Database Users

[TOOLS Fire HD 6&7 ] Rooting, Gapps, Launchers, Block OTA & Ads + More

Download the latest tools from the AFH link near end of post. It includes the changes in the attached "jobs" zip. You only need "jobs" if you downloaded the tools before May 11
EDIT May 29: Playstore is currently unreliable. Until updated, use the workaround here.
UPDATE May 17: Install Other Launcher and Install Kingroot tools may not complete if Windows username has spaces. I'll fix in next update. Until then, if your username has spaces, use this fix.
Here are tools for the 2014 Fire HD 6 and 7. A little late, I know, but some of you who still troll the forums may find them handy. Download the tools from AFH link, extract and run RUNME.bat.
IF YOU PLAN TO ROOT, TURN OFF WIFI NOW!
Tested working on OS 5.1.2.1 and below, except:
- Current Kingroot can't root 5.1.2.1. You need to downgrade. See "ROOT OS 5.1.2", below.
- OS 4: Only OTA blocking is implemented in the Block/Unblock jobs. [5/13/16 UPDATE: Also, Play Store isn't working on OS 4.
.. I probably won't fix it unless there's some demand. Try the video guide here. OS 4 users, also see post #11 for useful info about custom launchers.]
THE TOOLS
Install Play Store
Install Nova Launcher to /priv-app [root]
Install Other Launcher to /priv-app [root]
Uninstall priv-app Launchers [root]
Install Apps
Block/Unblock: OTA, ADS, AMAZON LAUNCHER, APPSTORE, AMAZON SEARCH [root]
Root Checker
Device Info
Root Tools
Install Kingroot ~ Root ~ Block OTA
Replace Kingroot with SuperSU [root]
DESCRIPTIONS
Before running a job, look here for any tips and instructions. This info is also in the readme.txt in the zip​
INSTALL PLAY STORE - Like it says. Works on both rooted and unrooted OS 5. Not for OS 4. EDIT May 29: Playstore is currently unreliable. Until updated, use the workaround here.
INSTALL NOVA LAUNCHER - Installs Nova to /system/priv-app so widgets work. If you just rooted, make this your first custom launcher. You can replace it or add a different one later.
INSTALL OTHER LAUNCHER Installs the launcher app in user_launcher folder to priv-app. Get the apk for the launcher you want (from apkmirror.com for example) and put it into the folder and run the job. EDIT 5/16/2016: Filenames must end with ".apk" No spaces allowed; replace with "_". (The tool will find spaces and pause while while you fix.)
HOW TO INSTALL GOOGLE NOW (also in Readme.txt):
It's much easier to install Google Now if Amazon is blocked, and you need a custom launcher to do that.
1. If you don't have a custom launcher installed, use Install Nova tool (installs Nova and blocks Amazon)
If you have a custom launcher, block Amazon so your custom launcher is running.
2. Get Google Now (small) from apkmirror.com, e.g., put into user_launcher folder and run Install Other Launcher job.
You'll boot to your "other" launcher
3. Run Google Now in app drawer and:
If prompted to Update Google App (Get it from Google Play), do it.
If prompted that other launcher is default, tap link to go to Amazon Settings. In Apps & Games>Manage all Applications: Swipe to All, scroll to your other launcher, tap it and see if "Launch by Default" is on. If yes, Clear Defaults. If no, go to your launcher settings and see if you can turn off default there.
Some launchers don't give up their default easily. If pressing home key doesn't show "Select Home App" after doing the above, run Block/Unblock tool and switch to Amazon. Then block Amazon again. After restart, press home key and you'll get "Select Home App" and be able to choose Google Now.
UNINSTALL LAUNCHERS - Uninstalls and deletes everything associated with a launcher installed to /priv-app. If multiple, prompts you to choose the one to uninstall.
INSTALL APPS - Installs all the apps in the user_apps folder. Put the apks into the folder and run the job. Filenames must end with ".apk" No spaces allowed; replace with "_". (The tool will find spaces and pause while while you fix.) Don't install a launcher with this; use one of the launcher tools.
BLOCK/UNBLOCK - OTA, ADS, AMAZON LAUNCHER, APPSTORE, AMAZON SEARCH
Except for OTA, these work only on rooted OS 5. OTA does a soft block on unrooted OS 4, hard block on rooted.
OTA: Disables update packages and renames DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk for a "hard" block. Unblock reverses it.
ADS: Blocks/unblocks the lockscreen ads.
AMAZON LAUNCHER: Block disables the stock launcher (Amazon UI) and the Appstore, which forces the home key to use your custom launcher. Unblock switches you to Amazon. Checks for custom launcher before disabling Amazon. Black screen with multiple custom launchers: If you haven't set a default launcher, disabling Amazon will boot to black screen. (System doesn't know which launcher to use.) Press home key (circle at bottom) for launcher choices. TIP: To easily switch between your launcher and Amazon, use @bibikalka's guide here to set up "one-tap switching" from launcher home screen.
