[Q] MobileIron - Root Detection - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

The corporation that I work at has recently moved their security software for mobile devices, to MobileIron.
With the limited knowledge about the program, and the fact that I can't access their server (yet) so I can do some testing, I am trying to find a way around this so called "root detection" and what it does.
I was looking at installing CM7 on one of my phones and taking that in to try to test it and get some log files of the machine. However, I am just wondering has anyone had the blessing of having to deal with this pain in the ass application? I would really like to say "Ha!" to my co-worker who thinks that you won't be able to get around their detection method. But in general, I don't enjoy having to forward everything to my e-mail account, because office e-mail forwarding, generally sucks (doesn't forward half of my replies or sent items).
Would anyone be willing to help me out with this, once I get some decent information for this?

They're going to do that to me too. However I'm actually OK with browser-based OWA on my Galaxy, yes I know that's probably too awful to contemplate but it's probably what I'll resort to until somebody finds a way around. Somebody with a lot more chops than me.

Has anyone found out how the application detects root? I'm about to have to deal with this, and I'd really like to be able to keep root.

Wow thats crazy. Maybe ask chainsDD?
Sent from my MIUI.us Sensation 4G using XDA App

My company is also moving to MobileIron...will see if I can get any insight into how it detects rooting...

Bump.. bump.. My company also moving to MobileIron..

See Below....

Run fully rooted Rom and mobileiron
Disclaimer: This is for testing purposes only. I do not condone breaking company policy, or breaking any laws. I am not responsible for you getting fired as a result of you making these modifications. You should always read and abide by company policies and any laws pertaining to such modifications. Use of this tutorial is at your own risk.risk.
Preface: I have tested this and its fully functional on my CDMA galaxy nexus and HP Touchpad both running CM9. I haven'tt tested this on any other device or ROM.
Requirements:
1. Rooted Android Phone running ICS based ROM
2. Titanium Backup (app installed)
3. Hide my Root (app installed)
4. Mobileiron (app installed but never run)
5. Touchdown (app installed but never run)
Instructions:
Edit: Make a nandroid backup 1st.
1. Open Hide my Root
2. Choose hide SU binary
3. Press home
4. Menu, settings, apps, all apps
5. Choose Superuser.apk
6. Choose disable
7. Now open mobileiron and configure the settings per your company's instruction.
8. Set up your email in the Touchdown application and let it sync everything.
9. Open Hide my Root and choose restore SU Binary
10. Go back to menu, settings, apps, superser.apk and choose enable.
11. Open Titanium Backup
12. Choose backup/restore from the top
13. Scroll to Mobileiron and tap it and choose freeze.
Now restore your nandroid backup before you get in trouble.

There is another way, as well, however, you have to de-compile the apk file.

Loopholes
GNeX
AOKP
FRANCOS LATEST KERNEL
& WHATEVER [MOD AT THE TIME]

Bumping this thread in response to MI's latest app update which now detects the root. Hoping to get some more minds in on this, maybe use this thread to collaborate:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1611861&page=3

Related

[Q] clone one to many - Atrix 2

Hi guys, I’m new to the forum and fairly new to Android devices in general. I’ve googled a good bit before posting, and searched this forum for some keywords, but haven’t come up with a solution to what I need to do.
I have what seems like a fairly simple need: Set up an android device the way I want it, and then clone this image to multiple other devices.
I work with an organization that conducts a lot of epidemiology surveillance in foreign countries. The surveys are done on android based devices with a collection of off-the-shelf apps, plus one we had custom built for our purpose. Data is sent to us via whatever mobile networks happen to be available in the country being surveyed (we buy our phones unlocked, and get the SIM cards in-country).
As we continue to expand, installing all those apps and getting all of the settings just right becomes a very tedious, repetitive task, when you consider doing 100+ phones a month. .
Ideally I would like to stick with the factory rom, just add/remove some apps and configure settings. The cloning process needs to be fairly straight-forward, and not require a bunch of apps to be installed on the target phones first, because that kind of defeats the purpose.
For the time being, we’re using Motorola Atrix and Atrix 2. We also have some XT720s but we’re phasing those out.
Not sure if this is relevant, but below is roughly what provisioning currently looks like:
1. We receive a batch of phones, say 100 at a time
2. First, do a factory reset, and go through the initial setup
3. Remove as many of the factory installed apps as possible
4. Set up WiFi
5. Log into Google Play account and install the 6 apps we actually use
6. Make LauncherPro the default desktop, set it to only use 1 dock and 1 desktop, set a plain boring background, hide all except the app drawer icon, and have and icon for our app, and an airplane mode widget on the desktop.
7. Finally, enter the server connection settings in our survey app (this part we’ve gotten to a point where all we do is drop a config file to the SD Card, and it picks up the settings for this particular app)
8. Turn off the phone, and do it all again on the other 99 devices…
Any thoughts on how to automate this?

