Database Users

How to prevent updates?

Ok, they keep updating and breaking root. I hear droidwall will block it.
But what is the name I should be blocking?
Or is there a better way to stop auto updating?

Delete OTACERTS.zip in system/etc/security. You must enable r/w and have root.
When I did It, it downloaded the update in front of me but didn't update. Then I deleted the update. Now i'm still on 6.2.1 and Loving It.

Molinari said:
Ok, they keep updating and breaking root. I hear droidwall will block it.
But what is the name I should be blocking?
Or is there a better way to stop auto updating?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the otacerts.zip thing mentioned above (moved to sdcard and renamed to otacerts.bak).
However, just to be safe I am also using droidwall. With droidwall, I started out by blocking everything (default) and then unblocked things when they would not work (use the log to see what is being blocked). Be sure to actually enable the blocking and the logs (they are off by default). Some things you can be unblocked ahead of time like Market and Browser. The only potential issue with using droidblocker is that whatever is used for the OTA update might also be used by something else that needs to be unblocked.

mark_a_l said:
I did the otacerts.zip thing mentioned above (moved to sdcard and renamed to otacerts.bak).
However, just to be safe I am also using droidwall. With droidwall, I started out by blocking everything (default) and then unblocked things when they would not work (use the log to see what is being blocked). Be sure to actually enable the blocking and the logs (they are off by default). Some things you can be unblocked ahead of time like Market and Browser. The only potential issue with using droidblocker is that whatever is used for the OTA update might also be used by something else that needs to be unblocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Droidwall Doesnt work, I tried that on the 6.1 to 6.2 update because I did not want to risk a potential update. That was before we knew of the ota updates.

iroctheworld said:
Droidwall Doesnt work, I tried that on the 6.1 to 6.2 update because I did not want to risk a potential update. That was before we knew of the ota updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What were you blocking? I've only got about 6 things on my white list (not blocked). Half are market related. In any case even if it doesn't work for OTA updates, I find some apps to be a bit too 'chatty' (looking at the logs). So it does work at blocking 'unnecessary' wifi traffic.

Thanks for the rename tip!

I am still avoiding the 6.2.2 update (only time can tell, last time mine was updated about 1 week after the first posting about forced updates ...)
I am running the rooted version of 6.2.1. I flashed this after losing root from the 6.2.1 forced update.
This time I only did two "mods" for protection -
(1) un-register from Amazon (actually I never register during ROM installation)
(2) use Droidwall
I dunno which one will make me survive the forced update, but I suspect it may / will be #(1).
I only allow a few things to go through Droidwall, most of them are 3rd party apps' names. The only two additional processes necessary for normal functions are:
(1) downloads, media storage, DRM protected content storage, download manager (needed for Market downloads)
(2) search (for Google search)
The one I always worry about in Droidwall is obviously #(1). I certainly do not let things like Amazon device client platform (ADCP) to go through!
This is just my Droidwall setup. People using other apps may need to allow other Android processes through therefore I cannot guarantee Amazon update won't sneak through that way.
I only know about the otacerts.zip when I revisited the forum yesterday afte reading elsewhere about the new OTA update. This time I won't modify this file on purpose.
(fingers crossed for me, I am not out of the woods yet)
P.S. Feb 2nd and I am still clean, looks like I dodged it!

Which Apps are safe to remove after Root

I couldnt find anything regarding this topic for our phone. Which Apps are safe to uninstall/freeze after gaining Root?
Can anyone provide a list? Especially I would like to remove the following apps:
- What's New
- Swiftkey
- Xperia Tips Service
- Xperia Tips
- Xperia Services
- Xperia Lounge pass
- Xperia Resource Extension
- my Xperia
- the Messaging App (I am using the app Messaging by google instead)
- Lounge
- Recommendation Engine Extension

I removed all those and then some. The only exception being Swiftkey - I use AFWall to block it from uploading everything I type to the creeper servers.
Special mentions:
- Amazon Shopping
- AVG Protection
- All facebook ****
- Google App, Play Movies, Play Music
- Hangouts
- Lifelog
- YouTube
All running smoothly.