APPSTORE: Blocks the appstore so in-app links take you to the Play Store (instead of throwing that stupid Appstore prompt). Amazon complains bitterly if you run this from Amazon UI, so use it at your custom launcher or just use the Amazon launcher block.
AMAZON SEARCH: If you have Google Search installed, blocking Amazon Search makes your launcher search bar use Google instead of Amazon shopping.
DEVICE INFO - Just some specs that I find interesting. Lazy man's way to find out which tablet is plugged in, OS it's running, whether rooted . . .
INSTALL KINGROOT, ROOT, BLOCK OTA - Installs Kingroot, prompts you through rooting and blocks OTA updates.
- Installs kingroot v.4.8.5 by default.
- You can skip installation if Kingroot already installed
- You can install a later version if available: Check for new versions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
ROOTING AND UPDATES: An update file can download while you're rooting. The Kingroot tool prevents it from installing as soon as you press Enter to tell the tool you're rooted. Then it looks for any downloaded file and if it finds one it tells you where it is and prompts you to delete.
Amazon says that updates install when the the device is not being used, but be aware that on OS 5 there's some risk. To minimize the risk, never leave the tablet idle while rooting. Just keep running Kingroot until root is successful and then press Enter to block installation of any download. (These instructions are in the tool.) To eliminate all risk, you can downgrade and root OS 4.5.3. On OS 4 the tool blocks update installation before rooting. (There's no way to do this on OS 5.) From OS 4.5.3, you upgrade with root in TWRP per bibikalka's root Tut.
True story: Kingroot once rebooted 5 times and told me "Root Failed" 3 times before finally succeeding. An update had downloaded to /cache, but the kingroot tool successfully blocked installation and found the file, which I deleted. So, although it's possible you could get upgraded, as long as you keep the tablet busy trying to root and then press Enter as soon as you're rooted, it's very unlikely.
REPLACE KINGROOT WITH SUPERSU - Installs W0lfDroid's sh script and prompts you through using it to replace Kingroot.
I reviewed and tested the script and it does (only) what it says: Removes all Kingroot (except Purify app, which tool uninstalls) and installs SuperSU. The tool uses SuperSU v. 2.4.6 for OS 5 (known working on OS 5.1.2) and SuperSU v. 2.4.9 for OS 4 (because 2.4.6 didn't seem to work).
FULL DISCLOSURE: I lost root one time after running this on OS 4. I think the problem was SuperSU 2.4.6 and that's why I changed it. I've tested many times and this only happened once, but you should know it happened. AFAIK W0lfDroid script is still the best free tool for the job.
ERRORS: Script was written to remove Kingroot from multiple android versions, so it tries to remove Kingroot files that don't exist on Lollipop. THIS PRODUCES LOTS OF ERRORS. THAT'S OK. I left in all commands so it will work on OS 4, too.
USE THIS SOON AFTER ROOTING. W0lfDroid's script should work fine even with root apps installed, but all I know for sure is it runs quick and easy on a "fresh" system.
ADB Sideload
There's an adb-sideload job in the jobs folder. I didn't put it on the menu because it uses commands that may not run on some systems. Also, if you know what you're doing, it's probably faster to manually sideload an update. If someone wants to try it, put the update bin file into adb_sideload folder and run sideload.bat.​WINDOWS TESTING: Script was tested on English-language versions of Win 7 Pro and Home. Some testing on Win 10. (Thanks @SpaceBananas!) There's nothing that can hurt your tablet, but there may be kinks to work out based on Windows version. Hope a tester will work with me to help make the tools accessible to everyone. Thanks!
ADB DRIVERS REQUIRED: Try the guide in first link below. If problems, try the second.
Guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fir...ivers-fire-t3189000/post62561840#post62561840
Other options: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63072252&postcount=2
ROOT OS 5.1.2
IF YOU PLAN TO ROOT, TURN OFF WIFI NOW!
ROOT GUIDE: Follow this guide to use Kingroot and the root tools to set up your tablet.
At this time, Kingroot can only root OS 5.1.2 (February 2016) and below.
You can downgrade OS 5.1.2.1 (March 2016) to 5.1.2 and root, as explained in Root Guide, but this is an exception!
In general, never downgrade in order to use Kingroot. It's the fastest way to a brick!
You may be able to safely downgrade a higher OS to OS 4.5.3, root, and then upgrade in TWRP per @bibikalka's root Tut. Before trying this on an OS later than 5.1.2.1, make sure the tutorial says it's safe.
DOWNLOAD THE TOOLS FROM AFH ➔ . FireHD_TOOLS v 1.2
Update as of 5/11/16
➔ If you got the tools before the update, just replace the jobs folder in FIREHD_TOOLS with the one in attached "jobs_v1.x.zip"
Change Log
5/11/2016 - v1.2: Updated sideload.bat. (Missed the Find/Findstr fixes.)
5/10/2016 - v1.1: Fixed "No such file or directory" and "Permission denied" errors for users with *nix Find command installed
.

