Database Users

apps for tracking?

So, being a paranoid, I wanna take precautions regarding my N4, so in case it's stolen I might have a chance of recovering it. What app(s) should I install to track it? I heard Cerberus is ok? I activated ADM but I see that unless I have data/wifi on, it doesn't find it. I have location access on. Do all these tracking apps need to have data on before being stolen lol? thanks!

Yes, you'll need some kind of internet connectivity. Some apps like Cerberus allow you to send text commands like "Cerberus enable mobile data" or something like that. You should definitely take a look at Cerberus, it has so many features.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I second the suggestion of cerberus, you can send text commands and turn things on from the web interface, as well as being able to hide it from the app drawer.
Also if you are rooted, you can make it a system app, which means even if a thief factory resets your phone, cerberus will still be there.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

thanks guys, will look into cerberus with more detail. glad to hear it has an option to activate it on the go.

just saw there's an app called Android Lost that has pretty much the same features as Cerberus( saw that avast/lookout have an antivirus too which I just don't need). My question is, can AL be installed as a system app, so it still works even if the phone is reset? thanks!

Samsung - Find My Mobile

anyone know why the Find My Mobile feature from Samsung is so limited in the devices it supports? Apparently for Sprint users we're out of luck with this feature or am I missing something? anyone have any alternatives?

dimm0k said:
anyone know why the Find My Mobile feature from Samsung is so limited in the devices it supports? Apparently for Sprint users we're out of luck with this feature or am I missing something? anyone have any alternatives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google device manager thingie? Works with any android device.
https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager

neswii said:
Google device manager thingie? Works with any android device.
https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, this is exactly what I wanted! Thank you sir!

You're welcome haha.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Does anyone know of a program or app that works on phones that have the Location Services turned off? Probably not, I'd guess, but figured I'd ask. I leave Location Services turned off whenever I'm not using something that needs it, which is most of the time.

jejb said:
Does anyone know of a program or app that works on phones that have the Location Services turned off? Probably not, I'd guess, but figured I'd ask. I leave Location Services turned off whenever I'm not using something that needs it, which is most of the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think its possible. Without location services turned on how would an app find your phone. Just curious, why don't you have location services turned on? It isn't a big hit on battery so it doesn't make since. Unless you are one of those big brother is watching nuts.

cruise350 said:
I don't think its possible. Without location services turned on how would an app find your phone. Just curious, why don't you have location services turned on? It isn't a big hit on battery so it doesn't make since. Unless you are one of those big brother is watching nuts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nuts? I don't think there's any reason to get personal here. And you don't have to be a "nut" to see all the privacy issues in the news almost daily. And with companies like Google, Face Book, etc that are avowed data thieves, er, collectors, I think it's wise to do what I can to try and keep my data more private.
I am a senior programmer for a large international company. We got into data mining way on the front end of the craze. But we never stooped to collecting the levels of personal identity level information most folks just accept these days. So I know how it works, and choose to limit what they can collect from me.

I'm sure you've heard of App Ops? (Assuming you're either on 4.3 or a custom 4.4 ROM that has it). OEM's like to hide it away, but it is still there and still very much usable. You can set which permissions an app can use (to a certain extent) and if it tries to access something you've turned the permission off for, the device returns an empty set (essentially "null") for that data.
Here's the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schurich.android.tools.appopsstarter
This app just calls the location where App Ops is in Android. Note that this app will *NOT* work in 4.4, since Google changed the way it's accessed.
edit: I've used this to disable a lot of what Facebook can access, among other apps.

Thanks! Looks like a great app. Runs great on my 4.3 S4.

Messaging App

Recently, I've noticed that the Messaging app will automatically set itself as the default SMS app. I don't like the Messaging app, I don't want to use it. How am I able to stop this from occurring?

Ilxaot said:
Recently, I've noticed that the Messaging app will automatically set itself as the default SMS app. I don't like the Messaging app, I don't want to use it. How am I able to stop this from occurring?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never happened to me I'm using Google messenger app and works just fine! Might be related to the specific app u r using? Which one?
Sent from my REVIVED VIVO AIR using XDA mobile app

jjvalor59 said:
Never happened to me I'm using Google messenger app and works just fine! Might be related to the specific app u r using? Which one?
Sent from my REVIVED VIVO AIR using XDA mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that provides me some relief. It's been happening with all of them for the last two weeks. Messenger, invi, Textra, QKSMS, etc. I'll format sometime I guess.