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

After weeks of hard work we (Setmov and uncle Fab) proudly present you the first Una ROM for the galaxy Grand 2 I7102, based on 4.3 XXUANG4.
DISCLAIMER​
As usual, your phone your responsability, we won't take any responsability if it flies out of the window or if your girlfriend/boyfriend runs away with it.
PLEASE, DO READ OP COMPLETELY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS, ANSWERS TO MOST PROBLEMS ARE THERE​
WHAT IS UNA?​
Una is a new concept that takes security to a new level.
Are you tired of seeing so much blatant, outrageous and shameless invasion of your privacy and data mining hidden behind nice sentences like "enhanced use experience" or "complete integration with the system"? We decided to develop secure ROMs where privacy means just that – Private!.
It’s free of charge, we are a non profit structure and we are not here to make big bucks
WHAT UNA ISN'T​
UNA isn't a way to help you to stealthily buy massive destruction weapons to foment a coup d'etat in your favorite banana republic or to prepare the third world war.
UNA secures what leaves from your phone (ie your personnal data doesn't leak and no app can look over your shoulder to spy your activities), but it can't completely secure what comes into your phone.
Why is that?
Because it's just not possible to fully secure a phone from what comes into it, and anyone claiming to be able to do it is either a liar, or an ignorant, or both.
There are too many attacks, some not well documented, if documented at all, and some unknown to the public, and there are too many ways to hack a phone, especially if the user doesn't use his/her common sense.
If you are the type of person that installs apps from shaddy source and/or warez web sites (sites offering cracked paid apps) chances are that at some point you will unknowingly install a malware or a spyware. The same applies if you click on any link, specially on SMS' and emails, if you let any pop out window appear or if you don't protect your lockscreen with a password/pin/pattern and let anyone get physical access to your phone.
A bit of judgment and common sense can save you a lot of trouble, but there's unfortunately nothing UNA can do about it.
Then, if you use your phone to call through GSM your provider will know where you are. If he didn't you wouldn't be able to make any call, the signal has to find you and there's nothing UNA or anyone can do about it.
The only way to prevent that is to disable the phone functions (but then your phone will turn into a wifi only device) and reenable them when needed, head to the scripts section to learn how to do it.
Last but not least, bear in mind that the agencies have armies of tech savvy henchmen and 10 storeys computers, and tricks we can't even imagine, so think twice and use your brain before you attempt to outsmart them...
UNA IS FOR YOU IF:​
. You are willing to learn how to use an unconventional ROM and generally speaking to understand how things work, even if it sometimes requires a little effort to fix this or that little problem (bear in mind that it took us a lot of work to develop Una to where it is now),
. You don't mind a few little occasional bugs here and there that come from all the restrictions the ROM contains,
. You want to take back ownership of your phone from google’s claws.
UNA IS NOT FOR YOU IF:​
. All that you care about is the latest gimmick in the latest OS,
. You can't live without the google’s apps,
. You are the kind of person that never reads through the OP and only scroll down to the download section, and then complain that things don't work and/or ask stupid questions that have already been answered in OP.
An example? One guy makes a mod and writes clearly in OP that it's specifically for 4.2.2. Then some people complain: "it doesn't work on 4.4.2"...
ARE WE PARANOID TIN FOIL HATS? OR TERRORISTS? OR CARTEL BOSSES?​
Nope, we only are people that don't see why we shouldn't be in control of our phones. Or why our phones can be wiped remotely, why apps or updates or who knows what can be downloaded and installed without asking for our consent, why SMS' can be sent without us to know, why we should pay for the bandwidth used for data mining and unwanted downloads, and why all those activities should deplete our battery and kill our RAM.
You think we are overreacting here?
You don't have to take our word for it, just download and install Network Log from here:
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=network+log&fdid=com.googlecode.networklog
Give it root permission, start logging and open some web pages. Come back to Network Log after a few minutes and see for yourself, you'll be surprised (or maybe horrified?) to find out that your android system, your settings, your kernel etc. connect to all sorts of funny IPs, including and foremost google’s.
Now you see what we mean?
It's time to go for Una
UNA'S FEATURES​
. Rooted.
. Deodexed.
. Zipaligned.
. Busybox and sqlite installed.
. Init.d support and scripts.
. Auto start disabled for most apps.
. About 120 system apps, 40 framework jars, 30 permissions xmls and 25 libs removed, plus files here and there.
. Very low RAM and CPU consumption, more than 8 hours screen time with the WIFI on, 1% battery decrease every 10-12 hours while in stand by.
. Heavily and extensively modified system, in order to make it secure and prevent it from leaking your data.
. App Settings, Firewall and Xprivacy built-in, and already applied out of the box to make sure you are well protected.
. Xprivacy is a fantastic tool but it has one big limitation, it can't restrict the Android System from accessing your serial numbers and leaking it. For that reason these IDs have been edited as follows:
build.serial (androidboot.serialno), ro.boot.serialno and ro.serialno are both set to "1",
android id is set to "id",
net.hostname is set to "1".
. Wlan serial number set to "00000001" (this number identifies you everytime you connect to the internet, and Xprivacy can't do anything about it).
. USB ID (iSerial) set to 1.
. Unreadable cp access.
. Vulnerabilities patched thanks to Master Key Multi Fix.
. ADB disabled (can be re-enabled, see below).
. By default ADB, all google access (including youtube, blogspot and google search), the Live Wallpaper Picker and the Media Storage are disabled. You can re-enable some or all of them, instructions are in the "HOW TO USE THE ROM" section.
. Plenty of under the hood modifications to make the ROM fast and fluid.
. Multi-purpose navigation keys.
. Call button in contacts.
. Because secure doesn't mean ugly, the whole ROM has been themed with a beautiful green color (if there are enough requests other themes will follow), transparency, and Lollipop HD wallpapers.
. Multiwindows have been revamped, they are no longer only static in Samsung style but now they can float and be resized/minimized too, like on a computer.
. All apps can be opened in floating mode.
. KK style quad view multiwindows.
. Heaps of hand picked and carefully scrutinized open source apps.
There are 2 non open source apps (Greenify and Quick Pic) but they are safe, believe me, I have thoroughly examined them. Still, you can always uninstall them if you feel like it.
In time we will develop our own apps, but first we want to see how people respond to the Una concept...
Installed apps/tools​
. 920 Editor, to create and edit scripts or text files.
. AF+ Firewall.
. Alarm clock.
. APG, to encrypt messages.
. App Settings, to restrict apps' permissions, change DPI on a per app basis and more.
. Arity, a calcultor.
. Conversations, a secure and encrypted chat, modded by uncle Fab for increased security.
. Fdroid, an alternative to the Play Store, and all the apps are open source!
. Floating stickies, to make small notes on the fly.
. FTP Server, to copy files to/from your phone wirelessly.
. Ghost Commander, a very powerful dual panel root file manager.
. Gravity Box, a theming engine.
. Greenify, to make apps behave by hibernating them when not in use.
. K9 Mail, an email client.
. Kernel Adiutor, if you feel like playing with kernel tweaks (but you have to know what you are doing).
. Lightning, a fast and light weight browser.
. Master Key Multi Fix, a patch to some vulnerabilities.
. Network Log, to check where your apps connect and chase unwanted connections.
. Open Camera.
. Tor (Orbot) for Android, modded by uncle Fab for increased security.
. OS Monitor, to monitor and kill your phone's processes, and more.
. Pale Moon, based on Firefox for Android, for a full desktop experience with Mozilla add-ons preinstalled for enhanced security.
. PDF Reader.
. Preferences Manager, to edit the otherwise difficult to read shared_prefs files in data/data.
. Quick Dic, a good selection of free dictionaries.
. Quick Pic, a Gallery app.
. Rmaps, a maps app where you can download maps from various sources for offline use.
. Search Light, a torch.
. Terminal Emulator, fire up your commands and show your phone who is the boss!
. Text Secure, a secure and encrypted SMS app, modded by uncle Fab for increased security.
. Tint Browser, another fast web browser.
. Urecord, to record sounds with different sample rates.
. USB Mass Storage Enabler, to connect your phone to any computer (note that it only mounts the external SD).
. Viper4Android FX, a powerful sound enhancer.
. Viper4Android XHiFi, some more sound enhancements.
