Set restrictions on S8 similar to those found on iPhone? - Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers

I am going to be blunt...some friends of mine are having some issues in their marriage due to one of them having a porn addiction and also just using their phone too much so they came up with 5-10 apps they want to be able to use and don't want anything else to be usable including browsing the internet. Being their most tech savvy friend they turned to me for help.
He had an iPhone 6S Plus and it was very easy to set it up to lock down apps and even prevent web browsing even if he did manage to get a browser installed via Restrictions.
Unfortunately his phone recently died out of warranty and his wife had an old Galaxy S4 anyway so was due for a replacement. Their carrier (T-Mobile) had a special on Galaxy S8's for a buy one get one free so they ordered two of those to replace his non-working phone and her old one. (not relevant to the question, but I also have T-Mobile and took advantage of that deal too)
I have tried and tried to find a way to do those things they want on Android but am not having any luck. Most of the stuff I see for Restrictions on Android are for people wanting to put THEIR phone in like kid mode prior to handing it to their child. Other apps like Norton App Lock work for some apps but not all apps are listed and for example doesn't allow restricting the built in internet browser.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

chmcke01 said:
I am going to be blunt...some friends of mine are having some issues in their marriage due to one of them having a porn addiction and also just using their phone too much so they came up with 5-10 apps they want to be able to use and don't want anything else to be usable including browsing the internet. Being their most tech savvy friend they turned to me for help.
He had an iPhone 6S Plus and it was very easy to set it up to lock down apps and even prevent web browsing even if he did manage to get a browser installed via Restrictions.
Unfortunately his phone recently died out of warranty and his wife had an old Galaxy S4 anyway so was due for a replacement. Their carrier (T-Mobile) had a special on Galaxy S8's for a buy one get one free so they ordered two of those to replace his non-working phone and her old one. (not relevant to the question, but I also have T-Mobile and took advantage of that deal too)
I have tried and tried to find a way to do those things they want on Android but am not having any luck. Most of the stuff I see for Restrictions on Android are for people wanting to put THEIR phone in like kid mode prior to handing it to their child. Other apps like Norton App Lock work for some apps but not all apps are listed and for example doesn't allow restricting the built in internet browser.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would download applock from the Google play store. Let's you lock apps and then a pin is needed to unlock. I use this one
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I never needed this function, but see what Secure Folder can do for you.
Some info: https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/secure-folder
How to set it up: https://www.androidcentral.com/how-set-samsungs-secure-folder-galaxy-s8

Related

[Q] Aria - Still nice without data? Can Wifi be locked?

