Related
Idol 4 6055u hidden update last week and File Manager is now like a 'Clean Master' clone with all the clean-your-phone and boost-your-phone notifications spam. And since there's no way to root it the app is not removable.
Anyone had any luck stabbing this one to death?
Sucks right? Mentioned it in a thread I made a few weeks back:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-4s/help/alcatel-phone-t3634870
If possible, uninstalling updates or disabling the app should revert the app to its pre-spam state. If not, disabling the apps and using a less invasive file manager app is an option.
Alternatively a factory reset will return all system apps to their pre-spammy state if I recall correctly. From there, you can just avoid updating that individual app.
macallik said:
Sucks right? Mentioned it in a thread I made a few weeks back:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-4s/help/alcatel-phone-t3634870
If possible, uninstalling updates or disabling the app should revert the app to its pre-spam state. If not, disabling the apps and using a less invasive file manager app is an option.
Alternatively a factory reset will return all system apps to their pre-spammy state if I recall correctly. From there, you can just avoid updating that individual app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately you can't disable the app, even though it appears you can under dev options (tried that, it just updates itself in the background again). Have tried uninstalling (updates) but it updates itself again and the spam reappears. It also places a perma-notification (can't slide off) at the top of the notifications.
BUT: The latest update to File Manager allows you to turn off notifications. Problem solved.
NOTE: You do have to give permissions for storage before you can get into the settings that allow turning off notifications/shortcuts.
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, following these steps I think I got them tamed. Not all the apps show up in Google Play but disabling auto-update in 'Updates' (Alcatel's version) should take care of those...
yosemite610 said:
Thanks, following these steps I think I got them tamed. Not all the apps show up in Google Play but disabling auto-update in 'Updates' (Alcatel's version) should take care of those...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several of Alcatel's Apps updates throught Google Play and other via Updates app. For example, sound recorder updates via Google Play. If it's already updated - just remove updates and Google Play app for Sound Recorder and forbid / deny future updates. In 'Updates' need to forbid updates of system apps too. I already done all of this steps for each preinstalled app which tries to update - all fine. There is no any unwanted push notifications.
Rip ._. I hate this phone so much.
They are pathetic. Updating all apps and adding ads to them.
DeckerSU said:
Several of Alcatel's Apps updates throught Google Play and other via Updates app. For example, sound recorder updates via Google Play. If it's already updated - just remove updates and Google Play app for Sound Recorder and forbid / deny future updates. In 'Updates' need to forbid updates of system apps too. I already done all of this steps for each preinstalled app which tries to update - all fine. There is no any unwanted push notifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips and detailed info @DeckerSU. I had begun to prepare to unlock, root, and flash a custom ROM due to this adware and push notification nonsense. Up until the recent app updates, I had truly enjoyed the clean, stock android UI experience on my idol3 ... now I can relax again, the aggravation of those push notifications is gone!
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you, I hadn't thought of step 3
I signed in just to thank you
edit: just realized this thread is for idol 4s, but it applied to my idol 3..
I didn't realize this is a problem on later phones.. so messed up
Very bad, all those spamming programs on a phone we paid for. They beter come out with a recent
Android update. Its a Shame for the alcatel brand.
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips! I was starting to think I would have to root the device... Very dissapointing to see this kind of behaviour from Alcatel
Cheers
It may be worse than you think!
It's bad enough for a SYSTEM app to be serving up potentially malicious advertising that could Pwn your device, but it ventures deep into dark waters if that SYSTEM app has the Facebook "Graph" API inside of it that could allow a developer (or in this case your Chinese phone manufacturer) to use your Facebook access token to pillage through your Facebook account and look through your photos, tags, pages visited, URL's, or even create Facebook posts or messages on your behalf!
Sound crazy?
Take a look at the Facebook "Graph" developer site for yourself:
https://developers.facebook.com/docs/graph-api/using-graph-api/
And if someone was familiar with some open source tools that could allow them to look inside an Android app:
https://github.com/iBotPeaches/Apktool
https://github.com/pxb1988/dex2jar
https://github.com/sreenivasmula/JDGUI
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
That person might look to see if the app has the Facebook Graph API inside of it:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrdcom.filemanager&hl=en
Any one have a custom rom? Like Lineage or CM or AOSP any other one except the crapy stock rom?
