Question Unknown background app running during system updates - Google Pixel 6

I updated my Pixel 6 to Android 13. I was aware that you can use the phone while it's updating in the background. So, in the process, I customized some settings. However, when I tried to go back by showing all running background apps (swiping up), the System Update Settings app was gone and a "Google Confidential" app was running in the background. Tried tapping it but nothing showed up. So, I went through the settings > system update again, and found out that it was still "updating and installing". When I tried to tap the "Google confidential app" while the System update tab was now present in my recent apps navigation (swipe up), it just redirected me to the System update tab "installing updates".
Any chances that the update can get corrupted? Are there ways to verify integrity of files/updates?
UPDATE: Installed Android 13 and June update successfully. Phone asked me to restart per update. It would say if something's wrong with update, wouldn't it? Also, is the Google Confidential background app normal (it looked like a gear icon with a G and a red "confidential" word on top of it)? It showed up only during the system updates. I can't seem to find any reference/mention of it online.
Thank you in advance.

raygncio said:
I updated my Pixel 6 to Android 13. I was aware that you can use the phone while it's updating in the background. So, in the process, I customized some settings. However, when I tried to go back by showing all running background apps (swiping up), the System Update Settings app was gone and a "Google Confidential" app was running in the background. Tried tapping it but nothing showed up. So, I went through the settings > system update again, and found out that it was still "updating and installing".
Any chances that the update can get corrupted? Are there ways to verify integrity of files/updates?
UPDATE: Installed Android 13 and June update successfully. Phone asked me to restart per update. It would say if something's wrong with update, wouldn't it? Also, is the Google Confidential background app normal (it looked like a gear icon with a G and a red "confidential" word on top of it)? It showed up only during the system updates. I can't seem to find any reference/mention of it online.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say for sure, but that doesn't sound right. Perhaps it really is a Google app, but usually they cover up their spyware by packaging it into innocent looking apps with cute colors. I can't find anything online either.

ethical_haquer said:
I can't say for sure, but that doesn't sound right. Perhaps it really is a Google app, but usually they cover up their spyware by packaging it into innocent looking apps with cute colors. I can't find anything online either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try to screenshot it when a system update comes up. Actually, when I tapped it while the System update tab was present in my recent apps navigation (swipe up), it just redirected me to the System update tab "installing updates".
Edit: I actually found it again after I restored my contacts. See photos below

raygncio said:
I'll try to screenshot it when a system update comes up. Actually, when I tapped it while the System update tab was present in my recent apps navigation (swipe up), it just redirected me to the System update tab "installing updates".
Edit: I actually found it again after I restored my contacts. See photos below
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that's authentic. Just by looking at the font used on "Confidential". But than again, it could be what Google really looks like. Not quite as innocent looking as these :

It's unlikely that the update itself got corrupted, as your Pixel 6 successfully installed Android 13 and the June update. If there were any issues with the update, your phone would typically notify you or display an error message.
As for the "Google Confidential" app appearing during the system update process, it's not a standard feature or app that I'm familiar with. It's possible that it was a temporary placeholder or a bug in the user interface during the update process. Since you can't find any references or mentions of it online, it may have been a unique occurrence on your device.
To verify the integrity of files and updates on your Pixel 6, you can perform a few checks:
Reboot your device: After the update is complete, restart your phone to ensure all the new system files are properly loaded.
Check for system update status: Go to Settings > System > System update and confirm that there are no pending updates or error messages. If everything looks normal, it indicates that the update was successful.
Test system functionality: After the update, use your device as you normally would and pay attention to any unusual behavior. If you encounter any significant issues or errors, it's recommended to contact Google support or visit an authorized service center for assistance.
Overall, since your update was successful and you haven't experienced any noticeable problems apart from the "Google Confidential" app during the update process, it's unlikely that there is a major issue. However, if you continue to encounter unusual behavior or have concerns, it's best to reach out to Google support or the appropriate channels for further assistance specific to your Pixel device.

Hmm the google confidential thing looks a bit off.
I would try to find the full package name and install path to atleast get an idea of what it is or if it's legit?
De-Bloater | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Use the power of Magisk to de-bloat system applications systemless-ly
f-droid.org
debloater should find it and show some info atleast.

