Related
Hey guys
I tried to 'clone' my Galaxy S7 edge to a Galaxy S7, the on board copy tool after startup did only copy a few, I miss basic things (wallpaper settings, app logins and more)
What is the best way to copy all the data from one Android to another?
Thanks for your help
Oli
Try Smart Switch. I used it to restore everything from my s5 into my s7 edge. The only way I could get it to work right was to create the backup into my sdcard on my s5 and then put it into my s7 edge to restore with Smart Switch. You won't be able to restore 3rd party app data with it though. That means app logins will not be backed up. Everything Google and samsung related will restore just fine.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
+1 for Smart Switch but it is not a full "clone" program. You need to transfer 3rd party app data such as games, whatsapp history etc manually.
duceyaj said:
Try Smart Switch. I used it to restore everything from my s5 into my s7 edge. The only way I could get it to work right was to create the backup into my sdcard on my s5 and then put it into my s7 edge to restore with Smart Switch. You won't be able to restore 3rd party app data with it though. That means app logins will not be backed up. Everything Google and samsung related will restore just fine.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main question here is why would you go from S7 Edge to S7?
Probably for the smaller screen. S7 Edge seems just to big for some people.
Officially Smart Switch.
If your Rooted and SD Card, Titanium backup.
You can backup, Account, Messages, Wallpaper, Settings, Ringtones, Applications, Applications saved Data.
You name it, this can back it up, Install it on both Devices, Backup the S7 Edge to SD Card
Take out the SD Card, Put it in your S7.
Search for the Backup folder in Titanium settings, and restore.
If you are not rooted there is similar apps to titanium that i work without root method.
This will at least allow some additional data and applications to be copied over that would otherwise be ignored
To answer the most important question first : Yes, smaller screen and I dont like the edge hardware design, I constantly touch the screen..
Thanks for your ideas! But that sounds a bit unpleasant compared to what I am used from iOS.. There is no possibility to move all the data from one phone to another..? I mean, properly
The Apps are not the most important things, I would have liked to have the same App's on my screen again, same Mail accounts, settings..
oli_28 said:
To answer the most important question first : Yes, smaller screen and I dont like the edge hardware design, I constantly touch the screen..
Thanks for your ideas! But that sounds a bit unpleasant compared to what I am used from iOS.. There is no possibility to move all the data from one phone to another..? I mean, properly
The Apps are not the most important things, I would have liked to have the same App's on my screen again, same Mail accounts, settings..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are applications on the store that will get everything you want.
most apps take Priorty information, Contacts, messages Images etc etc
Titanium backup will do EVERYTHING you possibility want.
You only get the full features if Rooted.
If you are not, there are applications like MyBackup pro i used to use before Rooting.
I know there has been many other applications over the year that have done this.
But as others have stated, what happened with Smart Switch, Samsung App should do all this.
I can backup my entire device
(System Apps, User Apps)
Wallpapers, Ringtones, Accounts Added, Messages Rules ,Blocked numbers.
All your settings
This app does more than what you are able to do to transferring content between Iphone to iphone.
Its not that complicated neither, i can backup my entire system in 5 minutes.
Happy to help or guide you through it if you want.
Thanks Dave, would you try Smart Switch or MyBackup pro first? I'll try this that weekend in that case
I am not rooted yet, but I want to since I always had jailbroken my iOS devices.. But I decided to do one by one
oli_28 said:
Thanks Dave, would you try Smart Switch or MyBackup pro first? I'll try this that weekend in that case
I am not rooted yet, but I want to since I always had jailbroken my iOS devices.. But I decided to do one by one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Smart Switch first
(This is Samsung Official Application, They Prided them-self in this release, its a all in one suit to move your content from one device to another - Specific for the job you want)
If Smart Switch Fails, Try MyBackup Pro:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup&hl=en_GB
Pro version is paid for.
Presenting.. the Next Best Thing to Root for the U.S. Samsung Galaxy S7 T-mobile edition (model SM-G930T that is)
As of 6/7/16, no root is publicly available. I purchased my S7 on 5/26/16 and decided to keep it despite the lack of root. This is my story.
INTRO
So the ol' Galaxy Note II up and died on me a couple weekends back, and I blew 40 bucks on a new battery before I realized it was gone gone gone. Queue new phone shopping, the hip glasses-toting dudes at T-mobile swayed me to an S7. I didn't want something as big as my last phone and forget using a bumper case with that curved-screen edge (an acquaintance of mine quotes: "The only thing that ****ing screen is good for is when I'm high as hell and want to read the clock without lifting my head". He dropped his and shattered it.), so I went with the plain ol' S7. Well, now I know why the salesguy got real quiet when the first thing I told him I would do was 'root the phone'. Being a programmer, I was pretty bummed and unhappy about owning a device that I am purposely locked out of Administrating.. but the return fee was $50, and I really liked what the S7 brought to the table.
Goes without saying, I was ready to pay for the rootable HTC-10 (my local store didn't even carry it, the salesman said they were 'test-marketing it' at a couple other stores across town) or the LG monstrosity (I haven't liked this company since the spying TV debacle, tho once upon a time they made good and cheap TVs), but I hated how much bigger the devices were and that svelte S7 really impressed me otherwise. Samsung really does make the 'iPhone of Androids'.
So, I decided to stick with the S7, and un-screw it pretty much as best as I could. And, because all I read was mostly a lot of 'is the root out yets', I thought it would be cool to share.
