Related
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Just hit the thanks button, he doesn't bite your finger!
This is an easy way to edit the images only(icons,wallpaper,etc),not XML files,Smali's and such.I do this using the kitchen,easy way if you theme alot.
Diablo67 said:
This is an easy way to edit the images only(icons,wallpaper,etc),not XML files,Smali's and such.I do this using the kitchen,easy way if you theme alot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to use this guide just for images. That was just the example. You can use it for almost any file inside an .apk. I was just saying that SOME folders aren't there.
Can you guide me to how do i keep same apps of diff versions.
i tried to modify a 3rd party app e.g whatsapp and when i tried installing i got an error which said "the app is not signed", may u kindly assist!
tendyfish said:
i tried to modify a 3rd party app e.g whatsapp and when i tried installing i got an error which said "the app is not signed", may u kindly assist!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You also have this tool
Easy Apk Dissassembler
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14049173
How do I use a flashable to get rid of .apks??? ₩
On the app I have here it returns 20 results that it scrapes from a website. I only want it to return 3 or 4. How do I get in there and change that value?
I want to change values on touchwiz launcher on my note 3, to use it in 440 dpi. When I use it there is so much margin on all sides, and I need to reduce. I need to add a new icon row as well. Can I do that just by modifying the app?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
are the .xml files encrypted or something? when i try to edit them, it is a bunch of strange characters
Hi,
I would like to modify the tinychat.apk so that i can find how to change my device info/platform from android to something else, like pc or whatever. I dont want to be identified as using an android device. Is this possible?
Regards.
ksaul said:
are the .xml files encrypted or something? when i try to edit them, it is a bunch of strange characters
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, depending on what tool you use to decompile the apk files it may or may not decrypt them. I use apktool and it decrypts them just fine.
I think this method is no longer working for 4.3+
Modify JAR files
littlejoelgriffo said:
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very helpful thank you for sharing. Is there a way to modify JAR files the same way?
gilbertgk said:
That's very helpful thank you for sharing. Is there a way to modify JAR files the same way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rename the jar to apk..after done,rename it back to jar
zamzameir said:
rename the jar to apk..after done,rename it back to jar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can this work on my note 3 4.3 not rooted?
gilbertgk said:
Can this work on my note 3 4.3 not rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
idk..but you can try n report back
littlejoelgriffo said:
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnax for great guide but,my gopro app has a update and I have changed the icon on it but the app store dosent show me the update button. How to fix so I can update?
What do I need to change in an app to substitute it for another app?
OK so I've installed a new ROM and it comes with a kernel setting app preinstalled. This app has been integrated into the system settings portion of the ROM. I want to replace this kernel settings app with one of my choice but I want to be able to integrate it into the system settings like the original app is. I tried disguising the new app by changing the name of the app and .apk files but that didn't work. Closest I got was being able to convert my app to system app but even though I changed the name, the app, when installed goes back to it's original name. Or what permissions or files do I need to change to allow the integration of my app into the settings interface. Thanks ahead of time, it's appreciated.
Here is a method for editing xml files directly on from your phone (as well as a fully functional Eclipse compatible IDE). I'm going to sleep so I'll post a reply I made in another thread first, and clean up in the morning. Have fun..G'night!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toni5830
You can extract xml but you can't see them (only strange symbols) and you can't edit them from phone.. you must use PC and decompile them.. no other possibility
Inviato con Tapatalk 2 dal telefono di casa
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No, you can edit them on your phone. Axel is one of the apps to use. The second is an IDE called AIDE which is compatible with Eclipse. You can develop, program and publish complete apps from your phone. I figured out how to edit compiled xml the other day. Ninjamorph is also useful because it unpacks the archives into a project which happens to be near where your AIDE projects are.
Begin by opening ninjamorph and choosing the apk to work on and create a project (can do this manually but keep a back up of the apk). Next, open AIDE and create a new project. As an example I'll be editing the lg_allapps_button_text.xml file in LGHome.apk (LG's launcher on G2, so files may differ for you). Choose the HelloWorld setup as that's the less,cluttered one. After creating the project, open up a file manager (you can do this from within AIDE as well) and create the same directory structure for your xml file (probably doesn't matter if a ../res/color xml file is in ../main..but it's good practice. The xml I'm editing is in /res/color, so I'll go into the project directory and create a ../res/color folder.
