Database Users

Rooting My TMo Vibrant Using Super Oneclick (A Full Guide)

And every other step you need to transform and gain control of your stock ROM!
Given the fact that T-Mobile and Samsung have made it clear that the Galaxy S Vibrant will not receive Gingerbread, Honeycomb, ICS, or any other functionality update, I made the decision that it was finally time to root my beloved phone.
I didn't want to root for the purpose of trying a ROM for any of the above OS's. I merely figured that since there are not going to be any future updates to my phone, I'm basically on my own. And if I'm on my own then I can and should get rid of the TMo crap software that came pre-installed on my phone (and which can't be uninstalled by any normal means).
Hopefully this process might also help make my phone operate a little faster and cleaner. And in general, the rooting process would give me full control over my own phone. But if you have ever rooted a device the experience can sometimes be challenging, even for tech-savvy folks like me.
There are lots of sites for advice and how-to’s on rooting your Android device, but most of these sites run you through the process in a way that assumes all will work perfectly the first time. There aren't a lot that take you through the root process with at-hand solutions to many of the commonly reported errors.
I've just finished rooting my stock TMo Vibrant, fixing signature/Multi-CSC issues from the root process, installing and using Titanium Backup (TB) PRO to handle bloatware, and finally installing ROM Manager for the purpose of installing ClockworkMod Recovery (for creating and restoring backups of my current ROM). WHEW! And while it's all fresh in my mind, I'm writing it all down to share the process with you so that it's all in one convenient place.
Let’s Start With Rooting The Phone By Using Super Oneclick
After doing some reading in the XDA forums and a few other places, I wanted to try rooting with a one click option. There are many out there that are available for use. But the very first issue that plagued my rooting process was the incompatibility of many of these root installers with my home Win7 64bit pc.
I tried downloading and extracting various recommended solutions that use the "one click" functionality (Super Oneclick--various versions with and without drivers, Galaxy S One Click Root, and Vibrant One Click Root). I also downloaded and installed AIO Vibrant Toolbox, a program which also features a “one click” method for rooting a Vibrant once it has been installed on your pc.
What many posts on rooting never really mention with these methodologies is that you might have issues running the programs on a Win7 machine, which was my issue. Not all Win7 machines, but some. I downloaded the zip file for each with generally with no issue. * But once I tried to run the exe (best done via "Run As Administrator"), I got the following error message on virtually all of them:
"CLR Error: 80004005 The program will now terminate"
AIO Vibrant Toolbox wasn’t any better even though it was an installed program. It terminated as well.
(*NOTE: Anti-virus programs will mistake parts of the root zip files for Trojans, usually quarantining them after download. You are then left with the uncomfortable choice of turning off your anti-virus and taking that chance, or looking for another zip solution. I opted for the latter. Never take a chance with a Trojan!)
These errors messages did not show up on my work pc which is also Win7 64-bit. But that was no comfort as most of my root work was going to be done at home. After much searching on the internet, I read a random post that mentioned two helpful suggestions:
Use a rear or powered USB port, not a front port (because they often can’t power the root install sufficiently)
Use Super Oneclick v1.7 as opposed to any newer versions. The newer versions can cause problems with this particular Galaxy S root.
Two simple suggestions that made a world of difference! The root process worked smoothly afterward, and was finally a "success".
Reminder - Remember to put your phone into USB Debugging mode for the root process, and don’t mount the external SD card when attached.
Along the way to “rooting” you might be confronted with messages about your Samsung drivers for your phone. You may see messages like these:
Device drivers not found
Samsung android USB composite device failed
A quick search on these forums will yield updated drivers for your phone. The successful install of these drivers can also be a function of using the proper USB ports, as in the situation above. The installation of Samsung drivers failed on the front USB ports of my Dell. Success was again found using the rear ports. The main point here: use the rear ports (or powered USB ports) no matter how much of a pain it is maneuvering under your desk and behind your pc!
You’re Almost There…Kinda!
You can check to see if you are successfully rooted by checking to see if Superuser is installed in your apps. It was there… whew. The next step was to install Titanium Backup so that I could have root control over my apps, allowing me to delete bloatware that was slowing my phone. I downloaded TB from the Market, opened it, tried to give it Superuser permissions, and was notified with an error message that permissions were unsuccessful because the phone was not rooted. WHAT???
More online research revealed that I had achieved a “soft root”, whereby you have successfully rooted your phone but you don’t have all root permissions because the install wasn’t complete. The solution? Basically you just have to keep doing it more than once. All steps of this process seem like they will take the first time if you do what you are supposed to do. But more often than not, you have to repeat your steps over and over to make sure that it takes. After two more Super Oneclick rooting attempts, TB finally gave me the thumbs up for root.
Some may say it’s not necessary, but I upgraded to TB PRO. It allows for more options and better functionality with the apps and system data on the phone. And really, at about 6 dollars it is more than worth the price. Heck, two Starbucks lattes will run you more than 8 or 9 bucks. So if I can get piece of mind with respect to app management on my newly-rooted phone, 6 bucks is more than worth it.
I immediately wanted to learn how to remove bloatware -- and it’s amazingly difficult to find clear directions on doing so. After my backup of all apps and data, I went to the backup/restore tab and found the programs I wanted to get rid of. Many online users recommend “freezing” an app first to make sure that removing it won’t make your phone all wonky. So after “freezing” the offending apps (by pressing the menu button, selection batch, and then scrolling down to the appropriate section on freezing apps), I long-pressed the desired app and only saw one option for uninstalling via an exploit. I selected it and long story short, it failed. As the phone boots to stock recovery, this message popped up:
E:failed to verify whole-file signature
E:signature verification failed
Applying Multi-CSC Installing
Multi-CSC Installation Aborted​
In simple terms, the rooting tool (Super Oneclick) doesn’t contain all of the necessary items for a complete root. A fix is needed for the invalid signature problem that will help you get to a full root state. Fortunately there are fixes out there you can find for this particular fix.
Here are some helpful links:
http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s-a...iled-installation-aborted-one-click-root.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1052991
Read the instructions for the fix on the first page, but get the correct file from the second page as the link for the fix from Dropbox is a little messed up in the first URL. The second URL has the correct link. Use the automatic method so that you don’t have to use the terminal emulator. If you are like me, this process has already given you more gray hairs than you would really like to admit. So take the easy route.
Run the install.bat file and you will be fine. When you reach stock recovery again remember to reinstall all packages. This will make sure that the fix is installed properly. I didn’t know that was needed and was wondering why the fix wasn’t taking initially. So I’m sharing this with you to head off your frustrations at the pass. ;-)
Getting Rid Of The Bloat
Check to make sure that you are fully rooted by opening TB. It will automatically take Superuser permissions from the first time you allowed it IF you are rooted. If not, it will tell you. And by now you should be rooted. Heading back to the bloatware, I was able to figure out that the “long press method” was not the correct one for uninstalling apps.
Once again, press the menu button (bottom left) and select batch. Scroll down and you will see a section for uninstalling apps. Select uninstall user and system apps, and make sure to DESELECT ALL before you do anything else. From there you can pick and choose the apps to uninstall, then “run the batch operation” to complete the task. Bye bye bloatware!
The last crucial step to complete now that your phone is rooted is to make sure that you have a backup of your current ROM and configuration. The backup you created using TB is only for apps and data. It is not a backup of your current stock ROM.
Nandroid backup works best for the purpose of backing up and restoring ROMs. And if you have done any previous rooting on an Android device, you will recognize that Nandroid is a function of ClockworkMod Recovery. Sigh. I know... frustration starts to set in as you realize that there is yet another necessary install needed for a totally successful root process ON TOP OF and AFTER everything else you have had to do. So what is the next step?
ROM Manager To The Rescue
Install the free ROM Manager from the Market and you will be good to go. This app allows you to flash CWM Recovery as well as mount various ROMs on your phone. After installing the app (and declining the various offers that pop up), press “Flash ClockworkMod Recovery” at the top of the menu. It will cause the phone to reboot. And CWM will be downloaded…but not installed. To install after reboot, open ROM Manager and now select Reboot into Recovery. It will challenge you with a question on whether you really want to do this or not. Say Yes.
Important: This is another one of those places where it’s not intuitively obvious what to do for CWM Recovery.
When I first rebooted into recovery I didn’t see any changes from my stock recovery menu…because there were none. What I needed to do (which I found in yet another forum posting) was again to select Reinstall all packages. CWM had been downloaded and was ready to install… this would do so.
Happily, the phone went into Clockwork recovery*immediately after "Reinstall all packages" . If it wasn't clear earlier, use the volume buttons toggle up (or down) to select backup/restore. *You can then implement your selection by pressing the power button on the right side of the phone. On the next screen select backup, and then let it do its’ thing. It may take a while to complete, but will be well worth the time and effort if you have any future problems.
The Entire Process Is Finally Complete
So there you have it. In a nutshell, here were my steps:
1. Samsung drivers
2. Super Oneclick v 1.7
3. E. Signature fix
4. Titanium Backup PRO
5. ROM Manager (free version)​
Use the rear USB ports or powered USB ports for the phone connection. Phone should be in USB debugging mode, and external SD card should not be mounted. For each process, it may take up to 2 or 3 attempts for successful completion. So keep trying after the first FAIL message. When applicable, “Reinstall All Packages” to make sure that downloaded files are actually installed.
And lastly, if absolutely nothing works correctly for you, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use Google for help. Many others have successfully worked through all of the problems you might encounter that aren’t listed here. Actively use Google to help find solutions to any problems, using the exact error messages shown and adding in your phone type. You will be amazed by the depth of experience out there that can help you.
Above all else, keep up a good attitude. Rooting might be a pain in the ass while you are doing it, but it’s for a greater purpose. My four days of rooting have now given me a phone that is FREE from all the bloatware that bugged me for the past two years. And soon I’m sure I will experiment with a different ROM. But for now I’m just happy that I have my phone, my way. After all, if they (TMo and Samsung) aren’t going to make our phones better, we can do so for ourselves.
Good luck, and I hope this complete set of instructions from my own past 4 days of experience will help someone else!