A friend has offered me an Aria for very cheap and I am considering getting it for my son for Christmas. I don't want to pay for data and at the moment I don't want my son having mobile porn ... err um.. mobile internet. So I am planning on disabling the data connection and wifi.
First question is are there parental controls on the phone or can I at least disable wifi and data and keep him from turning it back on?
Next, how much of the usefulness of this thing is tied to being able to use data? Will it still be worth it or should I just get him a txting phone for the same price? The Aria sounds a lot more useful than a txting phone, but is it really or will he be always running into stuff he can't do?
Thanks!
willp2 said:
A friend has offered me an Aria for very cheap and I am considering getting it for my son for Christmas. I don't want to pay for data and at the moment I don't want my son having mobile porn ... err um.. mobile internet. So I am planning on disabling the data connection and wifi.
First question is are there parental controls on the phone or can I at least disable wifi and data and keep him from turning it back on?
Next, how much of the usefulness of this thing is tied to being able to use data? Will it still be worth it or should I just get him a txting phone for the same price? The Aria sounds a lot more useful than a txting phone, but is it really or will he be always running into stuff he can't do?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi cannot be disabled to prevent someone from accessing a network hotspot and there are no parental controls on the phone. You can have AT&T disable data on the phone line.
You didn't mention how old your son is, but a texting phone may be a better option than a dataless Aria.
There are apps that you can use to lock apps such as internet. I don't use any so I don't have the names. I just did a market search to "app locker" and found a few.
My last Intruder was a Grumman A-6E.
I don't think you can use the phone without data activated, at least the AT&T branded version. If they know it's a smartphone, they add the data when you put in your SIM.
Really, they add data just by putting in a SIM even if its purchased out of contract? That's nuts.
We used an old iPhone for about a year with no data. So I assumed it would be OK for an Android phone.
He's 12 years old and I agree if I dont want data now a txting phone makes more sense. It's just a cool little phone that has more options like playing some games and music and that sort of thing. Then when the time is right, we'll open up the Wifi
But if I have to pay for data, that's not going to happen.
Thanks
willp2 said:
Really, they add data just by putting in a SIM even if its purchased out of contract? That's nuts.
We used an old iPhone for about a year with no data. So I assumed it would be OK for an Android phone.
He's 12 years old and I agree if I dont want data now a txting phone makes more sense. It's just a cool little phone that has more options like playing some games and music and that sort of thing. Then when the time is right, we'll open up the Wifi
But if I have to pay for data, that's not going to happen.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can't tell what phone you're using. The only way they could tell you are using a smart phone is if you're using an assload of data an a dumb phone data plan.
How much is the aria? I think it'd be better than any normal testing phone, even if he can't go on the internet
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
They can tell, they did it with my old blackberry when I let someone use it. I guess they can tell by imei or something.
They just started doing it, too. I used my blackberry without data until I got my aria, and then I let someone use it and they got a text saying they added data to their plan.
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
I wonder if they still so that if you get a non-AT&T smart phone.
The Aria was going to be mostly barter in exchange for helping with some computer problems. So pretty cheap considering I'd help him out anyway.
Thanks
I am certain you can call att and have that phone on your account without a data charge. As long as you buy it outright they have no say. But I would be certain to make sure with att that data be disabled for that phone.
I love the aria. But if it's texting you want it for, my suggestion would be to get another device.
Sent from my Aria using XDA App
Thanks. I'll give them a call before diving in.
I agree on the texing phone. Just trying to get some more flexibility for the future and encourage his inner geek.
I'll have to do some learning about txting phones, I know nothing about what good ones are.
willp2 said:
Thanks. I'll give them a call before diving in.
I agree on the texing phone. Just trying to get some more flexibility for the future and encourage his inner geek.
I'll have to do some learning about txting phones, I know nothing about what good ones are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have another phone (non-smart phone), when you start getting charged for the smart phone data plan just call them and tell them it's wrong and you don't have a smart phone...they'll ask you for the IMEI of the phone you're using...give them the IMEI for the non-smart phone that you're not using lol
Another option would be to root the phone (a safe and painless process with unrEVOked) and delete Android Market and Browser. If you are trying to disable data but still have games for you son I have to imagine that you are planning on side-loading apks, or at least you will have to after removing Android Market. No browser = no web. Phone becomes just a phone/texter, media player, and plays whatever games you decide to allow.
winsettr said:
Another option would be to root the phone (a safe and painless process with unrEVOked) and delete Android Market and Browser. If you are trying to disable data but still have games for you son I have to imagine that you are planning on side-loading apks, or at least you will have to after removing Android Market. No browser = no web. Phone becomes just a phone/texter, media player, and plays whatever games you decide to allow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an interesting idea, I hadn't thought of it.

[Q] Root da Intercept Slider

I got a government phone, LG Optimus S, cuz of medical problems and costs to use as backup during the time my Verizon service for S3 is turned off. I asked the company if I can buy my own phone (any Galaxy...Epic for example since that model should be now in use for government assistance). Well, they sent me the Samsung Intercept slider...not what I was wanting/asking...DUH! Gawd, the storage is terrible and I don't even know how much RAM there are. I need to get an SD card soon, but don't know the limit the ph accept. Well, I want to root it! Mainly to remove the bloatwares and preinstalled apps. Can someone help me with that? There are so many options for new ROM (right term?) to use. What's the best that I can use and also possibly make it faster and not freeze.
I'm still waiting for help. Links isn't working that I need to root.

[Q] VIRGIN android user! hi guys!

