Help in Galaxy S apps - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot

Good Morning
I'm newbie with android systems and im new here in your website, i have Galaxy S4 and i want to ask the most popular application that i must have
also i want to ask how can i backup my contacts and save them to my email or in my PC.
thanx in advance

Nokia N93 said:
Good Morning
I'm newbie with android systems and im new here in your website, i have Galaxy S4 and i want to ask the most popular application that i must have
also i want to ask how can i backup my contacts and save them to my email or in my PC.
thanx in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Android and XDA. :good: Don't forget to glance over the forum rules and always check out the stickies posted in each forum section (they have a thumbtack image next to them and never move from the top section). They contain valuable info for newcomers.
Both your questions are really all about personal preference. No single app's importance is the same to everyone. My advice to you being new to Android and all is to go into Google Play Store and just browse the list of top paid and free apps. This will give you a good idea of what a majority of users are downloading and using the most. Likely there will be numerous apps in there you will find beneficial. Remember one thing though, rooted users have more app options than non-rooted so just keep that in mind. Some apps require root access and will state that in the description. Once you use your device a bit more you will get a feel for what type of tasks you do most often and what apps might make the experience better.
As for contacts, there are different options for this. I would say since most have a Gmail account to access the Play Store, get email, etc. they will use Gmail to auto backup/restore contacts, calendar, tasks between the cloud and the device. I believe Samsung also will back this up for you which, if you have a Samsung account, is native on the S4 already. To give more direction would have to know what you are using on your PC for mail client, how you are using it, etc.

Favorite app is drop box
For backing up I do this. Open contacts> hit menu> hit import/export> then pick any of the export functions.
When restoring for the last step just use the corresponding import function.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Related

[Q] Are multi user logins possible on honeycomb?

I was thinking how great it would be to have home and work logins for different gmail accounts, apps, voice, etc. Even others such as one for my daughter, wife, guests? Does this exist and did I miss it in my search results?
Thanks in advance! Don't be too harsh if its a boneheaded question.
It don't exist but I agree it would be awesome.
Maybe someday... Google wink*wink*
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
yeah it would be a nice feature but adds a lot of complexity to the OS and also to App purchases.
I know right now LG and VMware are working on a project together where you can basically run a virtual machine on your android device. I think this is due out later this year as they had a demo in December. So, once it is available for the LG, I am sure some smart people will port it over.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Inphinitizeit said:
yeah it would be a nice feature but adds a lot of complexity to the OS and also to App purchases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why, except to the os. But it would still be the same UDID so the apps would stay on the phone.
It would just basically make different folders that would save the shorcuts for the homesceeen and allow you to save specific files and settings for different accounts.
Think of windows.
User settings
C\Users
And apps and drm protection settings
C:\Program Files
Apps would be fine, but it would take up space. I don't exactly know the specifics of designing it into an os.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Honeycomb does support multiple logins for apps like gmail, calendar, and contacts. My wife and I currently have both our google accounts on the Xoom and it works great. There is just a drop down up in the top right corner where you can select between the account. Hope this helps.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
i"d love this, as my wife could have a diff set of shortcuts on her homescreen, Smartkeyboard as her default input device, and the locale set to Japan.
Anyone who pulled this off would get a purchase from me hands down.
I wish there is the same for Facebook app
Nvious1 said:
Honeycomb does support multiple logins for apps like gmail, calendar, and contacts. My wife and I currently have both our google accounts on the Xoom and it works great. There is just a drop down up in the top right corner where you can select between the account. Hope this helps.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well it looks like interest is there. I too was thinking along the widows users folders. Ive always maintained a device between work and homed on my laptops. Different wallpaper, bookmarks, personal email seperate from business. So my daughter can plant pokemon bookmarks and youtube links on the home account. Or not email someone on my business emai account.
Yeah, I'm currently trying to navigate a screen for my work, a screen for my girlfriend, and the rest just w/e. I hate the one all the way to the right as my work. Luckily my work uses an @att e-mail address, and i use firefox only for work which helps me keep my bookmarks seperate.
It would be awesome to have specific files for different users, but for now, this will have to work.
Please star this for me.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=15030
I put it up a few days ago. Stars == attention
multi profiles would be a good start?
Something like firefox profiles where one could login an sync to their gmail account bookmarks, etc. Could be a start from the last post? Now if only I were talented enough to code! I'm glad to see I'm not all nuts with the idea.
found iOS has a hacked feature like this
http://vr-zone.com/articles/ios-hack-brings-multi-user-support-to-apple-s-ipad/13005.html
login SwiftKey Facebook url

Could I trust Google?!!!

