Related
A basic guide for those new to XDA and Android in relation to the essentials of improving your phone. Really just pulling together a few guides already done and a few basic essentials.
Rooting
Allows write access to system files. Similar to administrator mode in windows. You need this to flash custom firmware (ROMs) and certain apps. It wont wreck your phone, but it does void your warranty.
Best place to start with this is Chainfire’s kernels. The kernel is the central software component of Android. Chainfire has taken the basic Samsung kernels and modified them to allow root access and additional functionality. With this you also get an enhanced pre boot recovery menu.
Flashing custom kernels requires you to use ODIN – Chainfire has links to this program and detailed instructions THAT YOU NEED TO FOLLOW TO THE LETTER. Not to unduly worry you but really, you need to do this.
See here for Chainfire's goodies - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
The different versions reflect the different releases by Samsung. You can match to your own (Settings - About Phone - Kernel Version) or choose one of the newer ones.
ODIN
Software that runs on your PC that allows you to flash your phone with new software. It’s safe if you use it properly but has options you don’t want to touch. Intratech has compiled a selection of stock (ie official Samsung firmware) with detailed instructions about how to use ODIN to apply them. See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 for carrier specific versions see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928. The first post has the detailed instructions and also includes are rooting guide.
Recovery
A textual pre boot menu that allows certain key functions – principally allows updates to software and clearing data from your phone. The phone ships with one with limited functionality. If you apply a custom kernel like Chainfires you get an enhanced one called Clockworkmod together with an app installed on your phone to allow easy use. This has more functionality and allows you to apply more software updates and even flash ROMs. Pulsar 2G has info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134290 in relation to that.
What the heck are Custom ROMs
Modified operating systems to allow greater functionality and style. Basically the developers take and add from the basic Samsung ROMs and save you a whole bunch of time in modifying your system to improve it. It only takes a few minutes to flash a ROM but there are a few things you want to do before flashing one. There is more to it than this but at this stage, enough to know.
Also, you’ll see development of completely custom Roms that are built without using Samsungs Roms. Miui for example (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130951). There are Alpha stage at the moment so maybe leave those now.
Hosts of them in the Android development section. Each to their own in relation
to ROMs. Some you like, some you dont. But it doenst really matter, as if you dont like one, just flash another. Currently I’m liking Pursar G2’s Villian Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1081368) and Novek’s TK Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125140). But that’s just me.
Post Rooting Pre Flashing Essentials
EFS Folder
After you root your phone a key task is to take a backup of your EFS folder. Seriously essential - this stores both the IMEI number and carrier locking software. If you lose this you lose your IMEI. You dont need to know whats in it – just backup the whole folder. Put a copy on your SD card, your PC and your dogs PC. I lost my IMEI on my SGS, had formatted the SD card with the backup, had changed my computer and found a copy on a USB flash.
You need a program like Root Explorer (paid) or super manager (free) to do this. The EFS folder is a separate directory in the highest level directory.
APNs
In Settings – Wireless – Mobile Networks – Access Point Names. This is the access info for your data connection to your carrier. Note all details. You may lose them when you flash a ROM. Saves you hassle in having to google them afterwards.
Backups
When you flash a custom ROM you will likely lose all data (you should actually clear data) – that is your phone data AND all programs you installed. You can back this up using Chainfires CWM app that is installed on your phone when you flash his kernel.If you flash another kernel, you can backup and restore in recovery mode. Alternatively you can use a program like Titanium backup from the market to do this.
Personally I do both and Titanium backup is worth purchasing the full version as you can batch restore without having to accept the permissions for each app you are restoring.
I’d also recommend using a program like SMS Backup+ which backs up call logs and SMSs to your google account.
Your Firmware Version
If you want to return to your original firmware, take a note of the exact version in Settings – About Phone – down the bottom Baseband version. You will find a copy of this in Intratech’s post. Be aware you may some some specific carrier customisations in doing so. These are held in CSC files - also in Intratechs post. Yours might not be there so be aware. Mostly bloatware but also things like APNs etc. If you like your carrier specific apps, make sure to back them up using Titanium backup.
Questions/Problems
Go to the Q&A forum. Search. Trust me it’s likely already happened. If not, structure a query with detail in the thread title. “A problem with XYZ” will get a better response than “Help me Pleeze” with a tearful emoticon.
Most problems are ultimately solvable by resetting your software with a data wipe or going back to Samsung firmware. Just dont flash when drunk, on your bike etc.
Themes and Apps
The section that does what is says. Quick tip – you may find downloading apps fails. If you, get Astro file manager from the market and in preferences tick “enable browser downloads”.
Worth also checking out the general XDA apps dev section http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=564
[TOOL] APK Batch Installer (Install & Backup, SD, Wifi, Data, SMS) - v1.5c (13/12/13)
-= APK Batch Installer =-WELL NOW, FEATURED ON XDA PORTAL, WHADDYA KNOW
Hey Guys,
This is a little something that I wrote on my free time, and I wrote it mainly because I kept on flashing my ROMs often on my android phone, which led to a lot a factory resets.
It was a lot of pain getting the applications I had previously installed back in, even if I had backed up their APK's before using tools like AppMonster. Batch installing was a bit difficult with errors sometimes cropping up and some apps not working on ICS, and so that pretty much drove me to write... this.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
A simple little windows app that is packaged with adb.exe, and if you're so nice as to give it the directory as to which all your apk files are stored (I keep local backups on my pc for mine), then it'll scan that directory for apk files.
From there, it's just checking and ticking the apps you want to install and clicking next
And if things go right It should automatically take you through the installation
---- *ROOT* Batch Backup APks ----
As of v1.02 there is a backup function
Simply click on the 'Batch Backup APKs' radio button, and fill in your options in the entry fields
And wait for the application to run through your device, backing their APK's into a local directory.
It scans if you have applications installed to your SD Card as well...
And is so kind as to rename your apk's based on their app names too
---- Installs to SD Storage ----
As of v1.1.1, the Install to SD function has been revamped, such that after you tick 'Install to SD' and choose which apps to install...
An additional dialogue box will pop up, allowing you to choose which of the chosen APKs are installed to SD.
From there, the installer will update you on the progress of installations, and tell you which applications are being installed to SD.
---- *ROOT* Wireless ADB Connections ----
As of v1.2.0, as per suggestion by thewarhawk, and after an extensive amount of testing, APK Batch Install Tool now has support for Wireless ADB Transfers!
Simply tick on it on the main page, and get ready your IP Details from your favourite Wireless ADB software
After that, fill in the details and click "Establish Link" :3
Of course, if you throw it rubbish links, it'll hate you for it, and give you a sad android face.
With a proper link though, one that points to an actual device already set up, a happy face!
After that, it's all smooth sailing as the application sends or backs up your APKs
---- *ROOT* App Data Backup & Restore ----
After a LOT OF BLOOD, SWEAT, TEARS, and Nearly going crazy with all of this, I finally present to you peeps... after v1.3.0, the ability to backup and restore app data. NOTE, that the data is stored in a format that is not compatible with Titanium or any of those other applications. The backup and restore are currently in it's simplest form, in that you have to back up data, in order to restore it. At the moment, based on the way APK's work and how I can pull information off them, you have to back up all installed apps on your device before you can individually select which ones to pull data from.
Once that is done, when installing APK's back onto your device, when Data Restore is flagged, the program will look to the directed path for a SubFolder called Data, that contains all the Data for the apps, in 7z format. From there, you can select which to restore to your device.
But enough Chit Chat.
If 'Backup Data' is flagged, then at the end of the backing up process, you will be presented with a screen to select which of the following backed up apps to back data for...