This application looks suspicious. Check its behaviour and what permissions it requires. Install some anti-virus app and run a scan of your entire phone.

Related

[Q] This Item Is Not Compatible With Your Device on Market with Vegan Tab 7.1

I just got Vegan Tab 7.1 and LOVE IT... the UI is fantastic!
However, there seems to be an issue with several if not most of my apps on the Android Market. I get the message "This item is not compatible with your device"
All of these apps I have used with previous roms including Vegan tab 7.0.3 and Cyanogen Mod 7.1
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
clear market data, then try again.... worked for me
Good Call, I should have thought of that.
Clearing data is only only a temporary fix (at least for me). A few hours later Market updates and I get the "not compatible" message again.
I clear data again and later it again updates.
The other solution seems to be to freeze the market updater.
That happend to me too...
I did go back to Harmony ROM.
one of the reason;
When using the Android Market website, a device will be grayed out if it isn’t compatible with the app you’re attempting to install. Most commonly, this occurs because the app isn’t designed for your device's screen size or version of Android.
source: https://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1141074
I faced this issue as I changed my LCD density. After reverting back to the default LCD density value for my mobile, It worked normal.
I have also noticed that after the vegan 7.1 update, my device has *vanished* from the list of my devices on android market. Is anyone also noticing this?
praveen1789 said:
one of the reason;
After reverting back to the default LCD density value for my mobile, It worked normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the "default" density? After installing 7.1 i noticed it's now 160...
Regarding cache-clearing: I have tried that and it didn't work.
Dan
I am on stock 3588 plus the enhancement pack.
A couple of weeks ago I started having the same problem with the compatibility of most apps. In addition when I go the Market and then to My Apps now I only see a single app listed: LauncherPro. All other apps I installed from the market are no longer on the list.
I have reset the market by clearing the data and stopping Market and the Google Framework to no avail.
My G-Tab no longer shows as a device in my account.
I believe Google did something to eliminate the unauthorized devices.
I also think they have changed to block the "unauthorized" roms from working. about half the app installed now tell me they are not compatible with my device, and some of them are paid apps. I have asked this question, and the Markets response was to do a factory reset on my phone. I told them that was a crock as I have been on this rom for months now and a factory reset should be a last resort, not a standard fix. I asked them if they changed the market so that it looks at that, and no response yet. on the reply I got from the original mailing, my "specs" are included in the mail I sent them. It has android_os listed twice. the first is gingerbread, and the second is "other". And the first paragraph seems to indicate that with the "warning" about unauthorized os's. And the os is actually what should be on my device (android os), just it is modified, which happens when you personalize your phone anyway by adding widgets, change wallpaper or toggle features.
So is there any hack for that?
Or at least a way to find out what exactly in my device settings prevents the app from being compatible?
Use the modded market..you shouldn't run into that at all with it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1582422

Figure out which apps have updated?