ABOUT THE S7
Not too terribly much has changed in the android linux filesystem since the last time I seriously delved into it. Got a vague idea where most of what is what, but I also recognize that the Path to Rooting is two: Utilizing a bootloader to actually flash the chip, or Piggybacking on some existing Administrative-privileged software in the otherwise 'closed' environment. Samsung shipped the U.S. T-mobile S7's (mine is SM-G930T) with a locked bootloader to make it nigh-impossible to root via flashing. Get to it, ya chip-hackers.
However, it is a universal law of the internet that someone out there will find an operable software workaround, and this is usually some 13-year-old kid from Finland, or at least it was in the case where I found drivers for a Voodoo 3 card during the advent of Windows XP. God bless the internet will provide, and in this case that gentle soul is none other than a man by the appropriate name of OSPolice.
PACKAGE DISABLER PRO - THE 99 CENT APP
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
This little gem of an app I purchased for $0.99 off the play store. This is the key to enjoying the disabling features of Root access and the key to un-screwing the T-mobile Galaxy S7. What this app does is essentially co-opt the Administrative access that Samsung Knox (the 'security' software) uses and allows you to disable any and all packages on the phone. When you first activate it you will have to accept an agreement tied to Samsung Knox (don't worry, this in no way causes anything to 'phone home' as far as I can tell).
I would recommend the very first thing you do is go to the settings and add a password to the app, that way nobody else can get in, because this can seriously **** with your phone's software, if you disable the wrong package the phone will not boot up properly and you will need to reinstall. There is an option to Disable All Bloatware based on automatic picks from the application but this can screw up some phones and you will miss a lot of crap, so DO NOT AUTO-DISABLE.
There is also another important reason you should manually disable these. Clicking on a package from the main app brings up a screen where you have several options (the auto-google feature is quite helpful to researching various processes). There is also an important little button that says 'Clear Data', erasing the temporary package data. Due to info I found on another forum, which I am too lazy to dig up here and now, there is an important process to disabling with Package Disabler Pro:
THE DISABLING PROCESS
1. If the package is not enabled, enable it.
2. While the package IS ENABLED, click Clear Data.
3. DISABLE the package with the Disable button.
4. Click CLEAR DATA a second time.
5. On to the next one...
It appears there may be some data that is not erased when the package is disabled. In any case, this fixed all of the problems I had disabling earlier without using the Clear Data button. This is important to stop certain packages from utilizing an outside process to re-enable themselves.
Below I am listing all of the processes that I disabled. Your list might be different; before I did this I updated the phone's system software from T-mobile's servers (as of 5/25), and I don't plan to auto-update again until I root or have to reload everything.
Also, please keep in mind I turned off a few features with this method, you will have to ADJUST YOUR PACKAGES ACCORDINGLY or know what to re-enable from the below list. I turned off all wi-fi calling (don't like 'weird' internet connections), all NFC and payment such as the Samsung pay chip (nothing I want/need enabled right now). I kept Bluetooth connectivity on since I pair the phone with my car for and it's more or less an 'established' form of protocol, neverless if I didn't use it I would deactivate it as well. Security Over All is my philosophy.
THE SINGLE PROBLEM I HAVE HAD is being unable to 'browse' for a background when choosing a new one for the lock screen. I kept the lock screen with a stock dark blue and had already set my live wallpaper (play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dkeesto.holographlw&hl=en if you are curious, Digital Hive by the unsurpassed Cypher Cove). So set your backgrounds before disabling all these, or try and figure out which disabled package screws this up, though I tried re-enabling anything with 'wallpaper' in it to no avail.
I also disabled a lot of the Google services, I check my gmail online, phone apps seem so hideously insecure to my mind, and I don't want to use any drive or cloud backup services AT ALL. Go with an all-encrypted service or backup your data yourself, and I don't trust any non-rooted backup apps. If you use the Gmail app or etc, simply don't disable it.