Ilxaot said:
Well, that provides me some relief. It's been happening with all of them for the last two weeks. Messenger, invi, Textra, QKSMS, etc. I'll format sometime I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me that only happens on a reboot
Sent from my VIVO AIR using XDA Free mobile app

This happens to me constantly. I want to use hangouts as my default messaging app, but it randomly (or so it seems) switches back to the stock messaging app. I did notice that when this happens it also switches back to the original lock screen (I use GO Locker now).
I thought about removing the messaging app (my phone is rooted), but I'm not sure how that would affect the phone. I also can't seem to find the app under the list of apps I could uninstall.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Grimloe said:
This happens to me constantly. I want to use hangouts as my default messaging app, but it randomly (or so it seems) switches back to the stock messaging app. I did notice that when this happens it also switches back to the original lock screen (I use GO Locker now).
I thought about removing the messaging app (my phone is rooted), but I'm not sure how that would affect the phone. I also can't seem to find the app under the list of apps I could uninstall.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could try freezing it with titanium backup

Don't freeze or remove the stock messaging app. I switched from ART runtime back to Dalvik, after reading that somebody experienced problems upon switching runtimes. Are you by chance on ART?
Edit - I also ought to mention that I haven't had it reset since I made the switch.

Ilxaot said:
Don't freeze or remove the stock messaging app. I switched from ART runtime back to Dalvik, after reading that somebody experienced problems upon switching runtimes. Are you by chance on ART?
Edit - I also ought to mention that I haven't had it reset since I made the switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I'm glad I asked before I tried to do so.
As far as I know I am still using Dalvik runtime.

Grimloe said:
Cool, I'm glad I asked before I tried to do so.
As far as I know I am still using Dalvik runtime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switching to ART and then reverting to Dalvik would be my only suggestions then at that point. I hope it's resolved, I've been loving Messenger. [emoji14]

What are you missing without Root?

I thought I would start a thread and find out what people have missed not having root. What I was also thinking is that maybe some of these things could be achieved some other way but I just don't know how and others might.
1. Titanium backup. Not only could you backup applications you could freeze and uninstall any apps. I hate that I can't uninstall bloatware.
2. Would love to be able to long press the volume keys to skip tracks like with xposed
3. Xposed.
4. Clearing Cache (Delvik and Cache)
5. Full backup in TWRP
6. The annoying warning when listening to music too loud. Get rid of that!
I'm sure I have missed a bunch but those are the ones that I miss the most.

Adaway!!! And roms, I'm a flashoholic... Wifi hotspot... Reading xda for new dev news...
Sent from my SM-G935P using XDA-Developers mobile app

Tibu.
Team Blackout apps.
Archangel apps.
ROMs to try out.
Nandroids.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

Hotspot

Cocktail auto on mod
Sent from my SM-G935P using XDA-Developers mobile app

netengineer said:
I thought I would start a thread and find out what people have missed not having root. What I was also thinking is that maybe some of these things could be achieved some other way but I just don't know how and others might.
2. Would love to be able to long press the volume keys to skip tracks like with xposed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a free app in the Playstore that works without root to change tracks with the screen off. It's called Smart Pocket - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smartvibration
How have you been ol' buddy? Miss you all from the S6. I'm rocking the S7 Edge myself over on Verizon now.
Sent from my SM-G935V using XDA-Developers mobile app

I'm doing pretty good. Thanks for the change track app. I love the S7 edge but do miss not being rooted and flashing a ROM
Sent from my SM-G935P using XDA-Developers mobile app

Snap Prefs
Ad Away
Xposed the
Custom Rom
Root Explorer
Titanium Backup
Use to use greenify but that is pretty much built in with the power saver which seems to do a good job. Still miss root
Sent from my SM-G935P using XDA-Developers mobile app

Titianium is my #1 missed program and the reason I started rooting my devices in the first place! Second to that I miss the "hold back to kill" feature and also call recording. Most apps are getting better at being able to save progress or data to the could or to the SD card, but not all. Once root is achieved, I will do it just to get TiBu working again!

For me since i was able to get tethering working i am not missing anything. if/when sprint takes it away i will be sad. Actually i am kinda of relieved that this phone has to stay stock and i can't modify it. I was a flash once or twice a day some times kinda of guy before and i was alway frustrated with how unstable Android would get when flashing that much. With the power this phone has it does not need most of the things we needed with the s4 or note's. by far the best phone i have had, It will be tough to give it up when the s8 comes out next year (since i am on the galaxy for life plan) but im sure i will swap it out, unless they pull another s6 and take the sd card away again.