I didnt see a thread for welcomes..
Hi! i just picked up a sprint lg g2 on a free upgrade but i do not plan on activating it yet since 4g is not currently in my area, so for now i want to use this and just a fun phone for around the house. so i have a few questions after checking out some of the stickys and i dont want to start multiple threads for single questions. if this gets moved to a different area then i understand why as well. also if my typing seems sporadic its because i am coming from a htc tp2 and this is my devirgin process on using androids and rooting. so welcome to my party of self discovery!
1)since i am not activating it can i still pull all the necessary updates for the phone itself off the wifi?
2)in this sticky http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2479892 i saw no mention of a sprint code. i dont know if i should root it yet because i am currently using a htc touchpro2 im sure the stock speed is going to blow my mind but should i still do that ^^^^ mentioned above?
3)when i got the phone the lady really tried to push the S4 on me saying that the g2 will be stuck on jellybean for 2years? does rooting fix that?
4)when i do decide to activate it, is hotspot easily achieved by an app or is their some kind of rooting that needs to be done? (i already have unlimited data plan)
5)the BB csr also mentioned titanium backup app. and i checked it out and i dont understand how it works. thts for the bloatware stuff right?
6)is it possible to get that flappybird game still? i want to play it see what the fuss is about like on youtube.
i would rather not root my phone if it will stay fast but i dont want all that clutter apps either if its like a new desktop computer that comes with free aol 3.0 and etc.
dubmang said:
I didnt see a thread for welcomes..
Hi! i just picked up a sprint lg g2 on a free upgrade but i do not plan on activating it yet since 4g is not currently in my area, so for now i want to use this and just a fun phone for around the house. so i have a few questions after checking out some of the stickys and i dont want to start multiple threads for single questions. if this gets moved to a different area then i understand why as well. also if my typing seems sporadic its because i am coming from a htc tp2 and this is my devirgin process on using androids and rooting. so welcome to my party of self discovery!
1)since i am not activating it can i still pull all the necessary updates for the phone itself off the wifi?
2)in this sticky http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2479892 i saw no mention of a sprint code. i dont know if i should root it yet because i am currently using a htc touchpro2 im sure the stock speed is going to blow my mind but should i still do that ^^^^ mentioned above?
3)when i got the phone the lady really tried to push the S4 on me saying that the g2 will be stuck on jellybean for 2years? does rooting fix that?
4)when i do decide to activate it, is hotspot easily achieved by an app or is their some kind of rooting that needs to be done? (i already have unlimited data plan)
5)the BB csr also mentioned titanium backup app. and i checked it out and i dont understand how it works. thts for the bloatware stuff right?
i would rather not root my phone if it will stay fast but i dont want all that clutter apps either if its like a new desktop computer that comes with free aol 3.0 and etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) yup
2) I personally dont adjust that simply cause the phone then feels to hot for my liking even though its safe. You can do it and if you dont notice a difference or its to hot for you, just change it back. I think the code for sprint and verizon version is 980? so... 3845#*980#
3)You can root and flash aosp (android open source project) to your phone but you may find that you like the stock software. Also kitkat will be out for our phone shortly
4) You can use a program called foxfi that you can use that will turn your phone into a hotspot and sprint wont be the wiser so you dont have to pay for tethering. Also you dont need root for foxfi.
Just play around with the stock setup and see if you like it, you may not even find the need to root. Also if you enable developer options by going to settings<about phone<software information, and click the "build number" like 6 times (the developer options menu will then be in settings<developer options), you can adjust the window animation/transition animation/animator duration to 0.5 or off to speed up the phones interface.
thanks for the fast replies!
i am trying to update prl/profile/firmware/software etc and it gives me an error. my wifi is connected and i turned off airplane mode for the updates. (i should keep airplane mode on correct so that it doesnt try to activate?)
The dialer code for sprint is 5689#*980#
The prl/profile will only update on an active phone. You have to do it manually if the phone isn't active. That said, you don't need to do it if the phone isn't active, because they are settings sent by Sprint to your phone to let it know about active cell towers and things like that.
Check the Sprint part of these forums. Most of the stuff you asked is in there in one place for another.
Side note, so you don't wonder what is going on. In the title of threads, you will see things like [kernel][rom] etc etc.. things between brackets.. The things that say [INT] stand for International. They are ports made to make the Sprint LG G2 work on GSM networks. If you install one of those rom's the phone will NOT work on Sprint. Right now, that would be no big deal for you, since the phone isn't active. But if/when you activate the phone, you can not use one of those roms and still use the phone as a phone.
should i still update my phone via the LG drivrs at least? also that dialer code does nothing with my phone. it doesnt activate the special menu. so far i havent found it but is their a list of must have apps or a list of minimal steps to get rid of the bloat without rooting? when i am in the settings>>apps menu their is a list of different google' labeled items, are all of those necessary? also someone mentioned foxfi, its only a paid app correct?