FYI w/o root you can disable apps using the ADB interface and using the following command:
pm disable-user com.touchtype.swiftkey
*disabled swiftkey without root
Below is the list I disabled without any adverse effects on stock nougat (output of "pm list packages -d"):
package:com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping
package:com.sony.nfx.app.sfrc
package:com.sonymobile.intelligent.iengine
package:com.sonymobile.sketch
package:com.sonymobile.getmore
package:com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
package:com.sonymobile.getmore.client
package:com.sonyericsson.textinput.chinese
package:com.sonymobile.xperiatransfermobile
package:com.sonymobile.music.youtubeplugin
package:com.touchtype.swiftkey
package:com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.docs
package:com.sonymobile.lifelog
package:com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.soundphoto
package:com.sonyericsson.conversations
package:com.sonymobile.rcsvideoprovider
package:com.sonymobile.advancedwidget.topcontacts
package:com.sonymobile.coverapp2
package:com.sonymobile.moviecreator
package:com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboardjp
package:com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.sheets
package:com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.slides
package:com.sonymobile.enterprise.service
package:com.sonymobile.deviceconfigtool
package:com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.stickercreator
package:com.realvnc.android.remote
package:com.sonymobile.phoneusage
package:com.sonymobile.tvout.wifidisplay
package:com.sonymobile.deqp
package:com.sonymobile.dlna
package:com.sonyericsson.wappush
package:com.sonymobile.demoappchecker
package:com.google.android.marvin.talkback
package:com.sonymobile.music.youtubekaraokeplugin
package:com.sonymobile.xperiaservices
package:com.sonymobile.exchange
package:com.google.android.gm
package:com.sonymobile.rcs.settings
package:com.sonymobile.entrance
package:com.s.antivirus
package:com.google.android.music
package:com.android.dreams.basic
package:com.sonymobile.susrescheck
package:com.sony.tvsideview.phone
package:com.google.android.apps.docs
package:com.google.android.apps.maps
package:com.google.android.webview
package:com.sonymobile.crashmonitor.system
package:com.google.android.syncadapters.contacts
package:com.android.facelock
package:com.google.android.tag
package:com.google.android.tts
package:com.sonyericsson.xhs
package:com.google.android.videos
package:com.sonymobile.runtimeskinning.picker
package:com.sonyericsson.crashmonitor
package:com.sonymobile.mx.android
package:com.sonymobile.support
package:com.google.android.feedback
package:com.google.android.apps.photos
package:com.google.android.calendar
package:com.swiftkey.swiftkeyconfigurator
package:com.sonymobile.xperiaweather
package:com.sonymobile.gettoknowit
package:com.sonymobile.synchub
package:com.facebook.katana
package:com.sonymobile.moviecreator.rmm
package:com.sonymobile.xperialounge.services
package:com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.areffect
package:com.sonymobile.email
package:com.sonymobile.pobox
package:com.scee.psxandroid
package:com.sonymobile.advancedwidget.worldclock
package:com.facebook.system
package:com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook
package:com.sonyericsson.album
package:com.sonyericsson.music
package:com.sonymobile.retaildemo
package:com.sonymobile.anondata
package:com.sonymobile.pip
package:com.sonymobile.sso
package:com.sonymobile.usm
package:com.android.bookmarkprovider
package:com.sonyericsson.startupflagservice
package:com.sonymobile.advancedlogging
package:com.google.android.talk
package:com.sonymobile.music.wikipediaplugin
package:com.facebook.appmanager
package:com.sonymobile.music.googlelyricsplugin
package:com.sonymobile.dualshockmanager
package:com.sonymobile.mwutil
package:com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.clock
package:com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.timeshift
package:com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.photo
package:com.sony.tvsideview.videoph
package:com.gsma.rcs

To the above post I would like to add something for newbies:
1) Type "adb shell" before you use the commands above, otherwise it won't work.
2) instead of the disable command (which doesn't work on my phone, apparently because you need to be rooted), i used the command hide, which also deactivates the app.