From there...
It's watching and waiting as the installer does it's work
On to Restoration! Should the 'Restore Data' option be checked whilst in install mode... then
After selecting which APKs to install (and which to install to SD), you will be presented with this fine screen that asks you to choose which apps to restore data for (only apps with data are shown)
From there...
At the end of the installation process, the data of the selected apps will be restored onto the device
---- Batch APK Renamer ----
v1.3.0a brings a small addition to the family, a bulk APK renamer, essentially a subdivision of what the backup function did
Simply Point to directory with Messy APKs...
and....
Let It do the rest
---- Dedicated Data Backup/Restore ----
v1.4.0 brings, in the spirit of streamlining and speed, a dedicated Data Backup / Restore Section
---- SMS Backup/Restore ----
Also within 1.4.0, a newly added SMS Backup & Restore Section. This is highly experimental at the moment, and only works when going from ROMs of the same base (e.g. CM -> CM, Sense -> Sense, but not Sense -> CM)
-= Requirements =-- A PC obviously
- Micro USB cable to hook your device into your PC
- USB drivers for your device (required for ADB installing)
- USB Debug Mode enabled on your device
- APK's backed up locally somewhere
- For APK backing up, Root is required!
- For ADB Wireless Link, Root is required for the Wireless ADB app on your device.
- For Data Backup & Restore, Root is required!
Universal ADB Drivers, may or may not work. Another alternative is installing PDANet.
-= Change Log =-v1.5c - December 13, 2013
-Modifications: Removed Data Backup and Restore for SuperUser
-Modifications: Slight code changes (lighter)
-Modifications: Updated to latest ADB (Latest 4.2.2 security measures need updated ADB)
-Bug Fix: Fixes in the way install errors are flagged (stupid error)
v1.5b - August 4, 2013
-New Sub-Feature: Changed 5 recent folders instead of 3
-Modifications: Added more descriptive errors
-Modifications: Changed cleaning method of app data
-Modifications: Rolled back ADB and AAPT to the same version in 1.4.1 (Seems like newer ADB has issues, and I don't need to use most of the newer commands anyway)
v1.5a - May 20, 2013
-Modifications: Moved adb kill to end of application
-Modifications: Add package name to data for increased compatibility for apps with the same name (looking at you, Angry Birds)
-Modifications: Removed TEMP dir permanently after pulling APKs (cleaner)
-Modifications: Added 'Ignore" button to permission changing errors while pulling app data. Some app's data just can't be backed up due to security
-Modifications: More Descriptive Error Messages
v1.5 - March 6, 2013
-New Feature: Migrated the system over to a Unicode framework, however unicode functionality has not been implemented yet. To be implemented in the next major release.
-New Sub-Feature: Updated to the latest version of ADB
-Modifications: Rewrote Info parsing section from APK files (Now works with & and ' characters)
-Modifications: Changed Install Section order to catch for errors better and work with & Characters
-Modifications: Lighten code/ removed unrequired headers
-Modifications: Added chown to SMS restore section
-Modifications: Changed permissions for pushed data to 751, 771
-Modifications: Added Data Ownership During Restore code for Increased compatibility
-Modifications: Changed permissions settings handling in data restore for increased compatibility
-Modifications: Changed shell root access permissions checking method
-Modifications: More error checks during restoration of data
-Bug Fix: Fixed retry error when installing apps
-Bug Fix: Removed data restore code that deletes existing folders. Should work with Android 4.2.1 now
-Bug Fix: Bugfix to the data restoration process where data restoration may not work the first time around.
-Bug Fix: Changed Captions of Data Restore and SD Install to proper wordings
v1.4.1 - August 6, 2012
-Bug Fix: Small error with backing up sdext2 folder (mostly cosmetic)
-New Sub-Feature: In some cases, when trying to gain superuser permissions, shell 'Permission Denied'. This error is now caught and prompts the user to update their SU Binaries.
-Modifications: Following the changes above, the permissions fix button, as it's now made an automated part of installer (nearly all functions require root now)
-Modifications: Modified SMS Backup/ Restore procedures
-Modifications: Modified Data Restoration to clean existing data before restoring (May be potentially dangerous, thread on this new version carefully. I have done testing myself and have not run into any errors but I can't guarantee the same for you!)
v1.4.0a - August 2, 2012
-Bug Fix: Oops! SDExt2 App backup error! Forgot to add in 1 extra letter :| Fixed now.
v1.4.0 - July 27, 2012
-New Feature: Changed Radio Selection to Drop Down Selection for more options expansion
-New Feature: Dedicated Data Restore / Backup section
-New Feature: SMS Back Up & Restore - Experimental, thread with caution. Requires device reboot
-New Sub-Feature: Backing up data now works with Link2SD (SDext2)
-New Sub-Feature: Renaming now has the option to rename back to package names
-New Sub-Feature: Application now has direct link to donations (because this has been difficult to make, if you appreciate my work, pls donate :x)
-New Sub-Feature: 3 Last Directories are now stored, accessible via a drop down box
-New Sub-Feature: System App Backup, accessible via APK Backup section
-New Sub-Feature: APK Installation display cleaned up and user is now notified of and encountered APK installation errors. [Success / Failure]
-Bug Fix: Changed text for permission fix to be slightly more descriptive
-Bug Fix: Counter for Data Backup was not counting properly
v1.3.0f - April 26, 2012
-New Sub-Feature: Application now remember's last used setting.
v1.3.0e - April 26, 2012
-Bug Fix: Fixed bug with latest versions that broke Wireless ADB. Wireless ADB now works with the paired device, even if there are other Android devices plugged into the machine
-Code is set up for installs to individual devices (in this case USB) in the event multiple android devices are connected to the machine.
-This should be the last small version before the next major version release
v1.3.0d - March 31, 2012
-Bug Fix: Button at end of Installs and Rename and App Backup with no Data now read "Close", "Data >" at the end of App Backup if Data is selected, and "Backup" on the Data Selection Page
-Changed "OK" on failures to Retries or Cancels, which means you don't have to keep re-running the application if your device decides to misbehave the first time, or half way through.
v1.3.0c - March 29, 2012
-Bug Fix: Urgent issue with Data Restore not working in v1.3.0b fixed.
v1.3.0b - March 20, 2012
-New Sub-Feature: Application now remember's last used directory.
-Bug Fix: Data Restore would run multiple times on restore, while not really an issue, made the process longer.
-Bug Fix: Data Restore Counter would not count properly.
-Bug Fix: Issue with APK's with & in their name, and installing them from there. Now the word "and" is used instead. Display still show's & however.
-Bug Fix: Issue with Data Restore causing some app's to crash due to lack of permission to access them. These are now set to full access, however now the data folder is locked back up after use.
-Various tweaks in all pages to show more information, in specific the concept of right clicking for more options.
-Pushed more prompts into the system which allows user to retry rather than to quit and to reset everything again.
v1.3.0a - March 14, 2012
-New Sub-Feature: Batch Rename your APK files For those of you who have back ups already and would like to tidy them up.
-Set the install flags to an additional '-r'. Helps to update older apps and reinstall some broken ones perhaps. Also overwrites newer with older. You might want to see if the data still works fine after.
v1.3.0 - March 12, 2012
-New Feature: Backup & Restore Data. Extra options are written into the main page, and from there, additional pages will appear as the program goes along. Tested on my Transformer Prime to my mi410 data migration. Requires Root access.
-Several Code Optimisations and bug fixes.
