Database Develop

[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...
Click to expand...
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.

A Couple of Questions Before Buying

Currently have a ONEPLUS 3T running Resurrection Remix ROM, which is great.
I guess the P30 hasn't had any development in this area? I was reading in the rom section and it seems even unlocking the bootloader is tricky, let alone loading a custom rom.
Is this something that will come later?
It's my first time thinking about buying a relatively new phone so not sure of the time line of things like this.
Cheers!

anotherxdauser said:
Is this something that will come later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei stopped giving official bootloader unlock codes, which means no TWRP or custom ROM/ Kernels. There are unofficial unlock codes, but they are pricey, may not be available all the time, etc.
But if you're looking to buy a P30 Pro, it shouldn't be for its custom ROM scene or mod capabilities. It should be for its camera. Period. There is a very good reason it's being held so high in all reviews for its camera prowess, you won't be getting tried of admiring what the camera can do, and the built-in image editor can enhance on - be it night, wide or zoom.
To its credit, EMUI does have a few features like very good theme support, a Network speed indicator, the gesture navigation and floating navigation dock are nifty, etc. You can install Netguard for firewall and Ad blocking through hosts, disable or uninstall system apps (bloatware) through ADB, try out custom launchers if you do not like EMUI launcher, and so on - in other words, its not too bad that the phone cannot be officially unlocked.
But if custom ROM/ recovery are more important, you should look at One Plus 7/ Pro, maybe. You'll not have similar kind of a development for this phone. Look up the custom section for, say, Mate 20 Pro to understand the kind of progress you can expect

Thanks
Have been thinking yesterday whether I need root or not.
I don't understand ADB, so try and avoid using it.
This is where a custom recovery excells - I can just load the zip and flash it on to the phone from the phone. But a lot of the time, this is to do with custom roms.
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I have Solid Explorer, which has a root mode, but I rarely use this and it's more for finding files around the phone than anything else.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Titanium Backup - but I only use this when upgrading the ROM.
Bouncer is another app I have recently installed. It does have a root mode, but is optional.
I can still sideload apps without root, so don't need it there either.
So it doesn't look like I need root.
Perhaps I only had it to install a custom ROM, but I'm not one of those people who installs a new one every week. I barely update the one I have because it's a fair bit of hassle! I think the only thing I am worried about is after Android 9 and whether there will be a timely update to 10. But then the changes I have seen since abut 3 or 4 versions of Android have been very minimal at best.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Sorry for all the questions.
Does worry me a little that Huawei don't allow people to fully control their phones - the cynic in me makes me think it's because they're spying, so don't want people to run any other software but theirs! Ha ha.
I may have an opportunity to buy the phone for about £400 less than what Amazon are selling it (Amazon: £899, eBay: ~£500, one I was looking at on ebay: £500 with best offer).

Be careful with ebay. Cheapest isn't always best.

anotherxdauser said:
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdAway will need root (or magisk) - so that won't work. What you can do is use netguard and import the latest hosts created by AdAway (in another, rooted device). Read up about netguard, it's pretty good at what it does
Greenify has a non-root mode, but then the battery life in this phone is monstrous - I get about 2.5 days with 7 hrs of screen time and 1.5 hours of calling - my usage is pretty light though
Nova launcher does not need root for its primary functions - I haven't used it in a while so not sure what else it does that needs root
Nope - systemless/ magisk et all need bootloader unlocking, which ain't straightforward with this device...

Some good thoughts here.
If I can import a hosts file (link to tutorial?) that would be great.
Funny as I only use AdAway to block a banking app contacting its servers to report I'm rooted so I can still use the banking app. However, if I'm not rooted, I may not really require it any more.

How To Guide S21 Ultra Debloat

Found a couple of handy articles listing most of the bloat packages in Galaxy phones:
How to Remove Samsung Galaxy S20 Bloatware? - KrispiTech
How to Remove Samsung Bloatware without Root (ADB)
If you want to remove bloatware on your Samsung Galaxy S10, S20, Note 10 or Galaxy Tab, here is a list of safe to remove Samsung bloatware.
technastic.com
more tips and ready to use scripts:
Ultimate Samsung S9 and S9+ Debloat Guide
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ are truly fantastic flagship phones – unfortunately they do come with a bit of bloatware, either from your carrier or
appuals.com

Thanks, looks good. What happens on updates and factory reset, does everything get restored again?

anro15 said:
Thanks, looks good. What happens on updates and factory reset, does everything get restored again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTG updates and rebooting won't change anything, what's uninstalled will stay uninstalled, but factory reset will reset the phone to its original 'factory' condition.

thanks for this, very helpful

does any one know if these lists to debloat are broken down into usable groups to warn if you intend to use a certain a certain application , eg samsung pay you cannot remove the following items, etc. I've had issues in the past that removing a few items caused others to malfunction. i just don't want to get debloat happy and cause kept items to fail.

johnp357 said:
does any one know if these lists to debloat are broken down into usable groups to warn if you intend to use a certain a certain application , eg samsung pay you cannot remove the following items, etc. I've had issues in the past that removing a few items caused others to malfunction. i just don't want to get debloat happy and cause kept items to fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ppl have different priorities, a relevant app for someone might be disregarded by others so you have to do it on your own. Best way to find out is to google the entire package name "com.xxxx.xxxxx.etc..." and look for the answers.