A good read. A few things though with the Titanium part.
First I whole-heartedly agree to kick down the $ for the Pro. It really ups the functionality of the app and what all it can do.
The part about "freezing". This part is tricky b/c you need to make sure he apps that you are freezing are indeed bloat and not something that is needed for something else (i.e. did you know that GTalk directly effects the market on some ROMS). I don't use Gtalk but I still have it installed and frozen so I can defrost at will. This is the reason for Freeze. It lets you know of any adverse effects on your ROM, other apps,...then you have the option to defrost if need be. I also always avoid doing anything in "Batches" on TBPro, as it can sometimes be a little wonky, especially when restoring batches, causes reboot and freezes resulting in batterty pull.
I freeze for at least a week on new ROMs so that I get the full experience with daily life to make my determination on uninstall, defrost or wait longer.
Another way to do it is once you know the apps that are frozen do not effect any other parts of your ROM, you can back them up with TBpro for later use and uninstall or you can do it this way. Since you have root, go into /system/app or and pull the APK out and put it in a folder or something like that on your SD card. You would do this to some of the /system apps that TB shows as only haveing a checkmark next to and not the yellow/orange circle with the M in it. If you uninstall these with the checkmark you will not be able to restore them b/c part of the executable portion of the APK is not able to be backed up. This is the reason to pull the app out of /system/app and put it on your SD card. Hit menu, more, Clean up Dalvik cache and viola!! you have some free space on /system and the offending APK's dex will be deleted too.
Sidenote: I have never been able to get SuperOneClick to work on any phone I have ever tried. Maybe I'll unroot and try again but the SU exploit is a flashable zip located here. Option A. Put it on your SD card, boot into recovery and Bam!!! you are rooted
Nice work though.

Where can we still get Super Oneclick v 1.7?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=739300 make sure you have ADB turned on and use the USB ports from the back not front

too lengthy.

Just got vibrant
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda app-developers app

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Delete..