-Packaged with a command line version of 7z for packaging and extraction.
v1.2.0 - March 11, 2012
-New Feature: Now supports Wireless ADB transfer. The main page now has a check box to specify transfers via Wireless ADB (aka Wireless Link). Ticking the box will change the next page into the wireless connection page. You can not continue unless a connection is established with a device (shown by a happy android). Otherwise, a sad android face will be shown. Wireless ADB Works for both installs and backups.
-Cleaned up and shortened the wording for permission fixing to just "Fix Permissions."
*NOTE: For Wireless Transfers, the speeds are slower, so do expect to wait a bit longer.
v1.1.1 - March 10, 2012
-New Feature: When installing APKs and if 'Install to SD' is checked, after selecting which APKs to install, the following page will ask which to install to SD. Right clicking and ticking 'Select All' will do just that.
-New Feature: Added a link to this forum on the main page, because that's a feature Easier visits to the official forum.
-Rewrote the functionality code page for the post selecting APKs to install page to make way for additional features.
-Lightened up on a bit of code, small optimisations resulting in a slightly smaller filesize.
-Cleaned up Installation page just a little, with more descriptive information.
v1.1.0b - March 10, 2012
-New Feature: When doing an APK backup, the tool will now check if you've installed some of your apps to SD, and if so, it will back up those as well
v1.1.0a - March 9, 2012
-Packaged with an older version of adb; The newer version (2012 dated) that I had did not work with some devices and was buggy. Tested to be working on:
ASUS Transformer Prime
Huawei Ascend X (Ideos X6/ Foxconn Fb0 variant)
Samsung Galaxy i7500 Spica (One of the very first android devices I know)
Sony Xperia Arc S
-ReWrote Permissions patching code to fix bugs and push out more useful information
-Set adb to shut down server before each adb command now (makes sure that the adb version running is the one packaged with the tool)
v1.1.0 - March 9, 2012
-Framework for installer had to be re-written for certain additions hence major version bump
-Added "Fix Permissions of /data/app" button that can solve "0 file" errors. Use at your own discretion
-Added ability to install to SD Instead for devices with smaller internal memory.
v1.0.2 - March 8, 2012
-Now has ability to back up all user installed APK files in device onto a local directory
-Automatically renames these files to their App names and versions
-Bug fixes where selection page wouldn't reset itself when hitting back
-Minor Text Changes
-Kills adb.exe when done
-Later versions may have the ability to choose apps to back up, but that's if that's possible.
v1.0.1a - March 8, 2012
-Subversion that includes aapt.exe to display the app name and version instead of filename.
*WARNING* Will load slightly longer than version 1.01 due to the need to dump each apk for it's name and version.
v1.0.1 - March 7, 2012
-Minor cosmetic changes to the installer text, no changes to functionality
-=To Do List=--In some cases, trying to gain superuser permissions with 'adb shell su' returns 'Permission Denied' even with Superuser installed (update SU Binaries).
-Some applications link apks to another folder, haven't been able to replicate this, but when I do I'll make the changes.
-In the larger scale of things, rewrite the whole program for more flexibility.
-=Known Limitations=--Some functions require root.
-Application doesn't like filenames with strange characters, hence some entries will look duplicated, but in fact their name is just the same as the one above it. Display error that doesn't affect functionality.
-Some Applications don't work well with data backup and restore, these applications need to have their data wiped and re-set instead.
-Will not work with multiple devices connected (USB only, Wireless works fine).
-=Known Applications Which Don't Work Well With Data Backup/ Restore=--Opera Mobile
-Google Reader
*IMPORTANT* If you find that data restore or backup isn't working, try updating your SuperUser binaries. I encountered an issue where the application was unable to restore data despite having SuperUser installed. A Prompt for this will be added in future versions.
*WARNING* SOME FUNCTIONS REQUIRE ROOT AND HANDLE WITH THE ACCESS PERMISSIONS ON YOUR DEVICE. WHILE NOTHING SHOULD HAPPEN, I DO NOT HOLD MYSELF RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE WHATSOEVER OR VOIDING OF WARRANTIES OR AWESOMENESS (okay maybe this one) THAT COMES TO YOUR DEVICE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! *Flips cape and walks away*
And somehow the capslock and bold key got stuck : D
I don't by any means claim to be a professional at this, and this is just a tool I developed for personal use, I just thought I'd share it here on XDA is all.
Sharing is caring if you found my tool useful, be sure to say thank you (or I will hunt you down and kill you) and if you'd like to see some changes (within my control that is) do tell me as well.
If you think that the work I'm doing is worthwhile, don't be shy to donate!
It would certainly help in buying my meals and paying my rent ; w ;
Enjoy
Latest and future versions (1.5c++) can be found in the Downloads Tab Above the thread or click HERE
XDA:DevDB Information
APK Batch Installer Tool, a Tool/Utility for the Android General
Contributors
hamsteyr
Version Information
Status: Stable
Current Stable Version: v1.5c
Stable Release Date: 2013-12-13
Created 2013-12-12
Last Updated 2013-12-31
Thanks Buddy gone try this thanks save me a LOT of time.
Thank you mate, great All the best
Very strange...I was flashing my Galaxy Nexus last night for the first time and installed all my APKs back and thought that there has to be something simple and foolproof out there like this? I too had issues with backup software.
Excellent work my friend...here, have a Thanks
Awesome! Thank You! I am going to try it now. I will respond later with the results.
Any plans to backup/restore data?
This is absolutely great!
as i am using miui, there backup tool is pretty good.. but this tool makes it a lot easier to help me with phones from my friends.. nice job..!
Is it also possible to restore app data this way?
Thanks for the... thanks guys
As I know so far, adb install only allows me to install apks back on. I'm unaware of any other method to push backed up data via this method, though if you guys come across it before I do, I'd be glad to program it into the software
As I have not tried deploying the software on any other machine / devices but my own, let me know if it works
Great tool !!!
If you plan to internationalize your soft just ask me for French translation
Is there any plan for backup option? Also can this tool restore data?
I can translate your tool to Turkish...
Thanks for you job...
drcell said:
Is there any plan for backup option? Also can this tool restore data?
Thanks for you job...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Researching into it, I'll let you guys know
From what I see though, it's only possible via ICS.
Thats really one of the best we could have for our phones.
Thanks .
Is there any way to list apk names with real name? Your tool listing apk names like com.xxxxxx
Restoring apps data would be an excellent choice, but in this case the "apk batch installer" should had an option to back them up too (in order to keep both app + app data for a future restore/install) i guess.
Also i can translate it to greek language (pm me if u want)
awesome job!
@ Those asking if it backs up and restores data, not at the moment, it's a simple tool that just installs apks onto your device. I'm looking into both backup and restoring at the moment though.
As far as translations go, I don't have any plans as of yet, rather I'd want to expand it's functionality further.
@drcell: I don't think there's a way for me to pull the name of the app instead. I'll look into that as well though, but in the meantime, I suggest using an app on your phone to do so (I like using AppMonster, older version before it got retarded :x)
Great Program
Nice job, but I have never run into a backup program that backs up your .apk's to your pc, so this program want work for me. How does everyone get all their phone apk's to their pc? thanks.
melp57 said:
Nice job, but I have never run into a backup program that backs up your .apk's to your pc, so this program want work for me. How does everyone get all their phone apk's to their pc? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use AppMonster or Titanium Backup, or EsFileExplorer's App Manager. Perhaps I'll write a subsection that will allow for that as well. Future stuff.
This can be much better with function to automatically back up to PC installed apps. From phone, or directly from Google account.
Great work!
