Database Develop

Tips for coping with an un-rooted device

There are a lot of threads here and in the VZW forum about how terrible this device is, etc, without root. I'm a former flash-a-holic and my last several devices have all been Samsung on stock, albeit rooted, firmware. those of us preferring touchwiz have our reasons, and those who prefer aosp have theirs, but this isn't a "why we can't have aosp" thread, this is about making lemonade with what we have.
so, my reasons for wanting root, and how I worked around them:
1. ad blocking. I LOVE adaway, its seriously the first app I'd install on a new device after rooting. without root, give adblock plus a try. you can turn off the status bar notifications in the app and by ticking the box in the app manager.
its simple enough to disable apps on WiFi, just input the proxy host name and port and you're done. I hadn't ever found a clear and concise instruction on how to do this with mobile data, so here it is- create a NEW APN and copy all of the info from the stock APN, and add the proxy host name and port. done, you now have ad blocking on WiFi and mobile data, without root, and without persistent notifications.
2. de-bloating. first, the s5 has less bloat than the s3 or s4, but its still there. it is INCREADIBLY easy to disable or uninstall on this device. go to the app drawer and press the settings icon (or long press the app switcher button) and select uninstall/disable apps. if its ATT or Samsung, and you don't want it, odds are you can either uninstall or disable it. just make sure that in Samsung Apps you disable automatic updates over WiFi. you can also hide them.
myth busting time: IF you were rooted, and IF you manually removed bloat apps, you do NOT gain ANY additional usable space in device storage.
3. tether bypass. there are multiple threads here on how to do this. I have a 10gb plan so its a non issue here.
4. Writing to extSDcard. most built in apps like the browser, email, and camera will save to the ext SD card. so will my files, which is actually a LOT better than on the s3 or s4.
5. removing bloat bookmarks from the stock browser. I prefer the stock browser over chrome, call me crazy. I also don't like the 4 pre-loaded bookmarks being in my list. I saw a tip here to just create a folder called My Bookmarks or whatever you like and put your bookmarks there. the bloat is still there but its not staring you in the face.
so what else have you guys been doing to get functionality that was easy and convenient with root, but still attainable without?

Russ77 said:
so what else have you guys been doing to get functionality that was easy and convenient with root, but still attainable without?
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Speed- I find that a lot of people nag about speed, my phone is fluid in all ways. Three factors play into this, using the TW launcher, animation speed, one last tricky one-- S-Voice has a delay on the home button waiting for the possible hook in for user prompting it. My standpoint is you can get from a TW rom the kind of speed or more that you can with a rom somebody else pre-tweaked for you.
Remedies below.
1. Get Nova Launcher (you can look into others if you like, if you want an experienced users perspective on speed, use Nova it flies)
2. Enable Developer Options(click About Device, click build number until it says Dev mode is enabled), Turn OFF animations for Transition window animation scale, transition animation scale and animator duration scale.
3. Open up S Voice (through the double-tap shortcut or in the app drawer). Tap the menu button in the top right corner (three dots) and find the "Open via home key" option under "Wake-up." Disable for slightly faster home button response.
Some people may find this abrupt transition between applications off putting at first but once you give it an hour the phone is flying so fast I could never go back. Enjoy!

As mentioned above:
Nova Launcher
Transitions at .5 or OFF
De-bloating (see this thread)
And - tasker, tasker, tasker!

My tip.. simple but I'm a customize nerd.
iFont available for free from the Play store allows you to add hundreds of fonts to your phone right from the app, and is compatible with the font selection from settings - display.You can also load fonts from the internet or your computer and use that as your default font.
The one lag, I still can't stand... despite all the animations being off is the lag between camera and gallery... like I take a photo, click the little image to view it and it sits there for at least 15 seconds before the gallery opens up. Anyone else have this issue?? I'm so used to CM based roms and still try to swipe to view the gallery LOL

rachelm920 said:
My tip.. simple but I'm a customize nerd.
The one lag, I still can't stand... despite all the animations being off is the lag between camera and gallery... like I take a photo, click the little image to view it and it sits there for at least 15 seconds before the gallery opens up. Anyone else have this issue?? I'm so used to CM based roms and still try to swipe to view the gallery LOL
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Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
This could be due to your SD card. If you are saving pics to external SD and your card is a lower class it will read and write data in a longer time frame. If you are using internal memory and not the SD card slot then I'm not sure. Backup everything and try a factory reset. I personally don't have an SD card, I don't see the need without root. Also it takes about 3 seconds for me to do what takes you 15. That's why I think an SD might be the Culprit here

There is 1 thing you can not do without root that is needed for me. I own a Pioneer Appradio and use ARUnchained which requires root. If you don't know what it is then look it up. It basically mirrors your phone and lets you use touch on Pioneers Appradio. I used this with my GS3 and if I would have known we wouldn't have root after this long I would have kept it and not bought the GS5. There is no getting around root for this. Pioneer's stock app has restrictions and doesn't let you mirror everything where as ARUnchained solves this problem.