Nice Work!

@DoLooper - Magnum Opus, no less !
Why version 0.1 ??? The first release - solid 1.0 !!!

Updated. See OP.
Guys, I could use some feedback. Tools are getting downloaded a lot. Anybody using them? Are they helpful? Problems? Wishes? Anything? Thanks!
.

Updated again <sigh>. Sideload tool didn't get updated in v1.1. Apologies to those who downloaded the jobs zip.

DoLooper said:
Updated. See OP.
Guys, I could use some feedback. Tools are getting downloaded a lot. Anybody using them? Are they helpful? Problems? Wishes? Anything? Thanks!
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks DoLooper.
I tried these tools on my Fire HD 7 running 4.5.5.1 rooted with KingRoot.
I was able to use the script to successfully switch from KingRoot to SuperSU as well as to install Nova Launcher.
However, I had issues with the script elsewhere.
The play store seemed to install okay and it let me put in my google account info. After that, things went down hill. I was able to open the Play Store app without it crashing, but I just kept getting the "Error retrieving information from server. [RH-01]" message . I tried numerous things to correct this, but nothing seemed to work. In the end, I downgraded to 4.5.5, wiped data, cache and dalvik, and then flashed gapps via TWRP. This worked out, so all is good now.
I also had trouble with blocking the default launcher. Nova seemed to install okay, but the default launcher still worked and was a constant nag with each press of the home button. I fixed this by freezing the default launcher via Titanium Backup.
I don't know if these issues are particular to 4.5.5.1, or if I'm just unlucky. Regardless, I still appreciate your effort for putting this together. :good:
I'm currently trying to get wallpapers and widgets to work on the Nova launcher with no success. I tried the fixes intended for earlier Kindle models and (not surprisingly), they didn't work. Specifically, I tried Stunt's Wallpaper Fix and Kindlefree from the app store.
Any ideas where I should look for guidance on making Wallpapers and Widgets work?
Thanks again!