CM based roms.
Full control of phone, ie being able to force phone into roaming. (Im actually having a roaming data issue that I cant troubleshoot unless Im in a roaming area and thats usually when Im driving so its impossible to troubleshoot).
TiBu and backups
Bloatware removal
General troubleshooting ability
I have been tempted to go back to my fully modded and custom GS4 several times now but havent yet reached the breaking point.

ned4spd8874 said:
Titianium is my #1 missed program and the reason I started rooting my devices in the first place! Second to that I miss the "hold back to kill" feature and also call recording. Most apps are getting better at being able to save progress or data to the could or to the SD card, but not all. Once root is achieved, I will do it just to get TiBu working again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can record calls without root.
I use this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.systweak.advancedcallrecorder
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

optimummind said:
You can record calls without root.
I use this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.systweak.advancedcallrecorder
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll look into that one. Usually the non-rom based ones require the phone to be on speakerphone to record. Perhaps things have changed though.
Just tried it out and it won't work. It only records my side of the conversation and not the other end. Oh well

My primary reason to root in the past, other than bloatware removal and the hotspot mod, was an app requiring root that I have run on my last 6 phones, going back to the original Epic 4G. It's called "Call Master" (by "Fahrbot") and it is one of the most complex apps I've ever used, besides some of the Wanam apps/plugins. It's the most comprehensive call blocking app as far as I know, and that's why it requires root, to hook into the phone's services in order to catch/answer/hang-up any call from any number that is not in my contact list. It prevents non-contacts/unknown/restricted/private numbers from even ringing my phone, let alone leaving me a voicemail. They just hear dead air when they dial my number. In effect, it is a "white-list" call blocking *root-only* app, and I I simply can't live without it. The built in so-called "blocking" settings of the S7E seems to send callers to voicemail, which defeats the whole point. That's call rejection, not call blocking, right?
I REALLY NEED A SOLUTION FOR THIS!! Spam calls driving me nuts and getting a VM means they register it as a known active cell#.
Does anyone out there know of a non-root call blocker app that has a white-list function, AND will truly block/hangup instead of just rejecting calls? So glad you created this thread OP. Some of the solutions given in response to what people are missing without root are things I already know I'll try out.

trmitche2 said:
My primary reason to root in the past, other than bloatware removal and the hotspot mod, was an app requiring root that I have run on my last 6 phones, going back to the original Epic 4G. It's called "Call Master" (by "Fahrbot") and it is one of the most complex apps I've ever used, besides some of the Wanam apps/plugins. It's the most comprehensive call blocking app as far as I know, and that's why it requires root, to hook into the phone's services in order to catch/answer/hang-up any call from any number that is not in my contact list. It prevents non-contacts/unknown/restricted/private numbers from even ringing my phone, let alone leaving me a voicemail. They just hear dead air when they dial my number. In effect, it is a "white-list" call blocking *root-only* app, and I I simply can't live without it. The built in so-called "blocking" settings of the S7E seems to send callers to voicemail, which defeats the whole point. That's call rejection, not call blocking, right?
I REALLY NEED A SOLUTION FOR THIS!! Spam calls driving me nuts and getting a VM means they register it as a known active cell#.
Does anyone out there know of a non-root call blocker app that has a white-list function, AND will truly block/hangup instead of just rejecting calls? So glad you created this thread OP. Some of the solutions given in response to what people are missing without root are things I already know I'll try out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using "Call Blocker Voicemail Blocker" for about a week now and so far, so good.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greythinker.punchback.donotdisturb

ned4spd8874 said:
I've been using "Call Blocker Voicemail Blocker" for about a week now and so far, so good.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greythinker.punchback.donotdisturb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check this out. Thanks. Anyone else using some other solution? I didn't realize just how much I needed Call Master (which I paid for) until I got this phone and could no longer use it without root.
Sent from my SM-G935P using XDA-Developers mobile app

ned4spd8874 said:
I've been using "Call Blocker Voicemail Blocker" for about a week now and so far, so good.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greythinker.punchback.donotdisturb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got this app up and running, but the feature called "stranger call blocking" would need to enabled to act as a true white-list blocker. The app says that feature requires "app upgrade" but I can't find anywhere in the app to purchase a key/license, despite the Play Store page's reference to in-app purchases...
Sent from my SM-G935P using XDA-Developers mobile app

trmitche2 said:
Got this app up and running, but the feature called "stranger call blocking" would need to enabled to act as a true white-list blocker. The app says that feature requires "app upgrade" but I can't find anywhere in the app to purchase a key/license, despite the Play Store page's reference to in-app purchases...
Sent from my SM-G935P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know...
Go to the developers page in the play store and it should be there. I think the "premium" version has a different name for some reason.