Hello, does this app not conflict with the apps that are normally restored from the androidmarket itself? And is there a possibility to skip apps that are already installed on the phone? Is it possible to create a option to select or deselect all apps?
Looks like a very good program already.
DISCLAIMER: though this seems safe, there are always risks. Warranty may be void, bugs might crawl out of your shield. I am not responsible for mishaps, bugs, crashes, damage, loss of jobs, girlfriends, and/or if your shield turns into Skynet and begins to destroy the human race!
Firstly, throughout this tutorial I will be shamelessly pointing you toward others threads. Please, give them your thanks. They are masters in their fields and with out them none of this would be happening! Also remember noone gets paid for any of this, they with their skills and I with time do this out love for tech and a desire to help others and see them enjoy their tech as much as we all love ours. That said... Onto the cookies!
*********PLEASE NOTE*********
*********THIS ENTIRE PROCESS CAN BE DONE WITH OUT ANY ACCESS TO A PC!
--BUT--
TO KEEP A LOCKED BOOTLOADER AND AVOID WARRANTY NASTYNESS PLEASE READ
*If you are still on a locked bootloader, and want to easily keep it. Root ota 2.2.1 first, install flashify, and use it to install twrp.
*Rooting ota 3. 0 and using flashify from there will also preserve locked bootloader.
*Rooted ota 2.2.1 or a custom recovery will break nvidias native ota system. You will have need a copy if the FULL OTA from the links provided. They flash easily in twrp. But ONLY THE FULL OTA, NOT THE INCREMENTAL.
******PREREQUISITES (These Are Required)******
*Must be rooted.
If coming from stock, (unrooted, stock recovery, and locked bootloader) Kingroot will root any ota so far.
Install apk, run it, it will most likely reboot your shield, on ota 3 it will freeze, (mine did at around 30% on ota 3, but instead of a reboot, I got a freeze) this is normal. Hold power button until the shield turns off. Boot back up, and run Kingroot again. It should now complete fine, installing Kinguser as root control app. This gives you enough root to run flashify from play store to install the next step. (thanks to China for making kingroot and whoever translated it for us)
Kingroot link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
*Team Win Recovery Project (twrp) must be installed.
Head over here to @Steel01 thread for multi rom twrp. You will only (at the moment) need his modified twrp build. More instructions there. Don't forget to thank him! (Thanks @Steel01)
@Steel01 multi rom twrp thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/development/multirom-v30-unofficial-port-t3025355
*ota 3.0 FULL OTA (thanks to @MidgetMob)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...k-recovery-images-ota-library-guides-t2988881
*MEGA may or may NOT work. Mega has issues from time to time. (thanks @Ctrl_Alt_Del for the heads up)
****If MEGA links are not working, here's another source.
Thanks @gavin-phelan for the links.
OTHER Link for full ota: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/general/android-5-1-t3115536
*SuperSU recovery flashable installer. (thanks to @Chainfire)
Link to supersu beta (beta works better for the xposed framework):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133
*Fdroid store for selinux mode changer (needed for viper) and ad away apps! (thanks Fdroid!)
Link: https://f-droid.org
*****OPTIONAL*****
*Xposed super alpha for Android 5.1 (sdk22) (thanks @romracer)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/super-alpha-posted-permission-xposed-t3072979
You must read that thread a bit. You will need the xposed installer from the main xposed lollipop thread. (thanks @rovo89)
Main xposed thread
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
*Gravitybox works on 5.1 now (thanks @C3C076)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v5-0-0alpha-tweak-box-t3037566
*BusyBox - Busybox is required for viper4android install. Make sure to run and install it BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. The apk can be installed, but when you run it. It will try to install the viper driver. Selinux must be set to permissive, and busybox installed first.
It can be found in play store.
*selinuxmodechanger can be found in fdroid repository.
*ViPER4Android audio engine (thanks @zhuhang)
For viper install. Be sure to install fdroid and get selinux mode changer. And change to permissive BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. the app is fine but for the driver to install selinux must be set to permissive. After that it's fine to set it back to enforcing.
Link: http://vipersaudio.com/blog/?page_id=48
Forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
Someone said cookies? (Procedure)
**tip** titanium backup SUCKS FOR backing up app data. Bugs out the apps sometimes. So for games, manually backup saves and place them back after reinstall. It's helpful to use tibu to backup your apps alone. Then use tibu again to make a recovery flashable zip to reinstall them all at once....
*Firstly you will need a root enabled file browser (I use es file explorer)
*On the internal memory, firstly back up any pics or ANYTHING you want saved from internal memory to the external SD card. (I usually name my backup folders starting with a # to keep them separated from anything that's written to external via an app or the system. Helps to keep track.)
*Next delete it ALL. In es file Explorer just as everything in sdcard0. /android gone, all folders, ax them. I even nuked the hidden folders and all. I wanted a totally clean install. So anything in the /sdcard0 folder can get wiped. As wiping through twrp DOES NOT WIPE THESE FILES. And sometimes can cause oddness on new installs. This can also be achieved through twrp but it takes longer. Keep in mind that everything inside /sdcard is rebuilt on FIRST boot. Hence deleting in twrp. Don't navigate to straight / things go bad if you mess about in those files....
*After everything has been deleted on internal, and the folders your not using for backups on external. Namely the /android folder on external. You should be ready to reboot to recovery....
*Now reboot into twrp. Click wipe, advanced, then check dalvik, system, data, and cache. Wipe
*Now flash the FULL OTA for your model of shield.
*Next click the home button in twrp. Then Mount, then, uncheck the box for system, then, re-check it. (remount system)
*Now click on the Home button again, Advanced, File Manager.....
*Now the fun part...
Navigate to /system/app and delete the following FOLDERS, contents and all, by clicking on each folder one at a time, once clicked, it will show you contents of that folder. At the bottom click select, then delete, swipe to delete. For each of the following folders....
++*NOTICE* Some of these folders contain libs (library files) and i discovered some issues with deleting them. (videos not working, possible connection console mode crashing, etc) These folders are indicated below, and any side effects possible due to its removal. Console mode has been solid so far even without the libs. That doesnt mean that it wont cause any issues later and i just havent seen it yet. So BEWARE o0o0o =D
Adobe reader
Books
Calendar
++**Chrome (I use chrome beta) (CONTAINS LIBS) possible connection to the "great chrome slowdown" These ARE SAFE to remove and removal may cure the slowdown bug. either way, using any browser BUT chrome (i.e. Chrome Beta, Dolphin, Opera etc.) also fixes the "Chrome slug races"
Cloud print
Input methods for Japanese and Korean (unless you need it)
++**Drive (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent noticed any side effects from removing these and SHOULD BE SAFE to delete. also i use es file explorer for drive access
Email (I use inbox)
Evernote
Evernote widget
Exchange2
Gmail (I use inbox or reinstall from store)
++**Hangouts (CONTAINS LIBS) i use hangouts for OUTGOING PHONE CALLS, as such i feel these libs are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. i havent found any issues so far but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY on an essential core sytem
Holo spiral
Google tts (optional)
Juswrite (I don't use the stylus or handwriting)
latinIME (aosp keyboard)
++**Maps (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent found any issues but NAVIGATION to me is an essential core system therefore i feel these are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. again BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Music2 (I use gonemad music player or reinstall from store)
Newstand
Nvcameraawesome (it sucked and I use camera51)
Phase beam
Play games
++**Print spooler (CONTAINS LIBS) never use(d) it so i dunno really. SHOULD BE SAFE to remove (feedback welcome)
Street
Stylusmobileoem (like I said I don't even HAVE a stylus (unless someone has an extra they are willing to mail....)