. VLC, a video and music player favourite.
. WI-Fi Privacy Police, to secure your connections even better than they already are.
. Xposed Installer, a great framework that enables apps like App Settings or Xprivacy to work.
. Xprivacy, last but not least, the best privacy app.
WHY DO WE USE A 4.3 ROM AS BASE INSTEAD OF THE LATEST 4.4.2?​
Because when it comes to privacy Kit Kat 4.4.x is a complete
disaster, the newer the android version the more buit-in spying there is (and the more difficult it is to remove it), despite google's sweet talk about "enhanced user's experience.
Lollipop seems to be even worse, but that's another story.
INSTALLATION​
As usual, make a backup first!
Do backup your contacts and whatever is important because all your apps and data will be erased (your sd card contents won't be deleted though).
Do backup your /system/csc folder, in case you need it for later.
Do backup your efs folder (VERY IMPORTANT).
Open an android terminal from your phone and type:
su
enter, then type:
busybox dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p11 of=/sdcard/efs.img
enter, this will create an efs backup caled efs.img in your sd card.
To restore it, first make sure the efs.img is in your internal sd card, then type:
su
enter, then type:
busybox dd if=/sdcard/efs.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p11
enter, your efs will be restored in no time.
If that sounds like too much work you can use the scripts provided to backup/restore your efs, instructions are in the scripts section.
To install the ROM you need a Custom Recovery and Philz' comes highly recommended.
We chose Philz since AFAIK it's the only one that allows you to lock you recovery with a password (if your recovery is not password protected it wouldn't take more than 2 minutes for someone to disable your pattern or pin protected lockscreen and access all your personal data on the phone).
I'm not sure whether there's a Philz recovery or not for the Grand 2, if there isn't then CWM or TWRP will do.
Custom recovery installation instructions
You need to have Samsung drivers installed.
Boot your phone into download mode (press volume down and power at the same time).
Open Odin 3.07 and connect your phone.
Click on the PDA slot, navigate to where the Custom Recovery is located and select it.
DOUBLE CHECK AND MAKE SURE THAT "RE-PARTITION" IS UNTICKED (only "Auto Reboot" and "F.Reset Time" should be selected).
Click start and wait while Odin flashes the Recovery.
If everything went well your phone will now auto-reboot into the system. Go into recovery, you should see your brand new Custom Recovery.
If you are still on stock recovery then repeat the above steps, but this time untick “Auto Reboot” in Odin.
When in recovery, if before you reboot you see a text on the screen displaying “yes – disable flash recovery”, select it to avoid stock recovery overwriting the Custom Recovery.
Download Una for Grand 2 from here (click on the menu at the top right and go to the download section):
http://unaos.com
Unzip the ROM and copy it to the backup folder that is inside the clockworkmod folder in your sd card (if there's no backup folder create it by choosing "mkdir" in Ghost Commander).
Boot into recovery.
Go to restore from sdcard, choose 1970-01-01.10.06.02, and go for it!
IMPORTANT!!!​
If you are on Kit Kat (4.4.2) you must downgrade first to stock 4.3 before you attempt to install Una ROM, otherwise you may end up with a bricked phone.
Here are 2 threads to assist you in the downgrading process:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-grand-2/general/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-grand-2-sm-t2857767
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-grand-2/help/downgrade-to-4-3-t2857183
If it works please report here so that other people will know, thanks in advance!
Once it's done reboot, congratulations, you have installed Una ROM on your phone!
HOW TO USE THE ROM​
. Swipe down to access the applications drawer.
. Swipe up to turn off the screen.
. Go to settings and set a stong password/pin/pattern protected lockscreen (recommended).
. Go in recovery and set a recovery password (recommended).
. Long pressing on the menu key toggles expanded desktop (full screen, no more navigation bar and no more status bar).
. Double pressing the menu key kills and hibernates the current application.
. Long pressing the recent key brings you back to the last application (convenient to switch from one app to another).
. Between the home and the back key there's a supplementary key that can display up to 12 apps (editable in gravity box).
Double pressing that key shows the sound panel, long pressing it shows the reboot menu (note that there's an option to take screenshots in the reboot menu).
. You can open an app in full screen mode by dragging it from the Flash Bar (the side bar), then you can drag and add more windows to the view (up to 4 on the same screen).
Or, you can open apps in resizable and movable floating mode by clicking on them (double tapping the top bar minimizes them into a bubble, double tapping the bubble restores them).
. Go to /system/etc/security/cacerts, check the certificates that are there (you'll find the certificate's name approximately by the middle of the file), and erase the ones you don't need/like.
When you want to transfer files to/from your phone open the USB Mass Storage Enabler app and enable mass storage, that's it. When you are done, don't forget to eject your phone from the computer and to reenable MTP from the app.
. When you install a new application, by default it will be fully restricted in both Xprivacy and the Firewall.
Before you open the newly installed app wait until the Xprivacy icon appears in the status bar, then and only then can you open it.
Most likely the app will crash.
Go to Xprivacy, open its settings and then usage data, you will see what restrictions caused the crash. Re enable some, provided that they are not too invasive.
Many apps require "load.Library" to be allowed in the shell section, that's ok.
Others may need to access the sd card, that's in the storage section and it's ok to allow it for apps that really need to access the storage, like players, cameras or file managers (for other apps try to keep it restricted).
Root apps obviously need "su" and/or 'sh", and sometimes "exec", in the shell section.
Always try to enable as few fields as possible, and bear in mind that data requested by an app is not necessarily needed for that app to work (especially true for identification, internet and mcc/mmc access).
Lastly, give the app internet access in the Firewall if, and only if, it needs it, and restrict some more permissions in App Settings.
If you can't tame the app consider uninstalling it and look for a similar one that has less built-in spyware.
SCRIPTS​
. As said above, by default ADB, all google access (including youtube, blogspot and google search), the Live Wallpaper Picker and the Media Storage are disabled.
If you want to re-enable some or all of them, open the script folder located in system/etc.
Click on the desired script and choose edit.
Copy the whole text and paste it into the Android Terminal, voila, the script is automagically executed.
. You will see more scripts to disable/enable the Bluetooth, the FM Radio and the Phone.
If you disable the Phone and later want to re-enable it do as follows:
untick App Settings in Xposed's modules section, re-enable Phone, reboot, then enable App Settings again.
. Some scripts will enable you to backup/restore your efs partition and flash a recovery.img (to restore or flash an .img, make sure it's in your internal sd and execute the script).
. Other scripts can enable/disable am and pm, but don't play with it unless you know what you're doing.
. You can uninstall the Live Wallpaper Picker, the Wallpaper Chooser and the Media Storage if you want, or keep them disabled and resurrect them when needed.
. If you are very privacy concerned you should consider using the "uncle's phone lite" mod because it enables you to call with only the Phone and the Telephony Provider apps (CSC, Contacts, Contacts Storage, Logs Provider and STK are completely de-activated). That's the method I use to make calls, but you have to know that the dialler forces close after you complete the call (not a big deal in my opinion but still, I may look into it one of these days). You'll find the mod in the add-ons section.
ENCRYPTION​
If encryption is your thing we have you covered with the following installed apps:
APG, Conversations, K9 Mail and Text Secure.
BUGS​
. Quick Dic won't download any dictionary, actually it's not a bug but a Una restriction since Quick Dic downloads from a google owned web site.
If you need to download dictionaries, temporarly enable google by running the "enable_google" script (don't forget to disable it again when you're done). After you've run the script go to the firewall, open its settings, go to "Set custom script" and click "OK" (do the same if you decide to disable again google's stuff).
. For some reason the ADW Launcher doesn't allow transparency in the navigation bars while in portrait, I'm working on that.
. You can't download anything from Lightning and Tint Browser, that's because the Download Manager and the Download UI have been uninstalled. If you need to download something, copy the link and paste it in Pale Moon, it has its own download engine.