A LIST OF PACKAGES I DISABLED (remember to Clear Data, then Disable, then Clear Data a second time!):
AASAservice
Access cloud
AllShare FileShare Service
Amazon
ANT + DUT
ANT HAL Service
ANT Radio Service
ANT+ Plugins Service
AutoPreconfig
Basic Daydreams
BBCAgent
BeaconManager
Beaming Service
Briefing (**** you)
Calculator
Calendar
Camera test
Carmode Stub
ChocoEUKor
Color Adjustment
com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.android.wallpapercropper
com.facebook.appmanager
com.facebook.system
com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub
com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity
com.samsung.dcmservice
com.samsung.enhanceservice
com.samsung.faceservice
com.samsung.hs20provider
com.samsung.ipservice
com.samsung.storyservice
com.sec.android.app.minimode.res
com.sec.android.app.wfdbroker
com.sec.bcservice
com.tmobile.pr.adapt
Context Service
Control TV
CoolEUKor
Device Unlock
DeviceTest
Dictionary
EasyOneHand
EasySetup
Email
Enhanced features
eSE UCS Plugin
Facebook
Favorite Contacts
Filter Installer
Filter Manager
Filter Provider
Foundation
Galaxy Apps
Galaxy Essentials Widget
Gallery (I use an app called QuickPic, don't disable if you use the regular Gallery)
Game Launcher
Game Tools
GamepadService
GameService
Gear VR Service
Gear VR SetupWizardStub
Gear VR Shelf
Gmail (You might not want to disable, but for security's sake you should and use your browser)
Google App
Google Backup Transport
Google Calendar Sync
Google Contacts Sync
Google One Time Init
Google Partner Setup
Google Play Movies & TV
Good Play Music
Hancom Office Editor
Hangouts
Health Service (this auto-health reading stuff is kind of scary)
Help
Highlight video player
IMS Settings
ImsLogger+
IntelligenceService2
Interaction control
Internet (have a secondary browser in place, I initially used Chrome)
IPsec Service
Kies Application BnR
KNOX
KnoxAppsUpdateAgent
Live wallpaper picker
Lookout
Magnifier
Market Feedback Agent
MDMApp
Memo
Message service
Messages (I use an app called Textra, it is pleasant, don't disable if you use this for text messages)
MmsService (I have had no trouble sending/receiving MMS text with this disabled)
Mobile tracker
My Files
My interests
My Places
Nearby Service
Nfc Service
NSDSWebApp
Personal Data Management
Photo Editor
Photo Screensavers
Photos
Print Spooler (might be necessary for phone-to-printer if you're into that)
Private Mode Service
Quick connect
Remote Controls
RoseEUKor
S Finder
S Health
S Voice App
Safety assistance
Safety information
Samsung account
Samsung ApexService
Samsung Billing
Samsung Content Agent
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Gear
Samsung keyboard (HAVE ANOTHER KEYBOARD INSTALLED [I use Hacker's Keyboard] OR DO NOT DISABLE THIS)
Samsung Location DSK
Samsung Milk Music
Samsung MirrorLink 1.1
Samsung Pay Stub
Samsung Payment Framework
Samsung Push Service
Samsung setup wizard
Samsung text-to-speech engine
Samsung+
SamsungDLPService
SapaMonitor
Screen Mirroring
Security policy updates
SecurityLogAgent
Settings Receiver
ShootingModeProvider
Simple Sharing
SLLibrary
Slow and fast-motion video player and editor
Smart Manager
Smart Manager Provider
SmartCallProvider
SmartcardManager
SmartcardService
SmartFaceService
SmartManager Clean DSK
SnsImageCache
Software update
Software Update
Sound detectors
Sound picker
T-Mobile
T-Mobil Name ID
T-Mobile TV
Theme store
Themes
TouchWiz easy home
TouchWiz home
Trim
Universal switch
UrgentFWUpdateNfc
UrgentFWUpdateTSP
Video collage
Video Editor Lite
Video Player (Stock, don't disable if you use, I use an app called VLC that plays damn near anything)
Virtual tour
Visual Voicemail
Visual Voicemail
Voice Assistant
Voice service
Voice wake-up
WallpaperCompression
Weather
Weather
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct share
Wi-Fi Calling Settings
withTV
And that's it! Boy, wasn't that a lot of clicking clear data and all that junk! But it is worth it!
A FEW OTHER FEATURES I DON'T USE
Fingerprints.. never tested with this. I fail to see the usefulness of a fingerprint compared to a password in your head, and it's a whole lot easier to duplicate the former and scan someone's phone (call it the 'law gets in' password). So some of these might have disabled fingerprint functionality.
Voice-assistance.. again, the possibility of my phone recording me without me knowing is kind of scary. There's a lot of Samsung S-voice crap built in, I had this sort of thing on my last phone and never had the need for it.
Always-On Screen - It displays the time, had it on for a couple days and it worked just fine, but ultimately a battery eater, and the config options are real limited. I ended up turning this off.
The Samsung TouchWiz Launcher - As soon as I got all my packages disabled, I ditched this one. You can use anything you like, but personally I found a new home with NovaLauncher.
The Camera I tried to keep as whole as possible, I set it as the 'double-home-button-click-to-open', which was default behavior, and I really like it this way - double-click and you have a camera, and it works regardless of locked screen. They've really improved the camera software, I can double-click and start recording and that's just the way I like to use a phone. Now if there were only a way to compress, encrypt, and auto-transmit those movies immediately after recording...
DEVELOPER OPTIONS
Settings -> About device -> Click on 'Build Version' a bunch of times. If you're reading these forums you should probably know how to activate this.
Some cool settings, the only one I toggle is USB debugging.. for ease of file transfer on a PC thru USB cable, something which ALL modern phones suck ass at. It almost makes me want to program a simple universal file transfer software suite.
WHAT I WISH I STILL HAD
Encrypted Backup Solutions/State Backups: TitaniumBackup & Nandroid are the ****. Man do I miss having root access.
Customized Pull-down Notification Screen: I hate that first row of settings buttons. I will probably have to pony up the 5 bucks to NovaLauncher to see if they can make those go away.
One-touch Reboot app - Not getting this one until root Administrative access. I'll have to live without until then.
Otherwise, I have been pretty conveniently able to live without Root on this phone, and I hope this guide can make you happy, too!
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - USEFUL
I've peppered the above with some apps I really like, here are some more:
Firefox - My favorite browser. I keep a copy of chrome for emergencies. 'Noscript' and 'Phony' are must-have extensions. Still looking for a good page-to-pdf extractor.
Orbot/Orfox - Best TOR/browser combo.
Rocket Player - FANTASTIC music app that I ponied up the money to unlock (mostly to play FLACs). Near-perfect, and a relief because Winamp **** the bed when it came to Android.