[Tutorial] [OTA 3.0] [Nvidia Shield Tablet] How to debloat and optimize ota 3.0

DISCLAIMER: though this seems safe, there are always risks. Warranty may be void, bugs might crawl out of your shield. I am not responsible for mishaps, bugs, crashes, damage, loss of jobs, girlfriends, and/or if your shield turns into Skynet and begins to destroy the human race!
Firstly, throughout this tutorial I will be shamelessly pointing you toward others threads. Please, give them your thanks. They are masters in their fields and with out them none of this would be happening! Also remember noone gets paid for any of this, they with their skills and I with time do this out love for tech and a desire to help others and see them enjoy their tech as much as we all love ours. That said... Onto the cookies!
*********PLEASE NOTE*********
*********THIS ENTIRE PROCESS CAN BE DONE WITH OUT ANY ACCESS TO A PC!
--BUT--
TO KEEP A LOCKED BOOTLOADER AND AVOID WARRANTY NASTYNESS PLEASE READ
*If you are still on a locked bootloader, and want to easily keep it. Root ota 2.2.1 first, install flashify, and use it to install twrp.
*Rooting ota 3. 0 and using flashify from there will also preserve locked bootloader.
*Rooted ota 2.2.1 or a custom recovery will break nvidias native ota system. You will have need a copy if the FULL OTA from the links provided. They flash easily in twrp. But ONLY THE FULL OTA, NOT THE INCREMENTAL.
******PREREQUISITES (These Are Required)******
*Must be rooted.
If coming from stock, (unrooted, stock recovery, and locked bootloader) Kingroot will root any ota so far.
Install apk, run it, it will most likely reboot your shield, on ota 3 it will freeze, (mine did at around 30% on ota 3, but instead of a reboot, I got a freeze) this is normal. Hold power button until the shield turns off. Boot back up, and run Kingroot again. It should now complete fine, installing Kinguser as root control app. This gives you enough root to run flashify from play store to install the next step. (thanks to China for making kingroot and whoever translated it for us)
Kingroot link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
*Team Win Recovery Project (twrp) must be installed.
Head over here to @Steel01 thread for multi rom twrp. You will only (at the moment) need his modified twrp build. More instructions there. Don't forget to thank him! (Thanks @Steel01)
@Steel01 multi rom twrp thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/development/multirom-v30-unofficial-port-t3025355
*ota 3.0 FULL OTA (thanks to @MidgetMob)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...k-recovery-images-ota-library-guides-t2988881
*MEGA may or may NOT work. Mega has issues from time to time. (thanks @Ctrl_Alt_Del for the heads up)
****If MEGA links are not working, here's another source.
Thanks @gavin-phelan for the links.
OTHER Link for full ota: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/general/android-5-1-t3115536
*SuperSU recovery flashable installer. (thanks to @Chainfire)
Link to supersu beta (beta works better for the xposed framework):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133
*Fdroid store for selinux mode changer (needed for viper) and ad away apps! (thanks Fdroid!)
Link: https://f-droid.org
*****OPTIONAL*****
*Xposed super alpha for Android 5.1 (sdk22) (thanks @romracer)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/super-alpha-posted-permission-xposed-t3072979
You must read that thread a bit. You will need the xposed installer from the main xposed lollipop thread. (thanks @rovo89)
Main xposed thread
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
*Gravitybox works on 5.1 now (thanks @C3C076)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v5-0-0alpha-tweak-box-t3037566
*BusyBox - Busybox is required for viper4android install. Make sure to run and install it BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. The apk can be installed, but when you run it. It will try to install the viper driver. Selinux must be set to permissive, and busybox installed first.
It can be found in play store.
*selinuxmodechanger can be found in fdroid repository.
*ViPER4Android audio engine (thanks @zhuhang)
For viper install. Be sure to install fdroid and get selinux mode changer. And change to permissive BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. the app is fine but for the driver to install selinux must be set to permissive. After that it's fine to set it back to enforcing.
Link: http://vipersaudio.com/blog/?page_id=48
Forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
Someone said cookies? (Procedure)
**tip** titanium backup SUCKS FOR backing up app data. Bugs out the apps sometimes. So for games, manually backup saves and place them back after reinstall. It's helpful to use tibu to backup your apps alone. Then use tibu again to make a recovery flashable zip to reinstall them all at once....
*Firstly you will need a root enabled file browser (I use es file explorer)
*On the internal memory, firstly back up any pics or ANYTHING you want saved from internal memory to the external SD card. (I usually name my backup folders starting with a # to keep them separated from anything that's written to external via an app or the system. Helps to keep track.)
*Next delete it ALL. In es file Explorer just as everything in sdcard0. /android gone, all folders, ax them. I even nuked the hidden folders and all. I wanted a totally clean install. So anything in the /sdcard0 folder can get wiped. As wiping through twrp DOES NOT WIPE THESE FILES. And sometimes can cause oddness on new installs. This can also be achieved through twrp but it takes longer. Keep in mind that everything inside /sdcard is rebuilt on FIRST boot. Hence deleting in twrp. Don't navigate to straight / things go bad if you mess about in those files....
*After everything has been deleted on internal, and the folders your not using for backups on external. Namely the /android folder on external. You should be ready to reboot to recovery....
*Now reboot into twrp. Click wipe, advanced, then check dalvik, system, data, and cache. Wipe
*Now flash the FULL OTA for your model of shield.
*Next click the home button in twrp. Then Mount, then, uncheck the box for system, then, re-check it. (remount system)
*Now click on the Home button again, Advanced, File Manager.....
*Now the fun part...
Navigate to /system/app and delete the following FOLDERS, contents and all, by clicking on each folder one at a time, once clicked, it will show you contents of that folder. At the bottom click select, then delete, swipe to delete. For each of the following folders....
++*NOTICE* Some of these folders contain libs (library files) and i discovered some issues with deleting them. (videos not working, possible connection console mode crashing, etc) These folders are indicated below, and any side effects possible due to its removal. Console mode has been solid so far even without the libs. That doesnt mean that it wont cause any issues later and i just havent seen it yet. So BEWARE o0o0o =D
Adobe reader
Books
Calendar
++**Chrome (I use chrome beta) (CONTAINS LIBS) possible connection to the "great chrome slowdown" These ARE SAFE to remove and removal may cure the slowdown bug. either way, using any browser BUT chrome (i.e. Chrome Beta, Dolphin, Opera etc.) also fixes the "Chrome slug races"
Cloud print
Input methods for Japanese and Korean (unless you need it)
++**Drive (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent noticed any side effects from removing these and SHOULD BE SAFE to delete. also i use es file explorer for drive access
Email (I use inbox)
Evernote
Evernote widget
Exchange2
Gmail (I use inbox or reinstall from store)
++**Hangouts (CONTAINS LIBS) i use hangouts for OUTGOING PHONE CALLS, as such i feel these libs are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. i havent found any issues so far but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY on an essential core sytem
Holo spiral
Google tts (optional)
Juswrite (I don't use the stylus or handwriting)
latinIME (aosp keyboard)
++**Maps (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent found any issues but NAVIGATION to me is an essential core system therefore i feel these are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. again BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Music2 (I use gonemad music player or reinstall from store)
Newstand
Nvcameraawesome (it sucked and I use camera51)
Phase beam
Play games
++**Print spooler (CONTAINS LIBS) never use(d) it so i dunno really. SHOULD BE SAFE to remove (feedback welcome)
Street
Stylusmobileoem (like I said I don't even HAVE a stylus (unless someone has an extra they are willing to mail....)
Talkback
Trine 2 (unless you like it)
Twitch (unless you use it, also in play store)
++**Videos (CONTAINS LIBS) I had issues playing embedded videos in play store (app trailers) and some websites. i would recommend DO NOT REMOVE THIS. i ONLY left this here for info only. remove ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK
Write (again with stylus stuff)
++**Youtube (CONTAINS LIBS) never had any issues removing this. but i feel it could be related to my above mentioned video playback bug. this is OPTIONAL.
*now navigate to /system/priv-app
Delete folder musicfx (needs to be gone or disabled for viper4android audio install)
*now navigate to /system/vendor/app
Delete the folder watercolor (dabbler can be gotten from play store)
*if you feel busy /system/media/audio is where the ring tones are and you can delete the ones you don't use for more space but it's only 3mb....
*FINALLY hit the home button in twrp again.
**DO NOT FORGET** Install superSU beta for root!!!
*REBOOT!!
*After system boots up and gets done optimizing, it's safe to reboot back to twrp and flash the xposed framework.
*You're done! That's it... Wait... What? You want even MORE cookies? Well, OK....
*Keep reading for optional steps for even better results!
***PS... Keep checking our friend's @BitOBSessiOn and @twistedumbrella threads for really great kernels for our ota..
Thanks @BitOBSessiOn
Thanks @twistedumbrella
Links:
Bito: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi.../tweaked-kernel-nvidia-shield-tablet-t3069776
++++++ ***check out @BitOBSessiOn thread, ota 3.0 source built, optimized kernels for all models released!
NEW UNIFIED BUILDS FOR OTA 3.0 (ONE FILE FOR ALL MODELS)
Twistedumbrella: 2.2.1 ONLY http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...t/stock-lollipop-kernel-cifs-support-t2967839
And some more post script.
PPS **tips**
*System apps always keep a copy of themselves for when it gets updated, so all those apps (that you just deleted) end up being over 400 mb after they all update once. And they ALL HAVE updates at time of install. So you save there. Just takes a minute to reinstall as user apps from the play store,and save a bunch of space.
***WIFI ISSUES!** If you do NOT HAVE a 5ghz router. Go to wifi settings, advanced, wifi band, switch from auto to 2.4ghz, makes the Web run faster and if it's set to auto I notice a good 40 second delay in wifi connecting. Also make sure the box "wifi always scan" is turned in. Otherwise wifi doesn't auto connect at boot.
*Get folder mount from the play store. It automagically patches android to let apps write to external SD. As well as links folders on external to internal so you can move ANY app to sd card. Profit!
*For a cleaner install. Install fdroid, then ad away. And run ad away before you ever open more than play store for es file Explorer to install fdroid. This way ad away is the first or one of the first apps to open. Blocking ads from that point on. That way if apps have built in ads, they won't even be able to load!
*Also thanks to @djdarkknight96 here's a link for a bad ass themed SwiftKey keyboard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016053
*To improve system responsiveness, enable developer options (In settings, click about tablet, click build number 7 times.) Then in developer options about midway down, turn "window animation scale" "transition animation scale" and "animator duration scale" from 1.0 to .5 this increases the speed of animations throughout the system/rom
*After installing the gravitybox xposed module, you can turn those 3 animation scales down further to .25 for even faster response.
*Native lcd density for shield tablet is 283.
It comes stock at 320
*Nvidia corporate tegra color scheme. Green is hex (#76b900) rgb (r:118 g:185 b:0), and grey, hex (#5c5c5c) not sure greys rgb. And black.... I looked it up in their corporate and product guidelines pdf.
*You can add apps to console mode by clicking the little + symbol under "android games" and "media apps" in shield hub. They will then be added to the "easier" to navigate shield hub menu.
*In the play store kernel adiutor (yes that's how it's spelled) allows control over the cpu speed and other critical stuff and things. To squeeze alot more juice from your battery, if everything else here is done, I found I could clock the cpu @2ghz (200mhz down from stock) and it's just as fast as true stock. Killer battery savings on top of the improvements already made in ota 3.0
*If you adjust the clock speeds in kernel adiutor... Make sure to reset the minimum to 51 every time and sit and watch to make sure they stuck. They will float around, then settle. But if you exit after altering the max and the minimum is floating high, it will set the minimum to that value.... Found THAT out the hard way......
*The letters that form the word "SHIELD" on the back of our devices.... Are stickers in small indents.... Looks really kewl if taken out. (see post #13 for pics)
+ *POSSIBLE USB ON THE GO (OTG) FIX*
Power off your shield, plug in USB OTG cable with a flash drive in it. Power on the shield. Once booted, pull flash drive and use whatever OTG compatible device you wish (mouse, keyboard, micro missile launcher--thanks ThinkGeek!))
ONE CONDITION! This method BREAKS CHARGING UNTIL NEXT REBOOT! (thanks nvidia!)
Enjoy!
Questions and comments always welcomed and encouraged!
If i forgot something, missed a step, whatever. Let me know!
I'll update/add to this if/when I think of things.
Ideas? Let me know!
CHECK POST #2 FOR UPDATE TIMES.
I'll try to highlight changes until I update again.
Look for the + symbol
Cheers,
Cyris
Mmm cookies just like mom makes!

