The stock ROMs are shipped with a huge amount of bloatware, from which I see many processes active when opening a task manager. Let's freeze/disable or uninstall crap we don't need You can disable many apps without root from Android's app manager, but you'll need root for many of them. Root is mandatory to uninstall system apps.
You can use this spreadsheet (of moly82) on the new tab named jelbo. I'm collaborating with moly82's generic Xperia Lollipop debloating script. Turns out the Z4 Tablet does have quite some things moved around / added / removed, so it's definitely good to have added support for it. New sheet contains both generic Xperia stuff and Z4 Tablet specific apps. The jelbo tab contains both my findings and the ones from moly82.
In the spreadsheet is a list of all the pre-installed unneeded system apps either I or moly82 has 'frozen' or disabled, without any problems. I've marked some yellow because you might need the functionality, for example DLNA or native Exchange support. It's not finished yet, but you can go ahead and use it as a base of your decisions to freeze/uninstall stuff.
You can debloat manually with apps like Titanium Backup. Here's a procedure to make a label, associate apps to it and batch freeze or uninstall them.
Get Titanium Backup and start it. You probably need Pro.
Go to the tab named Backup/Restore.
Tap 'Click to edit filters' in the top right.
Tap 'Clear' in the top right.
Tap 'Create label ...' in the bottom right.
Type a name, give a color (optional) and tap 'Add/Remove elements ...'
Check the boxes of apps you wish to free or uninstall (based on the spreadsheet for example).
Tap the green checkmark on the top right.
Tap 'Save'.
Back in th Filters section, make sure no filter is active (tap 'Clear'), select the newly created label (check the box) and tap the green checkmark.
Titanium Backup will display a list of the apps you've labeled.
Tap the 'file and checkmark' icon top right to get to the 'Batch actions' screen.
Scroll to 'Freeze / Defrost' and tap the RUN button next to 'Freeze all user & system apps (USE FILTERS & EXTREME CAUTION)'.
Profit.
For anyone wanting to collaborate, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll give you edit-rights.
Eventually, when this thing is 'done' I plan to either expand moly82's script or at least share my Titanium Backup 'custom' database with the labeled categories, for easy batch actions.
jelbo said:
The stock ROMs are shipped with a huge amount of bloatware, from which I see many processes active when opening a task manager. Let's freeze/disable or uninstall crap we don't need You can disable many apps without root from Android's app manager, but you'll need root for many of them. Root is mandatory to uninstall system apps.
Here's a Google Sheets spreadsheet I made.
In it is a list of all the system apps I've 'frozen' or disabled, without any problems. I've marked some yellow because you might need the functionality, for example DLNA or native Exchange support.
You can debloat manually with apps like Titanium Backup. Here's a procedure to make a label, associate apps to it and batch freeze or uninstall them.
Get Titanium Backup and start it. You probably need Pro.
Go to the tab named Backup/Restore.
Tap 'Click to edit filters' in the top right.
Tap 'Clear' in the top right.
Tap 'Create label ...' in the bottom right.
Type a name, give a color (optional) and tap 'Add/Remove elements ...'
Check the boxes of apps you wish to free or uninstall (based on the spreadsheet for example).
Tap the green checkmark on the top right.
Tap 'Save'.
Back in th Filters section, make sure no filter is active (tap 'Clear'), select the newly created label (check the box) and tap the green checkmark.
Titanium Backup will display a list of the apps you've labeled.
Tap the 'file and checkmark' icon top right to get to the 'Batch actions' screen.
Scroll to 'Freeze / Defrost' and tap the RUN button next to 'Freeze all user & system apps (USE FILTERS & EXTREME CAUTION)'.
Profit.
/edit: I have added the remaining system apps, so now every system app is on the list. I've marked apps blue @moly82 uses in his/her debloating script I just stumbled across. I'll test with those frozen and if my system stays stable, will add them to the safe to freeze/uninstall list.
For anyone wanting to collaborate, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll give you edit-rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Have you tried this one @jelbo? I use it for my Z3 compact and Z3 compact tab and it works well. It can be tweaked to leave some items in too.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/wip-debloat-lp-690-correct-functioning-t3076161
Edit: I see you have already found the script and this is an alternative from what I can understand How is TB these days, haven't used it for a while, even though I have a pro key.
scoobydu said:
Thanks
Have you tried this one @jelbo? I use it for my Z3 compact and Z3 compact tab and it works well. It can be tweaked to leave some items in too.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/wip-debloat-lp-690-correct-functioning-t3076161
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought of that script a bit late. I'll have a look at the linked Google Sheet to get more insight in the Sony apps. I figure the Z4 Tablet is a bit of a different beast that might need a different set of safely frozen system apps so my sheet isn't a big waste of time. Took me a few hours though...
Edit: I see you have already found the script and this is an alternative from what I can understand How is TB these days, haven't used it for a while, even though I have a pro key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TB is as tedious and gruesome as ever, but it's sadly still the only app in it's kind. Wish the dev would add some much needed features and overhaul the GUI.
jelbo said:
Yeah, I thought of that script a bit late. I'll have a look at the linked Google Doc to get more insight in the Sony apps. I figure the Z4 Tablet is a bit of a different beast that might need a different set of safely frozen system apps so my sheet isn't a big waste of time. Took me a few hours though...
TB is as tedious and gruesome as ever, but it's sadly still the only app in it's kind. Wish the dev would add some much needed features and overhaul the GUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its looks as though it took some time, so thanks and not wasted. I was hoping there was a way of selecting the key sony features from the script rather than doing it manually, or have config files to load into an app to remove the files selcted in the config files, but never found the time to investigate further.
Yeh, those are the reasons I haven't used it for some time and its a shame as its powerful but not intuitive for me when using it.
I thought the other script actually delted rather than being frozen, but I do recall it recreates a backup folder for the files in case you want to put them back later.
Believe you can delete the backups once you are happy that the changes you made are working.
scoobydu said:
Its looks as though it took some time, so thanks and not wasted. I was hoping there was a way of selecting the key sony features from the script rather than doing it manually, or have config files to load into an app to remove the files selcted in the config files, but never found the time to investigate further.
Yeh, those are the reasons I haven't used it for some time and its a shame as its powerful but not intuitive for me when using it.
I thought the other script actually delted rather than being frozen, but I do recall it recreates a backup folder for the files in case you want to put them back later.
Believe you can delete the backups once you are happy that the changes you made are working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, moly82's script moves files to a backup location, making them non-functional but easily restoreable.
I'm not sure still what freezing effectively does, because I once saw some frozen apps in my task manager (OS Monitor). Better to uninstall/move when sure.
Nice!
I personally used the System app remover from playstore and just deleted all the useless stuff and then did a factory reset to get rid of all the *app not found* icons and flashed the smallest package from opengapps but when i reflash the stock FW in the future im sure going to give this a go
jelbo said:
Yes, moly82's script moves files to a backup location, making them non-functional but easily restoreable.