. I didn't have time to properly and restrictively set Text Secure (the SMS app), because I don't own this phone and the person I borrowed it from wanted it back ASAP. Sorry about that, you'll have to do it on your own (if you want to make it simple just restrict its internet access).
. All the installed apps work, but other apps you install may crash. I call that kind of apps "google’s henchmen", they only work if the play store services or the bla bla app are installed and of course they won't on Una since all that garbage has been removed.
If I install your app, why do you want to force me to install your boss' app too? Forget about those apps and search Fdroid, you'll find what you need...
. Depending the way you use your phone you may have to fine tune Xprivacy and reenable some permissions, I'm sorry for the inconvenience but it's impossible to set Xprivacy for all users since we all have different ways to use our phone.
ADD-ONS​
. Sony Xperia Keyboard, flash it in recovery.
Credits KristianCarl for porting it, and unclefab for theming it in green.
It's not open source and that's why it's not included in the rom by default, but it's my every day keyboard because it works fine and because I themed it to make it look nice.
Don't give it internet access in the Firewall.
In Xprivacy, only allow "loadLibrary" in the shell section. You may have to enable a few fields in the contacts section depending your phone's configuration.
In App Settings, restrict "Read_Phone_State" and "Record_Audio".
I removed the Chinese Keyboard, tell me if you want it and I'll readd it.
. Universe Wallpapers
If there are enough users' requests then I'll upload the following:
. Uncle's phone lite (with clipboard and dialer) for hardcore users. It's safer than using the regular phone configuration, but the dialer forces close when you hang up the call. Flash it in recovery, wipe dalvik-cache, reboot.
. Completely disable internet access for the Android System. Lightning and Tint Browser won't connect anymore since they use the same web engine as the Android System, but Pale Moon still works thanks to its build-in web engine. Flash it in recovery, wipe dalvik-cache, reboot.
RECOMMENDED NON OPEN SOURCE APPS​
. Pri-fy, from chainfire the root master:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2631512
. Logging Test:
http://androidsecuritytest.com/
UPDATES?​
I'm working on some improvements on kernel and system level to make Una even more secure, but I will release them for the Grand 2 if, and only if, there are enough users' feedback for the current version, because it's a lot of work to implement such stuff in a ROM.
No ETA though, you'll have to be patient because now we have to design and release Una for many other phones.
Still, any suggestions/comments/bug reports are welcome, help us to improve Una!
FEATURE REQUESTS​
Yeah, sure, we'll see what we can do but we don't promise anything
SCREENSHOTS​
I didn't have time to make screenshots since I ran short of time, so the ones you'll see here come from another phone.
They are very similar in shape, layout and color though, and you'll get the idea.
That's all for now, enjoy the ROM!!!
The Una team
CREDITS​
Big thanks to:
F-Droid
M66B (Xprivacy)
Rovo89 (Xposed)
Tungstwenty (App Settings, Master Key Multi Fix)
Ukanth (AF+Firewall)
Jecelyin (920 Editor)
Kraigsandroid (Alarm Klock)
Thialfihar (APG)
Arity (Arity calculator)
Siacs (Conversations)
Ppareit (FTP)
Ghost Squared (Ghost Commander File manager)
Mohammad Adib (Floating Stickies)
C3C076(Gravity Box)
Oasisfeng (Greenify)
K-9 Dog Walkers (K9 Mail)
Grarak (Kernel Adiutor)
Anthonycr (Lightning)
Xperiacle (Multiwindows Manager)
Pragmatic Software (Network Log)
Mdwh2(Open Camera)
The Guardian Project (Orbot)
Eolwral (OS Monitor)
Moon Child and Cyansmoker (Pale Moon)
Droidapps (PDF Reader)
Simon Marquis (Preferences Manager)
Thad Hughes (Quick Dic)
Q-Supreme team (Quick Pic)
Robert.Developer (Rmaps)
Search Light (Search Light)
Jackpal (Terminal Emulator)
Anasthase (Tint Browser And Tint Browser Adblock Addon)
Thomasebell (Urecord)
Mohammad Abu-Garbeyyeh (USB Mass Storage Enabler)
Zhuhang (Viper4Android FX and Viper4Android XHiFi)
Videolan.org (VLC)
Brambonne (Wi-Fi Privacy Police)
i dont own a galaxy grand 2 , although i may have to get one , but thank you for sharing your work. i'm not a developer so i can only imagine ( which probably falls way short ) of what this took to build.:thumbsup:
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Please do a 4.4.4/4.4.2 version. What about the security? Like anyone can hack into your phone....
salimtn said:
4.3 ?! Not interrested
Sent from my SM-G7102 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laurisss said:
Please do a 4.4.4/4.4.2 version. What about the security? Like anyone can hack into your phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your useful feedbacks.
PLEASE, DO READ OP COMPLETELY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS, ANSWERS TO MOST PROBLEMS ARE THERE
WHY DO WE USE A 4.3 ROM AS BASE INSTEAD OF THE LATEST 4.4.2?
Because when it comes to privacy Kit Kat 4.4.x is a complete disaster, the newer the android version the more buit-in spying there is (and the more difficult it is to remove it), despite google's sweet talk about "enhanced user's experience.
Lollipop seems to be even worse, but that's another story.
And NO, not anyone can hack into your phone, but many can and google already did it!
salimtn said:
4.3 ?! Not interrested
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you soooooo much to take time to reply and show how much consideration and respect you have for someone that worked about 100 hours to build a rom and share it for free with the community.
It feels sad to know that you won t run Una rom on your phone, and thanks again for informing us that we won t count such a great person like you amongst our users, but maybe next time you should read OP:
UNA IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
. All that you care about is the latest gimmick in the latest OS,
. You can't live without the google’s apps,
. You are the kind of person that never reads through the OP and only scroll down to the download section, and then complain that things don't work and/or ask stupid questions that have already been answered in OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see guys?
It s thanks to that kind of person that so many devs have left, leave, or will leave the forum...
Please do a 4.4.4/4.4.2 version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As written in OP there might be updates:
I'm working on some improvements on kernel and system level to make Una even more secure, but I will release them for the Grand 2 if, and only if, there are enough users' feedback for the current version, because it's a lot of work to implement such stuff in a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, time will tell, but so far if you were me what would you think/do?
Thanks for your valient efforts.
But most of the phones would have been upgraded
to k.k. and downgrading them to 4.3 is rather risky.
Even I wonder whether I can downgrade to 4.3 add you rightly mentioned
about 4.4 and 5 android versions.
Even then I will try to down grade to 4.3 and also
try this room. I am willing to take the risk for the developer.
salimtn said:
4.3 and a cute dev. ?! Still not interested ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still not interested?
Such a pity, people like you are every devs' dream and it would have been a real honour to count such a VIP like you amongst our users.
Thanks for letting us know, next time we ll try to do our best to satisfy demanding users like you...
wrishaba said:
Thanks for your valient efforts.
But most of the phones would have been upgraded
to k.k. and downgrading them to 4.3 is rather risky.
Even I wonder whether I can downgrade to 4.3 add you rightly mentioned
about 4.4 and 5 android versions.
Even then I will try to down grade to 4.3 and also
try this room. I am willing to take the risk for the developer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your support. With this attitude you are definitely repaying every effort made.
wrishaba said:
But most of the phones would have been upgraded
to k.k. and downgrading them to 4.3 is rather risky.
Even I wonder whether I can downgrade to 4.3 add you rightly mentioned
about 4.4 and 5 android versions.
Even then I will try to down grade to 4.3 and also
try this room. I am willing to take the risk for the developer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really dislike 4.4 because it s full of spying, but on the other hand I definitely could build a 4.4 rom for the Grand 2 cuz I can understand that not many people want to take the risk to downgrade.
The only problem is that I don t own the phone, and that the person I borrowed it from doesn t want me to install 4.4 on it, because of knox and because 4.3 runs well.
One thing you have to bear in mind is that latest android version doesn t mean best version, and since 4.1 it s actually been quite the opposite.
Google install 2-3 gimmicks to "enhance users' experience" bla bla, and at the same time strengthens its grip on android.
It got particularly bad with 4.4, and I read reports that it went even worse with 5x...
unclefab said:
I really dislike 4.4 because it s full of spying, but on the other hand I definitely could build a 4.4 rom for the Grand 2 cuz I can understand that not many people want to take the risk to downgrade.
The only problem is that I don t own the phone, and that the person I borrowed it from doesn t want me to install 4.4 on it, because of knox and because 4.3 runs well.
One thing you have to bear in mind is that latest android version doesn t mean best version, and since 4.1 it s actually been quite the opposite.
Google install 2-3 gimmicks to "enhance users' experience" bla bla, and at the same time strengthens its grip on android.
It got particularly bad with 4.4, and I read reports that it went even worse with 5x...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
spying? Meh. 80% of people are on kitkat and a few are on lollipop. No reports of something hack-ish.
Laurisss said:
spying? Meh. 80% of people are on kitkat and a few are on lollipop. No reports of something hack-ish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most people don t realise they are being spyied.
Do one test.
Download network log from here:
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=network+log&fdid=com.googlecode.networklog
Install it, open it, give it root access and start logging by clicking "logging on" on the top.
Then do some browsing, going to this or that site, but don t go to any google related web site (no search, no youtube etc.).
Come back to network log, you will see that your phone connected to many funny addresses, including of course google, and that quite a lot of data has been transfered both inbound and outbound.
That s just a small test, there s actually much more than that but you ll get the idea.
You could make another test with xprivacy, and if you do so you ll see that all apps request various private data like ids and cell towers location.
The thing is that the higher the android version the more difficult it is to prevent that data mining, data mining that is little more than spying by looking over your shoulder.
Una roms have been designed to prevent that, and more (see OP), but it s up to everybody to install it or not.
I really appreciate your Hard work , I can imagine how much hard work you would have done by working on a phone which you do not own , borrowing it again and again , testing the ROM on someone else's phone and the fear of bricking it . But as someone mentioned in the thread many users are on 4.4 . Many here fear bricking there devices while downgrading it. The mere fact that you have to downgrade your device to use the ROM is what cause of lack of users . personally I really liked what your ROM offers. Just to help you for further development H6 is the most stable and without Knox count firmware. Some 60-70 % users who flash custom ROM are on this firmware and even many custom Roms use it as a base . Hope to see this ROM on kk .
Best of luck.
unclefab said:
I really dislike 4.4 because it s full of spying, but on the other hand I definitely could build a 4.4 rom for the Grand 2 cuz I can understand that not many people want to take the risk to downgrade.
The only problem is that I don t own the phone, and that the person I borrowed it from doesn t want me to install 4.4 on it, because of knox and because 4.3 runs well.
One thing you have to bear in mind is that latest android version doesn t mean best version, and since 4.1 it s actually been quite the opposite.
Google install 2-3 gimmicks to "enhance users' experience" bla bla, and at the same time strengthens its grip on android.
It got particularly bad with 4.4, and I read reports that it went even worse with 5x...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely I wanna going to try this rom. I never said 4.4. Or 5 is best versions of android.
But the fact is downgrading is some what risky. Eben then I am going to try.
No need to pay me for taking sweet.
wrishaba said:
Definitely I wanna going to try this rom. I never said 4.4. Or 5 is best versions of android.
But the fact is downgrading is some what risky. Eben then I am going to try.
No need to pay me for taking sweet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn t read everything about the downgrade procedure, but of what I have read you have to odin flash a specific KK version first, and then a specific 4.3.
Anyway, if it s really that risky maybe you shouldn t try and wait until we manage to release a 4.4 Una rom.
The problem is that the person that owns that phone uses it for business purposes, so I have to be very careful not to loose all the whatsapp, bbm etc. contacts and settings, and if it was ok to backup her rom, work on making una during nights and then restoring her original rom in the early morning, it would be a different story to switch from 4.3 to 4.4 to again 4.3 every night...
Let s see if I can convince her to use 4.4 as her daily rom, but I can t lie and tell her that 4.4 is better than 4.3, and I don t think she will accept to sacrifice her phone.
I meet her again next month and I ll keep you informed in case she accepts.
For now what you can do if you want to make your phone more private and secure is to follow what I explain in my security thread (check my signature "how to secure your phone").
unclefab said:
I didn t read everything about the downgrade procedure, but of what I have read you have to odin flash a specific KK version first, and then a specific 4.3.
Anyway, if it s really that risky maybe you shouldn t try and wait until we manage to release a 4.4 Una rom.
The problem is that the person that owns that phone uses it for business purposes, so I have to be very careful not to loose all the whatsapp, bbm etc. contacts and settings, and if it was ok to backup her rom, work on making una during nights and then restoring her original rom in the early morning, it would be a different story to switch from 4.3 to 4.4 to again 4.3 every night...
Let s see if I can convince her to use 4.4 as her daily rom, but I can t lie and tell her that 4.4 is better than 4.3, and I don t think she will accept to sacrifice her phone.
I meet her again next month and I ll keep you informed in case she accepts.
For now what you can do if you want to make your phone more private and secure is to follow what I explain in my security thread (check my signature "how to secure your phone").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All builds prior to NK1 are without KNOX.
NH6 is good and speedy.
I'm a dev too, and I don't recommend the over-VIP experience you're using to grab customers. I ain't sure, but it looks humiliating to you to give picky users a VIP experience.
Just tell them to get the hell off the thread if they hate the idea (I really like it and would've upgraded if I was a TW user. I use AOSP CM).
Also, the screenshots are from a Grand 1, and our device is SM-G7102, not I7102. You mixed up with the Grand 1 i9082.
Oah you know, customers is maybe not the right word, unless they pay which is not the case!
Then I don t know if that can be called a vip experience, but I understand your point, maybe sometimes I m too nice, what to do...
For the screenshots, I didn t mix 'em, I explained in OP that I didn't have time to make any since I ran short of time, and that the ones I put here come from another phone.
A galaxy grand i9082, yep, well done, you have a sharp eye!
They are very similar in shape, layout and color (apart from the cascade icon to minimize windows that Samsung has removed after 4.2.2, a big mistake to my opinion), so people can get the idea.
WaseemAlkurdi said:
I'm a dev too, and I don't recommend the over-VIP experience you're using to grab customers. I ain't sure, but it looks humiliating to you to give picky users a VIP experience.
Just tell them to get the hell off the thread if they hate the idea (I really like it and would've upgraded if I was a TW user. I use AOSP CM).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In some ways you are right, but we think that being professional is not a bad thing, despite the fact that the forum is full of picky users, ready to make bad comments even without trying the product. Of course, we can and we will also give a VIP experience, but it is reserved for the ones that will earn it.
In any case we appreciate your support. Thank you
WaseemAlkurdi said:
All builds prior to NK1 are without KNOX.
NH6 is good and speedy.
I'm a dev too, and I don't recommend the over-VIP experience you're using to grab customers. I ain't sure, but it looks humiliating to you to give picky users a VIP experience.
Just tell them to get the hell off the thread if they hate the idea (I really like it and would've upgraded if I was a TW user. I use AOSP CM).
Also, the screenshots are from a Grand 1, and our device is SM-G7102, not I7102. You mixed up with the Grand 1 i9082.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When downgrade strucked at boot logo "samsung".
Thai version. 4.3. What to do wasim? Any idea.
Odin flash failed. Again flashed NH6. Again boot loop.
Pllllzzzzz download link
Sent from my SM-G7102 using XDA Free mobile app
wrishaba said:
When downgrade strucked at boot logo "samsung".
Thai version. 4.3. What to do wasim? Any idea.
Odin flash failed. Again flashed NH6. Again boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I recall, wiping (data/cache/Dalvik cache) from recovery worked.
You're lucky you ain't in a hard brick
Note that you need ClockWorkMod Recovery to wipe Dalvik.