Just a reminder! ALWAYS CHECK THE MD5 CHECKSUM FOR DOWNLOADED FILES. Md5 checker in play store works great. It can certainly save some headaches!
A SECOND MORE IMPORTANT REMINDER, KEEP A COPY OF YOUR FULL OTA IN THE ROOT OF YOUR EXTERNAL SD CARD. THAT WAY IF THE LIQUID DEFECATION TRULY STRIKES THE AUXILIARY ROTOR. YOU CAN USE NVIDIAS BACKUP STOCK RECOVERY (AT BUGDROID (ANDY ON HIS BACK WITH A RED ! OVER IT) HIT "VOLUME UP" + "POWER") TO WIPE DATA AND FLASH A STOCK FULL OTA AND GET BACK UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. THEN USE KINGROOT, THEN FLASHIFY, THEN TWRP, TO GET ROOT BACK AND CUSTOM RECOVERY....
**UPDATES**
Times are Pacific (my local)
+Initial post 5/25 @ 1300 (apx)
+Updated 5/25 @ 1655
+Updated 5/25 @ 1730
+Updated 5/25 @ 1810 - make sure you check this one for viper audio install
+Updated 5/25 @ 2304 - new full ota links
+Updated 5/26 @ 1030 - @BitOBSessiOn ota 3 kernel release, links posted
+Updated 5/26 @ 1546 - Added usb-otg temporary fix
+Updated 5/27 @ 2200 - Cleanup OP, removed old + symbols
+Updated 6/17 @ 1430 - Added info on folders containing LIBS in the wiping section.

Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.

Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I created this thread for a laid back easy way to (try) and get the most from our device. Xda was always my go to place to find help and it's a bit different now. Not everyone is a developer, but it shouldn't be hard to get knowledge from those that are. Hell I'm no dev, just like to test stuff, a crack flasher. But at one time I didn't know what root was..... We all were. I know I love it when I show someone my device I spent 100s of hours tweaking just right and the look on their face! At one time that was me. I had to ask questions that probably got a few chuckles. But usually there was someone there to ask. If i can help I figure I SHOULD,
As I said I encourage questions. It may help someone else later on. Cheers!

... Wrong button.....

All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.

Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it went well. And thanks for the info on mega. It does that from time to time. Could be alot of people trying to get that file right now. Links updated.
If you go through the xposed install and all. It gets spooky fast....

can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi

Excellent guide and info. Spent all weekend formatting and dealing with "optimizing apps", this fixed it all, great tablet now

GOALAR said:
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an 8 inch screen. With a resolution of 1920x1200 I'm not sure the math, but it adds up to 283,or there are a few sites that you can go to and enter your the screen info and it will tell you what you density is. Density is how many pixels are in a square inch. Also GSM arena and a few other sites show this data if you Google "shield tablet specs".
Switching from 320 to 283 just makes the screen look sharper. It also can effect what games are listed as compatible in the play store. Example, dead space and dead trigger 2 will not install @ 283. But will run at it. I have dead space myself and it plays fine but I have to side load it or set my density back to 320 in build.prop then install it.
Think of it like running different resolutions on your pc monitor. The monitor will show them just fine, but only 1 is the exact spec from the factory, and look the best.