I get notifications that there are updates for some of my apps. When I go to look I don't see anything that says which apps they are. I've disabled Automatic Updates for everything that will let me so I can decide if I want to update, so maybe these notifications are for the ones still left on AU.
But even then, how can I tell which apps received updates? The dates never seem to correspond to the notification date.
BTW...not rooted.
re: UPDATES
tonydib said:
I get notifications that there are updates for some of my apps. When I go to look I don't see anything that says which apps they are. I've disabled Automatic Updates for everything that will let me so I can decide if I want to update, so maybe these notifications are for the ones still left on AU.
But even then, how can I tell which apps received updates? The dates never seem to correspond to the notification date.
BTW...not rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any apps whether you manually updated or downladed them or
if the auto update updated them would show up on your pull down
notification screen.................
When the notification comes in, I pull down the screen and it will say something like 2 apps updated. If I tap the notification, it takes me directly to my apps but nothing in there indicates which 2 were updated.
re: updates
tonydib said:
When the notification comes in, I pull down the screen and it will say something like 2 apps updated. If I tap the notification, it takes me directly to my apps but nothing in there indicates which 2 were updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know which custom rom you are using but when I manually do
any updates or if google auto updates any apps it shows the application
names and tells me if the update was successfully installed.
The only time the notification does not tell me app names is when
it only notifies me that there are updates to be downloaded.
If the applications have already updated it won't show you because the are already up to date. It only shows you if the application needs to be updated.
Like he said though, if it already updated, then it should show you what was updated.
I also have automatic updates turned off and when I see a notification that any updates are available, I simply go into the Market, click Menu and select 'My Apps' and will see what updates are available at the top of the list.
You should see this as well if updates are indeed set to be manually installed.
I'm experiencing the same behavior. Says updates are available. Go to my apps in the Market... no updates available. I'm pretty sure this is a bug. Not to worried about it though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
re: Market
fooldog01 said:
I'm experiencing the same behavior. Says updates are available. Go to my apps in the Market... no updates available. I'm pretty sure this is a bug. Not to worried about it though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this,
Go to settings>applications>manage applications then click
the "ALL" tab and click on "market" and click on "Clear Data".
Then reboot the phone and see if the issue is gone.
To answer your earlier question, I'm not rooted.
But your clear data/reboot suggestion worked perfectly! There are 5 apps waiting for updates to be applied.
Thanks!

The OTA That Shouldn't Be!

So, I recently re-flashed the most awesome Jasmine 8.0 to my Verizon LG G3. I have used the hidden menu to disable the OTA downloads (unchecked the box). However, my phone continues to download system updates.
How is this possible?
One thing I have noticed, is that even if you take the update, it (OTA) appears to do nothing. After a period of a day, the phone has apparently downloaded an additional update, and yet the OTA setting hasn't been modified. Not sure why this continues to happen. However, it is quite annoying. Is there a way to stop this ridiculous process and can the notifications? More importantly, why is my phone attempting to download an OTA when it has been explicitly told not to do such a thing?
ciphertext said:
So, I recently re-flashed the most awesome Jasmine 8.0 to my Verizon LG G3. I have used the hidden menu to disable the OTA downloads (unchecked the box). However, my phone continues to download system updates.
How is this possible?
