Hi all!
I'd like to ask the question in my title: Is there a way i can remove a system app (for example SIM toolkit) without rooting?
I was thinking if i can somehow use ADB with root privileges and remove system apps through recovery or fastboot!
Thanks in advance!
You would have to do it with root and then remove root again - kinda pointless tbh
you can go to settings, appd, all.. pick the system app that you want, then press disable. but you cant remove them without root.
simms22 said:
you can go to settings, appd, all.. pick the system app that you want, then press disable. but you cant remove them without root.
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Click to collapse
Tbh this is what i'm doing for all apps that i dont want.
The one that really gets on my nerves (and is the reason for this thread) is sim toolkit which can not be disabled this way!
Just a quick question: why do you want to remove the apps? If it's just because they clutter up your app drawer, or something like that, wouldn't it be easier to simply install a launcher and hide the apps?
That's the method I use. If I can't see them, then they don't really bother me.
Ruxin said:
Just a quick question: why do you want to remove the apps? If it's just because they clutter up your app drawer, or something like that, wouldn't it be easier to simply install a launcher and hide the apps?
That's the method I use. If I can't see them, then they don't really bother me.
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sometimes(not always), just because you dont see them doesnt mean that they arent draining your battery or using your ram. at least facebook isnt a system app on a nexus :silly:
Pretty sure you cant get rid of sim toolkit, it will just get installed again, I think its coming from the sim card.
Use twrp file manager and delete stuff in the system/app/ folder.
Sim toolkit is not a drain. I'm not sure why you want to remove apps or why you don't want to root. Messing with /system can prevent you from being able to use ota update.
Sent from my phone. Please forgive typos and brevity.
So I bought a Galaxy Tab 4 7 inch a few weeks ago and love it (minus a few issues here and there of course) so of course the inner mod freak inside me (thanks to the XDA community) decided to achieve root access for my device.
So far I say this with mixed emotions I am pretty happy with the store bought stock firmware with root but the thing that bugs me is that I cannot remove any apps with Root Uninstaller for example I want to get rid of chrome. My problem is when I start up Root Uninstaller it achieves root permissions and loads up my list of apps. So of course since I have root permission and find Chrome in my list I click on it to try to uninstall but Root Uninstaller locks up. I'll be clear about this bit of info. Only the app locks up. My soft buttons still work and I can drop down my notification bar and I can also swap between apps. So after clicking a few times to see if it didn't register my click it comes up with a notice saying Root Uninstaller isn't responding and asks if I would like to wait or close the program. The notice will pop up 3 times before finally forcing the app to close. Now I will also be clear about this too it does not "force close" it just closes with no warning at all. I understand the easy answer might be to flash a debloated deodexed custom rom with stock apps stripped from the rom itself but I was hoping to avoid downloading a huge rom package as my only form of downloading is while I am at work. Please anyone who could drop any information on me would be much appreciated.
sherlockpwnz said:
So I bought a Galaxy Tab 4 7 inch a few weeks ago and love it (minus a few issues here and there of course) so of course the inner mod freak inside me (thanks to the XDA community) decided to achieve root access for my device.
So far I say this with mixed emotions I am pretty happy with the store bought stock firmware with root but the thing that bugs me is that I cannot remove any apps with Root Uninstaller for example I want to get rid of chrome. My problem is when I start up Root Uninstaller it achieves root permissions and loads up my list of apps. So of course since I have root permission and find Chrome in my list I click on it to try to uninstall but Root Uninstaller locks up. I'll be clear about this bit of info. Only the app locks up. My soft buttons still work and I can drop down my notification bar and I can also swap between apps. So after clicking a few times to see if it didn't register my click it comes up with a notice saying Root Uninstaller isn't responding and asks if I would like to wait or close the program. The notice will pop up 3 times before finally forcing the app to close. Now I will also be clear about this too it does not "force close" it just closes with no warning at all. I understand the easy answer might be to flash a debloated deodexed custom rom with stock apps stripped from the rom itself but I was hoping to avoid downloading a huge rom package as my only form of downloading is while I am at work. Please anyone who could drop any information on me would be much appreciated.