Thanks For This
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.

koop1955 said:
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! =D Just hope it does in fact help some folks enjoy their shields a little more. I've been pretty unhappy so far, it was this or a Nexus 9, now I don't regret my decision anymore lol

Pictures of back of shield with letter stickers removed

Updated again

I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?

radio five said:
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope didn't miss a beat. This whole process can be done with no pc (I don't have a pc, my shield is my ONLY device.) so I've learned how to do it all locally (on board the shield itself).
This is only just now available, 5/13 kingroot was released that would root the tablet stock off the shelf. And flashify to put on the custom twrp. After that it's good times!
Ps, thanks for the heads up on the no pc thing, I forgot to mention that, OP updated...

That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

radio five said:
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch! I feel your pain. I recently had to try to flash using add (adb but "add" was a great typo) on Windows xp.... Oh yeah... THAT went well.... Then 2 days later kingroot came out.
Just make sure (and I'll add this to the op as well) to keep a copy of the full ota on the ROOT of your external SD card, that way if your shield take a flaming deuce in your hands, you can STILL use nvidia backup recovery. If you have ever seen the "bug droid" (ole Andy on his back and the flaming red ! Over it) hold the "volume up" button and hit power and the nvidia recovery comes up. Let's you flash a STOCK FULL OTA and bam, back in business, just kingroot, flashify, twrp, keep calm, and carry on!

Man, I'm glad you said something! I'm gathering all the files on my external sd card in a folder (downloads/Shield Optimization) and I was getting ready to take the plunge. I'll move everything to the sd card's root before I get started.
I'm also considering backing all of my sd card to a work computer temporarily so I can reformat it. My junk heap of a laptop can't read it but I suspect my shield may have formatted it to a weird..... format.
I just want to have the card ready in the event I want to transfer large files and not wait as long.
Speaking of which, would I be able to format my sd card via my PC with it still in the Shield, connected by a usb cable?
Sorry if I'm getting slightly off topic.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

@radio five
Firstly the only file you really need in the root folder is the ota zip. That's only because I'm pretty sure that's where the stock recovery will look for it, IF everything goes to hell.
Yes about formatting your card or storing files elsewhere during all this. The closer to a fresh card and internal memory the better.
Not sure what if any besides ntfs that the shield would format it to. But ntfs is recommended. And it's so far the only (I think) supported format for cards over 32gb. Also. After you format it to ntfs, quick format is OK, full is better but much slower on Windows, make sure to name it. Any is OK. "Sdcard" works.
In Windows Explorer, click on the volume (Sdcard you just formatted) to select it. Wait a sec. Then click it again. And name it when it highlights.
It fixes SOMETHING, Noone really knows what, but makes the shield recognize SD cards over 32gb
I'm sure there IS a way to format via adb, but I have no idea how...
What topic? >.< lol all questions are encouraged.

Jiayu S3 viruses?

Hello,
I am having through a major problem here. I am trying to figure how got into this and solve this problem.
I am new to android but generally and experienced user. Bought my Jiayu from vickmall pre-rooted about 4 months ago and realised that my phone if infected when random apps where installing themselves from time to time (once very two weeks eg.).
Generally I am installing Google apps only except Adway and a few other essential non google play apps.
Also I am careful with what I installed and most of apps ever download where legit (e.g facebook etc).
Thanks to SDMaid I found a virus SYSTEM app hidden from normal app explorer with the name "Pine" and package name org.slaughter.brilliant. The name itself got me very suspicious. I also noticed that "install from unknown sources" was automatically turned on each time I opening my Wifi or Data.
So I exported the apk and scanned through various online scanner giving me obviously that is harmful.
e.g anubis.iseclab org/?action=result&task_id=18ea3597ad6a61394e5335fefcbc86899&format=html
Un-installed it through SDMaid and then the nightmare came...
I am having numerous of app ads several times a day to the notifications bar or as a shortcut icons that go to google play. I see from time to time a toast says "Downloading" without having any visible result.
You realise that this is not as common as a rogue app can be, besides the fact I am acting like a paranoid at the moment ....
With SDMaid again through latest modified files I saw 3 files in the ES Explorer folder named "recomm" that had a list with all this spammy apps that I get notifications. I was quite upset and though that ES Explorer (quite known app I think) was packed with rogue apps!?. So I deleted it but nothing. Ads came again the other day.
I tried to see from what app came the ad notification "e.g Holo Launcer" by pressing the notification for a few secs. I saw that it came from trebuchet launcher...
I tried scanning my phone with avg,malwarebytes and kaspersky. I got something only with kaspersky the following file in a .kpsh folder (related to com.kpsh.sdk.KpshService of trebuchet?).
virustotal com/en/file/6871be33ba862c4594ffee60444f7cf296cb657e4f1384a27c1be6a5da0d7078/analysis/
Erased it but it seems to recreate itself again from time to time.
Also scanned trebuchet and settings app here and got these.
virustotal com/en/file/000f796f06f193f2e61eb007d374a06d3211ddb7e1facf3c386621e1f024b828/analysis/1442420388/
virustotal com/en/file/bbb2783fb9a2ad9aa94fc71d6b78179917e8669ec266cdd5758fd1e46f853bdf/analysis/1442420356/
I decided to erase the whole .kpsh folder to see if that solves the problem till now.
My mistake I believe is leaving "Unknown sources" on as it was by default and got to this mess without know what app did all this. I believe that I was going to get a warning before something got installed but unfortunately...no.
I don't know if this was prepacked or something or was totally my mistake somehow but I am slowly giving hope away.
Any suggestion would be very helpful.
Reflash the whole thing is my very very last option since I am not familiar with the process.
Thank you all for the time reading this.

Hi,
I've experienced exactly the same problem a couple of days ago. I used the Addons Detector-app to find out that the Trebuchet-app was responsible for the icon and message ads. Unfortunately it was part of the default apps and couldn't be deleted via the apps manager.
I first installed the Nova Launcher-app as a replacement for the Trebuchet Launcher 3
and activated it (Apps -> Start Page). Then I stopped the Trebuchet app, installed the Root Uninstaller-app, enabled the request of root access (Security Superuser), started the Root Uninstaller-app, chose System Apps and selected the Trebuchet Launcher-app. After pressing the delete button and confirming the root access the app was moved to the waste basket. That's it!

I found that "install from unknown sources" was several times enabled again without my action. AVG antivirus detected ap. "Education" and "Settings" ? as malware. I have frozen "Education" - it cant't uninstall, and after that unknown sources does not change it's status..

Find com.android.fallen if exists in system\app and delete it (use file explorer with root).