DuckDuckGo - I use this to replace the Google search bar widget. Doesn't work the same (click to open) but works quickly.
ZDBox - I use this exclusively for the 5x2 'control' widget on my home page. One-touch turnon/offs (or some options send you to the settings screen) for the following: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Mobile Network, Airplane Mode, TaskKiller, disable Screen Rotate, Brightness, Applock (you specify) and Flashlight (my default light, big screwy button but I'm used to it now).
ZDCal - From the makers of ZDBox, a free calendar that displays as a strip in the notification bar and also places a date at the top of the screen. Be careful, the first time I set it up I blindly clicked a couple pages and set up a period calendar that promptly notified me when I was beginning ovulation (I am a man).
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - GAMES
Stellar Solitaire - The best Solitaire app ever. Tons of games, demos, beautiful for a phone screen.
Cliffy Run - A rager game my awesome friend made that is totally and amazingly simple and has some great graphics.
Neko Atsume - A stupid japanese cat simulator that I can't stop checking.
Source - A free 'pipes' puzzle game. I'm at 1 hr 2 mins on insane level. Great for killing time in the DMV.
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - PROGRAMMER/NERD
OS Monitor - Process/Connection task-manager
JuiceSSH - My terminal app of choice.
Blowtorch Beta - My MUD app of choice. Told ya I nerd.
AndFTP - My FTP/SSHFTP app of choice.
AndroZip - My compression app, and, surprisingly, file manager of choice.
Fing - 1st of the 2 best wireless discovery apps ever.
Wifi Analyzer - 2nd of the 2 best wireless discovery apps ever.
Usemon - Resource Analyzer. Has a cool option for the notification screen, and measures both frequency and % use graphs when many progs do one or the other.
Cargo Decoder - If you want to read what exactly is in the tanker truck you are driving behind and how badly a spill will **** up your day.
Maverick - For all your GPS/compass/accelerometer needs.
FINALE
Please feel free to add anything to the above! I am pleased that I got my phone to do most of the things I wanted without a root. That being said, as soon as it is possible I will be jumping on that train. If you have any suggestions, please contribute! And thanks for reading!
Solid post man. I will be looking to clear data on my disabled apps. That is great advice. Thank you for this!
I can say i agree, mostly. I too miss root, but can manage without it. I really wish I still had full functionality of tasker. I had some kickass gps profiles and such that I can't use anymore. Do you know a workaround for that?
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app
looking to get an s7, waiting on more info from this thread, can anyone else confirm
rkohliny said:
looking to get an s7, waiting on more info from this thread, can anyone else confirm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What more info? How much more detail do you need?
Just completed this entire process...thank you so much! Have you been noticing faster speeds and better battery life as a result?
thank you!
Thank you. My phone is running better and faster and cooler. Thanks again
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
great post. im bummed as well regarding the locked bootloader that TMO has implemented. It's still a new enough phone that I'm trying to get the 'samsung experience' so personally disabled lookout and the TMO crapware. I will be saving this post for when I'm ready to go barebones (like I always eventually do) does anyone know of a good rootless ad block? Every time I launch a game and stare at a 30 second video for a different game it makes me miss adblocker terribly
I used this list as a base for safe to remove applications. Ridiculous that Samsung thinks it's this necessary to have this many applications installed.
I use the Theme Engine and a few Samsung apps (their browser with Crystal Adblock, works great and I also use Screen Mirroring/Quick Connect.) So I skipped disabling those, but got everything else. Thanks for the list. Looks like you spent a lot of time compiling it all together.
Seems to have definitely made the phone a lot snappier so thanks for this! However I can't seem to figure out which is affecting my wifi calling. It'll turn on on reboot but if it drops it won't come back on. Any ideas? Also I didn't turn off the lasy three ok his list.
Could you please share the XML file of PACKAGE DISABLER PRO? ....
PS Thank you for the great Post!
dantes5823 said:
Seems to have definitely made the phone a lot snappier so thanks for this! However I can't seem to figure out which is affecting my wifi calling. It'll turn on on reboot but if it drops it won't come back on. Any ideas? Also I didn't turn off the lasy three ok his list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever find out why WIFI calling isn't working properly? Mine won't even start on a reboot!
Looks like Debloater will do the same thing as well.
Thanks for the list of apps that i can safely disable
Very nice write up..
1st: Excellent post, lots and LOTS of detail!
2nd: OMG, I hope I don't mess anything up!
Yikes!
Bambi
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using XDA Labs
Just curious if people use Smart Switch (or similar programs/apps) to transfer all the old data/contacts/music/apps to the new phone or start fresh, re-download apps one by one, etc? When I switch to a new device, I'm usually (maybe unreasonably) fearful that some stray bit of old or unused data or file will transfer over that will affect the performance of the new device, thinking I'm making it 'dirty'. I also use it as an opportunity to purge apps I don't use enough to warrant keeping them. Over time I always collect apps I use maybe one time and I leave them there, no reason why. Time to clean house!
Coming from S7E, when I go into Best Buy to pick up the S8+ I'm sure they'll ask if I want them to OTG the data over... No thanks, I want my baby clean.
With smart switch you can chose what you want to copy. Yo
I might have to check out this smart switch. I usually back up everything with Titanium then restore on the new device. The problem is that often causes problems if you restore the data that goes with the apps (last time I did that it screwed up notifications for things like whatsapp and emails), I think it was due to going from kitkat to marshmallow on my S5 and the difference in permissions handling between them probably screwed it up when restoring data. Of course not restoring the data means I lose all my save games, old messages in whatsapp, call logs, saved wifi networks etc etc so it would be nice to restore these things without screwing up anything on the new device. I wonder if Smart Switch (never heard of it before) could do it better than trying to restore from Titanium?