To removing SwiftKey :
Be aware, that if your phone is encrypted or uses PIN or password authentication before it boots, you must install another keyboard as SYSTEM app, or you will not be able to boot your phone.

Some more that can be removed
com.android.chrome (I use Pale Moon for Android)
com.android.partnerbrowsercustomizations.chromeHomepage
com.android.dreams.phototable
com.android.galaxy4
com.android.noisefield
com.android.phasebeam
com.android.wallpaper.holospiral
com.android.wallpaper.livepicker
com.android.wallpaper
com.sonyericsson.idd.agent
com.sonyericsson.startupflagservice
com.sonymobile.experienceflow2
com.sonymobilemusic.googlelyricsplugin
com.sonymobile.slideshow
com.sonyericsson.warrantytime

After "hiding" most of the above apps, I have around 1100mb of free ram left instead of 600mb before debloating. The phone feels much snappier too.

I use magisk to hide the following apps from system. So i'm not actually touching the system partition. Although you need unlocked bootloader and custom kernel (genesis) for that so the OTA updates won't install anyway. Thats why I removed the update-center as well. Use at your own Risk.
/system/app/CrashMonitor
/system/app/CrashMonitorsystem
/system/app/EditorsDocs
/system/app/EditorsSheets
/system/app/EditorsSlides
/system/app/Exchange2
/system/app/ExternalKeyboardJP
/system/app/FaceLock
/system/app/GetMoreClient-standard-release
/system/app/Gmail2
/system/app/GoogleLyricsPlugin
/system/app/GoogleTTS
/system/app/IddAgent
/system/app/Iengine
/system/app/KerberosService
/system/app/Lifelog-3.0.B.4.15-6295567-googlePreloadLive-release
/system/app/OmaDownload
/system/app/PartnerBookmarksProvider
/system/app/PhotoWidget-release
/system/app/PrintSpooler
/system/app/RcaHandler
/system/app/RemoteControlService
/system/app/SemcAutoPowerOff
/system/app/SemcEmail
/system/app/SemcSimDetection
/system/app/SemcWarrantyTime
/system/app/SmartcardService
/system/app/SomcDualshockManager
/system/app/SomcMovieCreatorRmm-release
/system/app/SomcPOBox
/system/app/SomcSketch-live
/system/app/SyncHub-release
/system/app/TopContactsWidget-release
/system/app/WikipediaPlugin
/system/app/WorldClockWidget-release
/system/app/XperiaTransferMobile-release
/system/app/YouTube
/system/app/YouTubeKaraokePlugin
/system/app/YouTubePlugin
/system/app/com.facebook.appmanager
/system/app/com.facebook.katana
/system/app/com.s.antivirus
/system/app/com.sonyericsson.xhs
/system/app/com.sonymobile.xperialounge.services
/system/app/device-monitor
/system/app/fota-service
/system/app/newssuite
/system/app/photoslideshow-release
/system/app/playstationapp
/system/app/weather-release
/system/priv-app/BackupRestoreConfirmation
/system/priv-app/CameraWearableBridgeHandheldServer
/system/priv-app/EnterpriseService
/system/priv-app/GetMore-standard-release
/system/priv-app/GoogleBackupTransport
/system/priv-app/GoogleFeedback
/system/priv-app/MyXperia-release
/system/priv-app/OMAClientProvisioning-release
/system/priv-app/SharedStorageBackup
/system/priv-app/SomcMovieCreator-release
/system/priv-app/StartupFlagV2
/system/priv-app/Velvet
/system/priv-app/com.sonymobile.retaildemo
/system/priv-app/somc-get-to-know-it-release
/system/priv-app/textinput-chn-xhdpi
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-backup-transport
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-factoryreset-wrapper
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-fotaupdate-wrapper
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-update-wrapper
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-vendor-extension-service
/system/vendor/app/ChromeCustomizations
/system/priv-app/RcsVideoShare
/system/app/com.sonymobile.deqp
/system/app/talkback
/system/priv-app/rcs-settings
/system/app/SusResCheck
/system/app/videotvsideview
/system/app/Drive
/system/app/Chrome
/system/app/Videos
/system/app/Photos
/system/priv-app/SocialphonebookStub
/system/priv-app/album-albumLive-release
/system/app/pip
/system/priv-app/USMHome
/system/app/Hangouts
/system/app/videoplaceholder
/system/priv-app/rcs-core
/system/priv-app/sonyentrance2-release
/data/app/com.sonymobile.entrance-1
/system/priv-app/album-albumLive-release
/system/app/com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping
/oem/app/com.lookout
/oem/app/uk.co.ee.myee
/data/app/com.sonyericsson.updatecenter-1
/oem/overlay/com.sonyericsson.updatecenter
I also disabled the following apps on top of that:
AR effect
Creative Effect
Messaging ( I text with Signal)
Sound Photo
Spotify
Sticker Creator

