Database Users

Protecting samsung galaxy s after being stolen

HI guys,
Something came to my mind and wanted to share it with you...
its how to protect my device after being stollen?
I know there are plenty of apps to find the device( through gps remote activation), to erase the contents and release alerts through different ways.
BUT WHAT IF
somebody had stolen your phone , pull out the battery, then boot it into download mode (3 buttons combination that every one knows), and finally flashed it with any rom by using ODIN ???????
the question here;
IS THERE ANY WAY TO PASSWORD PROTECT THE ACCESS TO BOTH RECOVERY &/OR DOWNLOAD MODES IN THE DEVICE, SO IT CAN BE USELESS FOR THE THEIF ???
i hope u understand my worry here
cheers

Just call your carrier and report it stolen so the IMEI gets blacklisted, a useless toy to most thieves (unless they are smart enough to change the IMEI but most aren't).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMEI
PS: Please, the is really no need for huge fonts and colors, most of us can see just fine.

shadoslayer said:
Just call your carrier and report it stolen so the IMEI gets blacklisted, a useless toy to most thieves (unless they are smart enough to change the IMEI but most aren't).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMEI
PS: Please, the is really no need for huge fonts and colors, most of us can see just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry about that, i thought it will be easier to read.
so your saying that there is no way protect the device other than this ?

drreality said:
sorry about that, i thought it will be easier to read.
so your saying that there is no way protect the device other than this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im saying this because, i know if we prevented somebody from flashing the device, it will be impossible to even change the IMEI

drreality said:
im saying this because, i know if we prevented somebody from flashing the device, it will be impossible to even change the IMEI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think again. Every service has JTAG. so... isn't the password useless after all?
The best way top protect your phone is to keep your eyes on the device.

drreality said:
sorry about that, i thought it will be easier to read.
so your saying that there is no way protect the device other than this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crysis21 said:
Think again. Every service has JTAG. so... isn't the password useless after all?
The best way top protect your phone is to keep your eyes on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats really depressing mate , have u heard about STEAM?

Juest a question...
As said before already exist many apps useful for retrieve our device if stolen, but all these apps need the GPS turned on.
What if if it's tuned off? Does exist an app that can turn on GPS in a remote way? (by sms for instance)

zat81 said:
Juest a question...
As said before already exist many apps useful for retrieve our device if stolen, but all these apps need the GPS turned on.
What if if it's tuned off? Does exist an app that can turn on GPS in a remote way? (by sms for instance)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya mate there are dozens of them in the market, see the link below for one of them
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7anr-Df9E

zat81 said:
Juest a question...
As said before already exist many apps useful for retrieve our device if stolen, but all these apps need the GPS turned on.
What if if it's tuned off? Does exist an app that can turn on GPS in a remote way? (by sms for instance)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a mobile tracker function in galaxy s. However it's not available in many countries yet.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

Please hellp urgent LOST PHONW

i have a nexus s and it seems someone has taken it. i am borrowing my friends phpne to do this. i know thw phone is still at the school. is there any way i could use the online market to download an app to help me track my phone or any other way to track my phone? thanks please help
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

kicknik said:
i have a nexus s and it seems someone has taken it. i am borrowing my friends phpne to do this. i know thw phone is still at the school. is there any way i could use the online market to download an app to help me track my phone or any other way to track my phone? thanks please help
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you can install an app, but not it will not activate without having it already configured
AntiDroidTheft is a very good one
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.android.antidroidtheft
and then you can find your phone online
http://www.antidroidtheft.com/
unfortunately for it and all other similar software to work, you will need to have had it pre-installed and configured
Anti DT requires the least config to work
if you have a smart Coder friend, maybe he can upload a new version of this App modified to install and start automatically with a predefined secret password
then you install it from the new Android Market
and it will install and activate itself on its own, and you might have a chance at finding your phone, and trace it to where the guy live

will tmobile be able to help at all if i call them because none of my frienda would be able to make that program. thanks though please any ideas
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

You can download this app: https://market.android.com/details?id=org.gtmedia.findMyPhone remotely to your phone.
Then send a SMS to your phone with the secret code and command. The default secret code is 1234.
List of commands:
1234 help
1234 locate
1234 alarm
1234 wipe (wipe sd card is not set by default)
1234 calls
Unless your gps is on, the location of your phone isn't going to be accurate. Just hope that if a person did steal the phone, they won't be removing the app. Since when the phone receives the message, it will play the ringtone and notifications will pop up.