Hotspot

Geez, I'd miss a lot of important calls if I blocked any number not in my contacts. Businesses including doctor's office, frequently show a different outgoing number than the number they give you to call. People I know who use a different number than normal. My wife once left her phone somewhere, and a stranger found it and called me (my number was on her lock screen). It would have been gone forever if I blocked all unknown numbers.

Smart Settings on Verizon

I looked for smart settings on my Verizon unit and couldn't find it. Looks like Verizon removed it.
Here is how to get it back.
Download QuickShortcutmaker from the market
Open it and scroll down to smart settings.
Open the smart settings dropdown.
Now press the first smart settings drop down.
This will create a icon on your home screen.
That's it.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Awesome! Thanks for the tip!

Thank you for this suggestion. Most Smart Settings cannot be used without the My Places feature active, and that has apparently been disabled by Verizon as well. Any workaround suggestions?

Perhaps try Llama? It can be found in the Play Store

I would be very interested if one of the tmobile phone owners have an apk of my places, and could possibly post it.
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Attached are the APKs. One of the app itself, the other is the engine. Not sure if you need the engine or not though.

Appreciate you posting that, unfortunately it said that they are corrupted. Both files are only a handful of kilobytes each which cant be correct
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Those were pulled with titanium backup. Not exactly sure where it is in the system files for a direct pull.

Possible its under root folder then system then app folder. Im just not sure
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

I recommend MacroDroid. Much better than Smart Settings. Smart Settings is terrible by comparison. Verizon did you a favor.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Ill give that a shot, thank you, i assume it doesnt kill battery (i hope) lol
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

jspsuperman said:
Possible its under root folder then system then app folder. Im just not sure
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be more clear I checked /system/app and /system/priv-app. Nothing was named My Places or anything similar.

Vuciz said:
To be more clear I checked /system/app and /system/priv-app. Nothing was named My Places or anything similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for trying anyway [emoji106]
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

leyvatron said:
I looked for smart settings on my Verizon unit and couldn't find it. Looks like Verizon removed it.
Here is how to get it back.
Download QuickShortcutmaker from the market
Open it and scroll down to smart settings.
Open the smart settings dropdown.
Now press the first smart settings drop down.
This will create a icon on your home screen.
That's it.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this, waited 5 days but settings aren't turning on. This isn't working at all. Did it work for you?

minuett said:
Thank you for this suggestion. Most Smart Settings cannot be used without the My Places feature active, and that has apparently been disabled by Verizon as well. Any workaround suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately Verizon verified that they did indeed REMOVE My places functionality from their version, so no it will not auto-locate your home location after 5 days, either.
IMO, they are trying to force you to use more data. Most people turn their wifi off when they leave, and turn it back on when they come home - Smart setting will do just that. So, why would Big Red not want you to have it? Because when you have to do it manually, you'll forget to turn it back on when you get home... and when you do that, you'll use more data. my *theory*.

jraines1 said:
No, unfortunately Verizon verified that they did indeed REMOVE My places functionality from their version, so no it will not auto-locate your home location after 5 days, either.
IMO, they are trying to force you to use more data. Most people turn their wifi off when they leave, and turn it back on when they come home - Smart setting will do just that. So, why would Big Red not want you to have it? Because when you have to do it manually, you'll forget to turn it back on when you get home... and when you do that, you'll use more data. my *theory*.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or people will just leave WiFi on...because it doesn't use that much battery when not in use. This isn't a conspiracy to get people to use more data. Sounds like carriers have to pay for certain features on phones and Verizon didn't want to cash out for some less useful features. Plenty of other apps out there that can turn your WiFi on and off automatically.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

partylikeaninjastar said:
Or people will just leave WiFi on...because it doesn't use that much battery when not in use. This isn't a conspiracy to get people to use more data. Sounds like carriers have to pay for certain features on phones and Verizon didn't want to cash out for some less useful features. Plenty of other apps out there that can turn your WiFi on and off automatically.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... most people I know turn it off, but to each his own. But when that is intentionally disabled along with FM radio, along with Google In Apps Search shortcut (by which you must do an internet search first before just searching for something on your phone...) - a pattern seems to be emerging... but let's give Big Red the benefit of the doubt, right? Let's forget about the lawsuit about them asking Blackberry to disable bluetooth so you couldn't transfer files, or the similar lawsuit about the same kind of thing with Motorola...
No... Nothing to see here... Move along, people, move along...

Any luck with this?

Is there a root app that can do the same thing since My Places isn't working?

anon389389109 said:
Is there a root app that can do the same thing since My Places isn't working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are numerous apps that don't require root that will do what Smart Settings does and more.
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