I'm not sure still what freezing effectively does, because I once saw some frozen apps in my task manager (OS Monitor). Better to uninstall/move when sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prefer to fully remove once I know I don't need and have no fc's
ml11ML said:
Nice!
I personally used the System app remover from playstore and just deleted all the useless stuff and then did a factory reset to get rid of all the *app not found* icons and flashed the smallest package from opengapps but when i reflash the stock FW in the future im sure going to give this a go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some slight suspect reviews about this app on the play store.
A similar thing can be done with Sdmaid, which is my go to app for for everyday cleaning and more specific app removal.
Been using it a while and it works well, as an option.
scoobydu said:
Prefer to fully remove once I know I don't need and have no fc's
Some slight suspect reviews about this app on the play store.
A similar thing can be done with Sdmaid, which is my go to app for for everyday cleaning and more specific app removal.
Been using it a while and it works well, as an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm... never really looked at the reviews but now that i did i see some ppl complaining about fullscreen ads which there are but not nearly as bad to not allow it to do its job. And the Sdmaid seems to be a nice option, might try it, thanks for suggesting it
ml11ML said:
Hmmmm... never really looked at the reviews but now that i did i see some ppl complaining about fullscreen ads which there are but not nearly as bad to not allow it to do its job. And the Sdmaid seems to be a nice option, might try it, thanks for suggesting it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think I'll stick with sdmaid but thx for the suggestion.
Take a look at the sdmaid v4 beta apk available from the devs website.
Looks great and seems to work the same.
Pity v4 sdmaid can't take your file as input Jelbo to remove a batch of files.
Sent from my SGP621 using Tapatalk
don't understand the need of making another script/list when there is mine and you saw it more then 10 days ago when you posted in my thread in general Xperia section (that can be contributed and kept updated by anyone) that works for all xperias oob or can be adapted very easily but no problem of course thats your choice.
my list is 100% safe though, me and other hundred people running lp on different xperias use(s/d) it without problems (just some features may be missing after applying my script of course but anything can be restored easily) and btw all xperias have almost identical apks just the names may be a little different somewhere that's all..
Never used tb but for sure it is completely different from my approach of completely moving away/deleting stuff, a freeze should be just based on pm unix command or similar that doesn't really touch anything, just disables stuff
cheers
moly82 said:
don't understand the need of making another script/list when there is mine and you saw it more then 10 days ago when you posted in my thread in general Xperia section (that can be contributed and kept updated by anyone) that works for all xperias oob or can be adapted very easily but no problem of course thats your choice.
my list is 100% safe though, me and other hundred people running lp on different xperias use(s/d) it without problems (just some features may be missing after applying my script of course but anything can be restored easily) and btw all xperias have almost identical apks just the names may be a little different somewhere that's all..
Never used tb but for sure it is completely different from my approach of completely moving away/deleting stuff, a freeze should be just based on pm unix command or similar that doesn't really touch anything, just disables stuff
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a quick look at your script back then and saw some differences in apps that I didn't see on my device, that made me think the Z4 Tablet needed it's own approach I guess. Looking back I realise it's pretty much identical and it would have been better with just starting with your work. Ah well. Maybe we can merge our findings somehow? If a file isn't found on the Z4 Tablet it'll just be skipped. I'll PM you my e-mail address so you can add me as a contributor to your sheet. I think it's a good idea to discuss about a good format for both devices beforehand so I won't mess things up.
No problem mate, saw the PM and I've just given you the write access feel free to edit it or make your own as you wish and yes if a package is not found it'll just be skipped so not a problem at all
In my list a few apks i found about recently are missing will update it as soon as i have some spare time available..
Bye!
moly82 said:
No problem mate, saw the PM and I've just given you the write access feel free to edit it or make your own as you wish and yes if a package is not found it'll just be skipped so not a problem at all
In my list a few apks i found about recently are missing will update it as soon as i have some spare time available..
Bye!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi moly82, I'm done with merging my data in your sheet. It's in the 2nd tab named jelbo. What a job, it took me half a day
I've kept your split view (with the grey row) and ordering by path.
I've added missing paths, paths including .apk file and 'friendly names'
█ I've marked entries which I found on the Z4 Tablet, but not on your list as Cyan (left column)
█ I've marked entries which were on your list, but not on the Z4 Tablet as Yellow (left column)
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which were found safe to debloat/feeze/move by either you or me Green
█ I've marked the background and the text of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are surely not safe to debloat/feeze/move Red
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are probably not safe to debloat/feeze/move Pink
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which are probably safe to debloat/feeze/move, but which most people want to keep due to connected basic functionality (phone, camera) as Yellow
On to what can be done:
Your 'Added in LP5.1' entries are moved in between existing entries, while maintaning your Orange color. I guess they can be debloated and made Green?
If it is meaningful, can you add the missing info on the stuff you've come across on other Xperia devices?
Can you have a look at 'unclassified' entries and share your thoughts in the comment field on how safe you think they are to debloat?
Can you update your script with my findings? I'm still testing some 'unclassified' entries to see if it works fine or not.
jelbo said:
Hi moly82, I'm done with merging my data in your sheet. It's in the 2nd tab named jelbo. What a job, it took me half a day
I've kept your split view (with the grey row) and ordering by path.
I've added missing paths, paths including .apk file and 'friendly names'
█ I've marked entries which I found on the Z4 Tablet, but not on your list as Cyan (left column)
█ I've marked entries which were on your list, but not on the Z4 Tablet as Yellow (left column)
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which were found safe to debloat/feeze/move by either you or me Green
█ I've marked the background and the text of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are surely not safe to debloat/feeze/move Red
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are probably not safe to debloat/feeze/move Red
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which are probably safe to debloat/feeze/move, but which most people want to keep due to connected basic functionality (phone, camera) as Yellow
If it is meaningful, can you add the missing info on the stuff you've come across on other Xperia devices?
Can you have a look at 'unclassified' entries and share your thoughts in the comment field on how safe you think they are to debloat?
Can you update your script with my findings? I'm still testing some 'unclassified' entries to see if it works fine or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi mate, what a good job you did congrats!
honestly I won't have so much spare time available from now on, big changes in my life expected, so can't assure will be able to watch this in the future, if you want to handover and become a debloating guru it would be great :laugh:
I have added at the bottom of my tab some packages I did not include in the script I shared at the beginning, but I added in my local copy, so you can see info about those apks also, it could be helpful
what you mean with unclassified entries exactly? there are too many categories, colours, empty spaces etc not so clear for me
if you want to make a global script, please proceed, no problem for me! don't know if you did look at the script I made already, but if not, I am sure you will understand very easily how I prepared it just working on the com/google/android/updater-script file, so you can use it as base and then add/remove any apps you want from there, or make your own script or whatever, as you wish.
