Related
For those of you who are uncertain of how to use adb commands or are afraid of editing their db check out the link below for more details about the app.
This is a quote from the site below explaining what it is:
"It's a Windows application that lets you sideload apps on ANY Android device, on any carrier, without the Android SDK installed. And you DON'T HAVE TO BE ROOTED"
Sideload Wonder Machine
***Note I am not the developer of this app or have any connection to it other than the fact that I happened to see the post and figured I would spread the word to everyone here. I have tested it on a ATT Captivate (which was already rooted) and it works as described.
so does this mean you can load any .apk file from the web into this Sideloader program and when the Captivate is plugged into the computer it will install it without issues?? and no need for modifying the no-market value settings thru root explorer?
Sticky Needed.
IT WORKS!!!
I tried this program yesterday and can confirm that it works
so its a cleaner way to install apk files into the captivate instead of editing the dbsettings file?? do I just save the apk file to my computer then just plug the captivate into the computer then select the file and run the program?
This lets you sideload any app (.apk file - android app file extension) that you can download on your computer, and it does not require rooting.
You need to download the samsung drivers for the phone (sammy website), upgrade to .net 4 (google search), download the wonder machine program from the beginning of the thread, and turn on usb debugging on the phone (settings>applications>development>usb debugging on)
Download an .apk somewhere on the net (I chose bansai blast as my first one). MOVE THAT FILE INTO THE FOLDER WITH THE UNZIPPED WONDER MACHINE. If you don't then you will get a "loader.bat" not recognized error when you hit go. Next, plug in your phone, pull down the notification tap and mount your sd card to the computer (I know that the instructions on android central say to keep your phone in charge only mode, but then the program will not find your phone if you don't mount the card). On the wonder machine hit choose file, and select the apk file you downloaded (again, in same folder as wonder machine program). Hit ok. Then hit go. It should pull up a dos looking command window and display your serial number (If you have a firewall like zonealarm, be sure to let the program access the net and your trusted zone - serial won't display if you don't) and a "press any key to continue." Do that and it should take a second to say "install successful. press any key..." Check your phone and the app should be in your apps list. Hope this helps, as it took me a while to figure all this out.
droid explorer offers better functionality. still, good find
with droid explorer am I able to copy the dbsettings file directly to my micrsd card then open SQLite from my phone edit and paste back into the origin dbsettings and overwrite it? or does that have to be done thru the comp??
I can confirm too that this program works great.
Sorry for the late responses but here they go:
poulosjr said:
so its a cleaner way to install apk files into the captivate instead of editing the dbsettings file?? do I just save the apk file to my computer then just plug the captivate into the computer then select the file and run the program?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct, plug in your phone, place the apk anywhere on your comp, and browse for the apk thru the app. this then installs the apk directly into your phone.
poulosjr said:
with droid explorer am I able to copy the dbsettings file directly to my micrsd card then open SQLite from my phone edit and paste back into the origin dbsettings and overwrite it? or does that have to be done thru the comp??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With this app you do not have to edit the db, the only down side of this app is that you have to install the apks via your comp.
systoxity said:
droid explorer offers better functionality. still, good find
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, with this app you lose a bit of flex ability since this method installs via your comp. But for those people who dont want to edit or use the adb push method it could not get any easier. I personally end up installing apks when i am on the road all the time so i prefer the permanent methods on my phones.
this works awesomely!
just make sure to put the .apk's in the same folder as the sideload program
+1 to this. Not the most convenient method but quick if you have your computer with you
i hate logging into windows. I'd love a mac version!
but I do have this on my windows ( i believe it is an androidcentral.com app ) and i used it a lot until i started messing with my phone and learned about adb.
I just wanted to say thanks for the quick guide. I was concerned about messing around with the db settings and screwing stuff up. I have absolutely NO problem installing non-market apps through my pc--thanks a lot dude!
I've been using it. My phone is unrooted. I used it to add 2 apps. A live wallpaper and a need for speed game demo.
Thanks to all of you !!
by following all that you posted I was able to root with super user , save with rom mgr , load wireless tether which was my goal.