Greetings all. I’d like to ask a very strange question for someone that use android phones for a long time (now I’m using Nexus S). However, please bear with me for this introduction before I ask my question. Forgive me if it’s not repeated somewhere:
I’ve noticed in Nexus S that I can’t add contact/event locally. They should be @ google account or @ exchange account. And since I’m forwarding all my emails (POP3, hotmail, yahoo) to gmail for reading and replying, I could figure out that google knows the following about me:
- My emails (gmail and other email accounts)
- My Voice – Voice Search
- People I talk to (details, pictures, address, birthdays… ) – Contacts
- Events in my life – Calendar
- What I browse – Browser, Youtube, & Google Search
- My handwriting – Gesture Search
- Where I go – Maps
I also could understand that google prevented Facebook Sync because of they can’t access friends details!!
This really scared me. MY QUESTION IS:
Is there a way to save my contacts and events locally? I can remove gmail (use email app) instead. I can also remove Voice Search, Google Search, & Gesture Search. Alternative browsers are available too.
Use a flip phone if you are afraid of storing your information via cloud.
The point of a Nexus phone is to experience the Google experience.
you forget the govt listens in on every call you make... damn, if you're gonna be so pendantic, buy a cheap payg phone and not a smart phone
Should you really be posing such a question on an open forum?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I guess the answer is quite simple: If you don't trust them then don't use their products
It's not that I totally trust them, but things they collect are what most ppl already know about me. When I go somewhere, I use Facebook or Foursquare check-in. My calendar contains nothing but public holidays, public events, and meeting schedules. I never used gesture search or google voice so biometric data collecting is not a problem anyway
And if your entire life is filed on your phone or at least part of it, just think of the fact that big brother watches anyway, technology is becoming part of the road to consumption people depends on these devices now a days ........
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
See it in an positive way: You've got a backup of yourself for the case you've been erased accidentally!
Sent from my Milestone using Tapatalk
Lets be honest, why would Google care about the average Joe's personal information? I think the president or secret service should be asking "could I trust Google" instead of one of us. I DO NOT MEAN TO SOUND RUDE SO SORRY IF IT SEEM THAT WAY. JUST STATING MY OPINION.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
the better question is... can we trust apple? humancentipad?
but like I said in a previous post: if Google abusively used someone's information then everybody would panic and stop using their products. hell, look at Sony. I'm sure Microsoft's shares for Xbox significantly increased and people feel more comfortable on that platform.
Disable Syncing by tapping Menu -> Settings -> Accounts and Sync.
I believe this eliminates the account requirement; haven't tried it myself though as I'm not so paranoid without cause.
Use cyanogenmod without the google apps.
You can save contact information locally by the way, when you add a contact just choose "phone" instead of google account.
lovelymanmk said:
Greetings all. I’d like to ask a very strange question for someone that use android phones for a long time (now I’m using Nexus S). However, please bear with me for this introduction before I ask my question. Forgive me if it’s not repeated somewhere:
I’ve noticed in Nexus S that I can’t add contact/event locally. They should be @ google account or @ exchange account. And since I’m forwarding all my emails (POP3, hotmail, yahoo) to gmail for reading and replying, I could figure out that google knows the following about me:
- My emails (gmail and other email accounts) (Use maildroid)
- My Voice – Voice Search (Delete with titanium backup)
- People I talk to (details, pictures, address, birthdays… ) – Contacts (Use Cm7 it asks you to save it on gmail or not)
- Events in my life – Calendar (you can use any other calendar software)
- What I browse – Browser, Youtube, & Google Search (Use firefox 4.0.1)
- My handwriting – Gesture Search (Delete with titanium backup)
- Where I go – Maps (Use igo or ndrive)
I also could understand that google prevented Facebook Sync because of they can’t access friends details!!
This really scared me. MY QUESTION IS:
Is there a way to save my contacts and events locally? I can remove gmail (use email app) instead. I can also remove Voice Search, Google Search, & Gesture Search. Alternative browsers are available too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
10 char.......
Simple question that puts an end to all this ****ty non-sense:
If you have these concerns NOW, then why the hell did you bought the phone in the first place ?

[Q] How to change the initial, 'primary' account?