I will keep monitoring the file and your tab also though, hoping to see some new findings I didn't know about, as I'm sure there are still some packages that could be removed but I didn't try myself yet...
let me know!
moly82 said:
hi mate, what a good job you did congrats!
honestly I won't have so much spare time available from now on, big changes in my life expected, so can't assure will be able to watch this in the future, if you want to handover and become a debloating guru it would be great :laugh:
I have added at the bottom of my tab some packages I did not include in the script I shared at the beginning, but I added in my local copy, so you can see info about those apks also, it could be helpful
what you mean with unclassified entries exactly? there are too many categories, colours, empty spaces etc not so clear for me
if you want to make a global script, please proceed, no problem for me! don't know if you did look at the script I made already, but if not, I am sure you will understand very easily how I prepared it just working on the com/google/android/updater-script file, so you can use it as base and then add/remove any apps you want from there, or make your own script or whatever, as you wish.
I will keep monitoring the file and your tab also though, hoping to see some new findings I didn't know about, as I'm sure there are still some packages that could be removed but I didn't try myself yet...
let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might take over the list and script, thanks. I'll do some more testing and will attempt to adjust the script.
Mods, if things work out and I and moly82 agree, would it be possible to make me co-author of moly82's OP or something?
jelbo said:
The stock ROMs are shipped with a huge amount of bloatware, from which I see many processes active when opening a task manager. Let's freeze/disable or uninstall crap we don't need You can disable many apps without root from Android's app manager, but you'll need root for many of them. Root is mandatory to uninstall system apps.
Here's a Google Sheets spreadsheet I made.
In it is a list of all the system apps I've 'frozen' or disabled, without any problems. I've marked some yellow because you might need the functionality, for example DLNA or native Exchange support.
You can debloat manually with apps like Titanium Backup. Here's a procedure to make a label, associate apps to it and batch freeze or uninstall them.
Get Titanium Backup and start it. You probably need Pro.
Go to the tab named Backup/Restore.
Tap 'Click to edit filters' in the top right.
Tap 'Clear' in the top right.
Tap 'Create label ...' in the bottom right.
Type a name, give a color (optional) and tap 'Add/Remove elements ...'
Check the boxes of apps you wish to free or uninstall (based on the spreadsheet for example).
Tap the green checkmark on the top right.
Tap 'Save'.
Back in th Filters section, make sure no filter is active (tap 'Clear'), select the newly created label (check the box) and tap the green checkmark.
Titanium Backup will display a list of the apps you've labeled.
Tap the 'file and checkmark' icon top right to get to the 'Batch actions' screen.
Scroll to 'Freeze / Defrost' and tap the RUN button next to 'Freeze all user & system apps (USE FILTERS & EXTREME CAUTION)'.
Profit.
/edit: I have added the remaining system apps, so now every system app is on the list. I've marked apps blue @moly82 uses in his/her debloating script I just remembered, so those should be safe to disable too. I'll test with those frozen and if my system stays stable, will add them to the safe to freeze/uninstall list.
/edit2: I'm collaborating with moly82's generic Xperia Lollipop debloating script. Turns out the Z4 Tablet does have quite some things moved around / added / removed, so it's definitely good to have added support for it. The amount of added Sony crap is unbelievable. Once something will be finished, I'll update this OP.
For anyone wanting to collaborate, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll give you edit-rights.
Eventually, when this thing is 'done' I plan to either make a script or share my Titanium Backup 'custom' database with the labeled categories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time to do this Jelbo, it will be very useful! I couldn't believe the amount of background processes, etc, that were going on either when I have looked into a task manager, for stuff that I have never used and probably never will and has no business eating up RAM when I'm not looking! Not only that, even if you stop whatever is running it just starts up again anyway so the only way is to get it off the device or freeze it.
Keep up the good work mate!
D_STROY said:
Thanks for taking the time to do this Jelbo, it will be very useful! I couldn't believe the amount of background processes, etc, that were going on either when I have looked into a task manager, for stuff that I have never used and probably never will and has no business eating up RAM when I'm not looking! Not only that, even if you stop whatever is running it just starts up again anyway so the only way is to get it off the device or freeze it.
Keep up the good work mate!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah it's pretty crazy how much stuff there is and how much more free RAM you have after debloating. By the way, check out the new sheet link in the OP, old one is dead.
I also found this 4pda post that might help in deciding on some tricky ones. @alex009988, do I guess correctly that you are Russian speaking? If so, would you give me some help on some items?
@jelbo
Big thx! Great work!:good::good::good:
Will have to compare now both lists to debloat my Z3 Tablet compact:laugh:
mj084 said:
@jelbo
Big thx! Great work!:good::good::good:
Will have to compare now both lists to debloat my Z3 Tablet compact:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just use the jelbo tab for now as it contains both my and moly82's findings.
Yes of course, but I think Z3 Tablet Compact stock apps are more like Z3 Compact...think I'll flash the debloating script from Z3C manually and take a look in system/app and system/priv app
Related
I noticed an app shortcut missing from the upper right of my home screen today. I called my GF with same phone and asked her what was in the upper right on hers (I set them up to be similar layout) and she had a blank but couldn't remember what it was either.
I know something was occupying that space and I thought it was useful enough not to move it to one of the side screens, but now I can't remember what it was.
It would sure be nice if there was a log of apps installed/removed that one could access after the fact.
I noticed after one of the updates that pandora went away, but I redownloaded it and it even kept my authentication. I removed slacker a while ago because it kept losing my login info.
I think a list of what we notice missing would be interesting, so please chime in (with missing items, not trolls)
dont have a App-Backup?
Google changed some of their package names. This will cause some icons to disappear, it doesn't necessarily mean it was removed entirely.
yeah u mite just need to add shortcuts again...
I still like the topic of the thread though. If OP could update the post with the apps removed and the reason stated it could be one of XDA's great reference threads.
Noname1 - Violation of terms and security issues
Noname2 - Violation of terms and security issues
http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2010/06/exercising-our-remote-application.html
(no name stated)
That's what kills me, I don't remember.
I thought I would use it frequently so left it in a prominent position, but apparently they wiped my brain along with the app (or shortcut).
I have a stock phone. not rooted.
I haven't found a backup app or screen capture app that works with unrooted phone.
Should we guess what it was? My guess is google voice.
675 Trip said:
It would sure be nice if there was a log of apps installed/removed that one could access after the fact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This won't help now but one does exist, you just have to install it beforehand. There is an app called AppHistory which keeps a list of everything you have installed and removed. I don't backup my apps and have found that useful once or twice to remember an app that I uninstalled and want to try again or something.
Hi there! I'm sure a lot of the frequent Xoom posters know me by now. If you don't, you will see my name a whole lot around these parts of the XDA forums.
Anyways, I am here to put up my second helpful tip for the Xoomers out there. I use this method myself and it works great. I mentioned it a few times in other people's threads, but now I want to turn my info into another helpful tip thread of mine for all to see. Then I'll add it onto my Xoom Heaven thread under my personal threads section.
The Instructions:
Also short, sweet, and to the point, just like my last tip. Does your Xoom seem to wait around at boot up for processes to load before you can use the OS? Would you like to just boot up and go with little to no waiting around? Here's what you'll want to do to achieve that:
Non Root Users: Download the app called Autorun Manager. This app actually has options for both non rooters and rooters alike. The app is free, so I would suggest it for anyone to use.