tempurastyle said:
After "hiding" most of the above apps, I have around 1100mb of free ram left instead of 600mb before debloating. The phone feels much snappier too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow. you must have a lot of bloat. I had ~1GB free as stock with only disabling a lot of apps and a few services just through the app manager I have ~1.5GB free. (around 100-200MB more on both at fresh boot, I check the usage frequently) I do not have the amazon stuff and a lot of other things I see though. I am gonna have a look again now as there definitely is more to disable.

After disabling some apps listed above, i figured out that the qnovo battery care stopped working. Does anybody know which apps i need to enable to make it work again?

Battery care can be a little unstable. For me it works most of the time. It seems to work more often with the February security update. It works with the charging intelligent service (CIS). My list doesn't disable it.

Ikzy said:
I use magisk to hide the following apps from system. So i'm not actually touching the system partition. Although you need unlocked bootloader and custom kernel (genesis) for that so the OTA updates won't install anyway. Thats why I removed the update-center as well. Use at your own Risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I been thinking of installing magisk, but could not find a good reason yet, though when chainfire gives full control to the company that apparently bought supersu I am probably going to use the opensource solution by phh.
this is a good idea too! I read a little on how magisk modules works, and maybe I am lazy but do you mind sharing your module for reference and use? besides not inventing the spoon again, I think it could be of great help also to help understand the script structure faster/better.
best regards

realtuxen said:
Hi,
I been thinking of installing magisk, but could not find a good reason yet, though when chainfire gives full control to the company that apparently bought supersu I am probably going to use the opensource solution by phh.
this is a good idea too! I read a little on how magisk modules works, and maybe I am lazy but do you mind sharing your module for reference and use? besides not inventing the spoon again, I think it could be of great help also to help understand the script structure faster/better.
best regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc

Ikzy said:
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! That's another good idea, but you need to relock bootloader too as far as I know to receive OTA's again.
Would be really cool but probably near impossible if something could fake that most bothering step.
Loosing userdata and the devicekey with every upgrade would be a bummer although it can be restored too.

Ikzy said:
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a newbie question: How do you flash the stock kernel, and where do you get it from? Is it in the FTF file?

Yeah extract kernel.sin from the ftf file (its just a zip) then use flashtool sin editor to extract kernel.elf. Then you can use rootkernel to build a boot.img you can flash with fastboot. That's one method.

realtuxen said:
Yeah extract kernel.sin from the ftf file (its just a zip) then use flashtool sin editor to extract kernel.elf. Then you can use rootkernel to build a boot.img you can flash with fastboot. That's one method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Useful information! Just out of curiosity, what are the other methods? Can you just choose what you want to flash in Flashtool?

