I'm a former T-Mobile customer who will soon be moving over to AT&T. Coming from T-Mobile, unlocked bootloaders and easy root were the norm. It doesn't seem that way with AT&T.
Pretty much on any phone out of the box, most of the junk can be disabled, but there's always some useless stuff that can't. My question is: what AT&T and LG apps will remain after doing my best to disable things?
Also, is there any non-root method of disabling apps that can't be disabled via the settings menu? I vaguely remember there being something on the G4 before we had root so I'm hoping there's a method on the G5 or newer phones.
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
The only app I couldn't disable was the ATT Remote Support app. I haven't seen it running so it doesn't bother me. Without root there isn't much you can do about apps that will not uninstall or disable, I use Greenify to hibernate the apps and they usually stay that way.
Related
I really, really want to delete the pre-installed AT&T apps on my new HTC One. It's one of those weird questions and I'm not positive it belongs here but the answer should be easy for someone. I'm sure it's asked/answered monthly but I can't find it.
My research has led me to an app called "System Tuner" in which it's really easy to uninstall system apps. My question is can I safely remove the pre-installed system apps.
Apps in question are: (Already deleted a couple so may be missing them)
AT&T Address Book
AT&T Contacts Sync and Provider
AT&T DriveMode
AT&T FamilyMap
AT&T Hot Spots
AT&T Locker
AT&T Messages
AT&T Navigator
AT&T Ready2Go
AT&T Smart Wi-Fi
YP Mobile
Frisbee Contacts
Thanks
jiggyb21 said:
I really, really want to delete the pre-installed AT&T apps on my new HTC One. It's one of those weird questions and I'm not positive it belongs here but the answer should be easy for someone. I'm sure it's asked/answered monthly but I can't find it.
My research has led me to an app called "System Tuner" in which it's really easy to uninstall system apps. My question is can I safely remove the pre-installed system apps.
Apps in question are: (Already deleted a couple so may be missing them)
AT&T Address Book
AT&T Contacts Sync and Provider
AT&T DriveMode
AT&T FamilyMap
AT&T Hot Spots
AT&T Locker
AT&T Messages
AT&T Navigator
AT&T Ready2Go
AT&T Smart Wi-Fi
YP Mobile
Frisbee Contacts
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you replace the stock kernel all those apps will be back after you reboot the phone. The /system partition is protected.
I just used TiBu to freeze them.
gunnyman said:
Unless you replace the stock kernel all those apps will be back after you reboot the phone. The /system partition is protected.
I just used TiBu to freeze them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course.......I knew that at one point.
Thanks a lot for the quick response. I guess I'll do the same for now. It's only been a day and I already yearn for stock android again anyway. I haven't researched enough about things I would miss. Ie, Zoe and Beats audio.
Hi,
Like the G4 [I own for now] and I disabled most Verizon Apps. Possible with the G6? [I plan Getting]
Yes, this is built into android.
SOCOM-HERO said:
Yes, this is built into android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not entirely true. You can NOT disable the "Mobile Hotspot" or "Voicemail" app.
Check posts 7 and 9 here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3614406
I got a new VS988 in, installed the Package Disabler app using the instructions for non rooted phones, it appears to work. I've disabled some Google, LG, and VZW stuff that I consider bloat and it seems like they've indeed been disabled. Messaging, Slacker Radio, and a few other items are on the System tab, so don't be afraid to check that area out for things to disable (but don't disable something if you don't understand what it is)
markfm said:
Check posts 7 and 9 here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3614406
I got a new VS988 in, installed the Package Disabler app using the instructions for non rooted phones, it appears to work. I've disabled some Google, LG, and VZW stuff that I consider bloat and it seems like they've indeed been disabled. Messaging, Slacker Radio, and a few other items are on the System tab, so don't be afraid to check that area out for things to disable (but don't disable something if you don't understand what it is)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, on my VS988 Slacker and Messaging are under the regular apps, not system.