Now open Axel up and find the xml in the ninjamorph project that you are editing. Again in my case it'll be in /res/color. Go ahead and open it with Axel. Don't bother editing it here, we're going to just go into settings and "save as" (into our AIDE project directory) ../res/color/lg_allapps_button_text.xml. This adds it into our AIDE project and we can now go back into AIDE. In the oberflow action, choose "Goto Files" or whatever it's named (also an icon at the top for this action). It'll open a pane at the bottom with your project files. At this time you'll probably notice AIDE throwing a lot of errors (errors in your code, not app errors lol).
We have to fix every one of them before finish, so might as well start now before editing. Conversely, you could do this in Axel first once you know what kind of errors to expect and fix. In my case, I see two errors because the file is really small. Once clicking on the xml I want to edit in the files pane, I can see that it's telling me string values aren't allowed in the "color' attribute. The color is black but when Axel decompiled it, it changed it from it's ARGB form. I see this -
Code:
#xml namespace blah blah...
.....
....... android:color="1F000008/0xFF000000"
Of course there is more, I just highlighted the attribute I need to fix. You're going to need to learn how attributes need to be formatted or learn and keep a reference handy. Google has nice guides online for building android apps. In this case we change it to:
Code:
...
.... android:color="#FF000000"
Technically yes it's still a string, and yes the wrong format was hexadecimal (sort of), but now we have one less error. On large xmls, this gets annoying but you'll get fast at it. So, I've fixed,myerrors, so now for simplicity I'll just change the color on one of the attributes..to red ("#FFFF0000"). Now that edits are done and errors done, go back in the ooverflow action and scro,down and either click "Run" or "More" and then "Rebuild Project". We aren't worried about any other file, we just want our xml recompiled. Once it's done, if you want you can install your fancy Hello World app (or Tetris game app), lol but it's just as well if you choose not to.
Next, go back into your file manager and find your way back into your AIDE project directory. Locate the bin folder (where your compiled project will be) and navigate to your xml. Again, in my case, I'll be going to /res/color. Make sure you find the compiled version (the binary one with all the cool symbols). Copy this back into the same structure inside the ninjamorph project folder. If you aren't using ninjamorph and manually doing this then make sure you have a backup apk handy and akip the ninjamorph stuff.
Opem Ninjamorph back up and choose to complete your project. Once it's done repackaging it'll ask you if you want to resign the apk
Follow Steven's directions and dont sign it if its a system apk. Next he'll ask about zipaligning (i think?). I don't choose this option at all. If my mods work, then I'll redo the project and choose that option. Problem is, sometimes it can cause issues and you don't want to add more variables in until you know that all,is working or you'll be asking yourself "wonder if my edits were bad,or the zipalignment".
Ninjamorph will create a backup of the apk for you, and now you'll be given the option of installing the apk. You should know what you're doing already but...if using TWRP you can go ahead and replace the modded apk and reboot. Worst that'll happen is boot loops or force closes and you can manually go into recovery and use TWRP's file manager to copy your backup back (may need to mount /system first, and may need to chmod as well. Then try again. If you boot up and all is well, congrats! If using CWM, make sure you have a recovery plan before making the switch.
I have no clue if,there's any easier way. I'm still working on it. Granted, kf you're just going to edit a color like in my example it'd be MUCH easier just using a hex editor. AIDE is a pretty damn slick app as it also supports native mode C/C++ for developing codecs, drivers,,etc. For $8 you can purchase full version with support for larger projects and github and a few other things.
This method should work on any device that can run all those apps. I'm using a LG G2. I'm not the,developer of any of tbose apps so don't come to me if they aren't working: )
Reserved
MidnightHarvester said:
Reserved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sir really appreciated your work
Also please continue to post apk editing posts
Hey everyone,
I recently upgraded from the original Fire to the HDX. I searched high and low on how to change the lock screen pics on the HDX and turned up nothing. However, I did find a different way to change the lock screen on the original Fire and thought it might work on the HDX. After rooting, safe strapping, making a system back up and several hours of searching for the lockscreen pics folder, IT WORKED!! I apologize if this has already been done on the HDX but I wanted to share for those of you who couldn't find it either. I urge you to follow these steps EXACTLY or you could end up with a very expensive door stop.