I would like to find a way to save stuff from Dropbox to the external memory.
Sent from my GS5

natefish said:
I would like to find a way to save stuff from Dropbox to the external memory. Sent from my GS5
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Here is all you need.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync
I use the Pro, worth every penny.

abovenbeyond said:
Here is all you need. I use the Pro, worth every penny.
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Thanks, but was there supposed to be a link?
Sent from my GS5

natefish said:
Thanks, but was there supposed to be a link?
Sent from my GS5
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Click to collapse
Fixed

Russ77 said:
add the proxy host name and port.
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Click to collapse
Bit of a newb here.. but what exactly do I put in these spots? Tried this and kept saying no internet and switching back over. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

fsupartyboy850 said:
Bit of a newb here.. but what exactly do I put in these spots? Tried this and kept saying no internet and switching back over. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
proxy host is "localhost" without quotes....and proxy port is 2020....that should do it :good:

Anyone got a working "volume rocker skip"? I've seen the double press ones that work as a service..seems wonky.
--
Stephen

abovenbeyond said:
Here is all you need.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync
I use the Pro, worth every penny.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip - I was using "Sweet Home!" app to sync my camera photos with my laptop but after multiple years without issue, all of the sudden I'm getting an invalid syntax error. Tried getting help from the developers but got no response. Dropbox it is!

fsupartyboy850 said:
Bit of a newb here.. but what exactly do I put in these spots? Tried this and kept saying no internet and switching back over. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
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RoguePC said:
proxy host is "localhost" without quotes....and proxy port is 2020....that should do it :good:
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Click to collapse
RoguePC's got it covered.
my only real gripe with adblock + is it only blocks internet traffic, not in-app ads. still better than nothing though.

Anyone know how to remap buttons ? I highly doubt there is a way without root but not having a menu button is killing me

Add45 said:
Anyone know how to remap buttons ? I highly doubt there is a way without root but not having a menu button is killing me
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The menu button function is still there ... just long-press the recent apps button. If you've got a specific app that doesn't display the 3-dots menu somewhere on the screen, you might want to reach out to the developer. That's part of modern Android UX standards. I recently reached out to Untappd and they updated their app to include it pretty quickly.

Wallcrawler77 said:
The menu button function is still there ... just long-press the recent apps button. If you've got a specific app that doesn't display the 3-dots menu somewhere on the screen, you might want to reach out to the developer. That's part of modern Android UX standards. I recently reached out to Untappd and they updated their app to include it pretty quickly.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, but what I meant is that I do not like having to hold down the button to pull up tthe menu. I much rather prefer having the recent apps by holding down home.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Add45 said:
Thanks, but what I meant is that I do not like having to hold down the button to pull up tthe menu. I much rather prefer having the recent apps by holding down home.
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Ah, gotcha. Unfortunately, short of root reassigning buttons, I don't think that's a desire that will see much traction in the future now that the UX standards require on-screen menus and more devices are coming out without any soft buttons at all. When you get down to it though, you're either tapping the bottom-left of your device or you're tapping the three dots on the screen.

Awesome app called quick click,let's you map your volume buttons for flashlight and a lot of others actions,just throwing it out there missed using xposed,mods with that.
SENT FROM DJMOUSE'S SM-G900A

[Q] Couple of Questions

I've used the S5 and figured out how to disable the magazine app, well, the S6 has a similar feature that uses Flipboard. I haven't been able to figure out how to disable.
Also, I have NO IDEA how to create a folder in the App Drawer.

dirtyballoonot said:
I've used the S5 and figured out how to disable the magazine app, well, the S6 has a similar feature that uses Flipboard. I haven't been able to figure out how to disable.
Also, I have NO IDEA how to create a folder in the App Drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dunno about about the folders but you can hide (but maybe not disable) the Flipboard screen by unchecking its box in the "rearrange home screens" mode.

sturmen said:
Dunno about about the folders but you can hide (but maybe not disable) the Flipboard screen by unchecking its box in the "rearrange home screens" mode.
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Yeah, I did that, and you can do that, but, there's no wrap-around feature; Basically you will have no screens if you swipe left once you hide it.

dirtyballoonot said:
Yeah, I did that, and you can do that, but, there's no wrap-around feature; Basically you will have no screens if you swipe left once you hide it.
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Yea, no wrap around but just reposition your home screen

dirtyballoonot said:
Yeah, I did that, and you can do that, but, there's no wrap-around feature; Basically you will have no screens if you swipe left once you hide it.
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Someone needs an iPhone..