Gotta love non standardization ☺
I did pull in one system update, maybe something was shuffled.
http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5931f4cb2edb6/Capture%2B_2017-06-02-19-27-04.png?
Anyway, lacking root I ended up using the sd partition management app to carve off 24gb of sd as adopted storage, put in Adguard plus the combination of Yandex browser and Adguard Content Manager, and have Package Disabler. It isn't the same as root, but provides a bit more control.
I'd love to see a "Safe to remove" thread if anyone has one for the G6
Maybe look here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g6/help/bloatware-removing-t3639013/page5
I ended up going to BK Package Disabler. Install takes factory reset (to wipeout existing accounts, unless the ones you have can be removed on the fly) then loading that one app (giving it admin permission through adb).
BK is only a disabler, but does seem to work, lets you disable bloat. Long press on any given item and there's a pop-up so you can Google what an item is.
It warns you to reenable things before accepting a future OTA.
[Cruzer] said:
Since your the guru on most things. Wondering if you an direct me/tell me, to a best practice on how to debloat H932. Since there really is no debloated stock rom available. Really need wifi calling so can't go to any of the aosp roms.
Also I moved over to Nova Launcher as you suggested in one of my posts.
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm not a guru on most things. But I do try to help. I'm not a dev, so people like @runningnak3d or @seadersn know lots more than me.
Before I answer your question about debloating, for Nova launcher I found an icon pack I like on Google Play. I applied it to "convert" all my icons to that look. I also use the "cube" screen turn, and the reverse parallax view where my background image moves with the screen turns. I also put shadows under my icon labels to give them more a 3D look.
For "debloating", Titanium Backup is best or even Greenify (hear me out) -- depending on your goal. Yes, you can force uninstall any app, even system app. Simply change system app to user app, then uninstall. There's even a "bloatware melter" (or something like that) you can invoke in Titanium Backup. Of course, make very good backup(s) with TWRP.
1) I'm not sure what all "bloatware" (added apps) comes with H932, as the carrier unlocked US998 doesn't have much. Look for social media apps you don't use, maybe media streaming services you don't use. On my US998, I DO use Pandora, I DO use Facebook. I've kept Twitter, but I've never used Instagram and probably never will. However, since it's a system app, removing won't really help me free up space (unless I am misunderstanding that LG uses protected system space). Freezing via Titanium Backup might be better.
But first let's discuss bloatware... Somebody said this in another thread:
Things like Hangouts, Keep, Play Games, Play Books, Play Newstand, Google+, Maps, and a handful of other things I consider bloatware. Just because it's from Google doesn't mean it's wanted and doesn't mean it should be pre-loaded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't agree with him. I use Hangouts every day. It's my SMS app, as I have Google Voice. I use Maps every day, my wife uses Keep everyday. So, bloatware to everyone is different.
2) What is the goal? Reclaiming RAM or reclaiming space on the phone? "User apps" can be uninstalled to reclaim space, and while you CAN uninstall system apps, (to my knowledge) it doesn't help you reclaim user space. With few exceptions when you install something else, it's going to user space, not protected system space. Emptying out protected system space is decluttering the tool shed when you really want more space in your kitchen.
If you simply want stuff to stop running in the background, it's often better to freeze it in Titanium Backup or "hibernate" it with Greenify. If you freeze it and find out it's NEEDED, you can unfreeze it. Hibernate with Greenify means it won't run unless opened, and when closed will be hibernated again.
In one of the "package disabler" threads, somebody published a list of stuff you can remove from LG V30 and it was horrendously stupid. "Can" does not mean "should" -- unless you want to break basic functionality of the phone or want to remove a lot of the premium features.
This below is a conversation from that "package disabler" thread:
___________
iantlopp said:
***WARNING*** Some of these apps are ABSOLUTELY necessary. It would be very useful to go through this list and define what absolutely every one of those items are, as I have already found one that is absolutely essential to the basic functionality of the phone.