LeD00de said:
Reflash the whole thing is my very very last option since I am not familiar with the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing here but recently I got very tired and did "reflash the whole thing".
Ingredients were: Smart Phone Flash Tool, the right USB driver, a lot of RTFM and the latest 5.1.1 Beta (#4) from Jiayu Germany. Even though it is beta, I already prefer it over that bugged OS it came with.
Edit: Forgot to mention that I checked the beta #4 at virustotal, no probs!

SigmundDroid said:
Same thing here but recently I got very tired and did "reflash the whole thing".
Ingredients were: Smart Phone Flash Tool, the right USB driver, a lot of RTFM and the latest 5.1.1 Beta (#4) from Jiayu Germany. Even though it is beta, I already prefer it over that bugged OS it came with.
Edit: Forgot to mention that I checked the beta #4 at virustotal, no probs!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Decided to flash to jiayu germany 5.1.1 beta 10. I managed to get the rom but the flashing tutorial I found is in german.
Do you have instructions of backup/reflash/recover or whatever in English please?

LeD00de said:
Decided to flash to jiayu germany 5.1.1 beta 10. I managed to get the rom but the flashing tutorial I found is in german.
Do you have instructions of backup/reflash/recover or whatever in English please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use SP Flash Tool on your computer. If you come from KK (such as perhaps your stock ROM) and go to to LP (such as the Beta10 ROM) then it is important to choose 'firmware upgrade' in SP Flash Tool. That's because partition layout changed (LP has one extra partition, not sure what it is for). Once on LP you can choose 'download' to flash further LP upgrades. To backup/recover a ROM one typically uses a custom recovery (mostly TWRP on S3). Beta10 comes prepackaged with LP partition aware TWRP. Beta10 also has GApps, so there is no need to flash GApps on top of it.
Success

LeD00de said:
Decided to flash to jiayu germany 5.1.1 beta 10. I managed to get the rom but the flashing tutorial I found is in german.
Do you have instructions of backup/reflash/recover or whatever in English please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a bit hard to remember my odyssey though webspace back then but I bookmarked some stuff... but here is a pretty decent recipe: some link*
The SP Flash tool was fairly easy but to use get the drivers running was problem. Tried some things without success and got lucky with the same site: some other link**
Altogether:
1. Get SP Flash tool and the right USB driver and make it work (eg. ADB driver)
2. Get the ROM
3. Choose the ".scatter"-file in SP Flash tool and flash
It's some weeks now and I also vaguely remember that the phone had to be off (well, not really sure but you'll see).
! Don't forget to check any downloaded at least with virustotal - I did that back then but the DL-links might have changed.
!! Use it at your own risk! Some kittens might get killed, or even worse: your gets bricked.
* and ** Alas, my apologies, I am not allowed yet to post links but if you google for androidxda sp flash you should find it instantly or just let me know.

Okay, I'm probably a little late for this, but hopefully this will be somewhat helpful to other people having the same problem.
I myself have purchased a Jiayu S3 Advanced a few months back: while the price is hard to beat, it comes with that ROM that sometimes starts installing "random" apps on its own. At first it was bearable, but at some point it started downloading multiple apps every day.
After some analysis (pretty much looking for data usage by different apps) I figured that the problem was with the Trebuchet launcher (which was the only app in that list that I didn't recall using - and also, why would it need Internet access?).
So, what I've done was rather straightforward: install Google Now launcher (but any other launcher should do), uninstall that other launcher. Worked like a charm!
Also, I've heard a few people complaining about this sort of problem with Chinese smartphones: watch out and consider that next time you buy a new smartphone! I know I will

disable automatic updating?

last night i was using my nexus player and out of nowhere it just randomly decided to shut down. next thing i know upon reboot it tried to update but since im rooted and such it failed. the problem here was that it screwed up boot and i had to wipe the cache which erased most settings.
Is there a way to make the nexus player not try to automatically update? disable update in settings for that matter (in case someone tried to get cute and do it while im not around)?

unvaluablespace said:
last night i was using my nexus player and out of nowhere it just randomly decided to shut down. next thing i know upon reboot it tried to update but since im rooted and such it failed. the problem here was that it screwed up boot and i had to wipe the cache which erased most settings.
Is there a way to make the nexus player not try to automatically update? disable update in settings for that matter (in case someone tried to get cute and do it while im not around)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL!!!! I'm going through this frustration right now. Couple things I've done first install a custom recovery it won't let you update. if you do get the endless bootloop clear cache and it will stop (the update is downloaded to the cache). It might do that twice then will pass. This worked for me until factory restored my device. I ended up forgetting and now I'm marshmallow.
Next thing I'm gonna try is pushing a build.prop from the next update to /system. It hasn't been pushed yet but they usually release it on the site with the factory images. If I don't flash aosp first.

Yes but i wonder if theres a way to disable it. it sucks that i have to clear cache every time it attempts to update. its happened 3 times on me now. i will try to install my own custom recovery so hopefully thats all thats needed but i noticed android also downloads the update in the background, which probably wastes more space if your not planning on upgrading.

Once you clear the cache it deletes the update. Almost forgot I read some where here on xda that deleting otacerts.zip will stop it from downloading entirely. Not suggesting you try it but next update I'm gonna

You might want to try the method I suggested at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62865084&postcount=6 and see if that works or not.

Thanks for your solution but unfortunately, at least for me, i cant seem to get it to work. i can sideload and launch the disable service app, but when i try going to ANY actual apps or system services, it just crashes. Not sure why. :/

Asadullah said:
Once you clear the cache it deletes the update. Almost forgot I read some where here on xda that deleting otacerts.zip will stop it from downloading entirely. Not suggesting you try it but next update I'm gonna
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this, and while it did stop the download from verifying, it just caused the nexus player to loop over and over by constantly downloading the update again, only to fail and repeat the process. This worked for a couple of days while i found the proper workaround, so thanks. keep in mind though that because it just caused the device to keep redownloading, this method could cause those on limited data plans to quickly go over.
GabbyWC said:
You might want to try the method I suggested at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62865084&postcount=6 and see if that works or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for whatever reason service disabler did not want to work for me. it caused a constant crash every time i tried clicking on any service within the app. I did however, eventually come across "My Android Tools" by the same developer as service disabler. Using this app i was able to disable the systemupdateservice within both google framework and google play services. I had to use a bluetooth mouse to navigate though, as the remote didnt want to work on its own. Once i used this app and followed your directions, now when i attempt to do a manual system update in settings, it just acts like im on the current version, which i assume means it fails instantly. Thanks so much man! so far so good!
For anyone curious, the app is:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.wq.myandroidtools&hl=en
keep in mind you may need to connect a mouse somehow to the nexus player to navigate and disable the services.