One thing I have noticed, is that even if you take the update, it (OTA) appears to do nothing. After a period of a day, the phone has apparently downloaded an additional update, and yet the OTA setting hasn't been modified. Not sure why this continues to happen. However, it is quite annoying. Is there a way to stop this ridiculous process and can the notifications? More importantly, why is my phone attempting to download an OTA when it has been explicitly told not to do such a thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you carefully followed every step from here? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56404192&postcount=662
If so, I can't imagine why you would still be receiving any kind of notification, unless the OTA were cached somewhere after being downloaded. But even then I wouldn't think it would prompt you as the all itself would already be frozen. Follow every step from that post and that should fix your issue.
Titanium Backup ... FAIL
ohlin5 said:
Have you carefully followed every step from here? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56404192&postcount=662
If so, I can't imagine why you would still be receiving any kind of notification, unless the OTA were cached somewhere after being downloaded. But even then I wouldn't think it would prompt you as the all itself would already be frozen. Follow every step from that post and that should fix your issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for responding to my plea.
However, when I attempted to perform the Titanium "freeze" process found in that link you supplied me, I was unable to locate any of the items listed in that link. Just so that I could verify that the search filter was working correctly (and not a user error) I searched for a known application name. I was able to find the known application I used. However, i was unable to find and of the other search keys (e.g. SDM, protection, etc...).
Curious wouldn't you say?
ciphertext said:
Thank you for responding to my plea.
However, when I attempted to perform the Titanium "freeze" process found in that link you supplied me, I was unable to locate any of the items listed in that link. Just so that I could verify that the search filter was working correctly (and not a user error) I searched for a known application name. I was able to find the known application I used. However, i was unable to find and of the other search keys (e.g. SDM, protection, etc...).
Curious wouldn't you say?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using an app called "chefs freezer" from the play store. Its basic and minimalistic, but it does its job well for this kind of application. Rather than searching, try just looking through the list. At the very least, there should be an app titled "System Updates" - make certain that's frozen. I just did this same exact thing on a similar situation phone a few days back, so at the very least that app should be there. Freeze all the ones you find, if you don't find some of them you might still be ok by freezing everything you do find.
ciphertext said:
Thank you for responding to my plea.
However, when I attempted to perform the Titanium "freeze" process found in that link you supplied me, I was unable to locate any of the items listed in that link. Just so that I could verify that the search filter was working correctly (and not a user error) I searched for a known application name. I was able to find the known application I used. However, i was unable to find and of the other search keys (e.g. SDM, protection, etc...).
Curious wouldn't you say?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure in TiBu you have selected in the filter to show System apps. They will show up red in the list.
What you are looking for is "Software Update xxxxxx" where xxxxx is a version number. Mine, on Jasmine 9.0, is 5.1.1-1525410464a1b.
Freeze that and the OTA notifs should go away.
It worked for me on Jasmine 8.0. And I went and froze it again on Jasmine 9.0 as I don't want any NEW OTA notifs.
Fingers Crossed ...
ohlin5 said:
Try using an app called "chefs freezer" from the play store. Its basic and minimalistic, but it does its job well for this kind of application. Rather than searching, try just looking through the list. At the very least, there should be an app titled "System Updates" - make certain that's frozen. I just did this same exact thing on a similar situation phone a few days back, so at the very least that app should be there. Freeze all the ones you find, if you don't find some of them you might still be ok by freezing everything you do find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded "Chefs App Freezer" from the Play Store and was able to Freeze the System Update application. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll know later if the situation worked based upon the notifications I receive.
Thanks!