Not good enough!
I no longer trust ANYTHING that is installed on my Alcatel device after the recent adware/spyware "upgrades"!
I installed TWRP and the (unofficial) Lineage ROM until I get a different phone all together.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/id...ficial-lineageos-14-1-idol36045x-5-5-t3615700
I will NEVER purchase another Alcatel device as long as I live and I will advise all my friends and family and anyone else that will listen to avoid Alcatel as well.
I also suggest that anyone with a stock Alcatel device not to use any "widgets" that create shortcuts that may use your access tokens for Facebook and/or Twitter until we know what is going on.
The Facebook Graph API on a native app has a greater access level than a web application and the token(s) don't expire for 60 days and can be extended.
I advise people to avoid logging in to apps or websites with their social media and/or Google credentials and to change your passwords and set up 2 factor authentication and remove any apps associated with your social media accounts.
Wtf
yosemite610 said:
Idol 4 6055u hidden update last week and File Manager is now like a 'Clean Master' clone with all the clean-your-phone and boost-your-phone notifications spam. And since there's no way to root it the app is not removable.
Anyone had any luck stabbing this one to death?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That update is from google play store! Not from alcatel.... Uninstall updates and don't let google play do whatever it wants in your phone!
That update is from google play store! Not from alcatel....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The update may have come the Google Play Store but is every bit Alcatel!
The "boost" function comes from TCL (Alcatel) owned Hawk app's "Super Cleaner" and the antivirus function comes from Hawk's Hi Security app that uses McAfee technology.
http://www.ehawk.com/en/
Can you help me to unlock a sharp phone?
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you help me to unlock a sharp phone?
I have the modem.elf file.
Following the advice on this thread, I was able to revert to the old versions of these apps back in October, and my phone stayed usable from then until about 2 weeks ago. Suddenly, the "updates" installed themselves (as part of a "critical system update" that I was notified my phone needed, and now, I don't have the option to uninstall the updates (or rather, it uninstalls to another spammy, bloatware version, not to the factory original).
Any ideas on what I can do now? Or is it time to throw this phone in the trash, and get one from a company that doesn't do this?
critical system update
Following the advice on this thread, I was able to revert to the old versions of these apps back in October, and my phone stayed usable from then until about 2 weeks ago. Suddenly, the "updates" installed themselves (as part of a "critical system update" that I was notified my phone needed, and now, I don't have the option to uninstall the updates (or rather, it uninstalls to another spammy, bloatware version, not to the factory original).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have got to be kidding me!
Now Alcatel and McAfee are tricking users into installing their adware/spyware through the use of fake "critical update" patches?
I think it is high time to do a complete breakdown/inspection of the app and do a full public disclosure.
It isn't surprising that Alcatel would infect a users phone with adware/spyware but for a so-called "security" company like McAfee to be involved is both frightening and disturbing.
We just received this and I'd just like to be able to use Chrome and remove some of the Amazon icons from the desktop. What are my options?
ashleyquicik said:
We just received this and I'd just like to be able to use Chrome and remove some of the Amazon icons from the desktop. What are my options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- install Google Play store (here), then install Chrome
- alternatively, you can side load chrome from here
- while technically possible to remove bloat (icons) I recommend you avoid this for now as the process is a bit involved and sometimes yields unwanted results
- can also go with a different launcher (here) which offers the ability to obscure unwanted desktop icons
Something was not right, for me, when scrolling in browsers and play store. It was laggy as hell. In other apps like facebook, tidal, instagram, youtube it was fluid and fast. But not on browsers. Tried all, chrome, opera, firefox, bromite, but all was stuttering like crazy. Play store also. I tought there are few rougue apps, twilight theme, fluid nav gestures and smart files manager, but I was so wrong. I also blamed the LG UI skin, but again was so wrong! So how did I resolved?