(What are) Must have APPS and To-Do to newbies to Galaxy S9+ (?)

Hey all.
Within a couple of days I'm getting my new Galaxy S9+ (Exynos) phone.
I made a year break from Android and switched to Apple, and now I'm back.
Unfortunately, I know nothing about newest Galaxy phones.
Maybe anyone has suggestions what should I do (download) when I'll set-up my phone (I've watched all the reviews of "must have" etc., don't suggest me to do that)?
I used to root and unlock bootloader for each my android phone, but I won't do that to my Galaxy S9+ at least for 6 months.
Hence, many root apps not working: "AdAway", "Viper4Android" etc.,
Maybe anyone knows Ad Blocking app without rooting a phone?
Or just mention anything that newbie to Galaxy S9+ should know.
(If you're wondering why am I "spamming" with these "stupid" questions: And no, I didn't find any similar thread to this)
Thanks in advance!
I use to root and rom all my phones, but I don't think it is as necessary as before.
I also use to download all the tweaks, but I don't do that either.
Non-root to block adds try Blokada it is in the F-Droid store.
It is Free and it Works.
I also swear by ES File Explorer to view and move files on your app. Also to sync any cloud storage you have.
If you have a regular phone number and google voice number going to the same phone
Voice Choice 2.0 is a nice app that allows you to make calls with a specific number
i.e. family and close friends have you carrier number
work partners, resume, business line has your google number
when you make a call you don't have to select anything, based on your rules set up it will dial out using the appropriate number.
re
qnc said:
I use to root and rom all my phones, but I don't think it is as necessary as before.
I also use to download all the tweaks, but I don't do that either.
Non-root to block adds try Blokada it is in the F-Droid store.
It is Free and it Works.
I also swear by ES File Explorer to view and move files on your app. Also to sync any cloud storage you have.
If you have a regular phone number and google voice number going to the same phone
Voice Choice 2.0 is a nice app that allows you to make calls with a specific number
i.e. family and close friends have you carrier number
work partners, resume, business line has your google number
when you make a call you don't have to select anything, based on your rules set up it will dial out using the appropriate number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Maybe you know anything about removing / disabling Bloatware as well?
LaurynasVP said:
Thanks! Maybe you know anything about removing / disabling Bloatware as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check out this thread at your own risk. It works I disabled Facebook (don't see why that would be on and unlocked phone fro Samsung, but i digress)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/how-to/s9-s9-bloatware-removal-thread-g960u-t3817810
Be careful with the commands and understand what is being done before you hit the enter/return key
Good thing about disabling is if you fubar the phone you can do a factory restore and start all over
I only disabled Facebook. will investigate the other software as i play with the phone. Only had it 2 weeks so far.
re
qnc said:
check out this thread at your own risk. It works I disabled Facebook (don't see why that would be on and unlocked phone fro Samsung, but i digress)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/how-to/s9-s9-bloatware-removal-thread-g960u-t3817810
Be careful with the commands and understand what is being done before you hit the enter/return key
Good thing about disabling is if you fubar the phone you can do a factory restore and start all over
I only disabled Facebook. will investigate the other software as i play with the phone. Only had it 2 weeks so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll keep everything in mind