Thanks I'm gonna downgrade today and find out

unvaluablespace said:
for whatever reason service disabler did not want to work for me. it caused a constant crash every time i tried clicking on any service within the app. I did however, eventually come across "My Android Tools" by the same developer as service disabler. Using this app i was able to disable the systemupdateservice within both google framework and google play services. I had to use a bluetooth mouse to navigate though, as the remote didnt want to work on its own. Once i used this app and followed your directions, now when i attempt to do a manual system update in settings, it just acts like im on the current version, which i assume means it fails instantly. Thanks so much man! so far so good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to hear that things worked out for you with this method and the alternate app by the same developer. I've been running Android 6.0 Marshmallow after flashing its factory image but once the monthly security updates and unwanted reboots in to TWRP start happening, I may disable the updates using this method.

How do you sideload either service disabler app? Neither are listed on apkmirror and searching the play store in browser doesn't give an option to install for nexus player.

cpuspeed said:
How do you sideload either service disabler app? Neither are listed on apkmirror and searching the play store in browser doesn't give an option to install for nexus player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copy and paste the Google Play URL for the app (which was posted earlier in this thread) in to box at the top of https://apkpure.com/region-free-apk-download and press the green download button. Then upload the APK to your Google Drive account and install it through ES File Explorer on your Nexus Player.

please correct me if I'm wrong
As the title said, please correct me if I'm wrong but this method isn't working in the nexus player MRA58K since the apk used to disable the updated only supports Lolipop, I tried in my nexus 7 running 5.0 and it's working flawless but the apk crash on Android 6.0, thanks in advance for your help.

eL_pELoN said:
As the title said, please correct me if I'm wrong but this method isn't working in the nexus player MRA58K since the apk used to disable the updated only supports Lolipop, I tried in my nexus 7 running 5.0 and it's working flawless but the apk crash on Android 6.0, thanks in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "My Android Tools" app does not crash on a Nexus Player with Android 6.0 installed.

GabbyWC said:
The "My Android Tools" app does not crash on a Nexus Player with Android 6.0 installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for me. After granting "my android tools" access, I go to disable systemupdateservice, and popup says it can't access root privelages ( Supersu is up to date. I'm not really sure why I even rooted and installed twrp recovery on this device, but I wish I had stock recovery back so I wouldn't be in this mess.

@pokes135, make sure you have the latest version of My Android Tools installed. You can flash a stock system or recovery image using Nexus Root Toolkit if necessary.

cpuspeed said:
How do you sideload either service disabler app? Neither are listed on apkmirror and searching the play store in browser doesn't give an option to install for nexus player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install a firefox browser addon called apk downloader which will inject a button when you view the app in google play website to download the apk.

Use any root explorer or es file explore
make/mount system as rw
navigate to /system/etc/security
rename otacerts.zip into otacerts.zip.bak or whatever you want.
It will stiop the automatic update completely.
If you need ota update you need to rename th otacerts.zip back

Virus in My Android Tools APK?
I'm also trying to disable automatic updating of my rooted nexus player for the same reasons everyone else is but when I try to download the My Android Tools apk I get his virus warning.
a variant of Android/Package.Jiagu.A

hoodred said:
Use any root explorer or es file explore
make/mount system as rw
navigate to /system/etc/security
rename otacerts.zip into otacerts.zip.bak or whatever you want.
It will stiop the automatic update completely.
If you need ota update you need to rename th otacerts.zip back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Much more straight forward to do then sideloading app while hoping the app won't force close.
adb connect 192.168.xxx.xxx:5555
adb shell
su
mount -o remount,rw /system
mv /system/etc/security/otacerts.zip /system/etc/security/otacerts-disabled.zip
mount -o remount,ro /system
Pr-requisite: must be rooted and ADB Wireless already installed.

Don't use this method (renaming ota_certs)! It will just cause the updates to continuously download and fail, then start downloading again. You'll use a lot of bandwidth this way, and if you have a data cap, this is a sure fire way to bust through it.

[GUIDE] Ad removal - Debloat - Block OTA: easy TWRP install scripts

[SIZE=+3]TWRP scripts: Ad removal - Debloat - Block OTA[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]Amazon Prime Variant and OEM Variant[/SIZE]
Tested on Prime and OEM variants. Please report back if any issues​
[SIZE=+1]This guide only require you to be able to boot TWRP. You can follow this TWRP install guide and perform the installation of these .zip files AFTER step 8) (You must backup your system in case anything goes wrong, you will also need this backup to perform any future OTA, such as the one activating band 12). You can either stop there after installation, or proceed to the following steps if you want to have root access.[/SIZE]​
[SIZE=+1]All .zip have to be installed using the TWRP "Install" function. You will need to download them on your phone or copy them on a SD card. You do not need to install all these packages at once. These scripts do not install or remove anything on /system, they only rename some files. All scripts can be extracted and opening "update-binary" with your favorite text editor will allow you to see exactly what is done (always a good idea if you are concerned with your device security), and customize it if you wish.
This will only rename the stock apps in your /system. If an update was performed, or if you used the app previously, the app and it's files may still be present on your device /data even after running these scripts but you will be able to uninstall them as any other app. This also means that you can rerun these scripts after a future OTA and they will not erase any app you reinstalled yourself on /data.
A "reset all" script is also provided to restore all apps and unblock OTA.
You can individually restore any app by using a file manager with root access (or TWRP built-in one) and rename any "*.apk_" to "*.apk", app will show up again after the next reboot.
[/SIZE]​
[SIZE=+1]Disable ads, block OTA and Amazon PARTIAL debloat "bluR1-AMZ-PARTIALdebloat-blockOTA"[/SIZE]​This package will remove all the ads from your Prime phone and block future OTA. You DO NOT need to reset / wipe your phone after installation.
It will also remove all Amazon apps from your system except for the Amazon Underground app store (recommended).
This option allows automatic background updates from the amazon app store and do not need you allow the installation of packages from unknown sources.
[SIZE=+1]Disable ads, block OTA and Amazon FULL debloat "bluR1-AMZ-FULLdebloat-blockOTA"[/SIZE]​This package will remove all the ads from your Prime phone and block future OTA. You DO NOT need to reset / wipe your phone after installation.
It will also remove all Amazon apps from your system including the Amazon Underground app store.
[SIZE=+1]Google PARTIAL debloat "bluR1-GOOGLE-debloat"[/SIZE]​This package will remove SOME stock Google apps that can be easily downloaded from the google play store and are not required for the system.
This will only remove apps in the /system partition. This means that if you downloaded or reinstalled some of the apps they won't be removed by the script. It also means that if you previously used the phone and some apps were updated they will still be installed in your /data/app, but you will be able to uninstall them manually as any other app.
List of removed apps and their Google Play link for easy reinstall:
Google Search bar on home screen
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
Google Talkback
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.marvin.talkback
Google GMail
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gm
Google Play Music
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.music
Youtube
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.youtube
Google Drive
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.docs
Google Maps
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps
Google Chrome
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome
Google Talk Services
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.tts
Google Play Videos
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.videos
Google Photos
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.photos
Google Agenda
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.calendar
Google Hangouts
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.talk
Google Calculator
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.calculator
Google Clock
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.deskclock
It will not disable Google Play store, Play services etc. Some of the apps can be removed by editing the script yourself. See the "update-binary" file. No additional help to do so will be provided, do it at your own risks.
[SIZE=+1]Mediatek and BLU PARTIAL debloat "bluR1-MTK_BLU-debloat"[/SIZE]​This package will remove SOME stock Mediatek and BLU apps.
Remove useless BLU app and Opera preinstaller.
Remove the ugly File Manager app. Replace it by any other file explorer app is you like.
Amaze File Manager is a great and open source alternative https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amaze.filemanager
[SIZE=+1]Restore all apps and OTA "bluR1-RestoreApps-OTA"[/SIZE]​This package will restore all apps and unblock OTAs.
Changelog:
07/30/2016 - Topic creation. Amazon ad removal / debloat / OTA blocking scripts from the original post moved here for a better visibility. Initial release of Google and Mediatek debloat scripts.
08/17/2016 - MTK debloat script updated to fix FileManager removal bug
10/01/2016 - Scripts updated to v2. Now only rename files, restore script provided (V1 downloads: AMZ-PARTIAL 740, AMZ-FULL 828, GOOGLE 747, MTK 536)
05/31/2017 - Some scripts updated to v2 or v3, support V8.4 and V21 changes in folder and apk names. (V2 downloads: AMZ-PARTIAL 774, AMZ-FULL 1208, MTK 544, RESTORE 294)
07/13/2017 - MTK and OTA restore script updated to fix a typo in BLUHelp debloating. (V3 previous downloads: MTK 60, RESTORE 44)