Another list of apps that can be removed with some comments included. You'll have to use google translate or similar though:
http://blog.livedoor.jp/cn221283/archives/51218350.html

tempurastyle said:
Thanks! Useful information! Just out of curiosity, what are the other methods? Can you just choose what you want to flash in Flashtool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can exclude/choose things to flash, so I guess you could exclude everything but kernel in Flashtool. But your system can not be modified or rooted so you might as well just flash the whole thing except/not wiping userdata. Both should return you to stock with unlocked bl and intact device key. (no ota though)
Play around with the options with your phone disconnected in simulation mode, it might help you to understand the process better once you get past the confusion.

Ikzy said:
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,how can I use this Zip?

Ad blocking Apps Not working in Oneplus 3T OOS(4.1.4)[Systemless root via magisk]

My Oneplus 3T is running on OOS 4.1.4 (Android 7.1.1). i just rooted(via systemless method) my 3T 4 days back with Magisk V12, after unlocking the boot loader and flashing the latest TWRP v3.1.1. no dm-verity triggered, so no warning on boot except the unlocked boot loader warning. my system is read only. i just enable magisk systemless host.
i installed the latest version of Adaway v3.2(Supports systemless root) and enable the ad blocking but it doesn't worked still am getting ad in apps like es file explorer, mx played, etc.
i had tried many ad blocking app like DNS66, adguard, etc.
i had also tried both host based ad blocking and VPN based ad blocking nothing worked for my.
dose any one have any idea or any suggestion to block ads in my one plus 3T

where's the guide?

BonnyBedlamBoy said:
where's the guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What guide?

Apps are getting smarter
I believe the main problem is that app developers are getting better at circumventing ad blockers. I use AdAway, and it has a "Scan for AdWare" feature that basically shows you the apps you have that it knows can get past it. I think MX Player is on that list. ES File Explorer isn't, but it gets ads through also.

Azaruddin said:
My Oneplus 3T is running on OOS 4.1.4 (Android 7.1.1). i just rooted(via systemless method) my 3T 4 days back with Magisk V12, after unlocking the boot loader and flashing the latest TWRP v3.1.1. no dm-verity triggered, so no warning on boot except the unlocked boot loader warning. my system is read only. i just enable magisk systemless host.
i installed the latest version of Adaway v3.2(Supports systemless root) and enable the ad blocking but it doesn't worked still am getting ad in apps like es file explorer, mx played, etc.
i had tried many ad blocking app like DNS66, adguard, etc.
i had also tried both host based ad blocking and VPN based ad blocking nothing worked for my.
dose any one have any idea or any suggestion to block ads in my one plus 3T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Adguard premium and it works great for all of my apps (except pandora). The problem with adaway is it's just a host blocker. Adguard will use https filtering to remove the ads from apps that are being sneaky. I don't know what apps you have so I can't be more specific than that. I'm on RR right now and also have no issues on OOS 4.1.3 for the other OP3T in my house.

shadeau said:
I have Adguard premium and it works great for all of my apps (except pandora). The problem with adaway is it's just a host blocker. Adguard will use https filtering to remove the ads from apps that are being sneaky. I don't know what apps you have so I can't be more specific than that. I'm on RR right now and also have no issues on OOS 4.1.3 for the other OP3T in my house.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok @shadeau i will try the Adgaurd premium. But i thing adgaurd premium is a VPN based adblocker. thanks for your info. i'll share my experience after trying out the Adgaurd premium. :good:

jfsat said:
I believe the main problem is that app developers are getting better at circumventing ad blockers. I use AdAway, and it has a "Scan for AdWare" feature that basically shows you the apps you have that it knows can get past it. I think MX Player is on that list. ES File Explorer isn't, but it gets ads through also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jfsat
Dose Adaway works u ? if so
what version of adaway r u using ?
what is ur OOS version ?