My son got my first HD2. What I did not know when I installed it the first time before he got it, was the fixation of the phone to the gmail-account I used at that time and only for that purpose. Intuition has its flip side too.
My son has his own gmail account, which I was not aware of, and obviously he wants to have his HD2 running his affairs on his own account (communicate with friends etc.)
Now, he has used the HD2 extensively, installed lots of apps, also some paid ones. Purging my old (installation-) account will reset the whole device to its initial state, all accounts and licences will be lost, if he understands that warning correctly.
Is there a way to change the 'ownership' with as little damage to the contents as possible, like save all contents as a backup, start with a new account identity, and restore all contents? Or will that also inevitably overwrite the new account with the old one too?
One could call the task also a migration of an android installation to a different account. BTW, it's equipped with a 16 GB card which has lots of free space left right now (looking at the backup space needs).
I am sure this has been discussed here before, but I seem to not find the right search words. Any hints, links, advice?
Would a total backup using Titanium be advisable? Or will that restore the present status including the unwanted account again?
Thanks for your help in advance. It doesn't make things simpler that my son and his HD2 are some 1.000 miles from here, studying there. but we have skype and other paths on PCs...
Cheers,
the longkeeler.
You can always use Titanium Backup to back up the apps (the paid ones, too), make a factory reset and let him set his own account and then restore the backup.
But you can never transfer the ownership of app(s) from one account to another. (For example, by using TB backup, he can use the paid apps, but he won't be able to update them, he'd need to buy them from his own account)
I'm sorry, but that is the way Android works. (which is lame)
follow-up
Clearing the primary gmail-account and thus resetting the device did not remove just that account, which kind of surprises me. Well, I don't have the HD2 in my hands, and I just hope that my son will have made the backup I advised hin to make and store it where he can reconstruct from.
Cheers,
the longkeeler.
But at least, he would have back what was there before. The nature of the paid apps is static, there are no backups to be expected. And it was not an amount of money that would kill anyone - just throwing it away should be avoided. Now, as posted a few minutes before, he was not successful to remove the undesired account. Are there any protections built in, that follow the great old MS tradition , it's not a bug, it's a feature, if not even industry standard?
it is however possible - to some extent - to "merge" google accounts.
if you do not use your gmail acc (as i understood from your first post) you can transfer quite a bit of contacts/features and stuff to your sons account and the other way round. this way he might be able to keep the paid apps (and updates) and also communicate with his friend on the dame account.
if thats any help...
Is the phone running froyo or gingerbread? If it is on Ginger then try deleting the account from sync and accounts... that's all for froyo u will need root explorer to delete a file located in the data folder.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
From accounts and sync remove the account.. I believe this only works for Ginger ..
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
You can also do it by deleting this file With root explorer . Hope this helped.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
Just use your sons email and then go to accounts and sync.turn sync off. That's basically your only hope.
Sent from my HD2 using xda premium
First: Thanks to all for your replies!
Afaik, it's the gingerbread flavor.
I have the same type of HD2 here for myself but don't want to mess that up too much - I just saw under acc and synch that my account appears there once under mail and then under google.
If I remove either of those - does it only purge the link from my device to gmail resp. all other google-accounts, or does it remove the account as a whole from google's servers? (if so, probably only from the visible surface, but that's a different story...)
I am not sure if my son sees the same image and what he did there.
So again: Does "removing" the account on the smartphone just "divorce" it from google, or does it kill it?
