[Q] Is there an alternative Google Play client? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

The regular Google Play client is very thin on features. Specifically when it comes to automatic update one can either enable or disable it. I'm looking for a way to have my apps automatically updated unless they're on an auto-update blacklist. I basically want mark specific apps to not be auto-updated. This way I can be sure that applications that are important to me only get updated manually, typically after I get a chance to read reviews from early adopters and confirm that the new version is not broken or crippled.

Bumping an old thread.
I am looking for something similar.
I don't like that GP can install and update APKs remotely and without my input, however I cannot find a proper market replacement for Google Play yet.

oren_b said:
The regular Google Play client is very thin on features. Specifically when it comes to automatic update one can either enable or disable it. I'm looking for a way to have my apps automatically updated unless they're on an auto-update blacklist. I basically want mark specific apps to not be auto-updated. This way I can be sure that applications that are important to me only get updated manually, typically after I get a chance to read reviews from early adopters and confirm that the new version is not broken or crippled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oehr said:
Bumping an old thread.
I am looking for something similar.
I don't like that GP can install and update APKs remotely and without my input, however I cannot find a proper market replacement for Google Play yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, you can choose specific apps to auto-update, and you a general setting for all apps whether to auto-update on Wifi-Only, anytime, or never. You can then go to each app and press the menu button and you'll find an "Auto update " option with a check mark.
However, if you don't like Google Play, then the best alternative is Aptoide. You can find all apps on it, you can add other stores created by users other than the official Aptoide one and find more apps on them. However, you can't be sure that the version you have is the latest version. It can be the latest but on this store only. You can open Aptoide.com and search for the app you want if you didn't find it on the Aptoide app. It will then get you the latest version on all of the Aptoide stores and you can simply scan a QR code to get the app.

AAbounegm said:
First of all, you can choose specific apps to auto-update, and you a general setting for all apps whether to auto-update on Wifi-Only, anytime, or never. You can then go to each app and press the menu button and you'll find an "Auto update " option with a check mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this tip! Here's what I now do:
1. Make sure WiFi is disabled, then enable the option to Auto Update apps over WiFi only
2. Go through all my apps and uncheck the ones that I don't want to auto update (basically everything critical that I can't afford to break).
3. Enable WiFi
4. Remember to blacklist new apps if they ever become mission critical

That's good, but you don't have to disable your WiFi. And if you check Do not Auto-update apps, it will send a notification every once in while telling you that there are apps that have updates and you can choose which ones to update. I think this way is much easier than going through every app and unchecking auto-update. And I have 2 questions: 1- What is that Blacklist you are talking about? I have no such thing. 2- What version of the Play Store do you have?

AAbounegm said:
That's good, but you don't have to disable your WiFi. And if you check Do not Auto-update apps, it will send a notification every once in while telling you that there are apps that have updates and you can choose which ones to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I don't disable WiFi before enabling this feature and unchecking ("blacklisting") apps, then it'll just start downloading updates for apps which I don't want to update. Disabling WiFi (temporarily) prevent this.
I think this way is much easier than going through every app and unchecking auto-update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if I want most of my apps to auto-update and only a handful to require manual approval.
And I have 2 questions: 1- What is that Blacklist you are talking about? I have no such thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Blacklist" is a term used for marking some items where an action which occurs normally should not for selected items. For example blacklisting a sender in an email client would allow most email in but block email from this sender. Similarly, unchecking this Google Play option for specific apps would also auto-update for most apps, except those marked (in other words, those "blacklisted").
2- What version of the Play Store do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Play Store 4.6.17 on Android 4.1.2 (Galaxy Note 2).

imo, blacklisting and all the stuff you described just doesnt cut it for me. I am reluctant to give any software su access, especially stuff like google play.
I checked out Aptoide. its okay i guess, but doesnt provide up to date apps...
I wonder why most freeware devs arent providing their APKs on their own websites and open source devs add their software to f-droid or provide a repository to be added there.
Android is so far away from what made linux nowadays...

