, because i freeze apps i only use sometimes, like facebook or instagram, and don't want them to be in the app drawer and using resources in the background.
If you only want to freeze bloatware and uninstalable and forget about them, is better (and cheaper) doing it by adb.
(Recently i read an article that disabling apps does not have any impact in battery consumption whatsoever)
BTW, if you do not want your games or apps like facebook be running in background and use resources, you could try App Ops (this one is free, i promise).
I use it for my games, facebook and google play store (the most known battery hoggers) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rikka.appops)
Hansoliv said:
Good day.
. Sorry, i totally forgot it was a paid app, i bought it for my Galaxy S8 last year. It seems that the last version is 10.9 that works in all android.
And i followed this instruction. (https://kunkunsoft.wordpress.com/setup_device_owner_2/)
I personally use the app, because i freeze apps i only use sometimes, like facebook or instagram, and don't want them to be in the app drawer and using resources in the background.
If you only want to freeze bloatware and uninstalable and forget about them, is better (and cheaper) doing it by adb.
(Recently i read an article that disabling apps does not have any impact in battery consumption whatsoever)
BTW, if you do not want your games or apps like facebook be running in background and use resources, you could try App Ops (this one is free, i promise).
I use it for my games, facebook and google play store (the most known battery hoggers) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rikka.appops)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, I actually don't mind paying for an app if it works well on my device. It would only bother me if I bought it only to find out it didn't work (I guess I could request a refund) anyway I was just trying to verify that it indeed did work with XZ1 compact. I read the instructions in the link and using BK Disabler is a bit more involved than just installing the app and using it to freeze other apps. You need to temporarily remove all your accounts and use ADB!
The main app I'm trying to get rid of is What's New, I have already disabled everything else I don't want. For some reason Sony won't let that app be disabled the regular way.
Thanks for the tip about App Ops , looks like it needs to used by ADB and needs "a little bit troublesome setup steps" in the words of the developer, oh well, I guess I'll try looking into this a little further but no matter what I'll be needing to use ADB to get the job done
strate aero said:
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, I actually don't mind paying for an app if it works well on my device. It would only bother me if I bought it only to find out it didn't work (I guess I could request a refund) anyway I was just trying to verify that it indeed did work with XZ1 compact. I read the instructions in the link and using BK Disabler is a bit more involved than just installing the app and using it to freeze other apps. You need to temporarily remove all your accounts and use ADB!
The main app I'm trying to get rid of is What's New, I have already disabled everything else I don't want. For some reason Sony won't let that app be disabled the regular way.
Thanks for the tip about App Ops , looks like it needs to used by ADB and needs "a little bit troublesome setup steps" in the words of the developer, oh well, I guess I'll try looking into this a little further but no matter what I'll be needing to use ADB to get the job done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to the trouble of setting up ADB, you don't need any apps to disable a service.
Didgesteve said:
If you're going to the trouble of setting up ADB, you don't need any apps to disable a service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for your reply, I checked out your link. Apparently to get rid of What's New I would have to remove package com.sonymobile.entrance ,right? I was noticing in that thread a few users were reporting that they needed to reset their devices because they apparently removed something they weren't supposed to but they didn't say what that was. Is What's New somehow linked to System Update or something else that might be important? Should I maybe leave it alone just wondering why Sony wouldn't allow that app to be disabled if it wasn't important somehow
I decided to remove BK disabler and force doze and let the phone be. It seems that having some apps disabled that way confuse the OS and it uses more battery.
I will try and use the method above and remove What's New and Support app, and leave the OS manage things.

Things the Razer phone 2 can't do, can you help?

I've had the Razer phone 2 for about a week and I'm realizing that there are things that the phone can't do.
For example, I can't do video calls using the regular phone app, there's no AR support (Google's arcore) won't download, some apps won't install because the phone is not compatible, for example Adobe premiere clip.
I like the phone, but I didn't see anything anywhere where it said that this phone wouldn't be compatible with some apps or features that it should support.
Please let me know if there is a way to get this things to work on it.
Thank you.
1. You ca use video calls with the dialer using Google Duo but that's it since it's Googles own dialer.
2. AR core support is down to Google, they need to "whitelist" devices in order to use it. Not sure if Razer have asked for this but I can pass it on that it's been asked about.
3. Adobe is a strange one, according the the play store it's not compatible with any Android devices I own so Adobe must have put restrictions on it for some devices unfortunately
You could try side loading Adobe if you can find the apk somewhere
q
Can the RGB be customized, for notifications? I remember reading that it could be, that you could pick a color for different apps, but I don't see a way to do it. Can it be done?
Razer user said:
Can the RGB be customized, for notifications? I remember reading that it could be, that you could pick a color for different apps, but I don't see a way to do it. Can it be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it was implied that the colour would be different per app, but not that it was user customisable. I haven't found a way to customise it, but I think it's far from impossible since it's just software. They seem to listen to social media so maybe suggest it? Heck it may be possible to control the LEDs outside the Chroma app. Hmm...

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