Pokemon go GPS spoofing guide

Hi, I didn't see this guide anywhere so I thought I'd make one, this is my first so please reach out if you have any questions or need help.
1. Root with magisk.
2. Install busybox and props config module
3. Download a terminal emulator such as termux
4. Open emulator, type su press enter
5.type props.
6. Goto device finger prints
7. Pick a certified fingerprint
8. Find Nvidia and select it.
9. Find shield tv pro 2019 and select it
10. Reboot device when asked.
11. Open magisk and hide Pokemon go, you may need to enable this feature in settings.
12. Reboot device.
13. Hide magisk in settings.
14. Reboot.
15. Download safety net checker and make sure u pass.....magisk checker does not work properly.
16. Download ADB on your PC and run it.
17. Attempt to connect, once failed u will find a folder in documents called .android
18. Open that folder to find your adb keys.
19. Take adbkey.pub, open in notepad, copy and make a new text doc and paste it in, delete the .txt at the end and rename to adb_keys
20. Download a Root Explorer from play store
21. Copy adb_keys to root/data/misc/adb change the permissions to 770
22. Enable ADB over wifi.
23. Connect to your device, ADB should say success!
24. Follow this guide, you're device setup 2.
https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonGoSpoofing/comments/glxdfv
Enjoy some pokemon go! I used the GPS spoofer in the thread and it has worked since the original Android launch on Switch.
I have to shout out to the devs, this was an amazing release, waaaaay better and more stable than the original. I have had it running for weeks now, no issues. Stadia and steam link are awesome.
This also gets stadia to work, I noticed that if a joy con isn't responding, just remove it from switch, click a button then reconnect it to the switch.
Troubleshooting tips:
1. If ADB doesn't connect, recheck the permissions, I found root Explorer doesn't work 100% of the time when changing permissions.
2. If smali patcher doesn't work, and ADB is connected. Close smali patcher and reopen as administrator.
3. Flash the smali module via twrp. I couldn't get it loaded through majisk. After its flashed, make sure it's active in majisk modules.
Or simply install PGSharp and you won't have to do any of this.
LeyendaV said:
Or simply install PGSharp and you won't have to do any of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you could but that runs with risk of being banned my method has a zero risk of being banned unless you're an idiot and show up in Canada one day and Europe an hour later.
FYI Banhammer is on the way for pgsharp, they do it once a year around oct
Johneyap said:
Yes you could but that runs with risk of being banned my method has a zero risk of being banned unless you're an idiot and show up in Canada one day and Europe an hour later.
FYI Banhammer is on the way for pgsharp, they do it once a year around oct
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no. While PGSharp can get you banned, it will only if you do are, as you well said, an idiot. If you respect the cooldowns and are smart using it, you can play forever on PGS.
If you play every day in a different country and have 100+ 100IV mons from different countries, of course you will feel the hammer. Play smart and you will be perfectly good.
LeyendaV said:
Yes and no. While PGSharp can get you banned, it will only if you do are, as you well said, an idiot. If you respect the cooldowns and are smart using it, you can play forever on PGS.
If you play every day in a different country and have 100+ 100IV mons from different countries, of course you will feel the hammer. Play smart and you will be perfectly good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm, I'd rather play it safe and use this method as it's undetectable, the other method is detectable l, and there are lots of reports I find online about bans this you won't find any I would also prefer a method that works forever and not dependant on updates to be released.
I'm glad pgsharp works for you, but this is a far superior and safer way.
This also has the added bonus of enabling stadia amongst other features
Johneyap said:
Hmmmm, I'd rather play it safe and use this method as it's undetectable, the other method is detectable l, and there are lots of reports I find online about bans this you won't find any I would also prefer a method that works forever and not dependant on updates to be released.
I'm glad pgsharp works for you, but this is a far superior and safer way.
This also has the added bonus of enabling stadia amongst other features
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, both methods are equally unsafe. As long as the mask is not turned off by mistake (from the app and/or the user), PoGO won't recognize the root.
On Sharp, as long as you don't abuse, you'll be ok. Those who were banned are jumping from one country to another all the time, even ignoring the black wanings. And, if you do it too with this method, even if you don't use Sharp, you will be banned as well.
The lesson here is be smart when spoofing.
LeyendaV said:
Actually, both methods are equally unsafe. As long as the mask is not turned off by mistake (from the app and/or the user), PoGO won't recognize the root.
On Sharp, as long as you don't abuse, you'll be ok. Those who were banned are jumping from one country to another all the time, even ignoring the black wanings. And, if you do it too with this method, even if you don't use Sharp, you will be banned as well.
The lesson here is be smart when spoofing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know but based on the data this is still a safer bet as there's been no band hammer, ever, with PG sharp the last one was in August 2020
PGSharp vs Smali Patcher & Pokemod (March 23, 2022)
No Root PGSharp vs Rooted Methods Comparison (March 2022) https://www.reddit.com/r/PoGoAndroidSpoofing For discussion of this, see Which one is better: PGSharp (no root modified app) vs. Smali Patcher with joystick app and Pokemod (rooted device required)? This is a Reddit post for this top...
docs.google.com
I'm with johneyap, long time smali patch user and have never had problems when sticking to cool down timer. This is what the Reddit pogo spoofing community recommends hands down.
I installed android on the switch yesterday so I could try Xbox game pass and it's worked great. I remember installing lineageOS when it first came out for the switch and it was painful having seperate SD cards, but with hakete and switchroot it's gold.
I saw this post and thought do I need another device that's smali patched? I have a device with SD845 and it runs unreal so I won't struggle with lag and low/stuttering frame rates.
But great effort for the in-depth guide.
I tried with PGSharp but all it does is give me a black screen after the Niantic logo. Any idea anyone?
EDIT: Fixed it by using the ARMv7 version.