notorious.dds said:
Thanks DoLooper.
I tried these tools on my Fire HD 7 running 4.5.5.1 rooted with KingRoot.
I was able to use the script to successfully switch from KingRoot to SuperSU as well as to install Nova Launcher.
However, I had issues with the script elsewhere.
The play store seemed to install okay and it let me put in my google account info. After that, things went down hill. I was able to open the Play Store app without it crashing, but I just kept getting the "Error retrieving information from server. [RH-01]" message . I tried numerous things to correct this, but nothing seemed to work. In the end, I downgraded to 4.5.5, wiped data, cache and dalvik, and then flashed gapps via TWRP. This worked out, so all is good now.
I also had trouble with blocking the default launcher. Nova seemed to install okay, but the default launcher still worked and was a constant nag with each press of the home button. I fixed this by freezing the default launcher via Titanium Backup.
I don't know if these issues are particular to 4.5.5.1, or if I'm just unlucky. Regardless, I still appreciate your effort for putting this together. :good:
I'm currently trying to get wallpapers and widgets to work on the Nova launcher with no success. I tried the fixes intended for earlier Kindle models and (not surprisingly), they didn't work. Specifically, I tried Stunt's Wallpaper Fix and Kindlefree from the app store.
Any ideas where I should look for guidance on making Wallpapers and Widgets work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for feedback. Tools apparently need work for OS 4.5.5.1. I tested pretty well on 4.5.3 and 4.5.5, but not 4.5.5.1. There may be some peculiarity there.
- The play store error has been reported on some 2015 Fires (using a different tool, but same method to install). It's unclear why it happens on some devices and not others, and they haven't found a fix, but it may be an OS 4 issue on the Fire HDs. I'll look into it.
- Nova & stock launchers: The block on stock launcher didn't work because it isn't implemented for OS 4. As mentioned at top of OP, only OTA block is available for OS 4. I'll need to add it in an update. Hadn't thought about need for it when using the Nova tool.
Would you please look in /system/priv-app folder and see if com.teslacoil.launcher.apk is at the bottom of directory? If so, are perms set to rw- r-- r--? Let me know and we'll proceed from there to get you widgets. Thanks.

DoLooper said:
Thanks for feedback. Tools apparently need work for OS 4.5.5.1. I tested pretty well on 4.5.3 and 4.5.5, but not 4.5.5.1. There may be some peculiarity there.
- The play store error has been reported on some 2015 Fires (using a different tool, but same method to install). It's unclear why it happens on some devices and not others, and they haven't found a fix, but it may be an OS 4 issue on the Fire HDs. I'll look into it.
- Nova & stock launchers: The block on stock launcher didn't work because it isn't implemented for OS 4. As mentioned at top of OP, only OTA block is available for OS 4. I'll need to add it in an update. Hadn't thought about need for it when using the Nova tool.
Would you please look in /system/priv-app folder and see if com.teslacoil.launcher.apk is at the bottom of directory? If so, are perms set to rw- r-- r--? Let me know and we'll proceed from there to get you widgets. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help!
I found the com.teslacoilsw.launcher-1.apk file, but it's in my /data/app folder... and it is chmod'ed to 644.
Also, I did successfully install the AppWidgetPicker.apk and LiveWallpapersPicker.apk files to /system/app using the "kindlefree" app, but I think that about all the app did. These files are also chmod'ed to 644.

notorious.dds said:
Thanks for the help!
I found the com.teslacoilsw.launcher-1.apk file, but it's in my /data/app folder... and it is chmod'ed to 644.
Also, I did successfully install the AppWidgetPicker.apk and LiveWallpapersPicker.apk files to /system/app using the "kindlefree" app, but I think that about all the app did. These files are also chmod'ed to 644.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using OS 5 for too long! Forgot you can't get wallpaper on OS 4 without fussing. It's unclear from your post: Did the pickers get wallpaper to work? This is the way we did it back when we always booted twrp and installed xposed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-hd/general/how-to-wallpaper-custom-launcher-t3123009
As to widgets: What I meant is, you should have /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk. Do you? I just retested this on 4.5.3. Nova (com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk) got copied there and chmod'ed to 644 as it should and widgets are working fine.
No wallpaper is a bad problem, though, and no tool can fix it--unless that LiveWallpapersPicker DID work. Let me know. And let me know about /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk.
BTW, how come you want to stay on OS 4?