Root Users: Download the app called Autostarts. This is my favorite app, as it is specifically for the root users only. It is a paid app, but is well worth the little bit of money it costs to purchase it. This gives you complete and full control over every aspect of apps booting up during specific tasks.
The App Downloads:
Autorun Manager
Autostarts
Here's what I said in one of the other threads about the boot time:
"A lot of times, apps will attach themselves to the startup list even though they do not need it, such as a game. Why would you want a game booting up with your Xoom? I wouldn't, that's for sure. It's pointless, takes up memory, and it makes the boot time worse.
For the most part: Wipe out every single one of the startup apps that are not a part of the system, or as many as you need to. If you disable the user startup apps, you will have a more solid boot time no doubt. Almost none of the apps you install will ever need to boot up with your Xoom, unless you want it to. For me, I keep only a select few apps at startup such as: Equalizer, AdFree, and SetCPU. And chances are, if you have a ton of apps... your startup list will be massive, to say the least when you load up the app for the first time."
So basically: Download one of the 2 apps I have listed for you above, and remove any or all of the user installed apps that have placed themselves into your startup list. Only disable apps from the startup list that you know are useless to you, otherwise just leave them enabled if you have a use for them. After doing so, you should notice that when your Xoom boots up that you will be able to start using it immediately. No more waiting around for those useless hidden resources and processes to gather themselves.
If you like my tips, please let me know. I will cook up a few more threads here soon with these same kind of helpful tips if this is what the people want. They will all be available on Xoom Heaven so that they will always be there for everyone to see.
And as always, if this information was helpful to you: Don't forget to send a thanks my way.
thx for ur tip =)
diablo2224 said:
Autostarts:
And as always, if this information was helpful to you: Don't forget to send a thanks my way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I grabbed autostarts paid from the market but which start up list do you use... i noted there was a couple.. during start up or after startup...
during start up i have: calander and contacts storage
after start up i have: A MILLION THINGS lol
joshndroid said:
I grabbed autostarts paid from the market but which start up list do you use... i noted there was a couple.. during start up or after startup...
during start up i have: calander and contacts storage
after start up i have: A MILLION THINGS lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one with a million things in the after startup list. Good luck!
cheers mate i thought that may be the case but because it was 'after boot' i also thought it may be the necessary stuff that starts once boot had finished
joshndroid said:
cheers mate i thought that may be the case but because it was 'after boot' i also thought it may be the necessary stuff that starts once boot had finished
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's definitely the correct one as the other startup managers list the same exact apps upon startup. You can double check that in the basic mode of Autorun Manager as a cross reference.
I don't notice any difference (using Autorun Manager).
Vistaus said:
I don't notice any difference (using Autorun Manager).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changed thread name to fit appropriate for what it does. You still get a better boot time, just not from the initial dual core logo to lockscreen. Sorry for the confusion. It was late and I confused myself. This tip still works wonders. This tip will help you to get up and go from the lockscreen. Virtually no waiting around for anything to boot up before you can start using the OS. Once your screen comes up, you can start going.
this is exactly what I was looking for, TNX
Definitely be care with this, since it is easy to misunderstand why an app is loaded at boot. For example, you might wonder why an alarm app needs to, where actually it needs to schedule alarms at boot time.
Does anyone know whether it is safe to disable the Mobile Data service on a wifi only tablet? I cannot really see why it should be activated in the first place.
jondwillis said:
Definitely be care with this, since it is easy to misunderstand why an app is loaded at boot. For example, you might wonder why an alarm app needs to, where actually it needs to schedule alarms at boot time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. For the most part though, junk apps will appear in the startup list that have no purpose at all so they can be disabled. If there is a particular app that you know has a purpose for something you use, then by all means let it be. For example: I leave SetCPU on the startup list so that I can keep my settings on both the clock speed and undervoltage values just so I won't manually have to activate it later.
Theme Ishere said:
Does anyone know whether it is safe to disable the Mobile Data service on a wifi only tablet? I cannot really see why it should be activated in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this on my 3G Xoom, which is not activated, and there is nothing to worry about. No problems at all. If you don't use mobile data at all ever... I say disable it from the startup list just as I have, especially since it's the Wifi model.
Hi, a new guy here!
I recently became a happy owner of 32Gb wi-fi only N7. I’m familiar with software dev (windows developer for 20 years with some work on unix) and customization/modding/flashing process (mostly for satellite receivers). However this is my first tablet and my first Android device so I could use some help
I successfully unlocked, rooted and installed custom recovery on my N7. I would like to get to a bare bones state of the N7 and then slowly add new features/programs to it when it becomes necessary for me. So I would like to remove all non essential parts that were preinstalled on my N7.
I was under impression that I could uninstall programs using N7 UI after device gets rooted. However it seems that for majority of the apps I still only have an option to disable.
I shelled into N7 and looked around. It seems that all (majority?) of the apps are in /system/apps folder. Can I simply remove the apps and their files from that folder? Does this folder only contain user apps or does it also have system apps that are essential for N7 to function? Is there a chance to brick it by removing something (everything?) from that folder?
I searched on a forum for a list of apps that are safe to remove. I thought it would exist since it seems to be something many of us would be interested in doing. I didn’t find the list. If there is such a thing and someone could direct me there, it would be great!
Given that I can remove apps by deleting them from that folder safely, I still have a question what each app does and how important it is. Is safe to assume that any app that has a wheel with a drive belt on it as an icon in apps screen on N7 is system app and has to stay?
I have two keyboard app installed – one is Android keyboard and one is ASUS keyboard. Judging by the name 2 of these are essential since Android is the OS and ASUS is the manufacturer. But do I really need two of them?
If there is a resource/thread that discussed something similar, please let know. I look forward to learn from anyone on this forum!
_Diver said:
Hi, a new guy here!
I recently became a happy owner of 32Gb wi-fi only N7. I’m familiar with software dev (windows developer for 20 years with some work on unix) and customization/modding/flashing process (mostly for satellite receivers). However this is my first tablet and my first Android device so I could use some help
I successfully unlocked, rooted and installed custom recovery on my N7. I would like to get to a bare bones state of the N7 and then slowly add new features/programs to it when it becomes necessary for me. So I would like to remove all non essential parts that were preinstalled on my N7.
I was under impression that I could uninstall programs using N7 UI after device gets rooted. However it seems that for majority of the apps I still only have an option to disable.
I shelled into N7 and looked around. It seems that all (majority?) of the apps are in /system/apps folder. Can I simply remove the apps and their files from that folder? Does this folder only contain user apps or does it also have system apps that are essential for N7 to function? Is there a chance to brick it by removing something (everything?) from that folder?
I searched on a forum for a list of apps that are safe to remove. I thought it would exist since it seems to be something many of us would be interested in doing. I didn’t find the list. If there is such a thing and someone could direct me there, it would be great!
Given that I can remove apps by deleting them from that folder safely, I still have a question what each app does and how important it is. Is safe to assume that any app that has a wheel with a drive belt on it as an icon in apps screen on N7 is system app and has to stay?