Thanks again for your help!
Cheers,
The Longkeeler
Nieve, thank you so much. I am not sure yet if it will work but it sounds plausible. surprising how close to the surface such an essential database is located - like the rock that merged with the Costa Concordia... So, everybody just can hope that it will become easier in future to change the primary account rights.
A different side-question: What tool did you use to add the hints to the screen shots?
Extended thought, not necessarily useful for my son's problem, but: Would it be possible to cultivate different versions of the accounts.db, renaming them according to the desired application spectrum (like, say, change the "personality" of the phone from business to leisure)?
Reset device completely
With a clean device when the touch android screen comes up...
he signs in with his account. Establishes his acct as primary
then logs in with your acct secondly or later on in order to get access to the paid apps on your account
Only way to xhange primary is a wipe of data. The primary is simply the very first acccount entered after a device reset.
Your a great mom!
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium
nieves53 said:
You can also do it by deleting this file With root explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nieve, thanks. After getting root explorer 2.15 I can see into the innards now too - on my phone here, there is the accounts.db of course, and two more entries, one called accounts.db-wal and the other accounts.db-shm. Look more like folders. What about those?
androidcues said:
Your a great mom!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always try to do my best, and I'll ask my wife for her opinion on this . Well, I'm just only the dad...
But your proposal sounds very reasonable and based on practice. If nieve's and your advice can be combined (purging the data base, tnen installing accs from scratch), it would be great.
accounts removed now, but no re-installation yet.
nieves53 said:
You can also do it by deleting this file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(\data\system\accounts.db) deleted - et voilà, after rebooting, no more accounts. So, step one done successfully. So, again, thanks for that!
Now came the next one, re-installing his own gmail account as a primary one. He could open the dialogue - but his entry was refused, 'sorry, username and pw don't match.' Bummer. He tried it several times, took care that the account was not opened anywhere else - no avail so far. The error message could well be misleading.
There must be a missing resp. hidden link.
Update: re-installing the prior "false" primary account worked immediately. So, the error message IS misleading. I guess there will be no other way than to completely re-initiate the whole system and then start with the other identiy. Unfortunately, the HD2 has to travel 2.000 miles for that, but it is the safest way then. My son has neither the experience nor the tools to do that himself there.
If somebody has yet another idea - please don't hesitate to let us know!
The application is call picsin, you can find it in the android market...about his account ask him to make sure his email and password are correct. I have change my accounts many times doing that process. He can maybe try login to his account thru the browser, just to make sure the email and password are right.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
SOLVED
longkeeler said:
Update: re-installing the prior "false" primary account worked immediately. So, the error message IS misleading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some times, the solution comes as a surprise. Just before my son had started his trial to rearrange the accounts yesterday, he had applied for a new login scheme with google - some double-password story. This, he had not mentioned until today, an hour ago, when he received a mail from google, giving him directions on how to handle logins in a transitional phase.
You guess it: All is well now, he has his own account as the primary one, and sounds much more relaxed than before.
Oh well...
But nevertheless: Your help was absolutely substantial in achieving this, and I hope that the bitdust will settle soon... So thanks again, I can recommend you
Cheers, and a happy rest of this weekend!
The Longkeeler, now also a bit more in weekend mood/mode.
That's good to hear! And a pleasure to help.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App