Guide - possible for any LG out there:
1. Remove SIM
2. Factory reset your phone in the way that doesn't require Internet to go through activating the phone. If you cant do this, it will fail. You should NOT put the email account. (I did reset from phone settings, not by keys. Also remove phone security such as pin, password, face id etc for this to work - just select unlocking the phone by sliding up)
3. DO NOT connect to internet, do not insert SIM.
4. Settings - apps - show system apps also.
5. Disable, remove permissions, set modify system setting to NO and draw over other apps to NO for all korean bloatware (screenshots attached) and for Google play services, google play store, google, and google service framework.
You must do this for each app. Example in screenshots.
6. Connect to wifi. Do not put your email in play store or gmail. Not yet.
7. As soon as connected slide down the notifications pannel. A pop up will apear after few seconds with Google trying to update some libraryes!!! Hit CANCEL!!!
8. Restart and connect with your email on Play Store. Disable asap app updates.
9. Your contacts won't sync now. Don't worry, its normal, you just removed some permissions.
10. Update and install all your apps from play store.
11. Re-enable that 4 google apps, give permissions to all for contacts, phone, wifi etc, enable also draw over other apps and modify system settings for these apps.
12. Insert SIM.
Enjoy! Hope it works for you all, V40, 30, G8, G7 etc
Weird, but its like I have stock vanilla now. Rocket!
It seems that with every restart this rogue korean app pop up asking for access, even though i have disabled and removed all of its permissions. Attached screenshot.
Inerent said:
It seems that with every restart this rogue korean app pop up asking for access, even though i have disabled and removed all of its permissions. Attached screenshot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, were you able to fix this? Thank you
Dabomb_21 said:
Hi, were you able to fix this? Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello. Yes. Uninstalled all bloatware with adb commands. I've made a thread here. Search for it.
Inerent said:
Hello. Yes. Uninstalled all bloatware with adb commands. I've made a thread here. Search for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
found it. Thank you so much
Inerent said:
Something was not right, for me, when scrolling in browsers and play store. It was laggy as hell. In other apps like facebook, tidal, instagram, youtube it was fluid and fast. But not on browsers. Tried all, chrome, opera, firefox, bromite, but all was stuttering like crazy. Play store also. I tought there are few rougue apps, twilight theme, fluid nav gestures and smart files manager, but I was so wrong. I also blamed the LG UI skin, but again was so wrong! So how did I resolved?
Guide - possible for any LG out there:
1. Remove SIM
2. Factory reset your phone in the way that doesn't require Internet to go through activating the phone. If you cant do this, it will fail. You should NOT put the email account. (I did reset from phone settings, not by keys. Also remove phone security such as pin, password, face id etc for this to work - just select unlocking the phone by sliding up)
3. DO NOT connect to internet, do not insert SIM.
4. Settings - apps - show system apps also.
5. Disable, remove permissions, set modify system setting to NO and draw over other apps to NO for all korean bloatware (screenshots attached) and for Google play services, google play store, google, and google service framework.
You must do this for each app. Example in screenshots.
6. Connect to wifi. Do not put your email in play store or gmail. Not yet.
7. As soon as connected slide down the notifications pannel. A pop up will apear after few seconds with Google trying to update some libraryes!!! Hit CANCEL!!!
8. Restart and connect with your email on Play Store. Disable asap app updates.
9. Your contacts won't sync now. Don't worry, its normal, you just removed some permissions.
10. Update and install all your apps from play store.
11. Re-enable that 4 google apps, give permissions to all for contacts, phone, wifi etc, enable also draw over other apps and modify system settings for these apps.
12. Insert SIM.
Enjoy! Hope it works for you all, V40, 30, G8, G7 etc
Weird, but its like I have stock vanilla now. Rocket!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Does this really fix the problem? I'm having similar behavior and I think it's no normal. I will try this to see if this fix it.
Which bloatware I should disable and which I should not? Korean version. Thanks
im gonna try this method of yours. thanks for sharing. i can't wait my v50 to be delivered today. i'll update guys if this trick will work
hello with the new way of these phones andriod and others plus spyware .im wondering how do i know what apps samsung etc are spying on my phone maybe uploading my numbers and other infor without me knowing any of you guys got any idea whats the best way to stop it. tbh i hate even google assist even turning on by itself even when i diable it
Hello, first of all, please write in easily readable sentences, that way more people are going to help you.