After having gone through a LOT of other things trying to determine why my SD card was not working with non-google apps, though google apps had no problems with it, and editing the contents with the computer was not an issue, it finally caught my attention that I had done this debloat process around the time that I started having problems (a few days before - hadn't tried to use the SD card other than to read the files, which has always worked).
After several days of searching different things, uninstalling and reinstalling apps (before I checked the debloat process), and finally going one by one with each debloated app, I finally found the culprit. "External Storage" or "com.android.externalstorage" which lists by the LG app as bloatware. But after I turned it back on, the write access was returned to non-google apps.
*edit* I'm also looking for the culprit causing Android Pay to stop working (specifically, when I go to settings, General, Tap & Pay, settings crashes). I've already reenabled "Android Pay" "com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel" but Settings still crashes when I click on Tap & Pay, so there's some other dependency. And Android Pay is a google service, not related to LG bloatware, so *shouldn't* be just disabled "because" especially when it causes apps to crash just by clicking the wrong button - such as SETTINGS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No disrespect to the op who was trying to share something that seems useful (he didn't write this app), BUT...
There's some things in those screenshots that should NOT be disabled. I do question the person who wrote this app. *
In your case for Android Pay, check the NFC stuff. Android Pay depends on NFC working. THAT (NFC) should never never never be disabled. "NFC" is is not an "LG" bloatware -- that is Android system stuff. I made fun of OnePlus for shipping a phone without NFC, and we're disabling it on OUR phones? NFC settings (page 7 of the screenshots in the op). By the way, NFC isn't just for Android Pay, it does other things too.
Some more that seems important...
Hidden Menu (helps you enable more LTE bands, check your OLED display for uniformity, and other things)
Print Spooler (Android service, not LG at all). My wife and I print from our smartphones to our wireless printer all the time. Even if you don't right now, in the future you may and will you really remember you DISABLED this very handy feature?
FM radio. There are some carriers who will NOT allow you to have this (Verizon, cough), and people are forced to SIDELOAD it to get it on their phones and the dev wants you to disable it?
"Qualcomm location" is useful, is related to GPS.
Wi-Fi calling and "W-Fi calling settings". Intertwined with VoLTE. All major carriers have that feature and even smaller carriers are rolling it out.
VPN stuff (two different settings in that list). I've used VPN many times, for work and personal reasons. Besides, many non-root ad blockers use VPN to redirect ad requests.
NFC settings (already mentioned, page 7 of the screenshots in the op)
And of course the External Storage service you mentioned which controls functionality of the microSD card storage.
---------- Post added at 07:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 AM ----------
stu5797 said:
I am running into a little issue though. I disable everything in in the open and I lose hd calling.
Anyone know which I need to re enable to get volte back [or hd calling)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably the two Wi-Fi calling settings. I know with at least one major U.S. carrier, the VoLTE/Wi-Fi calling are very intertwined.
There's stuff in here that should NOT be disabled if you want your phone to work right.
* Whoever wrote this (now banned) app seems to have very limited world experience with carriers and smartphones.
Disabling external storage? What, you want a flip phone? Then buy a flip phone.
Disabling Wi-Fi calling? Crazy. Most major carriers are offering this, and even smaller carriers are rolling it out.
Same thing with print spooler and even VPN above. It's like they are trying to turn an LG phone into a OnePlus phone or worse, where users PRETEND they have a top tier Android but really don't.
Yes, some other things in the 11 page list should be hibernated with Greenify, but not totally disabled. It should not be in a disable list.
And you should definitely NOT remove them with ADB. Be very careful!
_________
Back to our discussion.
3) There's stuff you do NOT want to touch
In Titanium Backup, all the "system" stuff is in red letters. BE VERY CAREFUL! "360 Image Wallpaper" and "360 Video"? I'll never use that, but on the other hand removing it doesn't really help me get more user space back (unless I'm wrong about protected system space). However, you could freeze it in Titanium Backup if you suspected it was using RAM...