thanks for this! very nice of you to make all the different options as well.
worked great for me on first try.

Now I'm tempted to buy the 50 version, would this leave your phone as stock?

rmartinezdl said:
would this leave your phone as stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have access to a stock ROM or nandroid backup to compare everything so I can't be 100% sure but as far as I know pretty much yes.

Scripts worked perfect and didn't delete the Google apps I actually use! Thanks!

Problems after Factory Reset
after factory reset got a Error looping, “Unfortunately, Setup Wizard has stopped.”
Method to bypass problem,
1. Boot into TWRP Recovery
2. Mount System ( Mount → check System )
3. Advanced → File Manager
4. Browse to /system/priv-app/Setup-Wizard
5. Delete it
Also, home button and menu button doesn't work
(had to restore from backup)

Fibrizox said:
after factory reset got a Error looping, “Unfortunately, Setup Wizard has stopped.”
Method to bypass problem,
1. Boot into TWRP Recovery
2. Mount System ( Mount → check System )
3. Advanced → File Manager
4. Browse to /system/priv-app/Setup-Wizard
5. Delete it
Also, home button and menu button doesn't work
(had to restore from backup)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or in between the pop up error messages you can go to Settings-> Apps->App Permissions and give Setup Wizard the necessary permissions.

So to clarify I can use the script to also disable ota for a prime that's been converted to OEM? excellent

I am a Prime-Member and would like to buy two NEW BLU R1 HD - 16 GB - Black - Prime Exclusive - with Lockscreen Offers & Ads:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2E0J5M/ref=twister_B01G7TG6SW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
However, since I am buying these two cellphones for my sons, and I don't want that they have access to my amazon account details...
So, I would like to know if these phones will come fully registered to my Amazon account, or if it is possible to block or unregister these phones to my Account ?
So, my Amazon Orders, List and Shopping Cart, can not be seen or used by my sons ?
At first and if not totally necessary, I not want to root or modify nothing on this Blue phone... I just would like to totally block in some simple way, my Amazon account that I will use to purchase these phones, possibly because both will come already registered to the same account.

ulises.rodriguez said:
I am a Prime-Member and would like to buy two NEW BLU R1 HD - 16 GB - Black - Prime Exclusive - with Lockscreen Offers & Ads:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2E0J5M/ref=twister_B01G7TG6SW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
However, since I am buying these two cellphones for my sons, and I don't want that they have access to my amazon account details...
So, I would like to know if these phones will come fully registered to my Amazon account, or if it is possible to block or unregister these phones to my Account ?
So, my Amazon Orders, List and Shopping Cart, can not be seen or used by my sons ?
At first and if not totally necessary, I not want to root or modify nothing on this Blue phone... I just would like to totally block in some simple way, my Amazon account that I will use to purchase these phones, possibly because both will come already registered to the same account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do not come registered to your account at all. Signing into an amazon account is an option during setup, but not required.

Thanks for letting me know that these BLUE phones, not come pre-registered to an amazon account...
That's just what I wanted to know before ordering my two phones.

The scripts worked perfectly except for the MTK one. The ugly file manager is still there.

oakami said:
The scripts worked perfectly except for the MTK one. The ugly file manager is still there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is strange. What phone version do you have? (Prime, normal, Prime converted to normal, etc)
Is the Gallery App gone? If yes try to uninstall the file explorer manually like any other app, else try to run the script again to be sure nothing went wrong.

emc2cube said:
This is strange. What phone version do you have? (Prime, normal, Prime converted to normal, etc)
Is the Gallery App gone? If yes try to uninstall the file explorer manually like any other app, else try to run the script again to be sure nothing went wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the prime version. I flashed TWRP plus superSU and Xposed. The gallery app is gone. I tried installing the script again but the file manager is still there.

oakami said:
I have the prime version. I flashed TWRP plus superSU and Xposed. The gallery app is gone. I tried installing the script again but the file manager is still there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the problem. Please redownload the script from the original post, I updated it and it should now remove properly the file manager.
Thank you for your bug report!

Thanks so much for this.
Also wanted to let people know that I removed Google Play Service and Google Play (store) without any issues so far.
I will update this post if I run into any problems.
Thanks again!

Any way to make the Camera app launch Google Photos? It now just gives me an error since I removed the Gallery app...

lostman1027 said:
Any way to make the Camera app launch Google Photos? It now just gives me an error since I removed the Gallery app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, use of the default gallery app is hardcoded in the camera app.
You can only launch Google Photos using the shortcut displayed after taking a new picture.
If you use an alternative camera app (I use Open Camera https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera ) these will correctly launch Google Photos or any other default gallery app.

For testing purpose (seems to work ok on my phone) here is an update of the scripts.
These ones will not delete the apps in /system but rename them from *.apk to *.apk_ effectively disabling and hiding them.
Two main advantages:
- Each app can easily be individually disabled/reactivated using TWRP builtin file explorer or any file explorer with root access by renaming them back to *.apk.
- Easily revert to an out of the box state to be able to apply an OTA update by simply using "bluR1-RestoreApps-OTA.zip" script. This will "rebloat" your system. If you installed root etc you still have to take care of this yourself.
If you are giving these scripts a try, please report success / failure so I can eventually update the original post.
Edit 09/10/2016: scripts updated to debloat non-prime phones, restore script released.
Edit 10/01/2016: scripts are now available on OP, beta is over. Thanks to the few testers that reported back!

Oops, wrong thread.