Multiuser: anyone knows how to change game data from one user to another one?

Hi all
After updated to 4.2 I created new user for my wife.
"Installed" same games but they are 'new' for new user.
I want to copy data games files from my user to her user.
Anyone knows how to do it?
Need to be root?
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Assuming they are free games, as paid ones will need to be purchased twice. You can use titanium backup to back them up on your account and then restore them into her account. You do need to be root for titanium though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
dr.m0x said:
Assuming they are free games, as paid ones will need to be purchased twice. You can use titanium backup to back them up on your account and then restore them into her account. You do need to be root for titanium though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry - misinformation.
Paid apps do not need to be purchased twice, or restored into her user ID. That would be a really bad idea anyway - you would have two copies of the app.
With root use file explorer to find your save file under /sdcard/o/...something. Copy that file to an identical file structure under /sdcard/1, or whatever number your second user uses.
Apps done the correct way for multi-user never download a second copy. The Play store just sets a link to them in the main user.
Assuming app is available to both:
adb backup/restore might work for unrooted. Me, I'd Titanium Backup if it was important.
On a slight tangent, is there a shared data area that I could put shared files and videos that each user account would be able to view? If so do I need root access? Thanks.
bertracoon said:
On a slight tangent, is there a shared data area that I could put shared files and videos that each user account would be able to view? If so do I need root access? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget a shared data area would mean the contents, like high scores, are shared between the users.
Most of the time, different users will want their own customizable data.
Technically, you need to purchase the app twice for two different account under playstore, that's the whole purpose of multiuser right?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Leechoonhwee said:
Technically, you need to purchase the app twice for two different account under playstore, that's the whole purpose of multiuser right?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Multi-user is not a developer enrichment scheme.
Your tablet has one owner, and apps are sold to that owner on an account basis - not by user or device ID.
The owner is able to make them available to any other users of that tablet without repurchase.
I suppose you would want an eye sensor, to make sure the person using the app is the one that paid for it?
No need to pay twice.just install twice.
Seems I need root.
I used some file explorer, find this:
/storage/emulated
/storage/sdcard0
/sdcard
All seems point to the same folders.
No sdcard1.
More than this, can't find data game. I have to explain that I have free games (from play store) and paid games (humble pack). If I search imaginarium game with Astro, no resulta found -.-'
Pd: No root at this moment, original 4.2 room
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Sorry - misinformation.
Paid apps do not need to be purchased twice, or restored into her user ID. That would be a really bad idea anyway - you would have two copies of the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you clarify this, apps are linked to the gmail account they were purchased with no? I haven't tried multiuser yet but I thought I read from others you have to add the primary gmail account to any secondary account to access the bought apps. Is this not correct? And if it is correct, can one add it only to google play and not have a secondary account access the associated email?
sark666 said:
Can you clarify this, apps are linked to the gmail account they were purchased with no? I haven't tried multiuser yet but I thought I read from others you have to add the primary gmail account to any secondary account to access the bought apps. Is this not correct? And if it is correct, can one add it only to google play and not have a secondary account access the associated email?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Set up a secondary user. Secondary user needs a Google account. Create a new one if appropriate.
Open Google Play on the secondary user. Click Options, then Add Account. Add your primary account (the one that owns your apps).
You will be given a choice of items to synch - uncheck them all. All you want is app access.
Display your apps (they are now visible to you). Install the ones you want the secondary user to have. They will NOT download - this user just gets a link.
When done, you can delete the main account from this user - or just leave it
I am going to start cutting and pasting this description - I keep having to retype it...
rmm200 said:
Don't forget a shared data area would mean the contents, like high scores, are shared between the users.
Most of the time, different users will want their own customizable data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate that, I was just wondering whether there was a shared folder everyone could access as well as completely private areas for each user. Sounds as though there is absolutely no difference between multi user and having two completely separate tablets.
Well... Biggest difference is that only one copy of the app is shared by all the users.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
When done, you can delete the main account from this user - or just leave it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but one more thing. If I leave it in google play do they have access to the associated gmail? I would prefer to just leave it for future apps and add a password for google wallet so they can't purchase things. Hmm, I guess though they can uninstall things that I wouldn't want uninstalled. I"m thinking of a kid mucking about where he shouldn't.
sark666 said:
Thanks, but one more thing. If I leave it in google play do they have access to the associated gmail? I would prefer to just leave it for future apps and add a password for google wallet so they can't purchase things. Hmm, I guess though they can uninstall things that I wouldn't want uninstalled. I"m thinking of a kid mucking about where he shouldn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try an 'app lock' app. i've tried 'app lock' on the play store which allows you to pin protect stuff like settings and install/uninstall and other apps - although couldn't lock gmail or certain system apps. But it should work for the play store. Maybe there are similar apps that allow you protect gmail.
rmm200 said:
They will NOT download - this user just gets a link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to move apps and its data from one user to another? To to so can I just uninstall app from first user? After that will this app and its data still be available for new user?
rmm200 said:
Set up a secondary user. Secondary user needs a Google account. Create a new one if appropriate.
Open Google Play on the secondary user. Click Options, then Add Account. Add your primary account (the one that owns your apps).
You will be given a choice of items to synch - uncheck them all. All you want is app access.
Display your apps (they are now visible to you). Install the ones you want the secondary user to have. They will NOT download - this user just gets a link.
When done, you can delete the main account from this user - or just leave it
I am going to start cutting and pasting this description - I keep having to retype it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to follow these instructions but a) I didn't get the sync message b) Play store doesn't display my bought apps in one place so it's not easy to find them and c) I have the feeling that it really double installs (I was hoping for a link).