DoLooper said:
I've been using OS 5 for too long! Forgot you can't get wallpaper on OS 4 without fussing. It's unclear from your post: Did the pickers get wallpaper to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
DoLooper said:
This is the way we did it back when we always booted twrp and installed xposed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-hd/general/how-to-wallpaper-custom-launcher-t3123009
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I tried that to no avail, but I can't remember exactly which module I used.
DoLooper said:
As to widgets: What I meant is, you should have /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk. Do you? I just retested this on 4.5.3. Nova (com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk) got copied there and chmod'ed to 644 as it should and widgets are working fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I ended up installing Nova via the app store so that's why it wasn't on the system partition. However, my widgets seemed to work when I checked again. I have no idea why they wouldn't work when I first tried them. I did end up creating two simple scripts via the "Scripter" app that would enable and disable the stock launcher. I put them as widgets on the nova desktop allowing for single click toggling of the stock launcher.
DoLooper said:
No wallpaper is a bad problem, though, and no tool can fix it--unless that LiveWallpapersPicker DID work. Let me know. And let me know about /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, nothing seemed to fix the wallpaper... always black. Am understanding this correctly that the wallpaper works on this thing if I load Lollipop?
DoLooper said:
BTW, how come you want to stay on OS 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't want to fiddle around with change the bootloaders every time I wanted into TWRP. At this point, it doesn't matter anyway... I hard bricked the device by flashing the 5.2.0 stock recovery last night
The post about using this to revert to stock should be edited or removed. It's bad.
The only reason I was trying to revert to stock was that I ended up getting into a situation where the stock launcher would continue looping back to the Welcome/select language screen. I wiped cache, data, and dalvik and reflashed the 4.5.5 rom which didn't fix it. I even tried that same approach including a wipe of system... same result. I was quite surprised to see the problem continue even after wiping everything. At that point I figured I go back to full stock and start over... BAD IDEA.
Anyway, I ordered a new one and it should be here tomorrow. I'm now curious if it's possible to recover the bricked device via the UART port on the motherboard. We'll see.:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:

notorious.dds said:
. . .
I think I ended up installing Nova via the app store so that's why it wasn't on the system partition. However, my widgets seemed to work when I checked again. I have no idea why they wouldn't work when I first tried them. I did end up creating two simple scripts via the "Scripter" app that would enable and disable the stock launcher. I put them as widgets on the nova desktop allowing for single click toggling of the stock launcher.
No, nothing seemed to fix the wallpaper... always black. Am understanding this correctly that the wallpaper works on this thing if I load Lollipop?
I didn't want to fiddle around with change the bootloaders every time I wanted into TWRP. At this point, it doesn't matter anyway... I hard bricked the device by flashing the 5.2.0 stock recovery last night
The post about using this to revert to stock should be edited or removed. It's bad.
The only reason I was trying to revert to stock was that I ended up getting into a situation where the stock launcher would continue looping back to the Welcome/select language screen. I wiped cache, data, and dalvik and reflashed the 4.5.5 rom which didn't fix it. I even tried that same approach including a wipe of system... same result. I was quite surprised to see the problem continue even after wiping everything. At that point I figured I go back to full stock and start over... BAD IDEA.
Anyway, I ordered a new one and it should be here tomorrow. I'm now curious if it's possible to recover the bricked device via the UART port on the motherboard. We'll see.:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear about the brick. Good thing Amazon is patient with us.
Yes, wallpaper works fine on OS 5. [For others who read this, on OS 4 the only way to get wallpaper is with Xposed (installed in TWRP) and the kindleBG module in the link I posted above. And BTW, although the tools don't block OS 4 Amazon launcher ATM, it can be done manually. Commands are here.]
Thanks for your input. Play store didn't work for me either this time, despite earlier success. Everything else except the launcher block (and other non-OTA blocks) does work, so for now I'm just going to edit post and see if there's any other interest in play store on OS 4. (I trust you'll get OS 5 on replacement or will want to update to it.)
As to TWRP: Once tablet is set up, booting TWRP isn't needed much except for upgrading. and bibikalka gives us lots of options for doing it.
Let us know if anything comes of UART port tests. You'd be the hero of the community!

Workaround for Windows username with spaces
The Install Other Launcher and Install Kingroot jobs may not complete if your Windows username has spaces in it. I'll fix this in next update. Meanwhile here's the workaround:
1. Right-click RUNME.bat and choose Edit. [file opens in Notepad]
2. Add a blank line under :: Set paths and run menu.
3. Type: SET "username=abc"
4. Make sure this section of RUNME looks like below and then save and close Notepad
Code:
:: Set paths and run menu.
SET "username=abc"
SET "main=%CD%\"
SET "jobsdir=%main%jobs\"
[remaining code]
This changes the username only for the tools. The rest of Windows continues to use the real username.

I'm getting ready to update. Please let me know if you found any problems.