hmm... interesting
trying that as we speak to see if it works
DKYang said:
You can download this app: https://market.android.com/details?id=org.gtmedia.findMyPhone remotely to your phone.
Then send a SMS to your phone with the secret code and command. The default secret code is 1234.
List of commands:
1234 help
1234 locate
1234 alarm
1234 wipe (wipe sd card is not set by default)
1234 calls
Unless your gps is on, the location of your phone isn't going to be accurate. Just hope that if a person did steal the phone, they won't be removing the app. Since when the phone receives the message, it will play the ringtone and notifications will pop up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm... the app is no longer supported, they are forwarding people to a PAID app instead

whhat is the name of the new app?
Also how do i know what the code is if i dont have my phone?

I'm only asking because you didn't mention it specifically, but did you try the simplest method first of calling you're own number and seeing if someone answers? Also, send a text message to the phone saying please call me.
You said "seems like" someone took it. Maybe you dropped it or left it and an honest person has it and will gladly return it. Worth a shot if you haven't yet.

ya i did do both those thigns.
i just need to know if there is a way to remotely locate it because find my phone owuld have been perfect but it doenst work anymore

AllGamer said:
hmm... interesting
trying that as we speak to see if it works
hmm... the app is no longer supported, they are forwarding people to a PAID app instead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No longer supported but still works. The app doesn't depend on a server or anything, just the phone.
kicknik said:
whhat is the name of the new app?
Also how do i know what the code is if i dont have my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, the default code is 1234. Just use 1234 as the code. If you want to change the code, then I can't help you with that.
kicknik said:
ya i did do both those thigns.
i just need to know if there is a way to remotely locate it because find my phone owuld have been perfect but it doenst work anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you actually try it yet? It works for me. I tested it.
Go to the market and have it remotely downloaded onto your phone. Then send the phone commands.
If you can't get the app (or any other app) downloaded onto your phone for whatever reason, then of course this won't work or any other method that I can think of.
I wouldn't be suggesting it if it didn't work. What's the point in doing that? I got nothing to gain from it.

DKYang said:
Like I said, the default code is 1234. Just use 1234 as the code. If you want to change the code, then I can't help you with that.
Did you actually try it yet? It works for me. I tested it.
Go to the market and have it remotely downloaded onto your phone. Then send the phone commands.
If you can't get the app (or any other app) downloaded onto your phone for whatever reason, then of course this won't work or any other method that I can think of.
I wouldn't be suggesting it if it didn't work. What's the point in doing that? I got nothing to gain from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll confirm this works. I just went to the link you provided earlier on my CR-48, then told the Market to install it to my phone which is across the room from me.
I waited a few minutes, then used my Google Voice web account to send the "1234 Locate" to my phone. A few seconds later I heard a text message arrive on the phone. A few seconds later I got a text message back from the phone that said my location would be determined in under 5 minutes, and then about a minute later I got another message from the phone that was the latitude and longitude of the phone, and then another link with a link that opened Google Maps on my laptop to right where my phone is.
AWESOME.
I've got WaveSucure & MobileDefense both on my phones, and this is simpler and easier than either of those. Good find.
The only negative here is that on my other two phones when I tried to install it on them, the Market told me that I hadn't logged into the Market on those phones in a while and that I would have to open the Market on those phones before I could remotely install. I'd have been screwed on those phones.