Talkback
Trine 2 (unless you like it)
Twitch (unless you use it, also in play store)
++**Videos (CONTAINS LIBS) I had issues playing embedded videos in play store (app trailers) and some websites. i would recommend DO NOT REMOVE THIS. i ONLY left this here for info only. remove ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK
Write (again with stylus stuff)
++**Youtube (CONTAINS LIBS) never had any issues removing this. but i feel it could be related to my above mentioned video playback bug. this is OPTIONAL.
*now navigate to /system/priv-app
Delete folder musicfx (needs to be gone or disabled for viper4android audio install)
*now navigate to /system/vendor/app
Delete the folder watercolor (dabbler can be gotten from play store)
*if you feel busy /system/media/audio is where the ring tones are and you can delete the ones you don't use for more space but it's only 3mb....
*FINALLY hit the home button in twrp again.
**DO NOT FORGET** Install superSU beta for root!!!
*REBOOT!!
*After system boots up and gets done optimizing, it's safe to reboot back to twrp and flash the xposed framework.
*You're done! That's it... Wait... What? You want even MORE cookies? Well, OK....
*Keep reading for optional steps for even better results!
***PS... Keep checking our friend's @BitOBSessiOn and @twistedumbrella threads for really great kernels for our ota..
Thanks @BitOBSessiOn
Thanks @twistedumbrella
Links:
Bito: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi.../tweaked-kernel-nvidia-shield-tablet-t3069776
++++++ ***check out @BitOBSessiOn thread, ota 3.0 source built, optimized kernels for all models released!
NEW UNIFIED BUILDS FOR OTA 3.0 (ONE FILE FOR ALL MODELS)
Twistedumbrella: 2.2.1 ONLY http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...t/stock-lollipop-kernel-cifs-support-t2967839
And some more post script.
PPS **tips**
*System apps always keep a copy of themselves for when it gets updated, so all those apps (that you just deleted) end up being over 400 mb after they all update once. And they ALL HAVE updates at time of install. So you save there. Just takes a minute to reinstall as user apps from the play store,and save a bunch of space.
***WIFI ISSUES!** If you do NOT HAVE a 5ghz router. Go to wifi settings, advanced, wifi band, switch from auto to 2.4ghz, makes the Web run faster and if it's set to auto I notice a good 40 second delay in wifi connecting. Also make sure the box "wifi always scan" is turned in. Otherwise wifi doesn't auto connect at boot.
*Get folder mount from the play store. It automagically patches android to let apps write to external SD. As well as links folders on external to internal so you can move ANY app to sd card. Profit!
*For a cleaner install. Install fdroid, then ad away. And run ad away before you ever open more than play store for es file Explorer to install fdroid. This way ad away is the first or one of the first apps to open. Blocking ads from that point on. That way if apps have built in ads, they won't even be able to load!
*Also thanks to @djdarkknight96 here's a link for a bad ass themed SwiftKey keyboard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016053
*To improve system responsiveness, enable developer options (In settings, click about tablet, click build number 7 times.) Then in developer options about midway down, turn "window animation scale" "transition animation scale" and "animator duration scale" from 1.0 to .5 this increases the speed of animations throughout the system/rom
*After installing the gravitybox xposed module, you can turn those 3 animation scales down further to .25 for even faster response.
*Native lcd density for shield tablet is 283.
It comes stock at 320
*Nvidia corporate tegra color scheme. Green is hex (#76b900) rgb (r:118 g:185 b:0), and grey, hex (#5c5c5c) not sure greys rgb. And black.... I looked it up in their corporate and product guidelines pdf.
*You can add apps to console mode by clicking the little + symbol under "android games" and "media apps" in shield hub. They will then be added to the "easier" to navigate shield hub menu.
*In the play store kernel adiutor (yes that's how it's spelled) allows control over the cpu speed and other critical stuff and things. To squeeze alot more juice from your battery, if everything else here is done, I found I could clock the cpu @2ghz (200mhz down from stock) and it's just as fast as true stock. Killer battery savings on top of the improvements already made in ota 3.0
*If you adjust the clock speeds in kernel adiutor... Make sure to reset the minimum to 51 every time and sit and watch to make sure they stuck. They will float around, then settle. But if you exit after altering the max and the minimum is floating high, it will set the minimum to that value.... Found THAT out the hard way......
*The letters that form the word "SHIELD" on the back of our devices.... Are stickers in small indents.... Looks really kewl if taken out. (see post #13 for pics)
+ *POSSIBLE USB ON THE GO (OTG) FIX*
Power off your shield, plug in USB OTG cable with a flash drive in it. Power on the shield. Once booted, pull flash drive and use whatever OTG compatible device you wish (mouse, keyboard, micro missile launcher--thanks ThinkGeek!))
ONE CONDITION! This method BREAKS CHARGING UNTIL NEXT REBOOT! (thanks nvidia!)
Enjoy!
Questions and comments always welcomed and encouraged!
If i forgot something, missed a step, whatever. Let me know!
I'll update/add to this if/when I think of things.
Ideas? Let me know!
CHECK POST #2 FOR UPDATE TIMES.
I'll try to highlight changes until I update again.
Look for the + symbol
Cheers,
Cyris
Mmm cookies just like mom makes!
Just a reminder! ALWAYS CHECK THE MD5 CHECKSUM FOR DOWNLOADED FILES. Md5 checker in play store works great. It can certainly save some headaches!
A SECOND MORE IMPORTANT REMINDER, KEEP A COPY OF YOUR FULL OTA IN THE ROOT OF YOUR EXTERNAL SD CARD. THAT WAY IF THE LIQUID DEFECATION TRULY STRIKES THE AUXILIARY ROTOR. YOU CAN USE NVIDIAS BACKUP STOCK RECOVERY (AT BUGDROID (ANDY ON HIS BACK WITH A RED ! OVER IT) HIT "VOLUME UP" + "POWER") TO WIPE DATA AND FLASH A STOCK FULL OTA AND GET BACK UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. THEN USE KINGROOT, THEN FLASHIFY, THEN TWRP, TO GET ROOT BACK AND CUSTOM RECOVERY....
**UPDATES**
Times are Pacific (my local)
+Initial post 5/25 @ 1300 (apx)
+Updated 5/25 @ 1655
+Updated 5/25 @ 1730
+Updated 5/25 @ 1810 - make sure you check this one for viper audio install
+Updated 5/25 @ 2304 - new full ota links
+Updated 5/26 @ 1030 - @BitOBSessiOn ota 3 kernel release, links posted
+Updated 5/26 @ 1546 - Added usb-otg temporary fix
+Updated 5/27 @ 2200 - Cleanup OP, removed old + symbols
+Updated 6/17 @ 1430 - Added info on folders containing LIBS in the wiping section.
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I created this thread for a laid back easy way to (try) and get the most from our device. Xda was always my go to place to find help and it's a bit different now. Not everyone is a developer, but it shouldn't be hard to get knowledge from those that are. Hell I'm no dev, just like to test stuff, a crack flasher. But at one time I didn't know what root was..... We all were. I know I love it when I show someone my device I spent 100s of hours tweaking just right and the look on their face! At one time that was me. I had to ask questions that probably got a few chuckles. But usually there was someone there to ask. If i can help I figure I SHOULD,
As I said I encourage questions. It may help someone else later on. Cheers!
... Wrong button.....
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it went well. And thanks for the info on mega. It does that from time to time. Could be alot of people trying to get that file right now. Links updated.
If you go through the xposed install and all. It gets spooky fast....