Related

[Q] How can I disable updates for specific apps in the market?

It used to be the market would separate apps that were approved for auto update from those that had disabled auto update set. One could then simply hit the Update All (for the group) button and it would update ONLY the apps that were auto update enabled. Over the past few months Play Store has changed their behavior in that it no longer separates the apps and will only enable auto updates for everything or nothing.
How can I hide or otherwise prevent these few apps that I do not want to update from being in the play store update list? As it is now, I have to selectively update each individual app from the list, skipping the few apps I do not want updated.
Thanks,
Currently on a Samsung GS3, rooted, stock.
implodeme said:
It used to be the market would separate apps that were approved for auto update from those that had disabled auto update set. One could then simply hit the Update All (for the group) button and it would update ONLY the apps that were auto update enabled. Over the past few months Play Store has changed their behavior in that it no longer separates the apps and will only enable auto updates for everything or nothing.
How can I hide or otherwise prevent these few apps that I do not want to update from being in the play store update list? As it is now, I have to selectively update each individual app from the list, skipping the few apps I do not want updated.
Thanks,
Currently on a Samsung GS3, rooted, stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you ever find a solution to this ?
Actually yes,... I think. I'd suggest making backups of your apps (TitaniumBU or other).
Open Play Store
Menu: Settings
Enable Auto Updates (Mine is set to when on WIFI only)
Go back to main Play store page.
Menu: My Apps
Under Installed, locate any app that you wish to change and select it, this opens the App Details page.
Menu: Auto-update untick the checkbox.
Still trying to confirm this condition: Seems that if you manually update an app that is not set to auto-update, it will possibly reset the auto-update flag to 'Enabled'
implodeme said:
Actually yes,... I think. I'd suggest making backups of your apps (TitaniumBU or other).
Open Play Store
Menu: Settings
Enable Auto Updates (Mine is set to when on WIFI only)
Go back to main Play store page.
Menu: My Apps
Under Installed, locate any app that you wish to change and select it, this opens the App Details page.
Menu: Auto-update untick the checkbox.
Still trying to confirm this condition: Seems that if you manually update an app that is not set to auto-update, it will possibly reset the auto-update flag to 'Enabled'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Sorry to bump this old thread, but I am kind of fighting with a similar issue, my problem is,
the apps I don't want to auto update are google apps(Keep/Youtube/Gtalk), which are replaced
by black counterparts from Team Blackout(with exception of Gtalk, I just don't like Hangouts)
and of course there is no "disable auto update" option with google system apps.
As of this date, I can see no valid option for selectively update the installed app catalogue, this
might be a decision from Google's part to push out the obsolete apps by force, which is understandable,
but I think there should be an option to have this feature.
Now at this point I am updating the apps manually app by app, and of course
with about 200 plus apps installed a complete PITA.
Thanks for any answers at this point, and this is my first post here btw, please be kind.
Greg T Pal said:
Hi!
Sorry to bump this old thread, but I am kind of fighting with a similar issue, my problem is,
the apps I don't want to auto update are google apps(Keep/Youtube/Gtalk), which are replaced
by black counterparts from Team Blackout(with exception of Gtalk, I just don't like Hangouts)
and of course there is no "disable auto update" option with google system apps.
As of this date, I can see no valid option for selectively update the installed app catalogue, this
might be a decision from Google's part to push out the obsolete apps by force, which is understandable,
but I think there should be an option to have this feature.
Now at this point I am updating the apps manually app by app, and of course
with about 200 plus apps installed a complete PITA.
Thanks for any answers at this point, and this is my first post here btw, please be kind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this thread looking for a way to selectively disable auto-update. I found that by going to the Play Store on my phone (under settings, I already had auto update on wifi only enabled), selecting apps/my apps, then choosing a specific app, then touching the soft menu key brings up a checkbox for auto -update. Uncheck to disable auto-update. This works for Google apps too like Hangouts, GMail (2 apps that I checked), etc.
speedlever said:
I found this thread looking for a way to selectively disable auto-update. I found that by going to the Play Store on my phone (under settings, I already had auto update on wifi only enabled), selecting apps/my apps, then choosing a specific app, then touching the soft menu key brings up a checkbox for auto -update. Uncheck to disable auto-update. This works for Google apps too like Hangouts, GMail (2 apps that I checked), etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Up until a day or two ago, I found the same thing - I could hit the soft menu button in the Play Store, and there would be an option to check or uncheck Auto-Update for that specific App. But I just checked again, wanting to take advantage of that, and it didn't come up any more.
Can anybody confirm that this functionality is gone again?
I'm on Verizon, with a Stock 4.2.2 Galaxy Note 3, non-rooted.
Thanks.
ETA: I rebooted my phone, and the ability to check/uncheck auto-update with the soft menu is back. Strange, but at least it's there again.
Disable updates for specific app - COMPLETLY
Hello,
I found this thread - title says it all.
I have Google Maps 7.5.0 installed, therefore it's listed in "Updates" all the time.
I do not have automatic updates activated, but i like to use the "update all" button in the play store.
Is there a way to disable the listing of Google Maps in "Updates"?
Thanks!
Unnecessary post
Maniakk said:
Google maps is very necessary -,- :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps is - in my case - only an example.
I can't figure out the way your answer is helping anybody. -,- :good:
veaz said:
Google Maps is - in my case - only an example.
I can't figure out the way your answer is helping anybody. -,- :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can disable that display in Google Play. It knows what apps you have and will let you know when there is an update for them, whether you want to know or not! The main thing is that you can generally decide whether you want the update or not. I prefer it that way. It gives me a choice.
speedlever said:
I don't think you can disable that display in Google Play. It knows what apps you have and will let you know when there is an update for them, whether you want to know or not! The main thing is that you can generally decided whether you want the update or not. I prefer it that way. It gives me a choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I like that it's reminding me of updates.
But the new version of the app is not working for me and if I hit the updated-all button on accident, I have to reverse the app again. Happens too often. Would be awesome to have a checkbox á la "Don't display updates for this app"
veaz said:
Yes, I like that it's reminding me of updates.
But the new version of the app is not working for me and if I hit the updated-all button on accident, I have to reverse the app again. Happens too often. Would be awesome to have a checkbox á la "Don't display updates for this app"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I've learned to be selective in my updates.
speedlever said:
Yep. I've learned to be selective in my updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... guess I'm will get used to it...
Titanium backup will help us. The option name is : "dettach/attach app from market" . This option do what it says. So no update offer from play store after.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
There is a screenshots
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Titanium backup works
cosma.m said:
Titanium backup will help us. The option name is : "dettach/attach app from market" . This option do what it says. So no update offer from play store after.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that does the trick perfectly
duckettmarc said:
Thanks, that does the trick perfectly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it did the trick for a while - and the app (Facebook app - the old version which did not have the annoying bugs) I detached from the market vanished from the available updates list. But the very next morning it was back in the same list :crying::crying:
That's right, it only works for a couple of hours. Haven't found another solution
cosma.m said:
Titanium backup will help us. The option name is : "dettach/attach app from market" . This option do what it says. So no update offer from play store after.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for reminding me of this feature. Much appreciated! :fingers-crossed::good:
Titanium backup only seems to work for a few hours or until the app is run again before showing up in the play store again.
Are there any other methods besides APKtool to resign?
Disable update method
mentalinc said:
Titanium backup only seems to work for a few hours or until the app is run again before showing up in the play store again.
Are there any other methods besides APKtool to resign?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have found the simple answer:
1. In Google Play Store settings enable all applications to update automatically on wi-fi.
2. Next, individually click each of the apps you do not want to update automatically. On each app's update page, there is a menu button on the top right corner. Click it and deselect auto update for that app.
Now all these disabled apps will not auto update along with the other generally permitted apps.
Cheers.