I have two keyboard app installed – one is Android keyboard and one is ASUS keyboard. Judging by the name 2 of these are essential since Android is the OS and ASUS is the manufacturer. But do I really need two of them?
If there is a resource/thread that discussed something similar, please let know. I look forward to learn from anyone on this forum!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the energy right now to address every app one at a time, but I'll nudge you in the right direction. That should help you start tinkering.
The Nexus 7 is very popular in this community because it's intentionally more open, and less bloated, than much of the competition.
That being said, sure there are apps you could uninstall if you decide to. Some of the custom ROM's will have probably already have done this for you, but may create little unexpected quirks here and there.
The first thing you'll want to do is backing everything up thoroughly. I would use Titanium Pro (you'll see it referred to as Tibu a lot), to backup all apps and settings. Then I would use the Google Nexus 7 toolkit (found in the forums here) to do a backup, as well as make a nandroid backup.
Ok, so you're ready to tinker. Well, if you bought Titanium Pro from the app store, you've already got all you really need. First, use titanium to freeze an app you don't feel you need, and don't think is required. Re-boot, go about your daily routine, and see if all is ok. Continue on in this manner. Once you've frozen everything you're interested in, and made sure all is well, you can probably go ahead and uninstall them through Tibu. Freezing them should generally make them not start up anyways, so unless the tiny amount of space they take up is a concern, that's really all you generally need to do *.
* Ok, sometimes you have to fully uninstall things you don't want, but this should get you plenty to tinker with for now.
bladebarrier,
Thanks for your response. I understand the approach you suggested – disabling apps one at a time and then when they all disabled and device is working to my liking for a while I could uninstall them.
However, I’m somewhat frustrated with a sheer number of apps that I have out of the box and I can’t find a good description of what they do. For example:
Mobile Network Configuration
Google Partner Setup
Google Services Framework
Searching online doesn’t yield definitive answers if it’s something I need or will N7 work without them. I have google play store and google play services installed – does store app require services? Reading a bit about it doesn’t make it seem so, but I’m not 100% sure. So I was wondering if there is a list of apps that are required for N7 well being and that cannot be removed no matter what.
For example, Black Viper has an excellent example of what I’m looking for but for windows nt services: (can't post a link)
This page explain what each service is, what it does and if it’s safe to disable it depending on configuration you’re seeking – minimal set, typical, out of box of experimental. I would love to find something like that for N7 system apps
I installed CWM recovery when I rooted and as far as I can understand I does NAND backups. I plan on moving the backup file from the device to my desktop and keeping it there for safety reason.
The Tibu process that you described, as far as I understand (and I might be wrong here) is basically equivalent of disabling the apps using native N7 setting app, rebooting, using it for a while and then removing .apk and .odex (or simply app_name.*) files from system/apps folder. Tibu just makes it easier. Did I get that right?
And it’s still removing one app/widget at the time. I’d like to clean it out completely first and start from that point. So Tibu will probably not help me there. So my main Q is still out there – can I brick it by removing everything from system/app? Are there only user apps there or essential system apps as well? With CWM back up file on hand will I be able to recover if my experiment goes bad?
> * Ok, sometimes you have to fully uninstall things you don't want, but this should get you plenty to tinker with for now.
One of the reasons I want to have them removed is to clean up the list of apps I have on N7. Right now I have 5 pages of apps and I have little idea what they do and if I need them – I had Korean keyboard installed for example.
As I mentioned I’m a newb in this area, so maybe my approach is a bit dumb, so please be patient with me
_Diver said:
bladebarrier,
Thanks for your response. I understand the approach you suggested – disabling apps one at a time and then when they all disabled and device is working to my liking for a while I could uninstall them.
However, I’m somewhat frustrated with a sheer number of apps that I have out of the box and I can’t find a good description of what they do. For example:
Mobile Network Configuration
Google Partner Setup
Google Services Framework
Searching online doesn’t yield definitive answers if it’s something I need or will N7 work without them. I have google play store and google play services installed – does store app require services? Reading a bit about it doesn’t make it seem so, but I’m not 100% sure. So I was wondering if there is a list of apps that are required for N7 well being and that cannot be removed no matter what.
For example, Black Viper has an excellent example of what I’m looking for but for windows nt services: (can't post a link)
This page explain what each service is, what it does and if it’s safe to disable it depending on configuration you’re seeking – minimal set, typical, out of box of experimental. I would love to find something like that for N7 system apps
I installed CWM recovery when I rooted and as far as I can understand I does NAND backups. I plan on moving the backup file from the device to my desktop and keeping it there for safety reason.
The Tibu process that you described, as far as I understand (and I might be wrong here) is basically equivalent of disabling the apps using native N7 setting app, rebooting, using it for a while and then removing .apk and .odex (or simply app_name.*) files from system/apps folder. Tibu just makes it easier. Did I get that right?
And it’s still removing one app/widget at the time. I’d like to clean it out completely first and start from that point. So Tibu will probably not help me there. So my main Q is still out there – can I brick it by removing everything from system/app? Are there only user apps there or essential system apps as well? With CWM back up file on hand will I be able to recover if my experiment goes bad?
> * Ok, sometimes you have to fully uninstall things you don't want, but this should get you plenty to tinker with for now.
One of the reasons I want to have them removed is to clean up the list of apps I have on N7. Right now I have 5 pages of apps and I have little idea what they do and if I need them – I had Korean keyboard installed for example.
As I mentioned I’m a newb in this area, so maybe my approach is a bit dumb, so please be patient with me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removing Google framework services is a big no-no. To be honest, the easiest way to accomplish what you want is installing a custom ROM like CyanogenMod, especially since you've done all the prep work for such a thing.
Once you install any official CM build it is as close to app-less as you can get on a modular OS like this.
littleemp said:
Removing Google framework services is a big no-no. To be honest, the easiest way to accomplish what you want is installing a custom ROM like CyanogenMod, especially since you've done all the prep work for such a thing.
Once you install any official CM build it is as close to app-less as you can get on a modular OS like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's what i suspected! i thought that google framework would be something essential, but there is not much easily available information there to arrive at that conclusion
since i'm new to this, i thought i should stay away from any rom flashing until i get a bit more familiar with a device, terminology and stuff like that. i'm looking at the "[ROM] CyanogenMod 10.1 [OFFICIAL]" thread and i'm not sure about half of the terms - GAPPS, PSA, Nightlies i do know what ROM is, I do know what kernel is, virtual machine, etc. But it's applied to the platform that I have little experience with, so it makes me a little bit uneasy
_Diver said:
bladebarrier,
Thanks for your response. I understand the approach you suggested – disabling apps one at a time and then when they all disabled and device is working to my liking for a while I could uninstall them.
However, I’m somewhat frustrated with a sheer number of apps that I have out of the box and I can’t find a good description of what they do. For example:
Mobile Network Configuration
Google Partner Setup
Google Services Framework
Searching online doesn’t yield definitive answers if it’s something I need or will N7 work without them. I have google play store and google play services installed – does store app require services? Reading a bit about it doesn’t make it seem so, but I’m not 100% sure. So I was wondering if there is a list of apps that are required for N7 well being and that cannot be removed no matter what.