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Excellent guide and info. Spent all weekend formatting and dealing with "optimizing apps", this fixed it all, great tablet now
GOALAR said:
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an 8 inch screen. With a resolution of 1920x1200 I'm not sure the math, but it adds up to 283,or there are a few sites that you can go to and enter your the screen info and it will tell you what you density is. Density is how many pixels are in a square inch. Also GSM arena and a few other sites show this data if you Google "shield tablet specs".
Switching from 320 to 283 just makes the screen look sharper. It also can effect what games are listed as compatible in the play store. Example, dead space and dead trigger 2 will not install @ 283. But will run at it. I have dead space myself and it plays fine but I have to side load it or set my density back to 320 in build.prop then install it.
Think of it like running different resolutions on your pc monitor. The monitor will show them just fine, but only 1 is the exact spec from the factory, and look the best.
Thanks For This
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
koop1955 said:
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! =D Just hope it does in fact help some folks enjoy their shields a little more. I've been pretty unhappy so far, it was this or a Nexus 9, now I don't regret my decision anymore lol
Pictures of back of shield with letter stickers removed
Updated again
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
radio five said:
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope didn't miss a beat. This whole process can be done with no pc (I don't have a pc, my shield is my ONLY device.) so I've learned how to do it all locally (on board the shield itself).
This is only just now available, 5/13 kingroot was released that would root the tablet stock off the shelf. And flashify to put on the custom twrp. After that it's good times!
Ps, thanks for the heads up on the no pc thing, I forgot to mention that, OP updated...
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
radio five said:
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch! I feel your pain. I recently had to try to flash using add (adb but "add" was a great typo) on Windows xp.... Oh yeah... THAT went well.... Then 2 days later kingroot came out.
Just make sure (and I'll add this to the op as well) to keep a copy of the full ota on the ROOT of your external SD card, that way if your shield take a flaming deuce in your hands, you can STILL use nvidia backup recovery. If you have ever seen the "bug droid" (ole Andy on his back and the flaming red ! Over it) hold the "volume up" button and hit power and the nvidia recovery comes up. Let's you flash a STOCK FULL OTA and bam, back in business, just kingroot, flashify, twrp, keep calm, and carry on!
Man, I'm glad you said something! I'm gathering all the files on my external sd card in a folder (downloads/Shield Optimization) and I was getting ready to take the plunge. I'll move everything to the sd card's root before I get started.
I'm also considering backing all of my sd card to a work computer temporarily so I can reformat it. My junk heap of a laptop can't read it but I suspect my shield may have formatted it to a weird..... format.
I just want to have the card ready in the event I want to transfer large files and not wait as long.
Speaking of which, would I be able to format my sd card via my PC with it still in the Shield, connected by a usb cable?
Sorry if I'm getting slightly off topic.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
@radio five
Firstly the only file you really need in the root folder is the ota zip. That's only because I'm pretty sure that's where the stock recovery will look for it, IF everything goes to hell.
Yes about formatting your card or storing files elsewhere during all this. The closer to a fresh card and internal memory the better.
Not sure what if any besides ntfs that the shield would format it to. But ntfs is recommended. And it's so far the only (I think) supported format for cards over 32gb. Also. After you format it to ntfs, quick format is OK, full is better but much slower on Windows, make sure to name it. Any is OK. "Sdcard" works.
In Windows Explorer, click on the volume (Sdcard you just formatted) to select it. Wait a sec. Then click it again. And name it when it highlights.
It fixes SOMETHING, Noone really knows what, but makes the shield recognize SD cards over 32gb
I'm sure there IS a way to format via adb, but I have no idea how...
What topic? >.< lol all questions are encouraged.
This guide is to install AOSP 7.1.2 and GApps on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, model GT-P7500 ("p4"). It has also been reported working on the Wifi-only version GT-P7510 ("p4wifi") with minor changes, noted in the instructions. I will update this main post as better information becomes known.
Updated 2018-Aug-06
After a couple dozen wipe-and-retry sessions, I thought I'd share my current setup which to date has been the most stable configuration I've had between Nougat and Oreo. I've had absolutely no stability issues so far with this setup, and I even have fully functional Google search, voice search (and Ok Google), and voice typing - no crashes. Anyone who's tried to install a modern GApps on these devices will know the frustration of literally endless and unstoppable "....has stopped" messages!
Here's what I've got working on my GT-P7500:
- AOSP Nougat 7.1 (all thanks to @decatf)
- Fully functional Google Apps - NO "... has stopped working"/"... keeps crashing" issues. None.
- Google Search, Google Now, voice search, voice typing, and other voice-related services ALL WORK. No crashing.
I should also mention that I have NOT included the instructions to create the 1GB /system partition. I figured this out when I was trying to install modern GApps that needed more space; in the end the instructions below turned out to be the best and do not require the expanded space. I have posted the file in another thread if anyone wants it for other purposes.
Installation Instructions:
Download these files to your PC. Some files are different for different variants of the device - make sure you get the right ones for your device!
Odin v1.85 (download)
Use only this version, the newer ones don't work well with this device.
TeamWin Recovery Project
Custom unofficial versions for p4* by @decatf. Direct download links below; select the right one for your device. (original thread / downloads page) Some have reported issues with TWRP 3.1.1; if you experience issues, try TWRP 2.8.7.0 instead.
TWRP 3.1.1.0 - for GT-P7500/p4 (download) - for GT-P7510/p4wifi (download) - for SGH-T859 (download)
TWRP 2.8.7.0 - for GT-P7500/p4 (download) - for GT-P7510/p4wifi (download) - for SGH-T859 (download)
Android Open Source Project 7.1.2 Custom Built for Galaxy Tab 10.1 - AOSP 7.1.2 built for p4* by @decatf (downloads page) (original thread).
decatf's AOSP 7.1.2 2017-10-05 - for GT-P7500/p4 (download) - for GT-P7510/p4wifi (download) - for SGH-T859 (download)
SuperSU v2.82 (download) (original thread).
Custom GApps from decatf's Lollipop release (download) (original thread).
Yes, really, the Lollipop version. Just trust me.
Boot into Download mode (instructions).
Connect to PC.
Start up Odin v1.85.
If the device is properly recognized, it will show up in the first of the row of white squares at the top. If not, install the Samsung USB Drivers and start again.
Use Odin 1.85 to install TWRP 3.1.1 Custom.
Reboot to Recovery mode (instructions).
Wipe the device, including the /system partition.
Transfer the AOSP, SuperSU, and GApps files to the device.
Install decatf's AOSP 7.1.2.
Install SuperSU v2.82.
Do NOT install GApps at this time, despite all the instructions everywhere else that you would normally install GApps before the first boot. This older release is being used to get a version of the Google app that works on this tablet's no-longer-supported CPU, and the install is done after first boot to bypass Google's Setup Wizard which will put you in an impossible-to-exit loop.
Reboot to System, and allow complete boot-up. Note that the boot will take several minutes as Android 7 does its thing setting up - be patient!
Once fully booted, wait a minute for the system to settle, then reboot back into Recovery.
Install custom GApps.
Reboot to System. Boot should be much faster this time.
You can do this part later, but the final steps will be smoother if you do this first.
Install a CPU Speed Control program of your choice. Device Control, 3C Toolbox, No-Frills CPU, heck even Automate or Tasker if you already have a script setup.
Set your CPU Max speed to 1400 MHz (1.4 GHz). I find stability issues at anything above 1400 on my device; your mileage may vary. When testing speeds, do not set them to apply on boot until you are certain it is still stable, or you may have some difficulty reverting.