I guess not, just installed Smart Switch on my S5 and it won't even run. Tap to open it, it flashes up on the screen then vanishes.
I'm going to try smart switch, loading it now on my Nexus 6.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
I used smart switch on my last couple of upgrades I usually backup to PC on the morning the new phones due to arrival.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Well I still can't get smart switch to even load on my S5. Same thing constantly, tap the icon to load it, a smart switch screen flashes up then vanishes. No error messages and it stil shows in the recents menu, selecting it from there does the same thing, smart switch comes up, then vanishes again.
No idea why, I am using phoenix rom for my S5 which I think has bits of S7E firmware in it but that shouldnt cause an issue, the phone itself couldnt be running any better and its still a samsung android phone so smart switch should at least run, instead of vanishing without any kind of error message to give me a bluddy clue as to what i need to do to make it work.
Are there any good alternatives to smart switch? googling it just brings up the usual bunch of junk you get in these types of searches that i dont trust at all.
When I use smart switch it always gives me a rouge run away app that kills my batter and I end up factory resetting to correct it so what I started doing was sms backup and restore to restore my call logs, txt and sms messages including pictures and allowing Google to restore my apps ( no data) and go from there. Yeah I know I have to reset up my apps but I don't care at least I start from a somewhat clean slate and have everything I need . That's just my experience and opinion.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.
sanjsrik said:
If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helium backup and mybackup.
I like to tranfer everything because i have so much.
But funny thing is tho when i first got my s7 edge the smart switch didnt work, everything didnt tranfer.
Went to the note 7. Then went to a new note 7 (recall) still didnt tranfer my apps. Back to the s7 i went fresh and it now backs up correctly. So ill try the smart switch again.
Then box up ky s7e and ship it back
sanjsrik said:
If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smart switch works on multiple devices on Android and iOS. I'm going to give it a go first.
I always just start from scratch. Had too many problems in the past with apps misbehaving. I'd rather just devote a few hours to reloading manually than devote days to figuring out wtf is going wrong.
Starting from scratch. Had some issues with my pixel XL when I transferred my data
Nothing works 100% right when you transfer. It's just a fact. I've gone from S6 to S7, S7 to Note, Note back to S7, and other Android to Android transfers. Inevitably some app or setting screws something up. It might be minor, it might cause reboots. Not worth the risk. SmartSwitch is very slick, but it still can cause grief.
This is what I'd suggest based on past experiences.
1) Use an unencrypted SD card to copy photos, music, ringtones, and anything else media related between phones. There is no downside to this. You can save new pics to the SD card on the new phone while keeping all your old pics and it will just work. (Make sure and back stuff up. Phone or SD card, you never know when things will die.) You're coming from an S7, so you have that SD card option. If other users don't have an SD slot, copy the files to your computer and then to the new phone.
2) Make a list of all the apps that are relevant to you. There is likely a lot of baggage on your current phone you just left there. That app you downloaded once for one purpose that you never deleted. The app that is specific for the phone you're coming from and has no use on the new one. The picture editing app you downloaded but then started using something else. Bottom line, only bring along the baggage that you use. Adding back unnecessary stuff can just slow down a phone.
3) Set up your shiny new S8. Get it on your network. Get your Google account signed in. Go through ALL the system preferences. Turn off garbage settings you won't ever use (Edge sports for instance...). Set the timeout and security settings you will use.
4) Look over the apps that are on the phone already. Disable the ones you don't need/want. You can keep it basic and just do it in the app list settings or you can go a bit deeper and use an app from the Play Store to disable apps or go all old school and use pm on the phone's shell to do it. (pm -hide com.vznavigator.Generic for example) Once you've done that, your phone will be as pure as it can be without putting a custom ROM on it. Update the apps now or later.
5) Log into your Google account on a desktop browser and go to the Play Store. Use that list of apps you made before to bring them all up in the browser. Hit install there and choose your shiny new S8 as the destination. (This is just quicker than going into the Play Store on your phone and searching for each of them.) They'll download in the background on your phone as you choose them.
6) The crappy part. Set up the apps again. They're all installed fresh and clean so you'll need to launch them and put in passwords, accounts, settings, etc. It's painful, but it is the only way to guarantee that no gremlins on the phone came along with transfers.
7) Pop in that SD card you had with all your pics, music, ringtones, etc. on it.
8) Finish set up. Set your camera to use the SD card, choose the SD card as the storage location for offline YouTube and Netflix videos, etc.
9) Enjoy your new phone.
---------- Post added at 06:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:31 PM ----------
sebastianraven said:
Smart switch works on multiple devices on Android and iOS. I'm going to give it a go first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't do it. It seems so nice and slick, but it's caused grief every single time I've used it. Subtle glitches sometimes, force quits other times.
Averix said:
6) The crappy part. Set up the apps again. They're all installed fresh and clean so you'll need to launch them and put in passwords, accounts, settings, etc. It's painful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comprehensive list, good stuff there. To combat #6, I use a password manager (LastPass) which will autologin to my apps with a fingerprint. Saves a lot of typing, and I'll give the FPS a good workout and get used to the placement in the meanwhile.
i just use google account too download previous google store apps and populate the contacts. then get my 3rd party apk installed, that i keep on my sd card. things like unlimited skip pandora, etc.