[Q] Using a Nexus 4 without sending every private piece of info to Google

I got my N4 a couple of days ago. It's my first foray in the Android world.
The requirements that I am hoping to meet are pretty simple:
1) I want to be able to call contacts and send text messages
2) I don't want Google tracking my contact list
3) I don't want Google tracking my location
4) I don't want Google tracking my browsing history
5) I want to be able to use the Play store to download 3rd party apps. I didn't buy an N4 to use it it like a dumbphone. Logically, the Play store shouldn't require constant access to my contacts, location or browsing history.
I am making this post to get help meeting the above requirements. Despite seeming really basic, I'm running into trouble, and I think I will need frequent help. This thread can act as a journal that hopefully other people can follow.
What I did so far is immediately flashed the N4 to AOKP, and applied the OpenPDroid patches (though I've yet to use OPD). From a blank slate start, I declined to create an account, disabled location access, etc, during the startup wizard.
Adding a contact round 1
I was able to create a local, unsynced contact.
Using the Play store
I was forced to sign up for a gmail account, which is normal. I declined to "keep this phone backed up with my Google Account". I then went in Settings > Account and disabled sync for everything, including Contacts. I also disabled background sync in the power controls.
Adding a contact round 2
I am now unable to add a contact without being forced to sync it with my BS gmail account. When I click "Add Contact" in the phone app, a dialog says "Your contact will be synced with [email protected]" and my choices are either "OK", "Add other account", or to cancel out by clicking Back.
So I'm already stuck. Once a Play account is created, I am now unable to do something as basic as adding a contact without sending it to Google. Can someone tell me how to get past this obstacle?
That's how Google makes their money! Your only options are to either start using the amazon app store only or side loading apps if you don't want Google involvement. Good luck.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Why? Like they don't have all your information already? You freely give your information to everyone when you use the internet. Congratulations. You are not that special.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Eurotrash: always in this sort of discussions there's people like you who essentially advocate shutting up and taking it. "That's how things are" is not an acceptable solution to my problem, or I would not have made this post. There IS a way around the creeping, and someone knows it. My last resort is blocking every Google service from accessing the Internet except Play. I'm asking here because I'm hoping there's a less extreme solution that other people can use.
Gotzadroid: I will hold out for a better solution. Amazon appstore will likely be limited. Sideloading is not possible because many devs don't provide APKs
I know you can get an app to block individual permissions of other apps: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stericson.permissions
It requires root. Not sure about the contacts and other stuff you wanted to block, im assuming you've disabled location services.
Why not try flashing like cm10 and not flashing gapps so no Google apps? Then just manually downloading the apps apks and sideload the ones you need?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Didn't think my post lacked clarity, so hopefully this will be clearer:
My ONLY problem right now (we'll leave the rest for later) is that the Phone app, an essential app if I want to use my phone for making calls, an app that isn't even part of Gapps, doesn't let me add a local contact without sharing it with Google. That's it. Forget everything else in my post.
So my simple question is, how do I add my friend Bob to my contact list, locally in phone memory or on the SIM card or whatever, without telling Google I'm friends with Bob and giving them his phone number?
MachinTrucChose said:
Didn't think my post lacked clarity, so hopefully this will be clearer:
My ONLY problem right now (we'll leave the rest for later) is that the Phone app, an essential app if I want to use my phone for making calls, an app that isn't even part of Gapps, doesn't let me add a local contact without sharing it with Google. That's it. Forget everything else in my post.
So my simple question is, how do I add my friend Bob to my contact list, locally in phone memory or on the SIM card or whatever, without telling Google I'm friends with Bob and giving them his phone number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As previously mentioned, try flashing a rom without gapps
OK, try this. Make a dummy gmail account for the play store only. Get all the apps you want and then sign out of gmail. Only sign back in when you want another app. That should keep Google from syncing all your info.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Michealtbh said:
As previously mentioned, try flashing a rom without gapps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Phone app is not a part of gapps. It came on the stock ROM before I flashed gapps on it. I didn't try it before adding gapps, are you saying it will change behavior and no longer prompt me to sync when I try to add a contact?
I gotta go to sleep, I'll do more tests tomorrow evening to test this (and wait for your reply to the above question in case you misread my posts).
If the answer to the above question is yes, this would immediately beg another question: how do I install 3rd party apps from Play without flashing gapps?
gotzaDroid said:
OK, try this. Make a dummy gmail account for the play store only. Get all the apps you want and then sign out of gmail. Only sign back in when you want another app. That should keep Google from syncing all your info.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I did in the OP (2nd bolded step). I created a dummy account cause Play requires it. That became my main Google account on this phone (since I declined to set up an account prior to that). That's the account Google tries to sync my contacts to when I try to add a contact.
I looked in the Gmail app, there's no way for me to sign out. All I can do is add more accounts.
A similar thread from the galaxy nexus forums: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1589367
However, I'd also be interested in a deeper insight on why you're trying to do this. Fear of the big brother? Or just proving a point?