**Before Starting** Your HDX must be rooted. I would highly advise installing safe strap and making a backup of your system (I boot looped twice before I finally got it right!) Down load 7-zip and install on your PC. Download root explorer from the Amazon market. Credit goes to Josepho1997 for posting this on the original Kindle Fire. I just took his method and tweaked it for the HDX.
1. Using Root Explorer from the Amazon Market, go to: /system/framework and copy (do not move!) framework-res.apk to your SD card.
2. Plug your Kindle into the computer and move the framework-res.apk (from SD card) to your computer and make a back up copy.
3. Use 7-Zip to open the one you intend to modify
4. Open the "res" folder then the "raw-xhdpi" folder.
5. You'll find 22 jpeg images in this folder, 11 images with the "_p_" in the file name.
6. Replace the "_p_" jpegs with the images you want, keeping the names exactly as they are. DO NOT delete any images. You can use 11 different images or the same one over and over again. I highly recommend formatting each picture to 1600x2650 like the originals.
7. Close 7-Zip and the new framework-res.apk will be saved, move this back to your SD card.
8. Open Root Explorer.
9. Copy the framework-res.apk to /system.
10. Long press on the framework-res.apk file and change the permissions to rw-r-r. (This is critical, failure to do this will cause a bootloop)
11. Move framework-res.apk to /system/framework. Overwrite the existing file.
12. The Kindle will automatically reboot and your new wallpapers will appear on the lock screen.
That's it! Good luck :good:
This is awesome! I think I may wait though if you suggest safestrap. It's currently not available for the 8.9.
Sent from my KFAPWI using xda premium
I don't blame you. There is nothing worse than that pucker factor you get when you go into boot loop without a backup. Hopefully, our awesome devs will safe strap your sweet 8.9" machine in no time!
I've only just got mine Kindle Fire HDX 7 to use Google Apps. Playing around with the rest of Amazons interesting design choices is the next step. This looks like a brilliant idea! Time to get my HD space pictures in there.
Thanks!
--- I have just tried this. I can copy the file to a visible directory but then i cant see it in there...
It isn't hidden or anything, thoughts?
There is a check box in Root Explorer preferences that enables you to see hidden files. Make sure this is checked first and then copy the file to the root of your SD card. You should be able to see it.
It's showing up now.
Thanks!
Sweet:fingers-crossed:
Because I am pure awesome, I managed to bootloop it too haha.
I have recovered it though and had another go with much better result haha
For anyone else having a go at this, I can't stress enough cthebadge's point about moving it to "/system" first, changing the permissions, and THEN moving it to "/system/framework"!
My next step is trying to find the gray background pic on the carousel screen. If anyone finds this before me, I'd appreciate the location. I don't see why we couldn't customize this background image as well..?
the lock screen pics doesn't bother me ,but I want to make the nova ;auncher show it's wallpaper.
cthebadge said:
My next step is trying to find the gray background pic on the carousel screen. If anyone finds this before me, I'd appreciate the location. I don't see why we couldn't customize this background image as well..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
system\app\Launcher-release-signed_81224610\res\drawable-sw600dp-xhdpi/home_bg.png and system\app\Launcher-release-signed_81224610\res\drawable-sw600dp-land-xhdpi\home_bg.png
How to change Kindle Fire HDX carousel wallpaper
ONYXis, you are awesome my friend!
Anyone that would like to change their carousel screen wallpaper, it's basically the same steps as I listed above for changing your lock screen wallpaper, only the pics are in different directories.
Following ONYXis's path, you want to copy the Launcher-released-signed_xxxxxxx.apk from the system/app directory and move it to your SD card. Transfer to the PC and open with 7-zip. Open the res folder and locate the portrait picture in the "drawable-sw600dp-xhdpi" folder named "home_bg.png". The landscape picture is in the "drawable-sw600dp-land-xhdpi" folder listed as "home_bg.png". Take both pics and replace them with the ones of your choice. The resolution for the portrait pic is 1200x1869 and the landscape pic is 1920x1149. **Make sure you save your new pics as .PNG and not .JPEG. Overwrite the old stock pics with your new pics keeping the name exactly the same. Close 7-zip and transfer the .apk file back to your SD card. Move the file to /system and change permissions again to rw-r-r. Move the .apk file to the /system/app directory and overwrite the original .apk file. Your Kindle will reboot on it's own and the new wallpaper appears! Thanks again to ONYXis for finding the pics!