I am coming from iOS, not sure how much it can be transferred... I guest only photo and contact, without apps...
Will missed some apps that I bought... need to buy it again on Google Store.
sanjsrik said:
If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cloneIT
i like to start from scratch
skyhew said:
I am coming from iOS, not sure how much it can be transferred... I guest only photo and contact, without apps...
Will missed some apps that I bought... need to buy it again on Google Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't even transfer photos. Just download Google Photos on iOS and upload them and then download them on the new device.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I really like the hardware profile of this phone. I am not a fan of all the Samsung apps and services. I know that defeats the purpose of buying a note 20 ultra, but at the same time. I don't think there will be an android phone released this year that will actually compete with this power house of a device. While I am currently in the iPhone camp, I am looking to switch back to android. I have yet to find a phone that makes that permanent and I always just go back to iPhone. I am asking this because that was the main reason I never kept the note 10+, had so many issues with their services and apps that after a few days I said **** it and just switched back.
I know there are some things that can be done via adb to remove and disable certain things on previous samsung devices. The question is how much of samsungs bloat can you actually disable and remove from this phone?
swagglepuff said:
I really like the hardware profile of this phone. I am not a fan of all the Samsung apps and services. I know that defeats the purpose of buying a note 20 ultra, but at the same time. I don't think there will be an android phone released this year that will actually compete with this power house of a device. While I am currently in the iPhone camp, I am looking to switch back to android. I have yet to find a phone that makes that permanent and I always just go back to iPhone. I am asking this because that was the main reason I never kept the note 10+, had so many issues with their services and apps that after a few days I said **** it and just switched back.
I know there are some things that can be done via adb to remove and disable certain things on previous samsung devices. The question is how much of samsungs bloat can you actually disable and remove from this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable or uninstall anything you want with adb but once uninstalled you may be up a creek without a paddle. I am proficient with adb but I us Package Disabler Pro from the Play Store. If you disable something important just go back and re-enable it.
I've been using adb since the T-Mobile G1, back then you had to use adb commands just to get a screen shot. Package disabler pro has 3 tabs - bloat, system apps and apps you've installed.
If you read about how to uninstall chinese apps from chinese phones, you will xome across a post which explains how to debloat from adb. Try it if you want to debloat
PD MDM package blocker, buy direct from their website for like $3.99, not it's on Playstore. Uses little battery or resources as it runs at boot in the background.
You can block or unblock apks as you wish and set a widget to turn off/on selected ones.
Playstore is one I do this with as it's always busy in the background. You can block carrier software updates so unwanted firmware isn't jammed down your throat.
I have about 60 blocked apks.
It will block all bloatware and many system apks however not all of Knox and Samsung Pay.
You can kill wittle Bixby, amen. However the cam needs Bixby Vision and Bixby Vision framework to function properly.
Rarely does malfunction but if it does you will need to disable it as system administrator as it will run in Safe Mode too. You can save your blocked list for future reloads or refreshes too.
Without this app my unrooted Samsungs be a complete mess... it's my favorite apk. It gets loaded first.
blackhawk said:
PD MDM package blocker, buy direct from their website for like $3.99, not it's on Playstore. Uses little battery or resources as it runs at boot in the background.
You can block or unblock apks as you wish and set a widget to turn off/on selected ones.
Playstore is one I do this with as it's always busy in the background. You can block carrier software updates so unwanted firmware isn't jammed down your throat.
I have about 60 blocked apks.
It will block all bloatware and many system apks however not all of Knox and Samsung Pay.
You can kill wittle Bixby, amen. However the cam needs Bixby Vision and Bixby Vision framework to function properly.
Rarely does malfunction but if it does you will need to disable it as system administrator as it will run in Safe Mode too. You can save your blocked list for future reloads or refreshes too.
Without this app my unrooted Samsungs be a complete mess... it's my favorite apk. It gets loaded first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That picture you attached brings me hope!! I ran into a lot of issues when I tried the note 10 will all the different crap it has you set up. Had to factory reset in less than 24 hours of having the phone to fix issues with Samsung services mainly Bixby and smart control services. I honestly like the simple ass turn on iPhone use iPhone setup. I miss having the little things around like changing my icons. I miss tasker the most, that program is stupidly powerful and had some really useful profiles setup.
swagglepuff said:
That picture you attached brings me hope!! I ran into a lot of issues when I tried the note 10 will all the different crap it has you set up. Had to factory reset in less than 24 hours of having the phone to fix issues with Samsung services mainly Bixby and smart control services. I honestly like the simple ass turn on iPhone use iPhone setup. I miss having the little things around like changing my icons. I miss tasker the most, that program is stupidly powerful and had some really useful profiles setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung has the most customizable non-rooted phones there are. Apple doesn't come close.
It comes at price though as there's a lot to learn.
You need to play with it, a lot.
The Good Lock apps especially One Hand Operation+, custom themes and hundreds of free icon packs are some of the Samsung Android perks.
The 10+ is my first phone to have the memory I need; 1 tb.... hell yeah.
The bad part is unlike Apple there can be conflicts caused by the many different software's and hardware's.
A reload is ok; the next load is always better.
I'm on my 3rd... my SD card is the data/backup drive now. So I won't need to upload near as much the next reload.