Question How to make the best of an unlockable_unrootable Verizon US variant?

I recently upgraded to the S23 Ultra and discovered that there's no option to unlock the bootloader. The root functions I value most are:
A firewall that will block apps from phoning home and/or accessing the internet without using the Android vpn (not sure if I could do that even if rooted...I just want to block apps from phoning home and use a vpn at the same time))
A call recorder (currently using Cube ACR, which actually works pretty good)
A way to 'image' the entire phone (i.e., like TWRP back up/restore)
A way to uninstall the bloatware that doesn't have an uninstall function.
Barring some method that will unlock the bootloader on this phone, what are methods/apps that will help me get as close to a rooted state as possible?
Well your first point is solved with what I use for privacy and adblocking. NextDNS (free option or $12/yr) you get a private DNS server and you control what is blocked and what isn't with all the customization you want. As for call recording, I've used skvalex (free with paid pro option but pro only adds automatic backup) for years whether rooted or not and it always works just fine. Though I will admit when it's connected to my car with Bluetooth it only records my side but I rarely talk while in the car so not a deal breaker for me. Thirdly, you could use adb to make a backup (from what I've read) but I use shizuku to give swift backup more permissions and it backups everything for me.
Thanks for your comments, spart0n.
I looked over NextDNS. It seems to have a lot of features. I do use my vpn's DNS, but they're various US servers are slow, plus NextDNS seems to have more features.
One thing I'm not clear on is can it slectively block apps from connecting to the internet, both on mobile /and/or wifi connection, much like a firewall?
I also did a quick perusal of skvalex, but I'm not sure how it's different from Cube ACR? One concern with cube is security...are they doing nefarious things with my data.
Cube also won't record the other side of a conversation when I'm using a bluetooth device (earbuds, car).
Is skvalex ' more respecting of privcy? In what ways do you deem it superior to other options such as Cube?
I'll be looking into Shizku and Swift backup, but am I correct in that it seems to be more of a 'Titanium' type app than a complete phone backup?
I really appreciate the pointers.
Sam Sung said:
Thanks for your comments, spart0n.
I looked over NextDNS. It seems to have a lot of features. I do use my vpn's DNS, but they're various US servers are slow, plus NextDNS seems to have more features.
One thing I'm not clear on is can it slectively block apps from connecting to the internet, both on mobile /and/or wifi connection, much like a firewall?
I also did a quick perusal of skvalex, but I'm not sure how it's different from Cube ACR? One concern with cube is security...are they doing nefarious things with my data.
Cube also won't record the other side of a conversation when I'm using a bluetooth device (earbuds, car).
Is skvalex ' more respecting of privcy? In what ways do you deem it superior to other options such as Cube?
I'll be looking into Shizku and Swift backup. I really appreciate the pointers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried cube in the past and it had a lot of denied connections in the background but over the years skvalex has worked perfectly even if I completely block all internet connectivity even from the start of installation except for checking for pro version.
As for NextDNS it does work on wifi and cellular. Personally I pay for the pro and have it setup on my home router plus all my phones too
Try freezing the Apps you cannot uninstall - e.g. SuperFreezZ or SD Maid.
Have a look here for some other goodies that may be useful:
https://alternativeto.net/list/28655/the-ultimate-f-droid-setup/
elmor0 said:
Try freezing the Apps you cannot uninstall - e.g. SuperFreezZ or SD Maid.
Have a look here for some other goodies that may be useful:
https://alternativeto.net/list/28655/the-ultimate-f-droid-setup/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no such thing as not able to uninstall. With adb commands you can uninstall literally any app, even system apps.
spart0n said:
There's no such thing as not able to uninstall. With adb commands you can uninstall literally any app, even system apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the system apps don't get truly uninstalled but are effectively disabled (frozen)......?
spart0n said:
I've tried cube in the past and it had a lot of denied connections in the background but over the years skvalex has worked perfectly even if I completely block all internet connectivity even from the start of installation except for checking for pro version.
As for NextDNS it does work on wifi and cellular. Personally I pay for the pro and have it setup on my home router plus all my phones too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem I've seen with Cube is that it sometimes randomly ends a recording before the call is finished.
Your earlier comment about using ABD to backup the phone - I found this and several other similar articles/guides outlining the method I think you alluded to. Seems pretty straight-forward. I also turned up info on uninstalling. Thanks for that - ABD seems the way to go.
The link:
How To Create a Full Android Phone or Tablet Backup Without Rooting or Unlocking Your Device
Android includes a built-in way to back up and restore the contents of your phone or tablet. All you need is a computer and a device running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or newer.
www.howtogeek.com
Adding this link:
How to uninstall carrier/OEM bloatware without root access
If you want to get rid of carrier/OEM apps from your phone, here's how you can uninstall bloatware from your device without root access!
www.xda-developers.com
elmor0 said:
My understanding is that the system apps don't get truly uninstalled but are effectively disabled (frozen)......?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do get uninstalled, but they remain inside the recovery partition so that when you reset the device they get reinstalled. You can disable or uninstall from Android any system app, even breaking the system, but the app will not get deleted from recovery unless you flash twrp or another custom recovery which deletes the stock recovery
Sam Sung said:
The problem I've seen with Cube is that it sometimes randomly ends a recording before the call is finished.
Your earlier comment about using ABD to backup the phone - I found this and several other similar articles/guides outlining the method I think you alluded to. Seems pretty straight-forward. I also turned up info on uninstalling. Thanks for that - ABD seems the way to go.
The link:
How To Create a Full Android Phone or Tablet Backup Without Rooting or Unlocking Your Device
Android includes a built-in way to back up and restore the contents of your phone or tablet. All you need is a computer and a device running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or newer.
www.howtogeek.com
Adding this link:
How to uninstall carrier/OEM bloatware without root access
If you want to get rid of carrier/OEM apps from your phone, here's how you can uninstall bloatware from your device without root access!
www.xda-developers.com
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Those are okay but dated guides for bloatware removal. There's 2 easy ways right now. One open source and not as feature rich and then there's a free/pro app that has more features.
Open source is universal android debloater gui (unless you want command line) from GitHub really easy to find with Google.
Or adb app control from cybercat. He's very active in his telegram support group and helpful
spart0n said:
Those are okay but dated guides for bloatware removal. There's 2 easy ways right now. One open source and not as feature rich and then there's a free/pro app that has more features.
Open source is universal android debloater gui (unless you want command line) from GitHub really easy to find with Google.
Or adb app control from cybercat. He's very active in his telegram support group and helpful
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Click to collapse
So they are. Not stuck on terminal. I've found and bookmarked AppControl download page.
Looking again, the ADB guide I linked to is aged too...is that still the best method? A Windows GUI would be nice for that too. Is there a reliable app or is ADB still my best bet?
Sam Sung said:
So they are. Not stuck on terminal. I've found and bookmarked AppControl download page.
Looking again, the ADB guide I linked to is aged too...is that still the best method? A Windows GUI would be nice for that too. Is there a reliable app or is ADB still my best bet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah there's a gui for adb, it's called universal android debloater from GitHub and in the release section they have a gui version
GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater: Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.
Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device. - GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater:...
github.com
spart0n said:
Yeah there's a gui for adb, it's called universal android debloater from GitHub and in the release section they have a gui version
GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater: Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.
Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device. - GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater:...
github.com
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Rereading, I can see I wasn't clear at all. I should have specified 'for backup'. I'm doing a bit of searching for something now and this week. I doubt I can image the entire phone, but I'm hoping to find as complete and 'nandroid-like' backup solution as I can. If you know of anything, I'd appreciate it. Or maybe my best bet actually is ABD and commandline.
Sam Sung said:
Rereading, I can see I wasn't clear at all. I should have specified 'for backup'. I'm doing a bit of searching for something now and this week. I doubt I can image the entire phone, but I'm hoping to find as complete and 'nandroid-like' backup solution as I can. If you know of anything, I'd appreciate it. Or maybe my best bet actually is ABD and commandline.
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Click to collapse
Honestly I don't know any good ones, I use swift backup with shizuku. That's all I really know of. It works like titanium backup did but without root, even with shizuku, is somewhat limited.
adb pull /sdcard will get your files
Sometimes adb pull will fail on a specific file or folder and just puke on itself and refuse to continue. If that happens, you just have to delete the file/folder and try again. I've only had this happen once though.
Swift Backup with shizuku will back up apps and their downloaded data but not user data. Pair it with Google Backup and Google will restore *some* app data... Realistically though, you'll be losing some or a lot of app data, depending on app policies.
Thanks for your responses. Regrettably, there's no option in Dev options to unlock the boot-loader., so I'm stuck with whatever is available. Now I know. I should have either switched carriers or bought an unlocked phone, which I think comes with its own caveats.
User data, photos and such isn't too much of an issue here. My client data from apps is backed up to PC regularly, as are any photos I want to keep etc.
I like Nandroid backups because they backup everything including texts, call logs and OS (nice in case something happens and the OS bites the dust or gets crippled).
The real issue is my texts and call logs, moreso the texts..
How reliable is Swift (which is looking more and more attractive) compared to ABD, and can ABD back up more?
Also, side note, but my late wife's phone is an S7. I lost a previous phone and ergo my texts, so the texts on her phone are all I have of our texts over the years.
I was thinking I'd use Smart Switch or something to transfer the texts from her phone over to the S10 I just upgraded from. Is that practical?
I appreciate your remarks. Thanks!
Sam Sung said:
Thanks for your responses. Regrettably, there's no option in Dev options to unlock the boot-loader., so I'm stuck with whatever is available. Now I know. I should have either switched carriers or bought an unlocked phone, which I think comes with its own caveats.
User data, photos and such isn't too much of an issue here. My client data from apps is backed up to PC regularly, as are any photos I want to keep etc.
I like Nandroid backups because they backup everything including texts, call logs and OS (nice in case something happens and the OS bites the dust or gets crippled).
The real issue is my texts and call logs, moreso the texts..
How reliable is Swift (which is looking more and more attractive) compared to ABD, and can ABD back up more?
Also, side note, but my late wife's phone is an S7. I lost a previous phone and ergo my texts, so the texts on her phone are all I have of our texts over the years.
I was thinking I'd use Smart Switch or something to transfer the texts from her phone over to the S10 I just upgraded from. Is that practical?
I appreciate your remarks. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for bootloader unlocking anything Samsung, you can't buy the north America models, any other country model will have the option for unlocking. As for swift vs adb without root? Swift does call logs and text backups locally on the device and on several cloud services of your choice if you wish.
spart0n said:
As for bootloader unlocking anything Samsung, you can't buy the north America models, any other country model will have the option for unlocking. As for swift vs adb without root? Swift does call logs and text backups locally on the device and on several cloud services of your choice if you wish.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, sprt0n. I'll give Swift a try, along with Shizuku. Regarding the old S7 texts...do you recommend Swift there as well? WIll there be an issue transfering texts between the s7 and s10 given their age? S10 is Android 12, S7 is Android 8.
Sam Sung said:
Thanks, sprt0n. I'll give Swift a try, along with Shizuku. Regarding the old S7 texts...do you recommend Swift there as well? WIll there be an issue transfering texts between the s7 and s10 given their age? S10 is Android 12, S7 is Android 8.
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Click to collapse
You can try it says on the Google Play store listing page that supports Android 6 and up so it should work
I'll do that, Thx.
Y'all have given me direction regarding uninstalling apps and back up, and even firewalling, if NextDNS allows.
I may be back for future questions after I research this stuff. I appreciate all your comments, particularly spart0n.

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