For example, Black Viper has an excellent example of what I’m looking for but for windows nt services: (can't post a link)
This page explain what each service is, what it does and if it’s safe to disable it depending on configuration you’re seeking – minimal set, typical, out of box of experimental. I would love to find something like that for N7 system apps
I installed CWM recovery when I rooted and as far as I can understand I does NAND backups. I plan on moving the backup file from the device to my desktop and keeping it there for safety reason.
The Tibu process that you described, as far as I understand (and I might be wrong here) is basically equivalent of disabling the apps using native N7 setting app, rebooting, using it for a while and then removing .apk and .odex (or simply app_name.*) files from system/apps folder. Tibu just makes it easier. Did I get that right?
And it’s still removing one app/widget at the time. I’d like to clean it out completely first and start from that point. So Tibu will probably not help me there. So my main Q is still out there – can I brick it by removing everything from system/app? Are there only user apps there or essential system apps as well? With CWM back up file on hand will I be able to recover if my experiment goes bad?
> * Ok, sometimes you have to fully uninstall things you don't want, but this should get you plenty to tinker with for now.
One of the reasons I want to have them removed is to clean up the list of apps I have on N7. Right now I have 5 pages of apps and I have little idea what they do and if I need them – I had Korean keyboard installed for example.
As I mentioned I’m a newb in this area, so maybe my approach is a bit dumb, so please be patient with me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tibu requires root access, in order to perform what we're discussing. I'm relatively new to JB, but I can't imagine any stock settings replicating its capabilities.
As far as a whole bunch of apps being in your list, that's sort of the way Android works. Think of it like "superfetch", or whatever that term was in Windows Vista. Basically, two things happen when you boot. Android looks at a list of apps that are designed to start on boot, and also apps that it expects you may want to run in the future. Both of these are designed to make the device run smoother overall, and it will kill apps if extra ram is required and they are not in use. Certain Android apps require themselves to run at all times. Some of these are apps like Tasker (if you're using tasker profiles), some of these are system apps that make the device function, some of these are apps that maintain widgets or background monitoring (weather apps, gmail, calendar).
Now, there are two ways to go about sorting what is bloat, and what is there because Android decided to load it. You can install an app called Autostarts, that will give an insight into apps that start up when certain criteria are met. You can also use it to stop those apps from queuing up at those trigger points. This is another root required app, and while I purchased it long ago, may have a free version as well. It's time consuming to use, and not perfect, which is why Tibu is better for flat out locking down unwanted apps.
Back to my initial thoughts though, you will see apps in your system list that you haven't touched since boot, because Android tries to anticipate your needs. People used to use "task killers" to close the apps, and came to realize that unless one is causing a real problem, it's just going to go back into the cached app list again anyways, thus reducing battery life when it has to load it over and over again. "Task killer" is a dirty word around XDA, unless you're using it to close an app that doesn't just go into the background like a good little app should.
Basically, you're going to start playing whack-a-mole if you want your list to remain as small as possible, at all times, and yet still actually use the device for anything interesting. You can reduce it, via various methods, and if this were a device from say "insert-name" brand, and was loaded with bloat apps, by all means you should clean those out. However, I think you'll find that while google does install things that aren't needed, or even used by everyone, it's mostly not a big issue.
Check out Better Battery Stats, in the XDA forums. It's an app that shows a pretty good picture of what is actually going on when you're not looking, and can provide data on how to improve your performance. It's probably a better way to start delving into what processes are actually being used, and which ones are just basically harmless. You'll also learn a good bit about how Android works from the Dev's explanations of many of the processes.
---------- Post added at 08:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
_Diver said:
that's what i suspected! i thought that google framework would be something essential, but there is not much easily available information there to arrive at that conclusion
since i'm new to this, i thought i should stay away from any rom flashing until i get a bit more familiar with a device, terminology and stuff like that. i'm looking at the "[ROM] CyanogenMod 10.1 [OFFICIAL]" thread and i'm not sure about half of the terms - GAPPS, PSA, Nightlies i do know what ROM is, I do know what kernel is, virtual machine, etc. But it's applied to the platform that I have little experience with, so it makes me a little bit uneasy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure whichever ROM you use, if you decide to, supports your HSPA+ model. There is a separate development section in the Nexus 7 forums, for those of us that have the HSPA+ version. We are the minority, as the Nexus 7 was initially released as a wifi only tablet.
bladebarrier said:
Tibu requires root access, in order to perform what we're discussing. I'm relatively new to JB, but I can't imagine any stock settings replicating its capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do have SU privileges, so what i was talking about was disabling an app thru N7 setting screen and then when i deem the app ok to remove, going to adb shell and removing the actual file.
i just did this:
mount -o remount rw /system
rm iWnnIME_Kbd_White.apk
rm iWnnIME.apk
and it removed the japanese keyboard. however when i go back to app screen under settings, i still see it but now it has a grey icon with a SD symbols in the corner. so it appears it recognizes that the app is gone, but it's still referenced in the list. i pushed the files back using NRT and it all back to the way it was. so looks like my idea of cleaning the list by removing the apk might not fly.
and now I wonder how Tibu uninstalls the apps.
bladebarrier said:
People used to use "task killers" to close the apps, and came to realize that unless one is causing a real problem, it's just going to go back into the cached app list again anyways, thus reducing battery life when it has to load it over and over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the notion of apps being in the cache and being removed when more RAM is needed, however the purist in me just doesn't want the junk apps to be there in first place However there is a lot of validity to these of your words:
bladebarrier said:
Basically, you're going to start playing whack-a-mole if you want your list to remain as small as possible, at all times, and yet still actually use the device for anything interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife got Kindle Fire HD recently and she's been using it happily. While I was thinking why would anyone want a closed up system (well, more closed up system then Nexus), she's been using it and I've been frustrated with my N7 so i might just let it go and enjoy the japanese and korean keyboards anyway
bladebarrier said:
Make sure whichever ROM you use, if you decide to, supports your HSPA+ model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm wifi only
ngshniq every
i think i found what i was after: http wiki.cyanogenmod.org/wiki/barebones (url modified since i still can't post urls). this wiki page has the list of app with a short description and if it's safe to remove. it also has additional information that explains why i still saw the reference to the app in the list when apk file was deleted:
looks like i need to pay attention to 2 additional files:
/data/system/packages.xml
/data/system/packages.list
i bet I would find a reference to the apps in these and i would need to remove it in order to have the app disappear from the app list. i'll play around a bit more and report back
One thing, could you explain your reasoning behind wanting to delete everything but the essentials? Do you have a particular goal in mind or is it because of your windows background? Because if so, you should know that android operates very differently when compared to windows, and such, the requirements to keep your device working in tip top shape vary greatly.