I see "SprintService 8.0.0.0" listed in red on my original US998 V30+ -- which is ironic since Sprint doesn't allow the US998 to be activated on their network. Maybe I could remove that, but again is it really hurting me and is it possibly helping me in some way? There's a lot of stuff interconnected that when you remove you find you haven't made the phone faster, but now have lag (since the phone looks for that stuff instead of moving on).
So, freeze or hibernate. Actually uninstall with caution. Make good TWRP backups.
Anybody else can chime in -- but PLEASE do not recommend any of the package disabler apps. We are discussing debloating ROOTED firmware.
I don't even bother with deleting system stuff. This phone really doesn't have that much bloat. And deleting stuff probably won't do much to make a difference anyway. The only reason I use the LG Package Disabler app is to disable the theme service when I want to apply an LG theme but also use substratum. That way it doesn't re-apply the LG theme and remove the substratum stuff on a reboot.
jsgraphicart said:
I don't even bother with deleting system stuff. This phone really doesn't have that much bloat. And deleting stuff probably won't do much to make a difference anyway. The only reason I use the LG Package Disabler app is to disable the theme service when I want to apply an LG theme but also use substratum. That way it doesn't re-apply the LG theme and remove the substratum stuff on a reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use adb uninstall too, so no extra app needed (though you can reactivate apps with lgpd? maybe easier then.). just google for it, there's plenty of info and more than one method :good:
seadersn said:
you can use adb uninstall too, so no extra app needed (though you can reactivate apps with lgpd? maybe easier then.). just google for it, there's plenty of info and more than one method :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I need to be able to re-enable it if I want to change an LG theme or go back to the default one. Completely removing it probably wouldn't be smart
Hey Folks,
I'm working on Stock right now and have trouble with debloating the Firmware. For example:
Code:
delete_recursive("/system/media/bootanimation.zip");
delete_recursive("/system/media/bootanimation_decrypting.zip");
delete_recursive("/system/media/bootanimation_plus.zip");
delete_recursive("/system/media/bootanimation_prime.zip");
delete_recursive("/system/media/shutdownanimation.zip");
delete_recursive("/product/media/bootanimation.zip");
delete_recursive("/product/media/bootanimation_decrypting.zip");
delete_recursive("/product/media/bootanimation_plus.zip");
delete_recursive("/product/media/bootanimation_prime.zip");
delete_recursive("/product/media/shutdownanimation.zip");
Does not remove the Animations on Startups and Shutdowns (Taken from My Updater Script). I'm also not able to remove some of the System Apps (Most is already removed). Can anyone guide me to the right locations? I'm pretty busy right now with other stuff and that would help alot! Thanks in advance
You can also submit 3rd Party Bloat from Your Firmwares. I remember from My LG G5 there was something like /opt folders and other stuff we don't want on our Devices. Brutal how deeply this firmwares are bloated. Just as bad as Samsung (At least we get Snapdragons World Wide and not this exynos crap)...
Alright, i found out the stuff is in /system/product. Everything is fine now, i'll leave the Info for People who are searching for this...
Miustone said:
Brutal how deeply this firmwares are bloated. Just as bad as Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, totally disagree with you.
1) Maybe our definition of bloatware is different if you think stuff like 0:05 (5 seconds) shutdown animation is "bloatware". Seriously?
"delete_recursive("/system/media/shutdownanimation.zip"
2) Depends on which V30 variant you are using. US998 is not bloated. Yes, the carrier models are, like AT&T H931 or Verizon VS996 have carrier bloatware. But once rooted, easy to freeze that stuff in Titanium Backup. In fact, people often Frankenstein to US998 to quickly debloat the carrier versions.
On US998, the only thing I saw fit to freeze was Twitter. I have an account but don't really use it.
If you don't use Facebook you can freeze that also.
The Anxious V30 Magisk mod replaced the stock YouTube with Vanced YouTube. I think everyone in the world uses YouTube, so not really bloatware.
Sure you can remove the wallpapers and stuff, as I have my own -- but every phone has stock wallpapers. I wouldn't describe that as "brutal".