Used the tool on my Fire HD 6 (4th Gen) running a Rooted OS 5.1.2.1 to install a new launcher and block OTA's, ads, fire launcher, appstore, and Amazon search. Everything worked without issue! Thanks for the awesome and simple to use tool! Tablet is now almost pure Android. Great work!!!
Sidenote: Used bibikalka's TUT (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-hd/general/how-to-upgrade-to-lollipop-root-gapps-t3163950) on my Fire HD 6 that was currently running Fire OS 4.5.3 with TWRP Recovery to obtain a Rooted Fire OS 5.1.2.1..

I adb'd the 5.1.2 upgrade to my slab this way.
$ adb push update-kindle-20.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin /sdcard/
3047 KB/s (663908627 bytes in 212.722s)
My OS is FIRE OS 5.1.2 Build Date March 31, 2016 1:37 AM.
I tried and got an error to the effect, "cannot upgrade because the upgrade you are trying is older than the one you have".
So I'm probably running an even later version of 5.1.2 where they blocked that loophole.
I'm just going to by a cheap Chinese slab and root that.

wallywallywally said:
I adb'd the 5.1.2 upgrade to my slab this way.
$ adb push update-kindle-20.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin /sdcard/
3047 KB/s (663908627 bytes in 212.722s)
My OS is FIRE OS 5.1.2 Build Date March 31, 2016 1:37 AM.
I tried and got an error to the effect, "cannot upgrade because the upgrade you are trying is older than the one you have".
So I'm probably running an even later version of 5.1.2 where they blocked that loophole.
I'm just going to by a cheap Chinese slab and root that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use adb sideload in Stock recovery
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs

sd_shadow said:
use adb sideload in Stock recovery
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yuh, I used sideload AND IT WORKED!!
I also have a fire 5th generation. Does the same procedure work for that, assuming I use the proper 5.1.2 for that device: https://kindle-fire-updates.s3.amaz...ate-kindle-global-37.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin

wallywallywally said:
Yuh, I used sideload AND IT WORKED!!
I also have a fire 5th generation. Does the same procedure work for that, assuming I use the proper 5.1.2 for that device: https://kindle-fire-updates.s3.amaz...ate-kindle-global-37.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs

Confirmed, this procedure worked for Fire (5th generation), however the amazon update file is different (see a few posts back)

I just got a fire HD 6 (4th Gen) with the 4.5.2 OS.
Everything I see talks about 4.5.3 and later. I have not turned on wifi, so basically in a holding pattern for now. I want to root/twrp and maybe a custom rom.
Can some give me advice on the best path to take? Should I upgrade then root? Or root then upgrade? Any advice is appreciated.