Azaruddin said:
@jfsat
Dose Adaway works u ? if so
what version of adaway r u using ?
what is ur OOS version ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/org.blokada
Works great for me, I need to disable adblock easily at times and this works great.

LMcR92 said:
Try https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/org.blokada
Works great for me, I need to disable adblock easily at times and this works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @LMcR92 i will try blokada today and i'll share my experience with you :good:

Azaruddin said:
ok @shadeau i will try the Adgaurd premium. But i thing adgaurd premium is a VPN based adblocker. thanks for your info. i'll share my experience after trying out the Adgaurd premium. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a VPN-based mode (which I use), but because of the https filtering (which you need to manually enable in settings and install a certificate for) it filters more ads because it sees all of the ad requests of the app. Last time I checked Adguard had a trial period you could use to evaluate the app.

shadeau said:
It has a VPN-based mode (which I use), but because of the https filtering (which you need to manually enable in settings and install a certificate for) it filters more ads because it sees all of the ad requests of the app. Last time I checked Adguard had a trial period you could use to evaluate the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm k thanks for the info @shadeau

LMcR92 said:
Try https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/org.blokada
Works great for me, I need to disable adblock easily at times and this works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Azaruddin said:
Thanks @LMcR92 i will try blokada today and i'll share my experience with you :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@LMcR92 blokad is only working with the browser. it blocked only ads in the browsers and not in apps. Still am getting ad in the apps like ADM, es file Explorer, MX player, etc. it also consumes more battery.

shadeau said:
It has a VPN-based mode (which I use), but because of the https filtering (which you need to manually enable in settings and install a certificate for) it filters more ads because it sees all of the ad requests of the app. Last time I checked Adguard had a trial period you could use to evaluate the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have adguard premium.
I am running latest OOS beta with magisk systemless root.
I have tried to use Adguard premium via Local HTTP Proxy (i.e. root method), but it just doesn't seem to work and as a result I use the Local VPN method, which seems to work.
I did use to use Adaway previously, but that isn't working at the moment, based on these problems.

Azaruddin said:
My Oneplus 3T is running on OOS 4.1.4 (Android 7.1.1). i just rooted(via systemless method) my 3T 4 days back with Magisk V12, after unlocking the boot loader and flashing the latest TWRP v3.1.1. no dm-verity triggered, so no warning on boot except the unlocked boot loader warning. my system is read only. i just enable magisk systemless host.
i installed the latest version of Adaway v3.2(Supports systemless root) and enable the ad blocking but it doesn't worked still am getting ad in apps like es file explorer, mx played, etc.
i had tried many ad blocking app like DNS66, adguard, etc.
i had also tried both host based ad blocking and VPN based ad blocking nothing worked for my.
dose any one have any idea or any suggestion to block ads in my one plus 3T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At last after few days of my observation, i found that all the ad blocking app where working fine in Oneplus 3T.
Adaway v3.2 almost blocks all the ads, even though there some ads in like es file explorer, mx played, etc. the reason for those ads is that, they are the coming through the Facebook.com.
is there any solution to block these ads ?

@Azaruddin: https://www.seven.com/android-adblocker-download.php < AdClear. Does the best job, if you can't afford a license of AdGuard .

A Few Magisk/Substratum Questions

I just recently did a full fastboot restore. In the past I've always used SuperSU, this time I went with Magisk. Glad I did because it's great. I love that you can fastboot boot TWRP and leave the system read-only and still flash Magisk. I have some Magisk questions that hopefully someone can clear up for me that Googling isn't making clear:
1: The option in Magisk's settings for Systemless Adblock Hosts - does enabling that work with the normal AdAway that you get from F-Droid? Or is that specifically for the Unified Ad Hosts module within Magisk?
2: Does using the normal AdAway break safety net & the ability to take an OTA down the road (if hosts & Magisk are removed)?
3: Does the Unified Ad Hosts module need to be used, or is the normal AdAway OK to use? Or is it that module intended to be used alongside AdAway?
4: I noticed a Greenify4Magisk module - does this module need to be installed in order to use Greenify? I'm used to systemless SuperSU which Greenify just worked. Looking for clarity on Greenify + Magisk.
5: Does using the Xposed Magisk Module allow for Gravity Box customization, that then can be reverted in order to take an OTA? Using the standard Xposed + Systemless SuperSU and removing it later would still leave traces behind that caused OTA's to fail, is the purpose of the dedicated Magisk Xposed modules to solve this issue?
6: (Not Magisk related): Does using a simple Substratum navbar theme (or any Substratum Legacy theme) & then removing it break OTA's? I like to change my navbar to the Pixel one, but still want to easily take the OTA when it arrives next century...