Optionally Set your CPU Governer to Performance. This results in a smoother system overall, and doesn't seem to have much of an effect on battery life. I also use some settings to drop the Governer to Interactive when the screen is off, back to Performance on screen on. You can do this using any number of programs like Automate, Tasker, IFTTT, 3C Toolbox, and many others...
Most important step - open Play Store, go to My Apps, select Google, click the Menu in the top-right corner, and uncheck Auto-Updates. Alternately, you can go to Play Store Settings, and disable auto-updates altogether, but that is more troublesome than simply inhibiting the single app.
Update Google Play Services. It will need to be updated before most of the newer apps will function, so might as well do it now.
Install all the other Google apps you want from the Play Store, and any updates... you will need to update Play Services before most of the newer apps will function... but never, ever update the main Google app.
Open Settings.
Scroll to the bottom, and open Language and Input. Select Physical Keyboard settings, and enable "Show Virtual Keyboard". This ROM fakes having a physical keyboard always connected for some reason, so you will never see an on-screen keyboard unless you turn this on.
As long as we're in Settings, go to Security, and enable Unknown Sources. You'll probably want this.
Set up your Wi-Fi connection.
Adjust any of your other preferred settings.
You're finished! Try installing some of the software below.
Known issues:
Browser will crash once or twice during the first few minutes of operation for unknown reasons. Doesn't seem to happen again after that.
Recommended software that works: (I'll add Play Store links later...)
3C Toolbox / 3C Toolbox Pro - I've found this to be an excellent package for numerous functions including CPU control, app control, and battery reporting - I was able to quickly determine which of my chargers would charge it fastest. Also gives options for optimizing device on each boot and a number of other useful functions.
Via Browser, a modern browser built to be slim and speedy "for geeks". It is surprisingly responsive compared to the other two options on this old device.
decatf's Chromium for Tegra 2 CPUs (direct link to Downloads). This is a modern browser with all the features you expect, but compiled to run on the older CPU. It is a little bit slow but is essentially Chrome without the official branding, including the ability to sync with Chrome on other devices. @decatf is nice enough to keep compiling new versions to keep it roughly on par with Chrome, let's hope he keeps it up.
Firefox Focus, a privacy-focused version of the Firefox browser maintained separately. For whatever reason, this one is still compiled for older devices where the full browser is not. It is a modern and relatively speedy browser which can be nice to have on hand, but purposely eliminates features most people want in a daily-use browser, like bookmarks, history, etc.
Got suggestions for useful software that functions well on this old device? Let me know!
Mainstream software that WILL NOT WORK, even though it shows up as compatible in the Play Store and will install fine (but complain about your CPU type or report 'unsupported device'):
Google Chrome browser - as an alternative, check out decatf's Chromium, noted above.
Mozilla Firefox browser - as an alternative, check out Firefox Focus and Via Browser, noted above.
Find another one? Let me know! There were more but I've forgotten.
Original post...
You read it. I have a Tab 10.1 (GT-P7500) which I have managed to configure with decatf's AOSF Nougat 7.1, Google Apps with fully functional Google App and Voice Search (NO crashes), and with an enlarged /system partition so there is actually room on the partition to install some extra system apps without mucking about with linking or anything.
I slapped a quick guide to the GApps bit on the end of decatf's 7.1 thread in Development, but I wonder if there is enough of an interested audience for me to write up how I did the whole thing?
Disclaimer: It may or may not involve pentagram carvings and Satanic rituals.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could find little to no information on how to do any of this, but I pieced it all together, experimented, and got it working. I've solved most of the problems I was having, including the ones that seem to be most commonly posted here from what I can see.
So here's what I've got working on my GT-P7500:
- decatf's AOSF Nougat 7.1
- Fully functional Google Apps, NO "... has stopped working"/"... keeps crashing" issues. None.
- Google App WORKS. No crashing.
- Google Now WORKS. No crashing.
- Voice search WORKS. No crashing.
- Voice typing and other voice-related services WORK. No crashing.
- Larger /system partition.
What I haven't figured out or haven't worked on yet:
- Some apps do not seem to be reading the compass properly, but I think a test app showed it as working, so needs more investigation...
- Get (standard) Firefox running.
- Which partitions can be safely reduced or eliminated to increase available data space.
- Experimenting to see if any voltage adjustments will allow 1.6GHz overclocking to function without freezing up. My device will only run stable at 1.4GHz
pOST the instructions
please post instructions
Yes Please!
Please post the instructions. I still use the OG Galaxy Tab 10.1 regularly. Yes its slow as all heck, and barely runs 2 apps at a time. But Id like to do this just for giggles before my Yoga Book comes in the mail and i lay my 6yr old Tab to rest.
I'd also be very much interested in this. I just got one of these as a gift for a NGO that I'm working for, and would love to be able to use it...
yes please!
Please post instructions/guide. Would love to able to update the tablet. My daughter uses it and it's so slow
pls advice if said method can be aplied to P7100
I am also interested in what you did to get everything working (for me, the Setup Wizard continually crashes right after the first screen).
Was this guide ever posted and has anyone tried it
robbinmoreka said:
Was this guide ever posted and has anyone tried it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they posted it here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75777254&postcount=1046
I followed all the steps up until I got to 'install SuperSU'. First root I did, it stopped the home button/recent apps button from working. So I started again and didn't install it
GApps worked perfectly and I was able to login to google and download all my apps
Once I rebooted the system, the tablet was stuck on the "Android" logo for about 5-8 mins so I left it and then it loaded normally. 2nd time it loaded perfectly.
Installed Device Control [root] but it said it wasn't able to access the processor tab so uninstalled.
FYI, I had to use TWRP 2.8.7.0 available at the same link https://forum.xda-developers.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=24424 for my p4wifi. I tried the latter one, but didnt work so just copied over the older tar file, installed in TWRP itself, rebooted recovery, and then the rest of the steps worked. Thanks OP for trying to bring this old tablet back to life!
When I install aosp-7.1-p4-20171005.zip, I got:
E3004: This package is for "p4" devices; this is a "p4wifi"
and stop installing
How to solve this?
oncinc said:
E3004: This package is for "p4" devices; this is a "p4wifi"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, so sorry, I forgot to provide the links for multiple devices! I've fixed the main post. You want to get this file: https://forum.xda-developers.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=26886
Perfect guide, thank you! Brought my long forgotten tab back to life with some extra sparkle. I too had to use TWRP 2.8.7.0 to get the ROM to install on my P4. (Donwload link to 2.8 Recovery as the main thread links were down : https://get.xda-developers.com/dl/1....md5?key=juCucVnKuO7-Lt_mR3qH6g&ts=1534633325)
Word/Excel
Hi! I can't launch Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint from Play Store. I get a message "This device uses a processor that doesn't meet the system requirements for installing Office.". Have I done something wrong during the update? Thanks!
Mine is running very smoothly including internet and video, however, I am having the following issues:
- home screen circle and task history triangle buttons in the bottom menu are not working
- when I plug in the USB cable my computer recognizes the device but no menu pops up on the tablet allowing me to select file sharing
- I can't access developer options in the settings menu (tapping 7 times on the build version does not bring it up)
So right now I can't move any files to the tablet.
robert_vdv said:
Mine is running very smoothly including internet and video, however, I am having the following issues:
- when I plug in the USB cable my computer recognizes the device but no menu pops up on the tablet allowing me to select file sharing
So right now I can't move any files to the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slide down the notification bar. Select Nougat symbol to switch the USB mode.
Can you run Microsoft Word?
astepkin said:
Slide down the notification bar. Select Nougat symbol to switch the USB mode.