[Q] Advice on setup for elderly parents and usa based data plan!!

(double posted this to try and get help as quick as possible since the phone needs to ship out ASAP)
Hi everyone. I'm an American living in Sweden. I have a unlocked galaxy note 3 that I am going to send my TECHNOPHOBIA suffering mother so she van video chat and see my newborn son for the first time live instead of in snail mailed pictures. She has agreed to try her best to learn because after 4 years of us not seeing each other she is willing to the anything
so here is the advice I need.
Best way to *safety proof* (don't want to call my mom a idiot) the phone.
A way for me to remotely restore the phone to MY settings when she accidentally messes something up and calls me freaking out.
Advice on a service plan. I have good credit in the usa and a social security number. she lives in 70647 Iowa, Louisiana. w
We would like to be able to video chat on skype on demand. But she will not be streaming video or downloading anything but content from dropbox. I would love if there was the option for her to be able to send an sms/mms to my mobile in sweden.
I would like yo put the phone in some *easy* setup. similar to the one included in 4.4.2 BUT my mother will only be using the phone for a few things. Skype facebook and dropbox. Also receiving sms/mms from me only. I would like her to have the ability to call our foreign cellphone numbers though in case of an emergency.
The phone is already rooted and updated to samsung version of 4.4.2. I would happily use another ROM if someone can recommend one that would best suit my needs.
I have a windows desktop running win 7 and an extra note 3 that I will be keeping here to use as well.
Help a lady out please! I desperately want to see my momma.
lindadhnorman said:
(double posted this to try and get help as quick as possible since the phone needs to ship out ASAP)
Hi everyone. I'm an American living in Sweden. I have a unlocked galaxy note 3 that I am going to send my TECHNOPHOBIA suffering mother so she van video chat and see my newborn son for the first time live instead of in snail mailed pictures.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
N9005 will not work over LTE with most carriers in US, so you should investigate this one first.
Also as a friendlier solution for parents - if they have/buy any large TV set (recent model) they might be able to get one with Skype (usually the Skype camera is a separate item with an inflated price but I believe lately there have been some aggressive price-cuts in some places).
xclub_101 said:
N9005 will not work over LTE with most carriers in US, so you should investigate this one first.
Also as a friendlier solution for parents - if they have/buy any large TV set (recent model) they might be able to get one with Skype (usually the Skype camera is a separate item with an inflated price but I believe lately there have been some aggressive price-cuts in some places).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really,is that a generalized statement or have you read/seen/heard about it somewhere? I've been checking with IMEI on their websites and verify with customer support that it is available to use on some wireless networks at 4G. Also I've had many friends bring over their N-9005 when visiting the USA for holiday and had no problem with connecting to a network. Some used prepaid local purchased cards, other just used the international roaming on their swedish accounts.
lindadhnorman said:
Really,is that a generalized statement or have you read/seen/heard about it somewhere? I've been checking with IMEI on their websites and verify with customer support that it is available to use on some wireless networks at 4G. Also I've had many friends bring over their N-9005 when visiting the USA for holiday and had no problem with connecting to a network. Some used prepaid local purchased cards, other just used the international roaming on their swedish accounts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to check the frequencies for 4G/LTE - those supported on N9005 are different than most of the US providers. However 3G should work on most.
I've been using Big Button Launcher on my Mom's Android phone for a couple years now. It works pretty well and she adapted quickly enough.
It is a "Launcher GUI" that takes over the majority of the Android User Interface.
And you can hide the menu options, hide apps, etc. It's very customizable for YOU to make the end resulting interface VERY SIMPLE and dumbed-down for the end user. And it's been 100% stable over two years and a few different flashes of CyanogenMOD as the OS.
I have to warn you though. My Mom does want a normal phone for her next phone. Something with hard buttons, no texting, no GPS, no nothing but phone call capability. No LCD, nada. lol
Here's a sample desktop you see when you unlock the phone.
Oh, and there are various icon packs on the Play Store so you can choose nicer looking icons for your Mom.
There is also a HUGE keyboard option (if you want it). Still not sure if I like it though, because it really, really is huge. Takes up 2/3 of the screen.