I backup all my apks for the next reload to save time and in case they go playstore extinct.
swagglepuff said:
That picture you attached brings me hope!! I ran into a lot of issues when I tried the note 10 will all the different crap it has you set up. Had to factory reset in less than 24 hours of having the phone to fix issues with Samsung services mainly Bixby and smart control services. I honestly like the simple ass turn on iPhone use iPhone setup. I miss having the little things around like changing my icons. I miss tasker the most, that program is stupidly powerful and had some really useful profiles setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like to tinker, you can also use substratum to theme your Samsung now. You need substratum lite and synergy to make it work. Been using it since the Note 8, the current instructions are toward the end of the thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/substratum/official-starting-substratum-andromeda-t3798316
blackhawk said:
my SD card is the data/backup drive now. So I won't need to upload near as much the next reload.
I backup all my apks for the next reload to save time and in case they go playstore extinct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you use to backup abs does it Also retain the data? Looking for something similar while also saving the app/data
Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk
Ziocomposite said:
What do you use to backup abs does it Also retain the data? Looking for something similar while also saving the app/data
Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apk Export: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ort&pcampaignid=APPU_1_A_9MX9iMKsnesAWR5Z_YDA
Remember to save a backup copy to your SD card and/or computer in case the OS crashes and burns. It's rare but it can happen especially if your loading new 3rd party apps.
It allows you to backup system apps/updates too.
Occasionally you want the 2nd update to a system app but the 3rd one is buggy and the factory loaded version is inferior to the 2nd update; no problem if you saved the 2nd or whatever version!
Unfortunately if the app doesn't allow you to export the settings data your boned. Apps like Poweramp fortunately do, it take a lot of work to configure it, lol I keep a couple backups.
Also explore Demo Mode. You can stop animations completely to get even more speed as well as other system tweaks. Get Samsung's Sound Assistant to dail in the volume settings.
As for 3rd launchers be warned, those reloads I talked of were caused by a 3rd party launcher.
Put the phone in a boot loop.... twice.
I've tried a couple launchers but none ran as good as the native Samsung one. It's fast, reliable and isn't a power hog.
You're going to have a lot of fun... I'm still learning new things about my 10+ and Pie.
The 20 U is a very capable Android
This is what my stock 10+ looks like.
blackhawk said:
Apk Export: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ort&pcampaignid=APPU_1_A_9MX9iMKsnesAWR5Z_YDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much appreciated. Will download and give it a try.
Have been using Action Launcher since Note 8 and works so far with gestures on the N20U!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actionlauncher.playstore
Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk
Ziocomposite said:
Much appreciated. Will download and give it a try.
Have been using Action Launcher since Note 8 and works so far with gestures on the N20U!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actionlauncher.playstore
Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a great app. No ads.
It allows batch processing too.
All too often a new owner and/or update kills a once great app, so...
Couldn't find that one listened anywhere here specifically. I'm pretty sure my phones compromised but I'll probably just get people telling me I'm being paranoid. Just notice a lot of weird stuff going on.
I'll give some examples, but it would be cool if someone else here has an A03s and could give me a full list of the system apps to know for sure if mine has some extra ones that aren't truly factory. Because I've restore it several times and they don't go away.
Like under the apps screen under the basic ones I got apps like Android auto, webview, configapk, customization service, and something called data restore tool, device health services, group sharing, meet, nearby device sharing, quick sharing, quick share, settings..etc. which to my knowledge are pretty normal apps to see on phones right? But I seem unable to control them, if I disable them and go back and check later they mysteriously reenabled again, or after that the permissions lists will be greyed out not being able to do anything. Also there is a app called "permissions controller", as well as ones called "apps", "apps update", "tools", "app recommendations", "settings recommendations"..etc. is that normal? I never noticed that with my old samsung. They are really small file size apps with pretty generic looking icons and they don't let me disable them.
What gets more weird to me though is when I enable the system apps too. I see all kinds of suspicious looking ****.
Like for the android setup, and android system apps there are two of each, and the other two have generic looking icons, also got stuff like configuration restore, audio mirroring, auto hotspot, automation test, bluetooth/bluetooth midi service, call & text on other devices, callbgprovider, camera extensions proxy, carrier login engine, sim tool kit, cell broadcast services, clipboardsaveservice, cmh provider, companion device manager (where I have no idea where my "companion is or how to control it so I must be the one being controlled?", configupdater, csc, dcktimesyncapplication, dynamic system updates, ipservice, enterprise sim pin service, external storage, like 10 different gestural navigation bars, group sharing, iaft, ims service, settings, and logging, input devices, iothiddenmenu, keycustomizationinfobnr, launcher, locale overlay manager, service mode and service mode ril, media and devices, mdmapp, vpndialogs, mmigroup,mmsservice, mobilewips, mtp host, nearby device scanning (2 instances), network diagnostic, nsdswebapp, one handed mode, osulogin, package installer, an app called "people", private share, proxy handler, quick share agent, samsung core services? (is that a real app even? I can disable it but who wants to disable "core" system apps, so touche there if it is a program deployed by a hacker on their app naming skills lol, smart switch agent, 2 instances of software update, system connectivity resources, system uwb/wifi resources, an app called "tasks", tethering, tethering provision and tethering automation, tfstatus/tffunlock always running when I never access them, usbsettings, and theres one called wallpaper services/wallpaper and style that looks really generic which is confusing because I assumed the samsung theme manager just handled all that stuff in one? We also got wearable manager installer running, and sometimes wificalling and wifi direct or work setup will be running when I don't have any of those configured.