ChazzMatt said:
Sorry, totally disagree with you.
1) Maybe our definition of bloatware is different if you think stuff like 0:05 (5 seconds) shutdown animation is "bloatware". Seriously?
"delete_recursive("/system/media/shutdownanimation.zip"
2) Depends on which V30 variant you are using. US998 is not bloated. Yes, the carrier models are, like AT&T H931 or Verizon VS996 have carrier bloatware. But once rooted, easy to freeze that stuff in Titanium Backup. In fact, people often Frankenstein to US998 to quickly debloat the carrier versions.
On US998, the only thing I saw fit to freeze was Twitter. I have an account but don't really use it.
If you don't use Facebook you can freeze that also.
The Anxious V30 Magisk mod replaced the stock YouTube with Vanced YouTube. I think everyone in the world uses YouTube, so not really bloatware.
Sure you can remove the wallpapers and stuff, as I have my own -- but every phone has stock wallpapers. I wouldn't describe that as "brutal".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to protect LG. They do just get cash from Facebook, Amazon and Co like Samsung does, i don't see a difference after owning a S9+ recently. And it isn't done with a Freeze of the Facebook App. There are other Services running that You can't stop without Root. I don't get the Reason for You post at all... I was asking for Debloat Tipps and not for Opinions about the "Definition of Bloatware"... I also don't support YouTube Vanced or other Apps that Support AdBlocking on Google Services and such. So YouTube isn't bloat but i'll let the Users decide what they want to use. You can also reach YouTube from Chrome and other Browsers (So no need for such Apps at all). If You ask Me is everything Bloat that isn't essential for the OS to run. You can't replace the Dialer for example but You could replace the Browser with a WebView "Browser", or replace all Apps from Google that You can reach over the Web...
Bloat can also be the definition of OEM Apps since Google does already provide all essential User Apps for Android over the Play Store. So don't get Me wrong but i just wanted to get a list of Locations with Apps, not a Discussion about who uses Facebook or that or that App.
I remember there was Spyware from LG that was unwanted from many Users, i also found a folder called /opt in the past which was loaded with Carrier Apps or such. That's the stuff i'm actually searching for since My Users can choose between any Pie OS which contains from Firmware to Firmware different bloat if I'm not wrong. Looks like i need to wait for feedback....
Miustone said:
You don't need to protect LG. They do just get cash from Facebook, Amazon and Co like Samsung does, i don't see a difference after owning a S9+ recently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S9 doesn't have quad DAC, for one.
I know you weren't asking for definition of bloatware, but you obviously needed one from your code example of classifying a 5 second useful shutdown animation as bloatware.
Miustone said:
If You ask Me is everything Bloat that isn't essential for the OS to run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. There are lots of features this phone has which have nothing to do with the OS running, like Qi wireless charging, which is not bloatware and reasons I bought this phone.
Features like Always On Display (AOD) -- not essential for OS to run -- are useful and are not bloatware.
If your bloatware philosophy is that stringent, that's what I find strange.
As the title says I can't disable that service I'm using Package Disabler Pro to deactivated every bloatware in my V30 H-931 but every time I try to disable my phone restarts is there a way to disable without having to root my phone?
RAMONis5645 said:
As the title says I can't disable that service I'm using Package Disabler Pro to deactivated every bloatware in my V30 H-931 but every time I try to disable my phone restarts is there a way to disable without having to root my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Package Disabler Pro on V30 will probably cause lag in your system. You must be coming from an older phone and you don't yet know how newer LG firmware works? You will end up removing stuff the system looks for, which causes lag.
LG has a lot of firmware intertwined. You yank something out, it's not in an isolated silo like the old days. It's like a spiderweb.
Using Titanium Backup to freeze "unwanted" apps/services is better. If you see lag, then you can UNfreeze. Yes, that requires root.
If you mess things up too badly with Package Disabler, then you'll be factory resetting to bring everything back. Lots of people have had to do that. We've had this phone since 2017, so we know how it all works.