New unlocked AT&T tablet SM-T727A for grandparents abroad, to flash or not?

Hello, please give a little advise.
I bought an UNLOCKED used Samsung AT&T S5e (SM-T727A), and another UNLOCKED used Samsung Sprint TAB A (2019) (SM-T517P) from eBay for my grandparents abroad in Argentina; mainly for the SIM capability to use with Whatsapp with me, and their grandkids all over the world.
I have no experience with LTE tablets, but have rooted phones here and there since 2012 thanks to you guys.
I feel very hesitant to root, or install roms on these tablets, since I won't be able to be there for them if anything happens, other than remote assistant pre-programmed for them to hit one button, but even then... the struggle a lot with basic things, and only know Whatsapp.
I have put my SIM card from T-mobile on my Note 8 here in the US on both devices, but although the T-mobile LTE text appears on top, none of the tablets changed Startup intro, or installed T-mobile apps/Removed AT&T or Sprint apps. The Sprint tablet shows an annoying Sprint OMADM notification, and the AT&T tablet won't let me use the dialer.
Both tablets can use LTE from T-mobile fine with great speeds, but need to use alternate dialer to make calls.
Should I install custom ROMS on these to remove their carrier's bloatware? Am I definitely tripping KNOX on them? Will installing these rooms, or unlocking bootloaders mess up with future updates, and leave my grandparents stranded?
Please help; what should I do?
unlocked AT&T Galaxy 727a tablet
I am wondering if you ever got a response to your questions? I too have the same tablet and I want to root it to remove the AT&T software because I also use T-Mobile. I am going to keep searching here in the forums. I don't think I want to flash a rom though as I kind of like the Samsung feel right now. Plus I only had it 2 days so far.
thenetvines said:
Hello, please give a little advise.
I bought an UNLOCKED used Samsung AT&T S5e (SM-T727A), and another UNLOCKED used Samsung Sprint TAB A (2019) (SM-T517P) from eBay for my grandparents abroad in Argentina; mainly for the SIM capability to use with Whatsapp with me, and their grandkids all over the world.
I have no experience with LTE tablets, but have rooted phones here and there since 2012 thanks to you guys.
I feel very hesitant to root, or install roms on these tablets, since I won't be able to be there for them if anything happens, other than remote assistant pre-programmed for them to hit one button, but even then... the struggle a lot with basic things, and only know Whatsapp.
I have put my SIM card from T-mobile on my Note 8 here in the US on both devices, but although the T-mobile LTE text appears on top, none of the tablets changed Startup intro, or installed T-mobile apps/Removed AT&T or Sprint apps. The Sprint tablet shows an annoying Sprint OMADM notification, and the AT&T tablet won't let me use the dialer.
Both tablets can use LTE from T-mobile fine with great speeds, but need to use alternate dialer to make calls.
Should I install custom ROMS on these to remove their carrier's bloatware? Am I definitely tripping KNOX on them? Will installing these rooms, or unlocking bootloaders mess up with future updates, and leave my grandparents stranded?
Please help; what should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
teacher006 said:
I am wondering if you ever got a response to your questions? I too have the same tablet and I want to root it to remove the AT&T software because I also use T-Mobile. I am going to keep searching here in the forums. I don't think I want to flash a rom though as I kind of like the Samsung feel right now. Plus I only had it 2 days so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am still searching, this is my first LTE tablet, and I believe we ARE NOT meant to use ROMs for the WiFi variant on it (maybe wrong), so that leaves flashing lots of ROMS out... there maybe a few out there, but I doubt many DEVs have these devices available to work on.
Anyway, I decided against flashing roms for now; my only problem with the AT&T Tablet now is that the default Google dialer will not work unless it's with AT&T, so I have to use third party dialers now... no good.