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Click to collapse
Titanium Backup can uninstall system apps, it's what I used to debloat when my devices didn't have any custom roms available yet
Wow I feel like a dummy I didn't even think about that haha. I use titanium backup too and didn't even know lol. Just to be safe I backed it up and uninstalled it. Thank you for the help in such a speedy fashion!
First off I am running lolipop and have been working to find a way to disable bloatware that you don't want. I can't root as I'm on a att s5 lolipop...
finally found out how to get those apps that can't be disabled disabled.
Instructions:
1. Find the app that your wanting to dissable... let's say for example My Magazine.
by default in lolipop this app can't be disabled without root... frown face.. bad day...
2.Search for an apk file online for that app you want to disable.
And install it.
3. Here's what happens now... since you just updated the system app yourself, you now have permissions over it.
So to disable the app go to app manager and look under downloaded. You will notice that now the app that previously could not be disabled... now can be. You also have the option to Uninstaller the update... update only unfortunately but oh well.
Now you have just succusfully disabled My Magazine or what ever other system app that can't be disabled.
If you need any help just ask.
adam_ky said:
First off I am running lolipop and have been working to find a way to disable bloatware that you don't want. I can't root as I'm on a att s5 lolipop...
finally found out how to get those apps that can't be disabled disabled.
Instructions:
1. Find the app that your wanting to dissable... let's say for example My Magazine.
by default in lolipop this app can't be disabled without root... frown face.. bad day...
2.Search for an apk file online for that app you want to disable.
And install it.
3. Here's what happens now... since you just updated the system app yourself, you now have permissions over it.
So to disable the app go to app manager and look under downloaded. You will notice that now the app that previously could not be disabled... now can be. You also have the option to Uninstaller the update... update only unfortunately but oh well.
Now you have just succusfully disabled My Magazine or what ever other system app that can't be disabled.
If you need any help just ask.
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Click to collapse
Nice idea, but sometimes it may not work. Now i have no idea as to why My Magazine worked but when installing other system apps it is bound to meet a signature conflict if the apps are the same version and completely untouched by any third party. If a signature conflict appears it will be impossible to install that system app manually.
I have only seen this phenomenon on S2 and therefore i have no idea if the same principles are embedded in the S5 but just a tip if a signature conflict ever appears while trying this method.
Anyways, good find :good:
Thank u sir.
Yes oddly enough my magazine was my first attempt and didn't even check version and had success.. noW that I see this method is possible... I'll just have to find other versions of the apps I want to dissable. I haven't had any luck finding newer versions of the apk files tho
Any thing u think might work. Modifying the apk perhaps so it may possibly install as an update?
I'm just happy to have mymagazine no longer starting up and running in the background
adam_ky said:
Thank u sir.
Yes oddly enough my magazine was my first attempt and didn't even check version and had success.. noW that I see this method is possible... I'll just have to find other versions of the apps I want to dissable. I haven't had any luck finding newer versions of the apk files tho
Any thing u think might work. Modifying the apk perhaps so it may possibly install as an update?
I'm just happy to have mymagazine no longer starting up and running in the background
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you modify an apk file you will need to create your own signature when recompiling, android won't like two of the same apps (same package names) but with two different signatures and the modified apk file wont be installed.
So try your method as long as it goes. who knows, maybe you wont encounter a signature conflict.
As long as the app is disabled a signature conflict shouldn't matter tho right? Because the app is disabled and all?
I'll keep a look out. The version my magazine I'm showing now is 3.0.0
In app manager I have orion to uninstal the update so if something does happen I'll remove it
You seem to know a good bit maybe you can help me with something.
Is there a way I could take
expample.apk version 1.0 and edit it somehow and trick it and or android into thinking it's say version 1.1
This would allow me to install the same version over what I have now.. then perhaps be able to disable it..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
TL;DR Google Play has only the Open option and no way to uninstall app
After updating my I337M from rooted NI2 Kit Kat to rooted OC4 Lollipop, I was unable to properly run Wakelock Detector. It was stock to stock so I didn't wipe factory settings.
Googled a suggestion to move the APK to /system/priv-app so I did that but still the same result.
Now when I want to try uninstall (so as to re-install) there is no option. Under Manage Apps the app isn't even listed. The APK is still under priv-app and I deleted it... still shows up in app drawer.
D'Oh! What else can I do to uninstall it properly?