Just to update were i screwed up must remember with super user (update zip) put the whole zip file on phone as a stand alone not in any folder . With side loader must be in the same folder as side loader to work , of course with micro net 4 installed, on the pc and debugging enabled , samsung usb driver installed on pc and superuser must installed to use side loader
thanks for all you help !!!
[Guide]Solving T-Mobile Engine/Cyanogenmod Theme "IMPROPERLY COMPILED" error
If u r using Cyanogenmod or Metamorph then u might see an error "THEME IMPROPERLY COMPILED" while applying some themes... Sometimes it might get fixed by just restarting the phone but many times it doesnt... There is a simple fix for this...
Requirements:-
1. Windows PC
2. Java Installed
Get one from here...
http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
3. apktool
Download here http://www.multiupload.com/OV96GE5JOL
4. Autosign Tool http://www.mediafire.com/?recnmyzergg
5. .apk file of the theme which you want to make work (there are many tools to create apk file of apps you downloaded like Astro file manager or Estrong file manager)
Huh.. That was quiet simple...
Procedure:-
1. Install the java you downloaded
2. Extract the apktool & autosign you downloaded (i assume you extracted it on desktop for convenience)
3. place .apk file of the theme in the same folder where you extracted apktool & rename it to something simple like theme.apk (in my case it is desktop/apktool)
4. open command prompt (type cmd in run)
5. Go to the location with command prompt where you extracted the apk tool
(in my case type cd desktop)
6. then type cd apktool ( I assume there is no sub folder inside apktool folder)
7. Now type apktool d theme.apk
It will process some files and in less then a minute it will be completed
8. Now type apktool b theme
9. Open the folder apktool on desktop (with windows explorer and not with cmd)
Go to folder "Theme", Open folder "dist"
10. Copy the file "theme.apk" inside dist folder and paste it in autosign folder on desktop (which you extracted earlier)
NOTE:- There shouldn't be any other .apk file except theme.apk in autosign folder)
11. Now open sign.bat and press any key to sign the app...
YOU ARE DONE
A file will be generated with name "your_app_signed.apk" copy this to your phone and install this (obviously after removing the theme which was giving error)
Now it should work without any problems..
NOTE:- In theme manager you wont get display image of the theme instead you will get a black coloured image with name @string/theme_name....
This is the theme you just installed (I dont know y no image is shown in display after recompiling)
IT MIGHT SEEM A DAUNTING TASK FOR THE BEGINNERS BUT IN SHORT WHAT I HAVE DONE IS EXPLAINED YOU THE WHOLE PROCESS IN DETAIL OF DECOMPILING & COMPILING THE APK FILE AND THEN SIGNING IT
Alternative
Thanks for solution friend, u can also add this aternative fix to ur post.
Download LCD densiy modder pro. change dpi to 140 reboot. install theme & apply. change dpi to default reboot. OK
Tested number of times on many roms, and works fine...
Found here: http://lavabite.blogspot.in/2012/10/cm-theme-chooser-fix-for-theme.html
AmAnzx said:
Thanks for solution friend, u can also add this aternative fix to ur post.
Download LCD densiy modder pro. change dpi to 140 reboot. install theme & apply. change dpi to default reboot. OK
Tested number of times on many roms, and works fine...
Found here: http://lavabite.blogspot.in/2012/10/cm-theme-chooser-fix-for-theme.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually changing screen density changes the overall screen perspective, so its not good to recommend it, everything looks too small
fundoozzz said:
Actually changing screen density changes the overall screen perspective, so its not good to recommend it, everything looks too small
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After applying theme returns to 160 dpi and everything looks normal.
Whenever I try to apply the 140 DPI setting, my boot screen screws up and I'm stuck in a boot loop. Running unofficial JB ROM on LG Phoenix. Any suggestions?
SiberianLeopard said:
Whenever I try to apply the 140 DPI setting, my boot screen screws up and I'm stuck in a boot loop. Running unofficial JB ROM on LG Phoenix. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
idk this error hapens on my thrive (same as phoenix) when im runing 4.2.1 cm10.1
why dont they work without the stupid fixes, the themes should work without them
Ok, So after copying 200 or so png's in the Drawable_xlarge_mdpi and the drawable_mdpi folder, I get my image mods after flashing.