annoyingduck said:
I just recently did a full fastboot restore. In the past I've always used SuperSU, this time I went with Magisk. Glad I did because it's great. I love that you can fastboot boot TWRP and leave the system read-only and still flash Magisk. I have some Magisk questions that hopefully someone can clear up for me that Googling isn't making clear:
1: The option in Magisk's settings for Systemless Adblock Hosts - does enabling that work with the normal AdAway that you get from F-Droid? Or is that specifically for the Unified Ad Hosts module within Magisk?
2: Does using the normal AdAway break safety net & the ability to take an OTA down the road (if hosts & Magisk are removed)?
3: Does the Unified Ad Hosts module need to be used, or is the normal AdAway OK to use? Or is it that module intended to be used alongside AdAway?
4: I noticed a Greenify4Magisk module - does this module need to be installed in order to use Greenify? I'm used to systemless SuperSU which Greenify just worked. Looking for clarity on Greenify + Magisk.
5: Does using the Xposed Magisk Module allow for Gravity Box customization, that then can be reverted in order to take an OTA? Using the standard Xposed + Systemless SuperSU and removing it later would still leave traces behind that caused OTA's to fail, is the purpose of the dedicated Magisk Xposed modules to solve this issue?
6: (Not Magisk related): Does using a simple Substratum navbar theme (or any Substratum Legacy theme) & then removing it break OTA's? I like to change my navbar to the Pixel one, but still want to easily take the OTA when it arrives next century...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer a couple of these.
1) the add-on for adblocking in magisk is separate from adblock. You have to use a terminal app to update your HOSTS file.
4) Greenify works just fine without the module. To the best of my knowledge the module you are referring to is for using boost mode on Greenify, which basically allows apps you have hibernated with gcm functionality to still receive gcm push updates.

aybarrap1 said:
I can answer a couple of these.
1) the add-on for adblocking in magisk is separate from adblock. You have to use a terminal app to update your HOSTS file.
4) Greenify works just fine without the module. To the best of my knowledge the module you are referring to is for using boost mode on Greenify, which basically allows apps you have hibernated with gcm functionality to still receive gcm push updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression after reading up on ad away that the systemless hosts toggle in magisk handles ad away as well, and is not just for the ad blocking module with terminal emulator.
Ad away is ok to use and the module I believe the module is not needed. Magisk systemless hosts is compatible with ad away