distortedloop said:
I'll confirm this works. I just went to the link you provided earlier on my CR-48, then told the Market to install it to my phone which is across the room from me.
I waited a few minutes, then used my Google Voice web account to send the "1234 Locate" to my phone. A few seconds later I heard a text message arrive on the phone. A few seconds later I got a text message back from the phone that said my location would be determined in under 5 minutes, and then about a minute later I got another message from the phone that was the latitude and longitude of the phone, and then another link with a link that opened Google Maps on my laptop to right where my phone is.
AWESOME.
I've got WaveSucure & MobileDefense both on my phones, and this is simpler and easier than either of those. Good find.
The only negative here is that on my other two phones when I tried to install it on them, the Market told me that I hadn't logged into the Market on those phones in a while and that I would have to open the Market on those phones before I could remotely install. I'd have been screwed on those phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DKYang said:
No longer supported but still works. The app doesn't depend on a server or anything, just the phone.
Like I said, the default code is 1234. Just use 1234 as the code. If you want to change the code, then I can't help you with that.
Did you actually try it yet? It works for me. I tested it.
Go to the market and have it remotely downloaded onto your phone. Then send the phone commands.
If you can't get the app (or any other app) downloaded onto your phone for whatever reason, then of course this won't work or any other method that I can think of.
I wouldn't be suggesting it if it didn't work. What's the point in doing that? I got nothing to gain from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man thanks a lot for all your help i just assumed it didnt work because of the error message but im trying it out. I downloaded it online and in the MY Account tab on the market website it says the download is complete so i texted it from my dads phone saying 1234 locate. I havent gotten a response yet but heres to hoping it will work.
Thanks again everyone i really appreciate all the help.

kicknik said:
Hey man thanks a lot for all your help i just assumed it didnt work because of the error message but im trying it out. I downloaded it online and in the MY Account tab on the market website it says the download is complete so i texted it from my dads phone saying 1234 locate. I havent gotten a response yet but heres to hoping it will work.
Thanks again everyone i really appreciate all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure to let us know what happens.

kicknik said:
Hey man thanks a lot for all your help i just assumed it didnt work because of the error message but im trying it out. I downloaded it online and in the MY Account tab on the market website it says the download is complete so i texted it from my dads phone saying 1234 locate. I havent gotten a response yet but heres to hoping it will work.
Thanks again everyone i really appreciate all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you can't locate your phone after a few days
report the IMEI # as stolen so they can block it, and make the phone useless for resale

Found!!!!! O how I missed it
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

kicknik said:
Found!!!!! O how I missed it
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where was it?
did some one actually took it?

Yea, where was it?!?!?!
~Sent from my Nexus S with Swype~

Yeah, Where the (bleep!) was it?!
kicknik said:
Found!!!!! O how I missed it
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

some how it had fallen in my friends backpack. he didnt find it until a while later but man was i scared it had been stolen, the relief i had when i saw him holding it...
plus for some reason all the apps werent downloading even though the phone was on the whole time...

I'm so relieved for you man. Glad it found its way back!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Nexus MC said:
I'm so relieved for you man. Glad it found its way ]
X2
~Sent from my Nexus S with Swype~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Debloater, Lets remove all that Bloatware

Just getting the word out to everyone. This works without root and makes it super easy for you to remove any Bloatware you would like and fully control it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294

gatesjunior said:
Just getting the word out to everyone. This works without root and makes it super easy for you to remove any Bloatware you would like and fully control it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already run it but thanks for sharing it in here:good:

didn't you already post it junior ?

Fine job making a Windows program. Unfortunately I do not know most of those apps so I will not select them. Is it too much to ask someone for a list of apk name versus function name?

ronaldheld said:
Fine job making a Windows program. Unfortunately I do not know most of those apps so I will not select them. Is it too much to ask someone for a list of apk name versus function name?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apk name is listed along with the packagename in the list. If you are unsure what things are safe to block/disable. There are plenty of people on the forum that would be willing to help you.

I did not see the package name so I will have run it again and read more carefully or try to change the size of that field.

ronaldheld said:
I did not see the package name so I will have run it again and read more carefully or try to change the size of that field.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apk is on the left and the package name is on the right. Are you saying you would like to see the App Drawer Name ??

That would be really helpful. Thanks.

This says without root then the other page this links to says root required which is it

jolly_roger_hook said:
This says without root then the other page this links to says root required which is it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ability to remove apk on rooted devices and only disables on unrooted kitkat devices.

jpa77 said:
Ability to remove apk on rooted devices and only disables on unrooted kitkat devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification but dang though I'd be able to unistall this Facebook app preinstalled as a system app ughhhhhh...

gatesjunior said:
Just getting the word out to everyone. This works without root and makes it super easy for you to remove any Bloatware you would like and fully control it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing..

Brilliant!!

Let's start posting in the actual Debloater thread please.. Thank you all for your compliments..