But, they still only show the stock number of images, 9 or 10. Charging works ok.
So somewhere, there are some xml files I need to edit to reflect the filename additions?
Or am I missing something else?
A501 HC 3.2
Thanks guys and girls!
Battery_Charge.xml & Battery_Discharge.xml should be what your looking for.
Sent from my DROIDX using Xparent Red Tapatalk
DRTMI said:
Battery_Charge.xml & Battery_Discharge.xml should be what your looking for.
Sent from my DROIDX using Xparent Red Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I kind of figgured those were the xml files I was looking for. Problem is, I'm playing hell with de-compiling my framework-res to be able to edit the xml files.
Can't make much progress with the apktools available, even when including the dependancy apk's. So clearly I am a noob with decompiling framework-res
So my next question, is there any difference between a com gen 1 stat_battery_charge.xml; for the a500 and 501? If not, is it feasible to switch the modified xml to replace the current stock one?
here is how i mod those files as well as the icons and so on
i copy the system ui.apk to a folder on my desktop
i open it with winrar.. DO NOT EXTRACT IT.. pull out the folder containing the png files or xms you want to edit.. Just drag and drop them to another folder..
edit them to your hearts desire.
open the system.ui apk again in win rar.. drag the edited folder back into the system.ui.. push it to your tablet.. to say download folder..
then copy it to the original place it will ask you to replace say yes.. your tablet will CRASH .. REBOOT then if you edited the files corectly it will boot and show your changes.
i dont know if this is the correct way easiest way .. but IT DID WORK FOR ME.. USE AT YOUR OWN DESCRESSION..
I could send you the apktool I am using. Its the only one I have found that works worth honeycomb.
Sent from a phone.
NunHugger said:
I could send you the apktool I am using. Its the only one I have found that works worth honeycomb.
Sent from a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be much appreciated Just send a link, and thanks!
erica_renee said:
USE AT YOUR OWN DESCRESSION..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Erica! That's what I've been doing Actually, wanted to do some editing to the xml files itself. It's easy for png's, at they don't get compiled.
Anytime we take the first step, and install iconiaroot, we do so at our own discretion
Here's an updated apk_manager if you prefer that method.
I normally use a CWM zip since I have to reboot anyway. You can usually start with any theme zip and just make sure their updater-script copies /system to /system and just look through the zip to see what it copies, and if it looks normal, you can make the directory structure the same but copy your own over the old ones (and delete any orginal files that you won't be overwriting). i.e. it should look like:
system/app/SystemUI.apk
system/framework/framework-res.apk
system/fonts/blah.ttf
Just drag your files into the zip in the same place and use it.
And then as a precautionary measure, just do this once or any time you mess with more files (for inexperienced modders): Make a 2nd copy of that zip and call it blah-revert.zip then copy the orginal files over those modified files. Once you have both zips on the device, if anything goes wrong you can flash the revert to get back quick.
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Just hit the thanks button, he doesn't bite your finger!
This is an easy way to edit the images only(icons,wallpaper,etc),not XML files,Smali's and such.I do this using the kitchen,easy way if you theme alot.
Diablo67 said:
This is an easy way to edit the images only(icons,wallpaper,etc),not XML files,Smali's and such.I do this using the kitchen,easy way if you theme alot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to use this guide just for images. That was just the example. You can use it for almost any file inside an .apk. I was just saying that SOME folders aren't there.
Can you guide me to how do i keep same apps of diff versions.
i tried to modify a 3rd party app e.g whatsapp and when i tried installing i got an error which said "the app is not signed", may u kindly assist!
tendyfish said:
i tried to modify a 3rd party app e.g whatsapp and when i tried installing i got an error which said "the app is not signed", may u kindly assist!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You also have this tool
Easy Apk Dissassembler
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14049173
How do I use a flashable to get rid of .apks??? ₩
On the app I have here it returns 20 results that it scrapes from a website. I only want it to return 3 or 4. How do I get in there and change that value?