Thanks. BTW this TUT http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373563 works too.
Notice that new resolution for HDX is 562x562 and 198x198.
My screens http://imgur.com/a/g559a and some icons from me attached (put folder "images" from archive to system/vendor/data with overwrite and reboot).
ONYXis said:
Thanks. BTW this TUT http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373563 works too.
Notice that new resolution for HDX is 562x562 and 198x198.
My screens http://imgur.com/a/g559a and some icons from me attached (put folder "images" from archive to system/vendor/data with overwrite and reboot).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those icons look amazing!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
cthebadge said:
Hey everyone,
I recently upgraded from the original Fire to the HDX. I searched high and low on how to change the lock screen pics on the HDX and turned up nothing. However, I did find a different way to change the lock screen on the original Fire and thought it might work on the HDX. After rooting, safe strapping, making a system back up and several hours of searching for the lockscreen pics folder, IT WORKED!! I apologize if this has already been done on the HDX but I wanted to share for those of you who couldn't find it either. I urge you to follow these steps EXACTLY or you could end up with a very expensive door stop.
**Before Starting** Your HDX must be rooted. I would highly advise installing safe strap and making a backup of your system (I boot looped twice before I finally got it right!) Down load 7-zip and install on your PC. Download root explorer from the Amazon market. Credit goes to Josepho1997 for posting this on the original Kindle Fire. I just took his method and tweaked it for the HDX.
1. Using Root Explorer from the Amazon Market, go to: /system/framework and copy (do not move!) framework-res.apk to your SD card.
2. Plug your Kindle into the computer and move the framework-res.apk (from SD card) to your computer and make a back up copy.
3. Use 7-Zip to open the one you intend to modify
4. Open the "res" folder then the "raw-xhdpi" folder.
5. You'll find 22 jpeg images in this folder, 11 images with the "_p_" in the file name.
6. Replace the "_p_" jpegs with the images you want, keeping the names exactly as they are. DO NOT delete any images. You can use 11 different images or the same one over and over again. I highly recommend formatting each picture to 1600x2650 like the originals.
7. Close 7-Zip and the new framework-res.apk will be saved, move this back to your SD card.
8. Open Root Explorer.
9. Copy the framework-res.apk to /system.
10. Long press on the framework-res.apk file and change the permissions to rw-r-r. (This is critical, failure to do this will cause a bootloop)
11. Move framework-res.apk to /system/framework. Overwrite the existing file.
12. The Kindle will automatically reboot and your new wallpapers will appear on the lock screen.
That's it! Good luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I've mistakenly skipped step 10 and done step 11 , now, as you've anticpated, my Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 has gone into bootloop at the Kindle Fire logo. Can you help? Many thanks!
You are a braver person than I for trying this hack without safe strap my friend. The have been searching for a fix for your 8.9" boot loop and could find nothing. I am by no means a developer and will only experiment with things if I have safe strap installed. I would recommend posting your question in it's own thread and hope that someone can help. Sorry
cthebadge said:
You are a braver person than I for trying this hack without safe strap my friend. The have been searching for a fix for your 8.9" boot loop and could find nothing. I am by no means a developer and will only experiment with things if I have safe strap installed. I would recommend posting your question in it's own thread and hope that someone can help. Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it really that bad? Thanks for your suggestion anyway. I've post it in other thread already. Have my fingers crossed:fingers-crossed:
Well..it's not good! Lol Normally, I won't even attempt root without a fxz or sbf file to flash in case I boot loop. You just changed a system file when you dropped that file in the framework folder. The only way that I can think to fix it would be to somehow be able to access that file via computer and overwrite your modified file with the stock file. You did make a backup of the original file I assume..?
cthebadge said:
Well..it's not good! Lol Normally, I won't even attempt root without a fxz or sbf file to flash in case I boot loop. You just changed a system file when you dropped that file in the framework folder. The only way that I can think to fix it would be to somehow be able to access that file via computer and overwrite your modified file with the stock file. You did make a backup of the original file I assume..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did. I'm also thinking how to reinstall the original file back.