Google services updates despite disabling auto update. Is there an adb method to turn off auto updates for good?

The "newer" version of the Google app (this update came out well over a year ago) has a definitively degraded speech recognition engine. I use the voice typing on my pixel very often, especially while driving, and the newer version quite literally makes this feature defunct.
For a very long time, I have only had to uninstall the update when my system updates, but since the most recent one a few days ago, I have uninstalled it probably over 15 times. And each time I do this, it updates on its own at most a few hours later, despite the fact that auto updating is disabled.
It is very annoying, and I want to know if there is a setting I can change within the app or elsewhere using adb.
I would greatly appreciate the help.
Google Services - as mentioned in thread's title - per se doesn't exist: it exist Google Play Service & Google Services Framework what are 2 completely different softwares.
You can force Google Play Service to stop auto-upadating of Google applications like Google App.
To turn updates on or off, follow these steps:
Open Google Play.
Tap the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) on the top-left.
Tap Settings.
Tap Auto-update apps.
To disable automatic app updates, select Do not auto-update apps.
jwoegerbauer said:
Google Services - as mentioned in thread's title - per se doesn't exist: it exist Google Play Service & Google Services Framework what are 2 completely different softwares.
You can force Google Play Service to stop auto-upadating of Google applications like Google App.
To turn updates on or off, follow these steps:
Open Google Play.
Tap the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) on the top-left.
Tap Settings.
Tap Auto-update apps.
To disable automatic app updates, select Do not auto-update apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I made pretty clear in the original post, I've done this. For the Google app and the play store in general. Come back with something that didn't come from an faq page.
Tauredian said:
As I made pretty clear in the original post, I've done this. For the Google app and the play store in general. Come back with something that didn't come from an faq page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Karma Firewall, just block it.
Or use Package Disabler for non-Samsung devices if you don't have a Samsung.
Home - Package Disabler
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
www.packagedisabler.com

How can I tell if an app is pre-installed on Android?

Is there any way in Google Play Store or Settings > Apps to determine if an app is pre-installed on Android?
Yes, you can just look at a specific application, if your device does not enable you to uninstall, it is a pre-installed device.
In a pre-installed device, you can only disable the application but can't uninstall it.
I hope you find it useful, and if I come across any applications, I will make sure to share them with you.
seancannery88 said:
Yes, you can just look at a specific application, if your device does not enable you to uninstall, it is a pre-installed device.
In a pre-installed device, you can only disable the application but can't uninstall it.
I hope you find it useful, and if I come across any applications, I will make sure to share them with you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's not as simple as that. You can always uninstall updates and revert back to the pre-installed (ROM) version.
I frequently have to uninstall Google and Google Maps to allow me to install updates to other apps because the calculation of the space required in Google Play Store and more so in Samsung's Galaxy Store is flawed. Once I have updated the the other apps, I update the Google apps to bring them up to date. I know that with those two apps I won't lose any data or settings as these are stored in the cloud of my Google account.
However, sometimes it is necessary to do something similar with other apps in order to update them but if they are not pre-installed and you uninstall them, you lose any configuration and settings when you reinstall. It would be nice to know in advance which apps are pre-installed and will therefore likely retain data and settings if you revert them and then update them.
As a side note, it always amazes me what is pre-installed in one phone and has become obsolete by the time that phone's successor comes along.

Just need some detailed info on All programs in Google pixel 4,Android 11.