I want to change values on touchwiz launcher on my note 3, to use it in 440 dpi. When I use it there is so much margin on all sides, and I need to reduce. I need to add a new icon row as well. Can I do that just by modifying the app?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
are the .xml files encrypted or something? when i try to edit them, it is a bunch of strange characters
Hi,
I would like to modify the tinychat.apk so that i can find how to change my device info/platform from android to something else, like pc or whatever. I dont want to be identified as using an android device. Is this possible?
Regards.
ksaul said:
are the .xml files encrypted or something? when i try to edit them, it is a bunch of strange characters
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, depending on what tool you use to decompile the apk files it may or may not decrypt them. I use apktool and it decrypts them just fine.
I think this method is no longer working for 4.3+
Modify JAR files
littlejoelgriffo said:
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very helpful thank you for sharing. Is there a way to modify JAR files the same way?
gilbertgk said:
That's very helpful thank you for sharing. Is there a way to modify JAR files the same way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rename the jar to apk..after done,rename it back to jar
zamzameir said:
rename the jar to apk..after done,rename it back to jar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can this work on my note 3 4.3 not rooted?
gilbertgk said:
Can this work on my note 3 4.3 not rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
idk..but you can try n report back
littlejoelgriffo said:
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnax for great guide but,my gopro app has a update and I have changed the icon on it but the app store dosent show me the update button. How to fix so I can update?
What do I need to change in an app to substitute it for another app?
OK so I've installed a new ROM and it comes with a kernel setting app preinstalled. This app has been integrated into the system settings portion of the ROM. I want to replace this kernel settings app with one of my choice but I want to be able to integrate it into the system settings like the original app is. I tried disguising the new app by changing the name of the app and .apk files but that didn't work. Closest I got was being able to convert my app to system app but even though I changed the name, the app, when installed goes back to it's original name. Or what permissions or files do I need to change to allow the integration of my app into the settings interface. Thanks ahead of time, it's appreciated.
I am on alliance Rom and it is fantastic. Everything is themed just the way I like it. I only need to change one last thing to realize my dream setup. Does anybody have any idea on how to universally change the generic contact pics that shows up in my mms?
cinsity said:
I am on alliance Rom and it is fantastic. Everything is themed just the way I like it. I only need to change one last thing to realize my dream setup. Does anybody have any idea on how to universally change the generic contact pics that shows up in my mms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
If you like, provide a copy of what you want to change it to. I have a copy of Alliance Build1 on my phone and can make you a flashable. When I post it, I will give you some general instructions on how to add to it, if you like.
Edit: And just to be sure, did you flash a theme at all?
That would be awesome. I did flash all backs black theme. I actually just want a totally black bg pic to sub in. I would be ok with a way to completely remove the contact pic at all. Thanks a ton for your help
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Zip attached. Flash in recovery. It does not replace SecMms.apk, it only replaces thise pngs inside it. It wipes dalvik for you. I will add on a short tutorial on how to add onto this yourself shortly.
View attachment 2906973
Ok. This uses the vr-theme script. Most of the a.b.b. theme uses it as well.
If you unzip flash me.zip, and go inside, you'll see this
Drill down into the vr theme folder. . .
You see a folder with the exact same name as what you're modding. Please note that it has the exact spelling, including the .apk. I'll get to how I chose what's inside in a minute. The way I get what's inside was I unzipped thee abb theme, and got to the SecMms.apk app. In abb it is a full app. So to get into it, use a file explorer. I used es file explorer. Long press it and choose to open it. If you just short press like normal, it will try to install it.
When you open it go into the res folder.
Then I chose this folder to extract (because it had the images I wanted)
And when you back out, you get this
Go into that folder, you'll see a bunch of pngs. I delete the ones I don't want to change. I'm left with
For your zip, I made all these images transparent.
I then placed the SecMms folder to the flash me in the correct folder (vr-theme/system/priv-app, for this mod) and renamed it to include tha ".apk".
Then I zipped it up.
A couple of side notes:
Any .9.png files... don't modify those unless you know how. Google it if you really wanna know.
Any .png files... if you replace it rather than edit it, 1. Make sure the name matches exactly. 2. Make sure the dimensions match exactly to ensure it shows correctly. If it isn't the same, crop or resize.