Image "replacement"
cthebadge said:
Hey everyone,
6. Replace the "_p_" jpegs with the images you want, keeping the names exactly as they are. DO NOT delete any images. You can use 11 different images or the same one over and over again. I highly recommend formatting each picture to 1600x2650 like the originals.
...
12. The Kindle will automatically reboot and your new wallpapers will appear on the lock screen.
That's it! Good luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed the directions except I don't know how to "replace" the images in the file without deleting the old image files. I used the same file names for my images and copied my new images into the file after deleting the old image files.
When I moved the .apk into /system/framework several programs shutdown and I thought the tablet was going to reboot but it never rebooted. Eventually I just used the power button and shut it off. When I restarted the system all I got was the grey screen. I shut down by holding the power button for about 10 seconds and then tried a second time.... no joy.
Since I am using safestrap I am up and running, I will rebuild my rom-slot1 from backup. Curious what I may have done wrong or if I am missing some small step...
HDX 8.9 rooted, modified so google playstore works.
The _p_ files are portrait, the _l_ files are the same picture in landscape. I will figure out what the dimensions are for the landscape files and reformat all the pics for a retry.... all are 1600 x 2560 (not 2650!)
Ok, replaced all the _p_ and _l_ files, make sure they are the right dimensions and in portrait or landscape shape. It all worked and now I just need to kill the Amazon advertising.
I don't spend lots of time at the computer, so I like to find ways to do as much as possible on the phone. One thing I've found is that every theme I try has at least one element I wish I could change, as much as I like it overall. I don't know enough to make my own theme, but I found a way to change elements of the theme without using a computer. I'm sure this is not news to many of you, but I figured there might be other non-experts like me out there who might appreciate it.
1. Download Apktool apk file below, install it, open it, {it will automatically update on the first use for some reason}, go to settings and check 'device has root', {leave other settings alone}, then close the app, reopen and grant su access.
2. Make a directory in storage somewhere called 'apktool', {or something}, and copy the following to it: /system/framework/framework-res.apk, /system/framework/SemcGenericUxpRes/SemcGenericUxpRes.apk, and whatever themes you want to mix and match.
3. Open apktool app, navigate to apktool directory, and import the framework files by tapping on each one and selecting 'import as framework'. When done, you can then tap on the theme apk files and select 'decompile all', and they will be decompiled into folders called {appname}-src. Go into the folders with a root explorer and change what you want, then go back to apktool, and tap on the folder you want and choose 'recompile'. When recompile is done you end up with an apk called '{appname}-src.apk'. Tap on that and choose 'sign'. When done you will get an apk called '{appname}-src-sign.apk, which you can install normally.
-Notes, questions-
- I'm currently using Z1c stock .236 deodexed rom. This app should work on other phones, roms, versions, etc, but I can't say for sure. What I know is that there are at least 5 versions of the app out there, {Google search for 'apktool 4.4' or '5.2', etc}, and it seems like each one works better on certain versions of Android. There are also configurable settings. If you have a different phone or rom, etc, you just have to mess around with it.
- This app should work as normal apktool for modding systemUI and framework, but I can't get it to recompile on LP, but only on Kk. Decompile works fine, but on recompile it complains about lacking resources. I don't know what file it wants. If someone can figure it out that would be great.
-If you don't know what files to change, all I can say is that I didn't either. Start with the obvious stuff, like navbar keys, and see how brave you get. Just make sure your file names are changed, since every app doesn't use the same names for the same files. As long as you work with copied files you have nothing to lose. If something is wrong with your modifications, then it won't recompile correctly, and you'll just get an error message, so you can't really install something that's going to mess up your phone.
- This also works for changing appearance of other apps, not just themes. See my recent posts in the Naked Browser thread for examples. However, sometimes it won't be able to decompile an app, and there's probably nothing you can do. I think the way apktool works is based on how the app was created. If something is not compatible, it just won't work.