Second, it is important to be and stay suspicious of the software you use, especially with android. But you shouldn't be worried too much as most of the data that is sent from your phone isn't sent with "evil intentions" or anything like that, it is often rather aggressive diagnostics.
Warning! The following paragraphs are filled with very radical means of removing suspected spyware! Almost all of these require root and knowledge in modding your Android! Beware!
As to how you can spot "spyware" or suspected spyware, there isn't one easy way.
First of all, you could use a custom ROM, so that your system is more open source and there isn't any suspected spyware (or any "ware" at all) from Samsung.
To go one step further, you could try to live without Google services:
Use a different search engine, for example DuckDuckGo or any other really
Use Firefox or any non-Chromium browser
Instead of using opengapps to install Google Play Services (when you install a custom ROM) you could use the replacement project "microG" (microg.org).
Get as many apps as you can from Open source app stores (F-Droid)
Don't use the official Play Store unless you really have to - it is a power hungry data collecting app (that can theoretically install any app without asking, just like the Google Play Services or any other /system/priv-app app with proper permissions) - Alternative for installing Play Store apps: Aurora Store
Replace Google Maps with OpenStreetMap (OSMand)
Use a anonymous YouTube client, for example NewPipe
etc.
These are of course only suggestions, I don't recommend doing them all at once, but if you really don't want any unnecessary data sent from your phone, these are the first steps.
For actually seeing which apps send what data you could either analyze the app bytecode with App Warden or look at all detailed permissions with AppOpsX.
Methods to neutralize spyware are rejecting the permission for the app to use internet access or even run in the background, disabling the suspected app or removing it with system app removers.
Be very careful with actually disabling or removing system apps! Many system apps are needed for the system to work and one can easily misjudge an app by its description and diagnostics! Before disabling an app you should research whether anyone else knows anything about the app and only remove it if you are really sure about it. You have been warned.
Hello and welcome!
I have a request for help. Is there any way to change the font on the Samsung Galaxy TAB S8 + to your chosen one, e.g. from the internal memory?
Samsung offers a few free fonts in its store and all the rest, not many nice paid fonts and it's quite high / expensive. The company is greedy and I'm not going to pay for something as trivial as a font; - / I have a no-ROOT device. Android 12.
* sorry for english - google translate to use.
KJX_85 said:
Hello and welcome!
I have a request for help. Is there any way to change the font on the Samsung Galaxy TAB S8 + to your chosen one, e.g. from the internal memory?
Samsung offers a few free fonts in its store and all the rest, not many nice paid fonts and it's quite high / expensive. The company is greedy and I'm not going to pay for something as trivial as a font; - / I have a no-ROOT device. Android 12.
* sorry for english - google translate to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know the answer to my question?
KJX_85 said:
Does anyone know the answer to my question?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not. Hopefully, someone else does.
This application from playstore doesn't require root.
zFont 3 - Emoji & Font Changer - Apps on Google Play
✅ Font changer for Samsung, Vivo, LG, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, etc.🎉
play.google.com
It has detailed instructions how tricking Samsung device into installing a custom font works.
I tested it, no root, it works.
With Samsung Internet you can also change all websites in Samsung Internet Labs settings.
After downloading a font from a preview you backup with Samsung, then uninstall Samsung original custom font, then restore backup, install non Samsung custom font, done.
It's a trick.
Yesterday I was able to unravel the question. The answer was on YT. I put a link. Everything works great. I was able to change the font to my chosen one
Link:
Catmobile said:
This application from playstore doesn't require root.
zFont 3 - Emoji & Font Changer - Apps on Google Play
✅ Font changer for Samsung, Vivo, LG, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, etc.🎉
play.google.com
It has detailed instructions how tricking Samsung device into installing a custom font works.
I tested it, no root, it works.
With Samsung Internet you can also change all websites in Samsung Internet Labs settings.
After downloading a font from a preview you backup with Samsung, then uninstall Samsung original custom font, then restore backup, install non Samsung custom font, done.
It's a trick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this. It worked on my galaxy s20 phone fine, but not on my tab s8+ 5G
Judson1975 said:
I tried this. It worked on my galaxy s20 phone fine, but not on my tab s8+ 5G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
restart your tab when font look like samsung sans