I can't for the life of me find any info on system apps also some that should be accessed through play store. I'm positive there's malicious code in something just don't have the skills yet to indentify.
2 major issues in that, The system or something is reverting and changing settings it shouldn't,Till now just toggled it back not anymore.(Will post SS in order)
My banking security week and bit ago comprised my secure mobile authentication number & changed it. Which involves layers and layers of authentication to access basics,Then repeats for any changes including knowledge of the old number. That number Can never be 100% seen on browser & App that's the point . Lucky it always sends verification SMS to the old number,I managed to get the number off my bank tracked the fella down,Good old actor or was completely clueless to how massive a breach that is,Was weird when I was vetting him could just be age. The bank was no help couldn't explain it legitimately even fraud,Software and security systems nudda, wouldn't approach possible issues with there software not yet anyways second biggest here. Any clarity on this one would be great,Being in the dark makes it hard to fix it & prevent it in future.
Use the Exodus app.
Usage is pretty simple: download the app from Google Play and run it after installation. It will scan the installed applications automatically, lists them, and displays the number of trackers and permissions for each.
Ok sure I'll look at it,Thank you.
I can't find that particular one,I have had no success unfortunately I prompt the setting in the OS I exit it then changes back. Michhe
jwoegerbauer said:
Use the Exodus app.
Usage is pretty simple: download the app from Google Play and run it after installation. It will scan the installed applications automatically, lists them, and displays the number of trackers and permissions for each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find it in my play store & the current Dev apps arnt detailed enough. Any ideas ?
Your browser is not able to display this video.
jwoegerbauer said:
Use the Exodus app.
Usage is pretty simple: download the app from Google Play and run it after installation. It will scan the installed applications automatically, lists them, and displays the number of trackers and permissions for each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to post a video it won't let me,I can't find that one unfortunately in app store ? Other Dev apps are not doing enough.

Question Disable "dangerous app, uninstall ?"

So I have APKure on my phone.
I regularly swiped the play Protect message wanting it to uninstall APKure.
I got annoyed so I disabled Play Protect.
I still got that annoying pop-up saying "hey I'm here, uninstall that app"
This drives me nuts !
How can I get rid of play Protect or create some exceptions to get rid of these popups?
Thx a lot
In your settings you can turn off play protect
Like this ?
Still getting that message ...
In this case, just delete google play store from your phone if you are deciding to stick with apkpure
Try clearing app and system cache.
Package Disable Playstore or firewall block it.
Playstore is a parasite, I rarely use it...
blackhawk said:
Package Disable Playstore or firewall block it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of these two. I mean delete delete it, not disabling it, since if you are gonna use apkpure instead of google play store then there is no need for it to interrupt your installations and etc.
Delete it using ADB Appcontrol. Package name: com.android.vending (google play store)
WooBLOATERRRR said:
None of these two. I mean delete delete it, not disabling it, since if you are gonna use apkpure instead of google play store then it's no need for it to interrupt your installations and etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessary to uninstall it. Occasionally you may want to use Playwhore.
Side loading is the best way to get malware or worse. Scan all side loads with online Virustotal before installing and reject any download if there's the slightest question of its integrity. Do not allow apps to update unless completely vetted and trusted like Malwarebytes. Most apps don't need to update. Firewall block all apps that don't need internet access to perform their core function. Most apps don't need internet access.
blackhawk said:
Not necessary to uninstall it. Occasionally you may want to use Playwhore.
Side loading is the best way to get malware or worse. Scan all side loads with online Virustotal before installing and reject any download if there's the slightest question of its integrity. Do not allow apps to update unless completely vetted and trusted like Malwarebytes. Most apps don't need to update. Firewall block all apps that don't need internet access to perform their core function. Most apps don't need internet access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wanna disable then do that, otherwise what I would do is to delete it since I know where I get my apps safe and etc. Just more peace for me
WooBLOATERRRR said:
If you wanna disable then do that, otherwise what I would do is to delete it since I know where I get my apps safe and etc. Just more peace for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Package Disabler and Karma Firewall so it's easier to just pull the plugs on Playstore.
I use ApkExport to save my apps so Playstore isn't needed on a reload.
Any app install carries risks unless fully vetted. Playstore has been breached multiple times in different ways, other sites carry similar risks. Best to avoid new downloads whenever possible.
This one of the reasons the current load on this N10+ will be 3 yo in June. Still fast and very stable. No firmware upgrades or updates in over 3 years.
That app is a cancer. Use APK Mirror or use official sources. If you need an XAPK installer, there are plenty on the Play Store that are much more trustworthy. There was even a malware distributed with the official APKPure app before.
APKPure is not safe, distributes Trojans
The APKPure app store for Android has been infected by a malicious module that downloads Trojans to users’ devices.
usa.kaspersky.com

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