In my opinion, with your current limited knowledge of each process/app inner workings, what you're trying to do surefire way to break something beyond repair and needing to use a factory image to get back to zero. A custom ROM will be much safer and yield the exact same results that you're looking for. (Eventually, once you understand what each thing does, then this manual approach could satisfy your needs)
Note: GApps are the basic Google apps to flash on top of the barebones system. Gmail, Play store, and the framework.
Nightlies are experimental builds compiled nightly by a bot with the latest CyanogenMod code available.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
My goal was to simplify my approach to N7 by removing anything that I don’t need now and slowly adding all necessary components as I get familiar with it. But it seems at this point that this approach is a bit more complicated as thought it would be.
So I think I would leave it alone for now and revisit this later
_Diver said:
My goal was to simplify my approach to N7 by removing anything that I don’t need now and slowly adding all necessary components as I get familiar with it. But it seems at this point that this approach is a bit more complicated as thought it would be.
So I think I would leave it alone for now and revisit this later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what you've done manually, you're clearly far ahead of a new user when it comes to understanding linux/unix.
If you want to lock down parts of what google implements, purely to keep it minimalistic, I would agree with the above poster. Go for one of the popular ROM options that are available, like CM, and work your way backwards. The Nexus 7 only has as much bloat as you allow it to have via the settings. This is another reason why Better Battery Stats is an excellent way to make sure your device isn't draining battery, yet isn't locked down. The other day I noticed an app that kept fetching my position, even though the case was closed (magnetic sleep mode). It turned out I forgot to disable the tracking in google maps (why it was defaulted to ON, I have no idea). BBS showed me what was running during the sleep phase, and I fixed it when I woke up the next morning after wondering why my battery dropped.
The Kindle Fire is a great option, because it doesn't require any of this fussing about. My woman loves hers. LOVES IT. Personally, I like to tinker a bit, and I'm too invested in Android apps to not have access to the play store. The Nexus 7, is for people like what you find here. We like to tinker, and make everything custom. At the same time, you could spend all day trying to figure out why EntriesRefresh_wakelock is your highest partial wakelock count, at 60seconds per 7 hours, or you can find that you just went 7 hours and only used 6% of the battery, even though you've been connected to wifi, texting, emailing, and checking the weather and news, the whole time. Not bad, honestly.
The biggest investment you can do for your Nexus, is probably getting a case that magnetically puts it to rest when you close it. After that, learn about the settings that drain battery in the background. Then, get Tasker and play around that (it's like programming, without the need to learn the code). After that, go to a custom ROM, or dig out Tibu, and basically start customizing which apps you will use. If that doesn't pass the time long enough, you can literally make your own ROM and put together exactly what you want. Whether the performance will be that much better or not, and whether you'll spend most of your day trying to look for coding errors, is up to you. I don't have the patience to code, but you're a coder, so what is broccoli to me, may be bacon to you.
Am thinking about using a Note 4 for Audio and Video only (no phone or Internet).
Hope someone else has tried this and has some suggestions concerning reducing Android OS to minimum.
Also instead of reducing the Android OS if it would be better to use a 3rd party ROM?
Open to all comments
KermitJ said:
Am thinking about using a Note 4 for Audio and Video only (no phone or Internet).
Hope someone else has tried this and has some suggestions concerning reducing Android OS to minimum.
Also instead of reducing the Android OS if it would be better to use a 3rd party ROM?
Open to all comments
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're not interested in internet, yet want reliable audio and video, maybe try old kk roms that are optimized or some lollipop aosp roms. That way the software is at its lightest.
QuoPrimum Thanks for the tips!
Forgot to add that I am new to Android but have been using Windows for a while.
For Windows there are a number of ways to remove unnecessary parts
1. preformed like Micro XP v0.82
2. make your own using nLite
Anything like this for Android?
Also have been searching for a description what each Android file does like Black Viper does for Windows. Windows Services Information http://www.blackviper.com/windows-services/
Hope someone knows about an Android (or even Linux) info similar to this.
KermitJ said:
QuoPrimum Thanks for the tips!
Forgot to add that I am new to Android but have been using Windows for a while.
For Windows there are a number of ways to remove unnecessary parts
1. preformed like Micro XP v0.82
2. make your own using nLite
Anything like this for Android?
Also have been searching for a description what each Android file does like Black Viper does for Windows. Windows Services Information http://www.blackviper.com/windows-services/
Hope someone knows about an Android (or even Linux) info similar to this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could disable/freeze apps with titanium backup or using adb.
QuoPrimum Thanks for the suggestion "You could disable/freeze apps with titanium backup or using adb."
Checked "Titanium Backup User’s Guide" https://www.titaniumtrack.com/kb/titanium-backup-kb/titanium-backup-user-guide.html Was especially interested in 7. Manage Applications List of apps Tapping the “Backup/Restore” button brings you to the application list – or rather the list of available “items”. Here you can see which applications and settings are available on your phone, and what has already been backed up (the symbols to the right tell you the latter – hit your phones menu button and select “Legend” for details on what they mean). Tapping an application brings up a popup from which you can select actions to be taken with the selected item: You can e.g. run an application, back it up, restore it (or its settings). You also may also decide to un-install the application – even if it is a system app! But with the latter, you should be very careful: Remove the wrong thing, and your phone may start malfunctioning. Which is why you should first try whether it’s safe to remove that system application. This can be done by “freezing” it.
Clarification: What type of information is available when select legend.
Also do you know of a beginners guide for Android OS services?
KermitJ said:
QuoPrimum Thanks for the suggestion "You could disable/freeze apps with titanium backup or using adb."
Checked "Titanium Backup User’s Guide" https://www.titaniumtrack.com/kb/titanium-backup-kb/titanium-backup-user-guide.html Was especially interested in 7. Manage Applications List of apps Tapping the “Backup/Restore” button brings you to the application list – or rather the list of available “items”. Here you can see which applications and settings are available on your phone, and what has already been backed up (the symbols to the right tell you the latter – hit your phones menu button and select “Legend” for details on what they mean). Tapping an application brings up a popup from which you can select actions to be taken with the selected item: You can e.g. run an application, back it up, restore it (or its settings). You also may also decide to un-install the application – even if it is a system app! But with the latter, you should be very careful: Remove the wrong thing, and your phone may start malfunctioning. Which is why you should first try whether it’s safe to remove that system application. This can be done by “freezing” it.
Clarification: What type of information is available when select legend.
Also do you know of a beginners guide for Android OS services?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know of any specific guides, but if you look around xda, there should be a few debloating guides for roms.
Hi,
Samsung Galaxy note 20 ultra Europe exynos sm-986b debloat/decrapify (Switzerland/Swisscom).
I'm starting my journey to debloat that phone which is entirely unusable for me, due to the unwanted presence of hundred of junk apps.
After realizing that I was not using a data cable but only a charging cable (computer not having usbc, I had to use another cable than the official one). I manage to get my bearings a bit.
So the connection is sorted out (out of topic), now start the actual decrapifying:
1) I used/will use this program, to list all programs:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...easy-management-android-applications-t4147837
Note: I could have used adb directly but this seems easier, especially as we talk about hundred of lines.