We know before buying an android phone that everything is tied to that Gmail address; now you want to cut that tie but maintain full functionality. Well, that probably doesn't work. And if it at the end does, why going through all that trouble? If a different platform offers all that then..
Why you bought an android phone in the first place? Just curious
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
You can try downloading or side loading the app "contacts+" then sign out of your dummy gmail account. You can get a sim to USB hub online and plug your sim into the hub and into PC to add contacts directly to sim. I don't know if there's a way to export contacts to sim anymore unless I'm guessing developers somehow add that feature. So look into CM or another well built ROM and ask some questions.
Good luck
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
MachinTrucChose said:
The Phone app is not a part of gapps. It came on the stock ROM before I flashed gapps on it. I didn't try it before adding gapps, are you saying it will change behavior and no longer prompt me to sync when I try to add a contact?
I gotta go to sleep, I'll do more tests tomorrow evening to test this (and wait for your reply to the above question in case you misread my posts).
If the answer to the above question is yes, this would immediately beg another question: how do I install 3rd party apps from Play without flashing gapps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom comes with gapps already loaded.
Most custom roms come without them and they must be flashed separately. If you choose not to flash them you aren't even given an option to sign into your Google account at first boot, so there will obviously be no option to sync your contacts.
Your phone will be crippled and you'll have to find workarounds for many things. I don't think you'll be able to use Maps for example. To install apps you'll have to download and install the apks or use an alternative app market like SlideMe or Amazon
What's there to hide? They're just contacts
Sent from my Nexus 4
Google doesn't care what your Aunt Bertie's phone number is. All they use the data for is to customize ads for you, and if you're going to be seeing ads anyways they might as well be relevant to you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
It's disappointing that the thread is taking the direction of Google advocacy rather than finding a technical solution to my problem, hopefully this post answers your questions and we can stop arguing about this.
Drakkula4 said:
You can try downloading or side loading the app "contacts+" then sign out of your dummy gmail account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I sign out of my dummy gmail account?
Vangelis13 said:
A similar thread from the galaxy nexus forums: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1589367
However, I'd also be interested in a deeper insight on why you're trying to do this. Fear of the big brother? Or just proving a point?
We know before buying an android phone that everything is tied to that Gmail address; now you want to cut that tie but maintain full functionality. Well, that probably doesn't work. And if it at the end does, why going through all that trouble? If a different platform offers all that then..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, not full functionality. I can avoid using all gapps. The only required Google service is the Play store, which is the primary gateway to non-Google apps. I would use Email over Gmail, Navfree over Maps, etc.
The next paragraph is meant as a reply to the 5 posts essentially saying "tinfoil hat, trust Google!".
This is supposed to be an open phone, allowing the user to do what they want, compared to the big bad iOS. That's why I bought it. Now I find out Google is insisting on taking something extremely private (my social graph) even when I don't want to give it to them. I respect my friends' privacy, and I don't want an intersection of my online and offline lives being made by some 3rd party with intentions I don't trust. The insistence is starting to creep me out. You can provide convenience and still respect basic privacy, look at Mozilla with Firefox Sync: even they don't see the data you sync. I'm not even asking for that much, just respect my wish to draw the line at real-life stuff. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, this is the company banning people using pseudonyms on Google+.
The most disappointing thing in all this, is that you have 5000 custom ROMs being developed, which mainly differ in pointless GUI BS like scroll animation speed. Not a single one of those projects thought to provide a way to make the phone usable without giving up extremely private data. AFAIK only 3 guys are working on privacy stuff, and even those guys' patches and apps don't protect you from the Eye of Google.
chrisrozon said:
Google doesn't care what your Aunt Bertie's phone number is. All they use the data for is to customize ads for you, and if you're going to be seeing ads anyways they might as well be relevant to you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if I don't want tailored ads? Or what if I only want tailored ads by tracking the online activity I'm willing to submit to them, and I feel it should be my my right to draw a line? Many people are not comfortable seeing an intersection of online and real life activity. I am one of those people.
MachinTrucChose said:
Didn't think my post lacked clarity, so hopefully this will be clearer:
My ONLY problem right now (we'll leave the rest for later) is that the Phone app, an essential app if I want to use my phone for making calls, an app that isn't even part of Gapps, doesn't let me add a local contact without sharing it with Google. That's it. Forget everything else in my post.
So my simple question is, how do I add my friend Bob to my contact list, locally in phone memory or on the SIM card or whatever, without telling Google I'm friends with Bob and giving them his phone number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple question deserves simple answer, only thing I can think of, go to settings > accounts > google > tap your account email address > and uncheck the things you don't want synced with google.
Hopefully it works and you will just have a local copy of everything then.
Again just flash like cyanogen mod since you have to flash gapps separate. Then don't flash gapps and your phone will have nothing to do with google.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

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