- You don't have to decompile just to pull files out of an apk, but you do need an app that can do it. I use Rom Toolbox Pro. There may be free ones, {maybe Mixplorer}. I think you can just change the extension to zip and extract normally. However, some files and folders are not the same zipped in the apk as they are when decompiled.
File link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5E7sFT1phjoS003R0tkM21qUlk/view?usp=docslist_api
Nice tutorial bro :good:
Thank you very much!
Sent from my D5503 using XDA Free mobile app
Since sharing themes with others' work is not kosher, (http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/share-frankentheme-t3282360), I figured I'd add a little more here for anyone's personal use. In general, here's what I've found with these themes:
- Within each apk there is an 'assets' folder, which contains zip files. Each zip file mods a certain aspect of the ui. For example, there will be one for settings, which contains the little pictures next to each settings option, (personalization, with the little rainbow, etc). You can experiment with simply swapping these around with different themes. However, if you want to add a settings zip, for example, to a theme base that does not already have a settings zip in it, you have to mod the main android manifest file in the top level of the apk. If you want to see how it needs to be modded, look at one that has it already. It's pretty obvious, since it's the same entry for each zip, but with the corresponding zip name. You can also extract these zips and replace files in them and rezip. Keep in mind, though, that there are some things that aren't that simple and just won't work.
- There are some things that are coded in, and can't be changed, (as far as I can figure out), like accent color. It seems like accent color just comes with the 'android' zip, and there's nothing you can do about it. As a workaround, you can find an 'android' zip with a color you like, and change out the other files from the zip you wish you could change the accent on. Again, sometimes it just won't work and you won't know why.
- Some themes don't follow this pattern at all. I haven't learned much about them yet.
Screenshots show examples I've used...
Hi, I recently bought a 2017 shield and Im now running the latest Android TV but to my dismay I haven't been able to figure out how to change the background from the, in my opinion, tacky wallpaper of the green blood cells? Is this possible at this time?
uratrtl said:
Hi, I recently bought a 2017 shield and Im now running the latest Android TV but to my dismay I haven't been able to figure out how to change the background from the, in my opinion, tacky wallpaper of the green blood cells? Is this possible at this time?
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Click to collapse
This is not my work but here you go:
Anyone interested in a tutorial on how to change the default wallpaper on your Nvidia Shield TV? (And possibly Android TV in general, have to figure that out first)
Root required..
Step 1: Edit your own wallpaper image so that it is named nv_wallpaper.png with dimensions of 1920x1080. Don't just rename a jpg to png, convert it.
Step 2: Back-up the NvCustomize.apk file in the /system/priv-app/NvCustomize/ folder to a secure location. Or use a backup tool.
(Note that when you copy the file back, the permissions have changed and you need to change them back to chmod 644 (for the apk) and chmod 755 (for the folders, which you don't need to backup per se)
Step 3: Copy a second version of the NvCustmize.apk to a location you can access on your PC or an easy to remember location you can access with a file explorer. Not all file explorers let you write to the apk when it's still in the system folder. So copy it anywhere else.
Step 4: Somehow merge the new PNG you made with the NvCustomize.apk, without decompiling or extracting the apk. You can use Winrar, but DON'T extract it. leave the file intact and just copy the nv_wallpaper.png to the location of the same png in the file and overwrite it. Done.
You can also do this on the device itself, with some effort. I use X-Plore for that (in the ATV Play store). To open the file as a zip and copy the png inside that apk.
the correct folder inside the APK is: NvCustomize.apk/res/drawable-xhdpi-v4/
put the file there (within winrar or the file explorer on the device) and overwrite.
Step 5: Copy the modified NvCustomize.apk back to the /system/priv-app/NvCustomize/ folder and overwrite it.
Step 6: Check the permissions of that file. In X-plore you can long press the apk, scroll down and select permissions. There you must see 644 in the bottom right. Or all Read checked and one write (owner) checked. Owner should be root.
Step 7: Reboot!
Done.
Hope that helps!
Thanks, that certainly does help, but heavens is that convoluted for such a seemingly simple request.
http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player...3728-tool-windows-androidtv-wallpaper-changer