May have blocked one too many, 2 items don't work but other wise great-
Calender
Software updates- there's no error message but the circle just spins with no connection. After a while i simply cancel
Thanks

pbman1953 said:
May have blocked one too many, 2 items don't work but other wise great-
Calender
Software updates- there's no error message but the circle just spins with no connection. After a while i simply cancel
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it sounds like you blocked a little too many, Lol. You can simply go and save your blocked list and then Unblock all and start going one by one until you figure out which ones you do need.
Please bring all feedback and questions over to the forum dedicated for this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294

gatesjunior said:
Yeah, it sounds like you blocked a little too many, Lol. You can simply go and save your blocked list and then Unblock all and start going one by one until you figure out which ones you do need.
Please bring all feedback and questions over to the forum dedicated for this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's one thing to think about also, by accident I blocked the Google stock email , not the Gmail. I went back to unblock and I had to re-enter all my emails back again. So what I'm saying after a block and then an un-block it wipes the app. Did you expect that to happen or should I expect that to happen for most apps be turned back on?
Thanks

pbman1953 said:
Here's one thing to think about also, by accident I blocked the Google stock email , not the Gmail. I went back to unblock and I had to re-enter all my emails back again. So what I'm saying after a block and then an un-block it wipes the app. Did you expect that to happen or should I expect that to happen for most apps be turned back on?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd, it doesn't wipe any data. Nor have I had an issue like that. Let me look into it.

pbman1953 said:
Here's one thing to think about also, by accident I blocked the Google stock email , not the Gmail. I went back to unblock and I had to re-enter all my emails back again. So what I'm saying after a block and then an un-block it wipes the app. Did you expect that to happen or should I expect that to happen for most apps be turned back on?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
svc.apk
I got lucky, was akind of dumb on one, all I had to do is look at the app name on the right for the calander. The update connection was SyncMLSsvc.apk

Debloater !!!
Thank you for this Program at least we can modify our phones to run better so I can enjoy my phone instead of be mad that the phone is full of stuff i don't want running great Application and simple to use as well
Thank you !!

Need package info

Can anybody tell me what this is? com.sec.vsimservice

Uknowdis said:
Can anybody tell me what this is? com.sec.vsimservice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know replacing it removes the rcs and volte icons that show up after rooting. That's all I know tho lol. It has to do with data service I believe.
Sent from my VK815 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Skizzy034 said:
I know replacing it removes the rcs and volte icons that show up after rooting. That's all I know tho lol. It has to do with data service I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a lil nervous when i saw a notification for it...it was a devil face smiley lol. If it pops up again ill screenshot it

Uknowdis said:
Can anybody tell me what this is? com.sec.vsimservice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I remember correctly that should have to do with video calling but not positive.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Do we know anymore info on this? After rooting the s7 (at&t) everything was fine, accept sending texts through messeges failed. Then this notification came up, I could not remove it from notifications. I did a restart and got stuck in boot loop and had to factory reset. Now, I haven't finished root yet, but still on same rom and this has popped up again.

Skizzy034 said:
I know replacing it removes the rcs and volte icons that show up after rooting. That's all I know tho lol. It has to do with data service I believe.
Sent from my VK815 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uknowdis said:
I was a lil nervous when i saw a notification for it...it was a devil face smiley lol. If it pops up again ill screenshot it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jds3118 said:
If I remember correctly that should have to do with video calling but not positive.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got the stupid devil faced notification too. its also from com.sec.vsimservice . I never had this before but it seems ever since i started using Digits from t-mobile.
I cannot remove it for the life of me and it doesnt matter what rom i am on. I tried clearing cache and data and also blocking notifications but i can still see it when i pull down the notifications. I get it right after i send a chat message using default samsung chat app. BTW im on the note 5 t-mobile.
EDIT: i found out that vsimservice stands for virtual sim service. Well it must be freaken t-mobile Digits beta program... =/ so annoying.

I started getting the devil notification after root on stock every time I get a voicemail. I can clear it like any other notification, it's just annoying.

monkeyass408 said:
i got the stupid devil faced notification too. its also from com.sec.vsimservice . I never had this before but it seems ever since i started using Digits from t-mobile.
I cannot remove it for the life of me and it doesnt matter what rom i am on. I tried clearing cache and data and also blocking notifications but i can still see it when i pull down the notifications. I get it right after i send a chat message using default samsung chat app. BTW im on the note 5 t-mobile.
EDIT: i found out that vsimservice stands for virtual sim service. Well it must be freaken t-mobile Digits beta program... =/ so annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone ever figure out how to get rid of. Not t-mobile as I'm AT&T. Also flashedvthe volt fix and he came back. I know something to do with messages but not out there on him that i found.