Nexus 5X weird behavior (malware?), possibly caused by FB Messenger or Pixel Launcher

Some very weird things started happening on my phone earlier today. It's a Nexus 5X, running 8.0 Oreo, with the October security patch. I'm not rooted and I'm careful about what I install. The phone is fairly new, from this summer.
I will begin with describing what I did in the hours before this started. I can think of two things that possibly could have started it:
1) Two of my Facebook contacts sent malicious links to me an hour before. It looked like Youtube videos but was not. I did NOT open any of these links, knowing directly they were harmful (not sure if you can be affected by just receiving them, not clicking on them?). I received them in the Messenger Lite application (an official app from Facebook with scaled-down functionality).
2) A few hours before the Facebook links, I sideloaded an APK containing the new Pixel Launcher. I got the APK from Android Police/APK Mirror.
Can't attach links, but Google for: Hands-on with the updated Pixel Launcher, including the new Pixel 2 features [APK Download]
The APK was working fine and nothing seemed odd with it (I used the launcher for a few hours). As long as Android Police know what they uploaded, this shouldn't be the cause for my problems. I bet on Facebook Messenger instead. (People that click such malware links typically get their Facebook accounts hacked, however my account seems fine and my account didn't spam others with the same link. I did not change password or did anything else to "recover" my account yet).
So what happened after this on my phone?
Here is the first thing I noticed. I open Play Store to install updates. It turns out I have one update pending, it's called BankID. This is a major Swedish app used by nearly every smartphone user in the country, and it's for signing into government websites, bank websites, insurance company websites, and much more. When I click update in Play Store two things happen almost instantly:
1) Six pictures are downloaded from Messenger Lite to my phone. That makes no sense, how could clicking a button in Google Play trigger something to happen in Messenger Lite? In fact I tried it three times, with the same behavior every time. (Well, actually opening the Messenger Lite photo album, there are only photos there I already downloaded, so nothing new seems to be added there - but the photos were probably re-downloaded I believe).
2) The BankID update downloads to 100 % (the downloading takes a little longer than expected), then it halts and does nothing, i.e. it's not installing. No error message, it just stops there. I can choose to abort and try again, which I do three times or more, with exactly the same behavior.
Also, I now notice Play Protect hasn't run for two days, but when I try to run it, it seems to be down. After ~30 seconds of scanning it says "App verification temporarily down". "App verification temporarily down" could very well be connected with the halted update I just described? It still says it hasn't run for two days after this.
When I experiment, I notice other things that are very weird indeed.
1) Notifications in Gmail, Snapchat and possibly other apps aren't coming through. By opening the apps, I can sync manually.
2) When I move a file to a new folder using the Downloads app (Files app, stock one) I get a error message saying the move operation failed. This also triggered the photo notifications from Messenger Lite (same behavior as described above, with six photos). However, after a while the moved pictures are indeed in the right folder, even though the error message saying otherwise.
3) After some time I remove "app data" for the Google Play app. When I open it after that, there are now three app updates pending (e.g. Google Wifi also). But the same behavior occurs, when I try to download one or all of them, I get the Messenger photo notifications and the updates halt at 100 % without installing. So the BankID app - which could be targeted by attackers for obvious reasons - could just be a coincidence. It could have happened with any app I suppose, this was the only one pending right then. But still, why couldn't Play Store detect other pending app updates until I refreshed it the way I did? Was Play Store blocked from connecting to Google (or forced to connect to some other server, perhaps?).
What did I do after all of this?
I uninstalled three apps:
-Facebook Lite
-Facebook Messenger Lite
-Pixel Launcher APK
However the uninstall process was very odd. A process called "Package Installer" had a notification saying "Uninstalling Lite" and "Uninstalling Messenger Lite". It didn't seem to be working, it was stuck after some time. I restarted my phone and the apps seem to be gone now, at least they aren't listed in Settings --> Apps. So the uninstall process was successful I suppose, even though it didn't seem to work.
After I restarted my phone I also noticed:
-When I install Messenger Lite from Play Store now, it's easy to uninstall it the way it should be - in mere seconds.
-When I open Play Store, updates are now installing fine. Play Protect is also scanning fine now.
Everything looks back to normal now. But I'm not trusting my device. I'm gonna factory reset it. Before I do, I wonder:
-Can I feel safe the wipe would erase whatever malware I might have had on the phone?
-Is there something I could do to let us know what caused this? Upload a log here somehow?
The only piece of advice I have received as of now is: "Try restarting in safe mode, installing some AV software, and generally looking for suspicious processes." I haven't done that yet, would it still be a good thing to do? Must I install AV software before rebooting into safe mode, or could I install it directly from safe mode? (App suggestions, AV software?).
Usually I'm very careful and security-minded. I haven't had something like this happen before. So I'm very intrigued and mad about this. I'm gonna change my Google account and Facebook account passwords later on I think (I already have 2-factor authentication enabled).
One last thing: When I install Pixel Launcher on my non-rooted phone, it's not running as a system app if my understanding is correct. (At least it shouldn't be). But none the less, when I wanted to uninstall it I had to go into Settings --> Apps and tap "Show system apps" to find it in the list. Is that normal? Perhaps it doesn't mean anything, I just want to know.
Thanks for your advice in advance. Anything else to add? What should I do know? All you might have to say is appreciated.
Come on now guys, someone must be able to help?
If I factory reset the device, will it be clean? I didn't mess with custom ROMs, root, the bootloader or something else. (I suppose the bootloader is locked).

Question Does the XT2093 have a history of forcing updates?

The Nord N100 was found to have a history with the T-Mobile and Metro versions of software to force updates even if "Automatic system updates" is togged off in Developer Options.
Does the XT2093 ever do that? Anyone ever heard of it doing that?
I haven't had any problems with forced system updates per se. While devops option to disable automatic updates COUPLED with the moto system update app set to disallow automatic installation, I find when there is an update it tells me so and I can then perform a manual download and installation. So it works.
Thank you very much for this tip. I need to go in and find that moto system update app and disallow it.
I am having a hard time finding this moto system update app. I see the "Moto" app on my phone but don't see anything in there about system update.
I think I figured it out. You mean this screen, right?
bouyakasha said:
I think I figured it out. You mean this screen, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep that's the screen. I should had mentioned it's a menu option within the Android Settings menu screen and not a launchable app.
Keep in mind as is noted as a footnote in the Smart Update screen, security updates will download and install automatically even if the option is turned off. You might end up seeing a notification saying there's an update ready to be installed and suggesting you reboot the device. Outside of disabling the moto software update app altogether I've found no explicit method of blocking these security updates from auto installing.

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