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app
i have the same problem
so ticked off. same here. even paid for the full version because sometimes that fixes issues like this. I can disable or freeze with titanium backup pro but can't uninstall. i think the problems happened after converting to system app. so now I have 2 frozen apps I want off my phone. On top of that the app stopped working after converting to system app. I get an error after the app loads. I emailed the developer and am waiting to hear back.
This days the application App2SD is able correct install Wakelock Detector as private , and it is able to uninstall it if it was installed as private .
***This will NOT work on FireOS 5.4.0.1 If your device hasn't updated to that version, it is advisable to IMMEDIATELY 'uninstall' DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk.***
I can confirm this is working on the Fire HD 8 . Here is the article from XDA with detailed instructions for newbies. Like all other hacks or tricks, I cannot be held responsible for any possible permanent damage you may cause to your devices.
**NOTE**
A factory rest will restore all SYSTEM/Amazon apps you 'uninstalled.' So if you mess your tablet, you can at least start over.
**WARNINGS**
1) If you plan on installing 3rd party apps to replace the Amazon apps you uninstalled, please install and setup your 3rd party apps BEFORE uninstalling Amazon apps. In many cases, installing replacement apps after the uninstalling of Amazon apps, causes some 3rd party apps to malfunction. You will then have to uninstall the 3rd party app or do a reset. Once you uninstall an Amazon app, you CANNOT install it again. Not even from the Google Play Store. The only way to restore any uninstalled system apps is to do a factory reset.
2) Uninstalling Fire Launcher, Retail Demo, and the Oobe settings apps, *WILL* disable your home button. If you uninstall any parental controls, your camera picture roll will not work. Recommend installing replacement camera and gallery before uninstalling Amazon's. As of July 27, 2017 9:20am a *pre uninstall* fix exists to make sure your home button stays functional. If you already uninstalled the apps listed in the following link, you will have to perform a reset and download the tool linked just below, or if you prefer manually uninstalling the apps, *avoid uninstalling*: com.amazon.kor.demo, com.amazon.firelauncher and com.amazon.kindle.otter.oobe. You can also edit the tool's .bat to keep the apps you want. This link lists all the apps you can uninstall, that will NOT affect the home button. The three listed at the top should NOT be uninstalled.
** Gloating **
1) A tool has been created that allows this process to happen automatically. A huge thanks to 'savvytechwinner' for helping for months to get us to this stage and an even bigger thanks for creating the tool, something I have no idea how to do.
2) A little gloating: We've scored a great write up on Liliputing!
You can use an app like App Inspector to view the package name of each app, rather than list all of them in a shell window. Nonetheless, I kept the list command in the code.
Here you go:
Code:
adb shell
$ pm list packages
$ pm uninstall -k --user 0 <name of package>
Example: (this removes Amazon video)
Code:
adb shell
$ pm list packages
$ pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.avod
Success
Why do you keep the data and cache directories?
This is a good thing, however, as it means that these applications truly aren’t being uninstalled from the device, they are just being uninstalled for the current user (user 0 is the default/main user of the phone). That’s why, if you omit the “–user 0” and “-k” part of the command, the command won’t work. These two commands respectively specify that the system app will only be uninstalled for the current user (and not all users, which is something that requires root access) and that the cache/data of the system application will be preserved (which can’t be removed without root access). Therefore, even if you “uninstall” a system application using this method, you can still receive official OTA updates from your carrier or OEM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
Hallo32 said:
Why do you keep the data and cache directories?
Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
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Click to collapse
Fine by me. I wonder if the same method can be applied to install apps and if so, into system? This could be the chance to replace Amazon's apps with forever broken ones while we can, if possible.
Work on my Fire 7" Gen7 with 5.4.0.0.
Thank You!
DragonFire1024 said:
Fine by me. I wonder if the same method can be applied to install apps and if so, into system? This could be the chance to replace Amazon's apps with forever broken ones while we can, if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Into system should not be possible, because you need root rights to mount /system as write able.
Hasn't there been a few tries to install modified Amazon apps which are broken? I think I have read there something on xda.
--> Firelauncher aplk https://forum.xda-developers.com/am...-remove-default-launcher-amazon-fire-t3288310
Hallo32 said:
Into system should not be possible, because you need root rights to mount /system as write able.