fsupartyboy850 said:
Someone needs an iPhone..
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I've owned every Galaxy except a 5. I've always rooted and always had that functionality. Thanks for the sarcasm, and wasting internet space though

dirtyballoonot said:
I've owned every Galaxy except a 5. I've always rooted and always had that functionality. Thanks for the sarcasm, and wasting internet space though
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Click to collapse
While the wrap around effect is long gone in TouchWiz, it is still implemented on most third party launchers. And call me crazy, but someone with so much experience should know how to simply add new pages and reassign the home page.

fsupartyboy850 said:
While the wrap around effect is long gone in TouchWiz, it is still implemented on most third party launchers. And call me crazy, but someone with so much experience should know how to simply add new pages and reassign the home page.
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I wasn't asking how to rearrange home screens. The feature is alive and well in the 4. Don't see any benefit to removing it, but you're not really here for help or a discussion. Just to be argumentative and condescending.

Just pointing out something...the iPhone home screen doesn't wrap either, so it would do no good for them to get one for that feature. ...

GooBlahIsh said:
Just pointing out something...the iPhone home screen doesn't wrap either, so it would do no good for them to get one for that feature. ...
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I don't want an iPhone, I want my homescreen and app drawer to wrap. Simple request. It used to behave this way

Removed

Removed

mianharisali said:
i just developed fingerprint app locker.
Link
Now you can lock your mobile apps using your fingerprint.
• No Peaking in recent apps
• Fully optimized
• No battery Drain
Note :
• you must register your fingerprint in your device
[Settings]> [Security]> [Nexus Imprint]
• Turn On Accessibility Service , this app will not work without enabling it.
[Settings]>[Accessibility]> turn on > [App Locker : Service]
• Enable Device Admin to prevent unauthorized uninstall.
[Settings]> [Security]> [Device Administrators]> turn on > [App Locker]
Please let me know your thoughts and review.
paid version will be uploaded soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed and will give feedback.
Needs a timeout. Once you open an app it should record that the app is open and if you switch tasks it should not lock you out until a timeout timer has expired.

I just released pro version without ads.

@ tech_head thanks i'll definitely implement that feature

How about sorting and filtering by enabled/disabled apps?
Other than that, this app is just friggin' incredible

Awesome app. Purchased.
Request: Would be nice to have a widget or option to enable or disable the app lock feature. When im home i dont want it on. When im at work i do. Right now i have to uncheck all the boxes one at a time. A toggle to turn on and off the ability without losing ur app selections would be nice.

guardianali said:
Awesome app. Purchased.
Request: Would be nice to have a widget or option to enable or disable the app lock feature. When im home i dont want it on. When im at work i do. Right now i have to uncheck all the boxes one at a time. A toggle to turn on and off the ability without losing ur app selections would be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happy to know your feedback, i'll implement these features

guardianali said:
Awesome app. Purchased.
Request: Would be nice to have a widget or option to enable or disable the app lock feature. When im home i dont want it on. When im at work i do. Right now i have to uncheck all the boxes one at a time. A toggle to turn on and off the ability without losing ur app selections would be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@mianharisali
Might I suggest an alternative suggestion? Whitelist WiFi BSSIDs, so app knows when it's at home, therefore doing things automatically.

Does the pro version only included no ads??

App is really good! Just gotten the paid version to support you! Prevent friends and family from assessing my data!

Request: would be nice to be able to lock apps without having to have a security feature enabled on the device. I just like swipe to unlock but would like to protect some apps

Same here, I don't use a lock screen but would like to lock apps.

Thank you for your efforts, but may we find a way to lock app by fingerprint without passing lock screen fingerprint register?

eldinamo said:
Thank you for your efforts, but may we find a way to lock app by fingerprint without passing lock screen fingerprint register?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AndroidSlave said:
Request: would be nice to be able to lock apps without having to have a security feature enabled on the device. I just like swipe to unlock but would like to protect some apps
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Click to collapse
galaxys said:
Same here, I don't use a lock screen but would like to lock apps.
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Click to collapse
fingerprint api does not work if you have not registered the fingerprint in nexus imprint , so at this time it is not possible.
but if google allow this in future , i'll definitely implement this feature.

SpiritBreak3r said:
@mianharisali
Might I suggest an alternative suggestion? Whitelist WiFi BSSIDs, so app knows when it's at home, therefore doing things automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Because that takes away options. What if I'm having a party at home and give my phone to a friend to check out a funny pic or leave it on and open with Spotify playing to my audio system and people can chose a song. I'd rather then turn the feature on at home so people don't snoop.
It shouldnt be location based... It should require positive user intervention for the sake of most flexibility.
And to make sure someone else doesn't turn off the feature themselves, when the widget is pressed to turn app lock on or off, it asks for finger print as verification to make sure it's you that tapped it.