Sorry for the huge block of text, I'm sure I missed a bunch i missed because there's some that don't show even when you tap "show system apps", like the skms agent as one example, so got a few general questions for you, so for the file/download system I got a bunch of default apps. There's two different files apps, there's a download manager and download app, and also a storage manager, and ALSO a app called the external storage that always wants to be running but can you explain that if I have no external storage? Is the built in storage space on the a03 called external storage? I even have my drive apps and stuff disabled.
Another things that's suspicious to me is secmediastorage, secvideoengineservice, secsoundpicker, secureelementapplication, media and devices + ext storage. Like why should there be a SECOND video or audio engine running when I'm old school and don't even use cast programs/features or anything like that? In fact it's usually one of the first things I just go ahead and try disable.
I noticed a lot of weird things going on with the display though too, looking really sharp then suddenly almost looking like there's two layers of gui not exactly lined up, like off by a pixels making things look blurrier. Like the one ui home is the default factory launcher right? So why does my phone also have a app called "launcher", plus another hidden launcher or something running in the background? I can't remember the name of it offhand, something GUI..
And I understand the concept of android have a permission controller, and "core apps" but are there actually apps under the system apps named that lol? "permission controller", "samsung core apps" one called "device services"...
also is service mode suppose to be running in the background? I googled into it and know it's a genuine service, but I really don't understand why a lot of these apps are stopping and running or renabling themselves.. It's like I have zero control over my own phone and if I'm just paranoid and they are meant to be just seems like a waste of complete waste of ram/data to me.
****, I was just sitting here thinking for like a few minutes about to post and almost forgot the most suspicious ones I've noticed in last few days. all the "com." overlay apps. I guess I really saw the word "overlay" as something you should be suspicious about until the vpn I recently bought had a feature that is suppose to block web browser based overlays. Then I noticed that MOST of my com. apps are all overlay apps! Lol, ranging from google/samsung to mediatek.
I won't post all of them because there's probably 20 at least but here's a few.
com.mediatek.frameworkresoverlay
com.mediatek.settingsproviderresoverlay
com.mediatek.systemuiresoverlay
com.samsung.android.networkstaack.tethering.overlay
com.samsung.android.smartswitchassistant
com.samsung.android.wifi.p2paware.resources
com.sec.android.app.camerasaver and a camera.app.cameraapp one (camera always running in background even if background and battery saver with restricted settings enabled)
com.google.android.ondevicepersonalization.services (I never used any personalization service or see a personalization app for that matter)
com.google.android.networkstack.tethering.overlay
and there's a bunch of com.google.android.overlay.gmsconfig ones /common geotz/ gsa/ photos/
com.google.android.overlay.modules.captiveportallogin.forframework
plus a overlay broadcastreceiver, ext.services, documentsui, permissioncontroller, and sdksandbox one.. tetheringresoverlay, wcmurlsnetworkstackoverlay, locale overlay manager..etc.
Also I get my service through straight talk which I think uses verizon and I noticed when I go to connections/mobile networks and network operators and uncheck the box "select automatically" that for some reason it only wants to connect to a network operator called "Home". I just thought that was kind of a weird and generic name for a network operator. I tried to use a android hidden settings app to change that because it was blocked out and thought I messed up my phone because I no longer had data and couldn't access the menu through the app anymore, but luckily a reformat fixed it but I'm still dealing with all this crap haha.
Can someone tell me I'm not crazy and there's definitely someone that is accessing and controlling my phone without my permission and what would be the best way to go about dealing with this?
Thanks.
First things fist: Here on XDA we expect you to follow the Forum Rules:
2.5 All members are expected to read and adhere to the XDA rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't done that yet, click the link in my signature and do it now.
One of the rules you'll notice is this one:
5. Create a thread topic or post a message only once, this includes external links & streaming media.
As a large forum, we don't need unnecessary clutter. You're free to edit your message as you like, so if you do not receive an answer, revisit your message and see if you can describe your problem better. Not everyone is online at the same time so it might take a while before you receive an answer.
You can bump your unanswered question once every 24 hours
Duplicate threads and posts will be removed
Always post in an existing thread if a topic already exists, before creating a new thread.
Use our search function to find the best forum for your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've copied this post at least once. We'll be removing the duplicate.
Now on to your question...
It is my opinion that the problem may not be with what you are observing, but with your assumptions. In the duplicate thread, you assume two possibilities:
You're being hacked
Your paranoia is justified
Have you thought there may be a third or even fourth option? Such as, maybe you don't understand that much about Android, you don't recognize what you see, you're assuming it's malicious, which combined with your own confirmation bias, has led you to the conclusion that foul play is afoot?
Nothing you have described sounds in any way abnormal. You have a Samsung device running OneUI (Samsung's framework overlaid on top of Android) that is powered by a Mediatek chipset. Everything you describe sounds completely normal to me, with over 10 years of experience in Android, most of that with Samsung devices.
My conclusion, to be frank: You are not being hacked, and your paranoia is unfounded.
OP your post gave me a headache trying to read it.
So...
Have it reflash to the stock firmware if you really think it's behaving erratically and a factory reset doesn't work. Change Google password and all others.
Then be careful what you install.
Don't put in foreign thumb drives or let others use it.