Wouldn't it be nice if Samsung acted like a respectable manufacturer and not some back alley pimp?
It's not like these junk filled phones are cheap.

blackhawk said:
Wouldn't it be nice if Samsung acted like a respectable manufacturer and not some back alley pimp?
It's not like these junk filled phones are cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I have bought package disabler pro something like twice. With my S21 ultra (which I decided to keep - pathetic me) has anybody had experience with using it with Android 11? I don't want to throw money at them again although it has worked well in the past.

peterg21 said:
I know I have bought package disabler pro something like twice. With my S21 ultra (which I decided to keep - pathetic me) has anybody had experience with using it with Android 11? I don't want to throw money at them again although it has worked well in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running a 10+/Pie. This is the one I've been using for years with no issues.
Home - Package Disabler
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
www.packagedisabler.com

blackhawk said:
I'm running a 10+/Pie. This is the one I've been using for years with no issues.
Home - Package Disabler
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
www.packagedisabler.com
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OK. That is the one I have seen outside the play store but was somewhat reticent to buy. But not expensive - not going to bankrupt me - so let me try this. Thanks (for the moment )

peterg21 said:
OK. That is the one I have seen outside the play store but was somewhat reticent to buy. But not expensive - not going to bankrupt me - so let me try this. Thanks (for the moment
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All appears fine as before with this app. Disabled what I normally disable. Let's see how this works out.

peterg21 said:
All appears fine as before with this app. Disabled what I normally disable. Let's see how this works out.
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It's a very useful app. It allows you to set a widget that when an entry is checked it will toggle the apk(s) on/off by touching the widget
Uses very little battery. Runs clean and stable.
Something else unique about it is for troubleshooting when you clear an apk's data it leaves no nulls (presumably) behind.
It can completely clear a system apk's data that clearing the data in Settings will not.
That saved me a reload once and also allowed me to isolate the system apk that was causing the issue.

My Verizon branded hardly had anything on it out of the box. The second it hit the internet I got about 15 games and a ton of crap out of the blue.
What is Verizon calling that DT ignite app now? I can't find it.

felloffthetruck said:
My Verizon branded hardly had anything on it out of the box. The second it hit the internet I got about 15 games and a ton of crap out of the blue.
What is Verizon calling that DT ignite app now? I can't find it.
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Package block Verizon updates. That's what I do with my AT&T 10+ variant.
It continues to run fast and happily on Pie.
Not missing Q one little bit or using excessive bits to get a file opened!

felloffthetruck said:
My Verizon branded hardly had anything on it out of the box. The second it hit the internet I got about 15 games and a ton of crap out of the blue.
What is Verizon calling that DT ignite app now? I can't find it.
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Have you disabled Verizon App Manager within the settings. I had the same issue you did. From Google-ing around, I found that this app can install apps without your permission (according to reddit)

mprunty said:
Have you disabled Verizon App Manager within the settings. I had the same issue you did. From Google-ing around, I found that this app can install apps without your permission (according to reddit)
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Yes, just found it and disabled it.

felloffthetruck said:
Yes, just found it and disabled it.
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If you don't disable updates Verizon can alter your firmware as they see fit.
Verizon like AT&T are partnered with Samsung, let that stink in for a few seconds.
Verizon gives active input to firmware updates from Samsung. To the point were the interface may be quite different from a stock Samsung... and not necessarily for the better.
The last updates are usually the worst; been there, done that.
Not taking that ride again

blackhawk said:
I'm running a 10+/Pie. This is the one I've been using for years with no issues.
Home - Package Disabler
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
www.packagedisabler.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just purchased it but am scared id disable something and mess **** up. is there a tutorial somewhere where it shows what to disable and what to keep in order to things to run smooth aswell. ty

kazlow said:
i just purchased it but am scared id disable something and mess **** up. is there a tutorial somewhere where it shows what to disable and what to keep in order to things to run smooth aswell. ty
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What works for one person may not work for another as there many variants of the same model.
It's best if you try to learn what the apk you're disabling does. Some have dependencies.
Some will boot loop the device if not able to run on boot up. I'm also using Karma Firewall so sometimes instead of disabling an apk I simply firewall block it to retain better functionality and ease of use. I have no easy solution that fits all. Learn by doing.
You should always be ready to do a reload with all critical your data backed up.
It's rarely needed but it can be needed at any moment with little or no warning.
That said I've never crashed an OS using a package disabler however your results may vary
I use my SD card as a data drive. I can do a full restore anywhere, anytime with little or no internet connection in about 2 hours.
Without an SD card your backup alternatives are less attractive...

There is literally zero data showing that debloating brings a any value or efficency at all