I read somewhere that you can change something called the CSC of the tablet without rooting or flashing, to maybe get rid of the AT&T bloatware, and maybe T-mobile bloatware will let me use Google dialer??? I will try putting my T-mobile SIM today, and do a factory reset of the tablet with the T-mobile SIM in it. This has worked for me in the past with phones by the way, but never tried tablets before.
I may also try using Titanium Backup, and freeze some of these apps, but that will require rooting I believe, and I don't want to do that yet because I worry that unlocking the bootloader will leave that ugly "bootloader unlocked" message on every boot.
luck?
thenetvines said:
I am still searching, this is my first LTE tablet, and I believe we ARE NOT meant to use ROMs for the WiFi variant on it (maybe wrong), so that leaves flashing lots of ROMS out... there maybe a few out there, but I doubt many DEVs have these devices available to work on.
Anyway, I decided against flashing roms for now; my only problem with the AT&T Tablet now is that the default Google dialer will not work unless it's with AT&T, so I have to use third party dialers now... no good.
I read somewhere that you can change something called the CSC of the tablet without rooting or flashing, to maybe get rid of the AT&T bloatware, and maybe T-mobile bloatware will let me use Google dialer??? I will try putting my T-mobile SIM today, and do a factory reset of the tablet with the T-mobile SIM in it. This has worked for me in the past with phones by the way, but never tried tablets before.
I may also try using Titanium Backup, and freeze some of these apps, but that will require rooting I believe, and I don't want to do that yet because I worry that unlocking the bootloader will leave that ugly "bootloader unlocked" message on every boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you had any luck, I also have this tablet.
I am with the same problem, I have a Galaxy Tab S5e LTE tablet (SM727A), which is unlocked, but it does not allow me to make normal calls (like a cell phone) due to the AT&T call launcher. does anyone know any way to make calls? I have the tablet outside the USA
This thread is a year and a half old without an answer, doesn't seem right, I have similar issue why no answer?
I am in the US, and I can't get calls to work with Samsung s5e SM-T727UZKAXAA Unlocked Tablet.
Ordered this tablet for my elderly mother with the idea it could basically becone a 10 inch phone for her since she has serious difficulty seeing even the largest phone displays.
I took out her Motorola One sim and inserted it into the new tablet. After all the software updates were complete, I have network connectivity, data (seems slow tbh), and can eveb send/receive texts, but it will not receive calls? This tablet has that functionality, so I'm trying to figure out what exactly I'm missing?
I am using T-Mobile, and am on the Magenta MAX plan for all 3 of my lines including this one that I tried. Any help at all appreciated, thank you.
​
rich6630 said:
This thread is a year and a half old without an answer, doesn't seem right, I have similar issue why no answer?
I am in the US, and I can't get calls to work with Samsung s5e SM-T727UZKAXAA Unlocked Tablet.
Ordered this tablet for my elderly mother with the idea it could basically becone a 10 inch phone for her since she has serious difficulty seeing even the largest phone displays.
I took out her Motorola One sim and inserted it into the new tablet. After all the software updates were complete, I have network connectivity, data (seems slow tbh), and can eveb send/receive texts, but it will not receive calls? This tablet has that functionality, so I'm trying to figure out what exactly I'm missing?
I am using T-Mobile, and am on the Magenta MAX plan for all 3 of my lines including this one that I tried. Any help at all appreciated, thank you.
​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy a global version like SM-T725 to use full feartures.
Unlock version give you Data connection, sms, but you need connect to Samsung phone to call.
dangtoi1993 said:
Buy a global version like SM-T725 to use full feartures.
Unlock version give you Data connection, sms, but you need connect to Samsung phone to call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i had ordered one i had to cancel when i saw this post.
and wanted to ask. if there is any way to install android auto as a system app on this model?

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