Hasn't there been a few tries to install modified Amazon apps which are broken? I think I have read there something on xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Another member and I have been trying to do just that. We've been trying to modify Amazon apps to either bring out block parts of that APKs software, or stop the apps from functioning at all. The closest I got was somehow managing to delete all User AND system app data and storage. Great eh? I thought so too. Until I realized I couldn't download or install anything. I tried, but haven't been able to repeat the process. So far that's as far as we've gotten.
Hallo32 said:
Into system should not be possible, because you need root rights to mount /system as write able.
Hasn't there been a few tries to install modified Amazon apps which are broken? I think I have read there something on xda.
--> Firelauncher aplk https://forum.xda-developers.com/am...-remove-default-launcher-amazon-fire-t3288310
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That works to an extent. I tried it, replacing launcher with whatever Amazon app. It uninstalls it, but then is immediately reinstalled to another folder...usually from /system/priv-app/ to /data/app and with a different name. Though this might have been how I got all app and system app data erased...by screwing around with the DeviceOTA apk.
See edit above. ^^
But what does this mean in relation to the ota apps? Are the ota updates also deactivated?
Hallo32 said:
See edit above. ^^
But what does this mean in relation to the ota apps? Are the ota updates also deactivated?
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Click to collapse
I would've presumed that to be a yes, given nothing could be downloaded and or installed anymore. Everything worked fine aside from that and being able to uninstall apps. What little bit I could find on the web, no one mentioned the cause and most of them ended up with permanently damaged internal SD cards. I waited a few days after posting a thread and no one replied. So I factory reset it and everything was fine again. I wish I could repeat it.
Can we disable "special offers" using this method? Or is that part of the launcher?
If we "uninstall" the launcher, will it ask if you want to use a different installed launcher to map to the home button?
deepdvd said:
Can we disable "special offers" using this method? Or is that part of the launcher?
If we "uninstall" the launcher, will it ask if you want to use a different installed launcher to map to the home button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did special offers. Haven't tried the launcher yet.
DragonFire1024 said:
I did special offers. Haven't tried the launcher yet.
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Click to collapse
Does it actually remove them from the lock screen or just make the app not work?
deepdvd said:
Does it actually remove them from the lock screen or just make the app not work?
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Click to collapse
I don't know. I didn't have the ads.
on my kindle fire 7 on 5.3.2.1, this gives the error Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR].
EDIT: nevermind, i must have missed a step
I have removed most user facing apps. i have not tried the launcher or appstore.
I can confirm that you can remove everything whisperplay and the stock fire keyboard. I install the gboard before i removed the fire keyboard. I have rebooted after removing this.
Does anyone have more than their own profile on their tablet? I'm wondering if this extends to all profiles. So far, Nova, Activity Launcher, Brevent And NetGuard all say all the Amazon apps I uninstalled are gone. Has anyone tried root after nuking Amazon?
If you keep blocking individual Amazon IP addresses like I do with NetGuard, I'd keep a few apps. As long as one app keeps blocking IPs, then your firewall will still work. Otherwise I'm not sure how to block incoming connections.
Is there a list of packages which can be removed without problems?
I will need to restart from a factory reset because now the launcher crashes happily a few times after closing an app.
Hallo32 said:
Is there a list of packages which can be removed without problems?
I will need to restart from a factory reset because now the launcher crashes happily a few times after closing an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will list all installed packages. I'm not sure if a safe list has yet been made.
Code:
adb shell
$ pm list packages
It will be a long list. Remove at YOUR own risk. One person's safe list may not be the same as yours.
DragonFire1024 said:
This will list all installed packages. I'm not sure if a safe list has yet been made.
It will be a long list. Remove at YOUR own risk. One person's safe list may not be the same as yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've removed quite a bit so far, appstore, freetime, kindle store and app, content management because Amazon has no right to manage any of my content, managed provisions though I'm not sure that did anything, video and Amazon shopping, and a few others i can't recall at this moment. I am hoping removing prime photos later will allow me to use live wallpapers.
If this is the closest we ever get to root or a custom rom, I don't think we could've asked for something better.
@DragonFire1024
You may mention at the first post, that a factory reset will bring back the automatic update stuff if the method has been used to deactivate it.
Worst case:
* factory reset
* enable wlan conection
* tablet gets updates and installs them