Note 2: each time I installed "ACBridge" which appears to show nice icons for that program.
2) I have compiled a list of applications currently installed. I did not install anything manually myself yet, not even connected to Android Play:
442 apps by default.
https://gofile.io/d/xGHoff
Note: Are some of these apps only specific to my seller and my region? It's possible, since the phone clearly had some of the FYI operator branded options installed.
3) I'm going to factory reset now. Again, nothing was really installed, just official rom updates done. But I want to start from fresh.
4) After I will reinitiate the phone, I will redo the list of applications capture, and start trimming down.
5) After the factory reset, it seems I had a new screen (unless I skipped it by mistake last time) proposing me to install additional apps like spotify, linked in... I refused this time. Last time I had the apps installed maybe a mistake click, or something new thanks to newer firmware.
6) Use the program again, I now have 429 apps only instead of 442.
7) I tried the list mentioned a starting point, I will look into this user list, allegedely 109 apps removed from a S20 (which is a different phone, I know):
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-windows-adb-appcontrol-v1-4-5.4147837/post-83980273
First that only has 104 apps over 109.
Second, I found a few items I wanted to keep and a few I wanted to remove.
Customization Work required here...!
Caution: the list of 109 items contains what is described elsewere as dangerous:
com.samsung.android.authfw ; Not Recommended: Used for password autocompletion, can be removed if you don't use it. This app is sometimes called by the system and might cause battery drain if removed
com.serv.android.preloadinstaller : App that install other application, do not remove!
I will check each non-obvious items.
This list seems more pro:
Samsung full apps list
Feuille 1 LAST UPDATED 01/09/2022,Reinstall an app using pm install-existing [the app package],Enter in shell using adb -d shell before running the command,Enter in shell using adb -d shell before running the command,<a href="https://docs.samsungknox.com/CCMode/G988B_Q.pdf">https://docs.samsungk...
docs.google.com
I made a custom preset with the 85 items in the list of " Safe to uninstall ". Only 71/86 where showing, some I wanted to keep like Android Auto.
--> I seems to have to choice but start from a bigger list and go through it myself.
After checking each items of that 109 list, vs the spreadsheet and sometimes google, I actually ended up reducing the list, or keeping more items. My final list is currently 68 applications to remove.
I also removed additional things like Netflix.
FINAL LIST:
Samsung SM-N986B_[All]_presetJSDec2020.txt
In the process I learned that this list seems rather personal to do. Yet, some items are marked not to be removed due to battery drain, so the initial list of 109 seems risky. I would say some manual work is mandatory.
8) Moving on, time to uninstall. Done.
9) Time to configure the basics again (basically language, etc...). Done.
10) Time to migrate data from old phone to new phone, I used "Samsung smart switch" app, installed it on both phone, used wifi, and unselected unwanted things. Done after some 1-2 hours (not so much data but it was slow and I interrupted twice).
11) Now the phone looks ok, a few apps had to be manually reinstalled like MCDonald's crapp.
12) Time to recover authenticator, relogin to apps, etc...Some apps I can't do now like RSA token, needs to regenerate a token elsewhere. GoogleAuth was simple, I could easily export from old phone/import new phone..
13) Phone works for now. I see I missed to remove some stuffs like "My files" which was basically simply like file explorer but from Samsung. That was indicated as "not remove" but probably can be ( com.sec.android.app.myfiles ).
Edit: day +1 after the step 13. Phone works properly. No visible impact on battery drain (seems high, as usual and with little usage overnight, same as before any intervention from my side). Unable to continue anything for now, being ill. Everything seems to work, even without the stuffs I removed.
On that note, I got rid of youtube and yt music, and installed YoutubeVance.
I tested the basics (phone, camera...) looks ok.
Note: this is WIP and more sharing the journey, as well as learning. Usually I would unlock bootloader, root, and install a decent ROM from XDA; but not happening this time.
Thanks for sharing cyber.cat thread ! Used it and removed 20+ useless app
ouroukai90 said:
Thanks for sharing cyber.cat thread ! Used it and removed 20+ useless app
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Glad that could help- The tool from Cyber Cat and the threads are useful. Yet I saw quite a few tools/options around.
The idea was to share the experience of using one, do some sort of decrapifying/debloating and comment.
For me even if I expected a bit that, I was a bit surprise that this operation needs a lot of customization.
Let's say it was easier to start from a fresh Android ROM and add some selected Google apps, rather than trimming down that Samsung junk (That something I usually do with custom roms, here I stayed with official Samsung ROM, so I did not have that possibility to start fresh).
I see Android 11 update should come soon (around January 2021?).... I take it that they will reinstall all their garbage in the OTA update... And we will have to decrapify again!?
Yes I guess for a major update it will maybe reinstall crap like "tips" from Samsung. But i've done this using beta4 OneUI3.0 and it work very well
Is it possible to uninstall the google app? And then install it again? I have problems with hey google not working
Anskjer said:
Is it possible to uninstall the google app? And then install it again? I have problems with hey google not working
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Yes, which app specifically?
Not sure what is "hey google", are you talking about "Google Assistant"?
Anyway, usually clear cache, not uninstall/reinstall...(then clear data when sure what you doing...)
htchd2sucks said:
Yes, which app specifically?
Not sure what is "hey google", are you talking about "Google Assistant"?
Anyway, usually clear cache, not uninstall/reinstall...(then clear data when sure what you doing...)
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The assistant is inside the google app. Clear cache I have try but didn't work. Thanks for the help
The phone shown me an update yesterday (01/01/2021), OneUI3, Android 11.
It updated without any issue, and all my apps and things are properly there after.
One strange thing is it was allegedely updating 470 apps on my phone, I don't remember having so many.
Another thing to notice, is that I did not notice any new garbage apps after the update. For example, some emoticons junk was not reinstalled. Also, the default keyboard remains Gboard, like I set myself before the update.
Anyway, time to check now, in details.
Verdict: # Total applications: 421
Some junk have been installed again during the update. (after my previous cleaning, I was at:
# Total applications: 361)
I don't see the same type of junk as it was before, like Netflix apps, Bixby...etc... So it's rather strange.
One horrible app I found is "eBay Partner Attribution". What is it? Affiliate marketing is a referral program where sites pay commissions to affiliates who send traffic to their site that results in a sale.
Well done Samsung, installing junk to get additional money...
App killed on sight (com.ebay.carrier).
I also removed com.google.android.videos.
That will be all for now, don't have the time to do better.
Is it really safe to debloat all knox related stuff? just asking if it helps anything?
jirka607 said:
Is it really safe to debloat all knox related stuff? just asking if it helps anything?
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Click to collapse
I think knox junk tripping is only if you replace your bootloader:
Knox
I think removing the apps only is not tripping it (anyway, if it is, my phone is fine without it).
It depends what you mean "safe" anyway, if you are talking about some features that might not work, or a broken phone for example.
Thanks, im not sure if you should put the Knox app in the safe list.
danterape said:
Thanks, im not sure if you should put the Knox app in the safe list.
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Try to delete it then u'll see xD