Can you run Microsoft Word?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortuntately, something is wrong with my onscreen menus. I can't swipe down to expand the menu, so I only see the top row of symbols (wifi, user, flashlight, auto-rotate, Bluetooth) and can't get to any other symbols. I'm kind of new to this so I'm not sure what impact different versions of TWRP would have - my version is 3.0.3. Maybe I should update to the version noted in the post.
I get the same error for Word.
Good guide, but some inconsistencies in the sequence.
For example, you indicate to disable the auto-update on the Google app BEFORE to fill in your Google account: it's impossible.
And even after you enter your Google account, you need to install at least one application (and therefore activate the wifi) to see the Google app in the list "My applications".
Other than that, it's more stable than my previous installation, and just for that: thank you!
f4t2
Good guide, I successfully installed Nougat on my Tab 10.1. following your steps. Very smooth. BTW, I didn't install any Gapps son I can't provide any feedback about it. I can say overclocking to 1400 Mhz seems pretty stable on my unit.
Regarding the non-NEON issue, I found this guy built a relatively recent Firefox 59 package compatible with our device. It's not the latest version, but it's better than what we had. It works fine for me.:good:
If you're interested the project is here:
https://github.com/schmaller/Fennec4Tegra2
Original ROM: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...loat-7-0-920-5-w8-f-i-november-patch.3649798/
I removed several apps in the ROM including a very annoying DiagMonAgent app that caused it to continuously show popup notifications.
Here is a complete list of apps I removed from this ROM: http://dr.mywebcommunity.org/g920w8/debloat/20210831-samstock-debloat-results.html
My phone works super well with this setup.
Download information:
Location: androidfilehost.com
File name: 20210831-1914-sst05-safe.zip
File size: 1.4 Gb
Information
I did not include the AROMA options for different phone vendors so if you really need those files, please use original rom. I uploaded this rom for my peronal use and because I am trying to make a debloated rom and bring the size of the zip file back down to under 1 Gb but I have several issues with required apks causing bootloops. So for now, this is a fully functional re-packed rom. I do plan to re-pack the phone vendors in a futur aroma setup but for now, I am still struggling to debloat this rom entirely. I just needed a base stock rom with as little modification as possible and this is the only ROM I found to fit this category. I am fully opened to receive any kind of help or assistance. The goal is to change the ZIP file only through my Windows computer, change any files through Notepad++ if necessary.
If you want details of what has been done in the ROM, please refer to the original author's thread.
GOAL OF THIS RE-PACK
My goal is to keep the original system but remove every other useless things. I want to drop the ROM size to under 1 Gb. I want to remove all Samsung and Google apps that are not necessary for the system to work. If people want Google Play, I want to simply download it on Open GApps. Of course, for now, I have been unsuccessfully removing other apps and had several boot loops, this is the only package I managed to re-pack that has a successfull boot and work well with my needs.
Why use an old 7.0 version?
Honestly? Because everything! Bluetooth connection, camera, stability. Everything works. The only VERY annoying things I hate about v7.0 are:
PROBELM: Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode does NOT work. Apps compatible with PiP will not display any PiP content such as floating video call windows.
SOLUTION: The only similar effect you can have is by enabling in the dev options the "Force activities to be resizable" at the very bottom. Then, in an app you want to have displayed in a floating window, tap on your "All apps" button and drag your app's window on the little square that says "Open in pop-up view".
PROBLEM: Dark modes for apps like GMail and the user interface is not supported unless you seriously start to tinker arround with very creative workarrounds I have not tested.
SOLUTION: I did not test any.
Kernel Source
The kernel supplied in this re-pack is the original kernel from SamStock's original package (G920W8) with no changes. Based off SamStock's thread which states:
Untouched. Completely stock out of the latest zip from sammobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So source is based off original Samsung Kernel Source.
ROOT Magisk
This rom is NOT ROOTED. I removed the outdated supplied Magisk from the original ROM since I prefer to use the latest available version that works without any issues. Just remember to rename the Magisk APK file's extension to ".zip" and flash after flashing this rom. I also use the original APK file to install after first boot because the zip only enables root access but the APK installs the Magisk manager app and enables the popup message to grant root permissions to apps. It is not a requirement since Magisk will download the app automatically when you try to open it the first time, but it just makes you spend less time waiting for the automatic download and installs the app immediately. Installing the APK manually will require a reboot.
AdAway
This is the goto app to remove annoying ads in almost all apps. ROOT is required. To install, head to ApkMirror and download version 4.3.6. That's the latest version that still works very well on Android v7.0. You will be required to do 2 reboots, one after installing the app and enabling adblock and one for updating the hosts file.
Google
You will have a long update list to go through your initial boot to update all apps from Google App Store INCLUDING the app store itself. Please pay attention to Google Services notification because you may need to manually update Google Services if it does not do it on it's own for apps to work such as GMail and other Google apps.
I suggest you disable the "upday" app which Google Update installs. I hate this app so much that I disable the notification, force stop AND disable the app. I have not found any solution yet to prevent this app from being installed.
XPosed Framework
You need the sdk24 version. It works and boots without any problems BUT, it's old and I found it to be pretty much useless. Some stuff such as the Dark mode for GMail module does not work anymore. So I do not recommend you to install XPosed unless you already are familiar with modules you want to use and already know that is working.
What I wil NOT do (unsupported models)
I own only the W8 version of the phone so any other models I cannot support. BUT, I can say this, you can refer to the debloated list above to remove the apps from the ZIP file and repackage the file yourself for your model by downloading the right version on the original author's mod page. As I mentioned, this is a safe debloat list where the phone successfully boots and setups.
I cannot test phone calls and SMS because I do not use this function on my phone. I use a SIP phone service through GrandStream Wave and VoIP.ms. So if you have any issues concerning phone calls or SMS, please comment or check the list of removed apps above and mention to me what is needed and I will post a new upload with the included package. While you may be waiting for my fix, I suggest you use the original author's files.
KNOWN ISSUES
You will need to install another launcher to be able to change wallpaper since I removed some of Samsung's core apps which were linked to the Samsung store including the wallpaper switcher. I recommend the Microsoft Launcher which is entirely free and has all the basic functions including notification dots and icon pack themes.
INSTALLATION
• Backup your system and files
• Boot in TWRP (Hold Volume Up+Home Button+Power Button)
• Format and advance wipe everything
• Install zip file
• Optional: Install Magisk (rename apk extension to zip)
• Reboot System
Stuck in a bootloop or unresponssive phone?
Hard reboot your phone by holding Volume Down+Home Button+Power Button. Once the screen goes black, immediately Hold Volume Up+Home Button+Power Button and you will be back in TWRP. If it fails, simply repeat the Volume Down hard reboot until you get the timing right with Volume Up afterwards. That's what I do and it works but hopefully, this should NOT happen because it does not on my end.
Permission: I requested month's ago permission from the author and never got an answer so I presume that the project is abandonned or not followed anymore. So if ever the author somehow has specific requests or want's me to remove this, I will do so without hesitating after contacting me through PM.
XDA DevDB Information
SamStock ROM Debloated, ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S6 G920W8
Contributors
Moiz Ahmed
Supported Model: SM-G920W8 ONLY
ROM OS Version: 7.0 Nougat
ROM Kernel: Linux 3.10.x
ROM Firmware Required: Latest Modem and Bootloader
Based On: Samsung Stock / SamStock Rom (G920W8)
Version Information
Status: Stable
Stable Release Date: 2017-07-31
Created 2017-08-01
Last Updated 2017-12-25
Re-Pack Date: 2021-08-31