1: The option in Magisk's settings for Systemless Adblock Hosts - does enabling that work with the normal AdAway that you get from F-Droid? Or is that specifically for the Unified Ad Hosts module within Magisk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it works, fully compatible, does not trigger SafetyNet, no need for Unified Ad Hosts module.
2: Does using the normal AdAway break safety net & the ability to take an OTA down the road (if hosts & Magisk are removed)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does break, it edit hosts files directly in system folder, use it with Magisk and systemless hosts enabled for SafetyNet certification
3: Does the Unified Ad Hosts module need to be used, or is the normal AdAway OK to use? Or is it that module intended to be used alongside AdAway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normal AdAway if you have "systemless hosts" activated in Magisk Manager
4: I noticed a Greenify4Magisk module - does this module need to be installed in order to use Greenify? I'm used to systemless SuperSU which Greenify just worked. Looking for clarity on Greenify + Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not needed, it just enable the boost mode for Greenify without triggering SafetyNet
5: Does using the Xposed Magisk Module allow for Gravity Box customization, that then can be reverted in order to take an OTA? Using the standard Xposed + Systemless SuperSU and removing it later would still leave traces behind that caused OTA's to fail, is the purpose of the dedicated Magisk Xposed modules to solve this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does (my own experience), but IT'S NOT THE PURPOSE OF DEDICATED MAGISK XPOSED TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE, but it solved for me. (of course you need android Marshmallow 6.x.x, Nougat 7.x.x does not have Xposed)
6: (Not Magisk related): Does using a simple Substratum navbar theme (or any Substratum Legacy theme) & then removing it break OTA's? I like to change my navbar to the Pixel one, but still want to easily take the OTA when it arrives next century...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure about this one '^^, but if it changes stuff in system folder will **** up the OTA.

@Spencervb256 Thanks. @dollarbr Thanks man, I like how you answer questions. You answer them the way I write them which automatically makes you a superior being . Thanks again.

annoyingduck said:
@Spencervb256 Thanks. @dollarbr Thanks man, I like how you answer questions. You answer them the way I write them which automatically makes you a superior being . Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem bro, for me, being answered is already good enough, the way the answer is presented is not a problem, since it does solve the problem, if you need anything else and i can answer just ask :good:

Systemless ROOT - Some apps not working (Freedom, Link2SD, etc.)

Hi,
I am very new to Systemless root and it seems littlebit confusing for me.
I have few problems. I am using Magisk Systemless ROOT on my 1+5 with Android 7.1.1
I already know that because of non-editable /system i can't delete or upgrade system apps. But my bigger problem is for example with F***dom app. I know that warez is not supported here so I am asking only for educational purposes (or whatever). F***dom not working at all. My pay card still showing (Fallout Shelter, Fruit Ninja, etc.). Even L***y Pat***r not work well. I am still getting errors when trying to patch Fallout or any other apps. One of the least problem is with busybox. Why I cant install busybox to /system/bin but to /system/xbin yes?
Is there any way how to make system root work like nornal root? I really want use my old apps. Not just Freedom, but for example Titanium Backup not working too.

Titanium Backup definitely works with systemless root. When you go into the Magisk Manager app does it actually show that you are rooted? When you click on the Safety Net check in Magisk Manager what message do you get?

I am using Magisk systemless root and it works.
So you're probably not rooted at all. And I did not even had to install busybox either.

jhs39 said:
Titanium Backup definitely works with systemless root. When you go into the Magisk Manager app does it actually show that you are rooted? When you click on the Safety Net check in Magisk Manager what message do you get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am rooted. Safety Net is ok when Hide Root setting is selected in Magisk. Apps normally get root access but as I said some of them not work properly. Busybox throw error when installing to /system/bin
Titanium Backup not recover system apps or data.
And what about freedom?

There's actually a dedicated support thread on XDA for Magisk. Since your issue seems to be very Magisk specific rather than a OP5 issue you would probably have more success posting your question there.

Just a reminder to all. No mentions of lucky patcher or freedom are allowed in the forums as they are warez/malware apps.

ScottDGoodman said:
Freedom APK v2.0.8 is an Android application which will give you a chance to open the top notch highlights of prevalent recreations free of cost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That app is also banned on xda as are all Warez apps.

I highly recommend you delete this post and go somewhere else before more aggressive devs start waking up
XDA's tag line is "XDA Developers was founded by developers, for developers. " and you come in here waving your middle finger around saying developers' time and energy is worthless and your deserve it all for fee, and your entitled ass comes here asking for more help exploiting devs.
Help specific to LP, Freedom, and all other exploitive apps is forbidden here. #GoAway
And all that aside, your question has been asked 1000x by legit users. Spending even 10-15 seconds researching the problem would yield a result. #LMGTFY