I have some Google Rewards credits, I will use them to purchase as well.
Some feedback. It should be "No Peeking" not "No Peaking".
And after install, the "App Locker: Need Permissions"
"Locker" is spelled as "Locer"
Unless that was intentional for some reason.
I'll give you some more feedback as well.
Sorry to be a "Grammar Nazi", but people don't trust apps if they have spelling mistakes etc.

heathenlife said:
I have some Google Rewards credits, I will use them to purchase as well.
Some feedback. It should be "No Peeking" not "No Peaking".
And after install, the "App Locker: Need Permissions"
"Locker" is spelled as "Locer"
Unless that was intentional for some reason.
I'll give you some more feedback as well.
Sorry to be a "Grammar Nazi", but people don't trust apps if they have spelling mistakes etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am really happy that you found these mistakes. today i'll be fixing that , and some more optimization.
Here is the future plan.
update 1= some performance optimizations. (today or max tomorrow)
update 2=UI improvement + option to add interval between next lock. (and some custom features depending on your feedback ) (this weekend)
update 3=password + pattern locking. (next weekend)

I think what we're missing here, is a false screen of some sort. My girlfriend absolutely hates that I'm friends with some people, and likes to snoop. Instead of blatantly requesting a finger print, maybe add a plain black screen that has a "unfortunately this application has stopped unexpectedly" or what ever the default force close message is, with no visible request for a Finger Print, but the scanner is ready and waiting. There's an app on the market that does this, but I'd feel better paying a developer on xda than a company thats probably data mining my "hidden" apps. Cheers!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

saboture said:
I think what we're missing here, is a false screen of some sort. My girlfriend absolutely hates that I'm friends with some people, and likes to snoop. Instead of blatantly requesting a finger print, maybe add a plain black screen that has a "unfortunately this application has stopped unexpectedly" or what ever the default force close message is, with no visible request for a Finger Print, but the scanner is ready and waiting. There's an app on the market that does this, but I'd feel better paying a developer on xda than a company thats probably data mining my "hidden" apps. Cheers!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the thing that is missing is a girlfriend that doesn't snoop.

AndroidSlave said:
Maybe the thing that is missing is a girlfriend that doesn't snoop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes, you just have to live with the necessary evil lol.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Q] Bixby XP to Samsung Pay reward

i cant seem to find the option to convert it to my S pay. is this still available?

Click there on your Bixby screen and it will take you to Samsung Pay or just go directly to Samsung Pay. You don't need to convert anything, that page should show you how much Samsung Pay points you got from Bixby

harveydent said:
Click there on your Bixby screen and it will take you to Samsung Pay or just go directly to Samsung Pay. You don't need to convert anything, that page should show you how much Samsung Pay points you got from Bixby
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
odd, i do not have that function.

blecap said:
odd, i do not have that function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press the Bixby button once, then tap on "my bixby"/"earn reward with bixby" on the top of the screen

harveydent said:
Press the Bixby button once, then tap on "my bixby"/"earn reward with bixby" on the top of the screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah went there before i post the thread. do take a look tho.

Is there any way to disable the samsung pay swipe up card thing?

I'm, using nova launcher's hidden nav bar and swipe up to pull it up.. but if I swipe in the bottom middle, samsung pay pops up. I don't see any option at all to turn that off anywhere.
HELP!

Did you look in the samsung pay app?? 3 dots and use favorite cards

Yep... And you have to have one active card... No way to remove it.

Gareee said:
Yep... And you have to have one active card... No way to remove it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried disabling it?
Yeah I just disabled it and it went away.

I cant seem to find it to disable it... I'll look again. Is it called Samsung pay?
Edit: I was looking under batter to sleep it, and it looks like you have to disable it from the app list.
Thanks!

Gareee said:
I cant seem to find it to disable it... I'll look again. Is it called Samsung pay?
Edit: I was looking under batter to sleep it, and it looks like you have to disable it from the app list.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go to the Favorite cards area in the Samsung Pay app and disable them from use.

Critical Detox said:
Just go to the Favorite cards area in the Samsung Pay app and disable them from use.
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Click to collapse
Is weird... I didn't have those options with the default included install. I installed again from the play store, and after installing it had to also install an update, and I DO now see those options!
I wonder if the default verizon install is a slightly different app, (probably worth Verizon snooping built in) lol!
At any rate, I still have it installed now so I can use that $5 debris, but it's not popping up every 2 minutes, so I'm a very happy camper!
To show my hidden Nav bar, here ya go. Swipe up, and it's transparent with visible buttons.