Mike the file nerd
I'm far from an expert at this but I could tell you how to avoid the problem in the future. I assume that if you have access to directories that contain system preconfig apps you must be running root privilege. Follow down the path to you're particular carrier. In my case I'm technically running on unlocked carrier but for the most part my phone still believes it is AIO(Cricket) ie boot still runs cricket sales code still runs as AIO. ECT. so in my example the file path would be /system/omc/AIO/etc. Inside your carriers file you will find several manifest (.xml) and text (.txt) files somthing along the lines of default_application_order.xml and/or enforcedskippingpackages.txt In my case on my s8 I have both. I haven't personally tried this yet so don't blame me if you try it and turn you phone into an 800$ paperweight (disclaimer) not to mention tampering xml is slightly outside of ethical phone use! That being said I'm of the opinion at least in my own case; if I pay for a device and don't have a contract against it i.e. I outright own the device I may set it up as i please. (Disclaimer) So ethics behind us. If I were to be experiencing this problem I would start by adding the problem pkg (...vsim...apk) whatever yours is called to the enforcedskipping.txt first (as it's slightly less unethical to change a text than a manifest) second find the system app either by an app like sysapp remover or like a real man inside the file system under probably something along the lines of "priv-app" dir or by superuser enabled terminals either abd via your computer/mac/linux whatever you run or by one of the many available terminals in the store of your choice and uninstall your problem apps (i highly suggest making a complete nandroid backup or tar or whatever recovery you use first and also saving a copy of the apk just in case) reboot your phone to recovery clear your cache partition remount the system and reboot. If this hasn't cleared up your problem back to recovery for a factory wipe with said modified files in place and backup ready. Reinstall everything then restore your backup via cmw/twrp/safestrap/bootstrap/odin/lgbridge/etc.etcetc whatever your preferred recovery method is your problem should be fixed. If still not mod the xml instead of the txt and restart from step one. Once again I do not know what dependency/gradles/etc may or may not depend on this what functions you may kill sim cards locked/ruined etc and I'm no professional so if you brick☠??? your ??that's on you for listening to an amateur enthusiast. Now I'm sure one of our wonderful experts here will come along and correct everything I've just said but I'm ok with this I listen to these guys every day I wouldn't know a fraction of the things I do without this wonderful forum and these amazing devs. So I appreciate their criticism as tutoring.
---------- Post added at 04:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:38 AM ----------
With all that said and out of the way I would like to hear from anyone who has tried this personally or other method for removing this as I myself was led to this particular thread because I was investigating the possibility of what I could change within this particular system app myself. I brick my phone phone twice a day usually so before I crash my very well set up system I usually investigate first the reciprocation/ramifications of adjusting system orientated files/apps.

Different phone number in settings than sim card?

So I did the international root method and after I got everything set up, I noticed in my settings under about phone it shows a completely different number. Now my SMS still works fine with my actual number but I just can't figure out why under about phone it lists it as a different number.

ToF_Itachi said:
So I did the international root method and after I got everything set up, I noticed in my settings under about phone it shows a completely different number. Now my SMS still works fine with my actual number but I just can't figure out why under about phone it lists it as a different number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean the imeid?

tech_head said:
Do you mean the imeid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I mean the phone number it says I have at the top. My actual phone number is not what it shows but I still get everything just fine.

I've had the same problem. Solution was to put my sim card into an iphone and change the number of card there.

ToF_Itachi said:
No I mean the phone number it says I have at the top. My actual phone number is not what it shows but I still get everything just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sir, Mam. I've removed the attachment from your quoted post for security/privacy reasons (I'd personally refrain from publicly sharing my IMEI).
I've also sent you a PM.
Please advice if you want the screenshot re-attached to the post in which case I'd immediately do.

ToF_Itachi said:
No I mean the phone number it says I have at the top. My actual phone number is not what it shows but I still get everything just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't see that.
I know on the converted T-Mobile variant that the software will show the same IMEID for both SIM1/SIM2 but in actuality they are different.
That's what I thought you were talking about.