(Guide) De-chinese Stock KIW-AL10 (3GB VERSION) and make it Google friendly

This is a guide to debloat the KIW-AL10 and make stock Chinese usable.
First download Minimal adb and fastboot from here and install it.
Download HISuite and use that to install huawei drivers
Next Make sure developer options by hitting build number 7 times then open developer options and make sure usb debugging is activated in the developer options.
Plug phone into computer and install drivers, any unknown device will be adb so right click and select choose driver from list then select android devices then adb interface, always choose the older driver version for this phone.
One you have that installed you need to unlock your bootloader a great guide is here
Once you have unlocked the bootloader download install twrp using minimal adb and fastboot
First reboot into fastboot..
First check the device is present. using the command :adb devices
then boot into bootloader using the command : adb reboot-bootloader
if that doesn't work turn off device then switching on quickly hold down the volume down button while inserting the cable into the device
The device should then have a white screen with a robot and say unlocked in green writing
find the recovery image you downloaded and if its a different name rename it twrp.img so you know which one it is, files everywhere can get quite messy !
Now right click on the minimal adb link on the desktop and click open file location..
Now put the twrp.img file into the folder with the minimal adb files and close the window.
now flash the recovery using the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
Voila if everything is sucessful your phone now has twrp recovery !
Next use the following command: adb reboot recovery, if that doesnt work force a shutdown by holding the power button then let the phone boot while holding down the volume up button, it should boot into recovery.
Next MAKE A BACKUP THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND WHEN ITS DONE COPY IT TO A SAFE DRIVE DO NOT KEEP IT JUST ON YOU SD CARD IN CASE YOUR CARD DIES ! BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THIS PHONE AND THE FACT THAT YOU CANT FLASH NON VOLTE ROMS ON THIS PHONE THIS IS YOUR ONLY WAY OF RESTORING THE PHONE SO GUARD IT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT !
Now get a cup of coffee and have a break its not good to rush things
Now to root your phone..
Finish your coffee.
Download supersu from here
Put the zip onto your phones sd card and boot into recovery, select install and select the supersu zip and let it install, once done reboot the phone, it may reboot a few times thats normal dont panic, once the phone has finished booting check you have the su app installed, if so now we can do the rest of the stuff.
Next download google play store from here and install it
After opening the play store and signing in you will probably be told to update google services, let it do it then reboot the phone
Next using the play store download root explorer
Next stage is to make the dialer English. and remove yellow pages.
Using root explorer navigate to /cust/alltelecom/cn/prop
hard press on the file local.prop and select open in text editor using the 3 dots on the top right
Look for the following lines of code ro.product.locale.region=CN or similar
Change this to ro.product.locale.region=GB (or whatever your location is such make sure the country code is in CAPS )
Save the file
Now navigate to /system and open build.prop in text editor and change the following lines of code so they end in County matching code not cn
Example
ro.product.locale.region=GB (or whatever your location is such )
ro.product.locale.language=en (or whatever your location is such )
ro.product.locale.region=GB
Go slow there is lots of lines there but you will see them if you take your time
select save and exit from root explorer then reboot.. viola the chinese and yellow pages is gone !
After reboot you may get a baidu warning about location tracking, dont panic we will kill that bugger next !
Next install system app safe remover from the play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en_GB I always use this as its simple and keeps a backup of the removed app (just in case of problems)
Use that to remove all the chinse apps from the system including hivoice or it will interfere with google assistant, they are self explanatory
as they are all in chinese !
Next remove hi app
hi care
huawei id
network location (this is the one causing the nag screen dont worry work it will still work.
then reboot phone, there should be no more warnings about baidu location.
Now to get services google working.
You my have notice that despite installing a google account you contacts havent synced. we will fix that now..
To get google contacts to sync you need to install google contacts sync adaptor 6.0.1 from here
After you have installed it open up system apps and check it permision contacts is allowed, also open the battery setting and check it runs at boot and while screen is off, if there are no options for that ignore that bit and exit.
while you are there check google play services permission are all on especially contacts then reboot
Now install the google app from the app store
next install google assistant from the play store
now install google photos from the play store
Next install google chrome from play store
next install google calendar from the play store
next install google plus from the play store
next install google maps from the play store
next install youtube from the play store
Next install gboard from the play store
Then when all is done reboot the phone
After reboot check all the permissions of the apps and make sure all the google apps run at boot and keep running after screen off or they wont sync etc then reboot again.
Change horrible huawei keyboard to gboard in language settings
Open the google app and setup google and check your contacts have synced. set up the rest of your settings
Get a decent launcher as the huawei one sucks I use nova launcher prime its worth every penny but the free one is still good
Open settings app and click advanced, here you can change default launcher and select default app setting then select assistance and voice input, selectassist app as google select use text from screen and select use screenshot
I think that pretty much it, the rest you should be able to do yourself, have fun and good luck, any questions just ask.
I wrote this guide as there is very little info on the AL10,
Happy modding !

Very useful
Very useful post, my first venture into phone modding, enabled me to use my KIW-AL10 with Google functionality and to avoid the worst excesses of the stock Chinese software. Thanks!

Ed_shred said:
Very useful post, my first venture into phone modding, enabled me to use my KIW-AL10 with Google functionality and to avoid the worst excesses of the stock Chinese software. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the thanks ! glad it was of use to you, I wrote another guide which enables volte to be removed and put lineage os on instead which you may find useful, its a fairly lengthy process but foolproof and doesn't brick the phone which was my main concern as there is nowhere to download the stock roms for these 3gb variants, cheers

swukjay said:
Thanks for the thanks ! glad it was of use to you, I wrote another guide which enables volte to be removed and put lineage os on instead which you may find useful, its a fairly lengthy process but foolproof and doesn't brick the phone which was my main concern as there is nowhere to download the stock roms for these 3gb variants, cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the phone worked ok for a month, but then started restarting itself all the time. I deleted loads of apps, but it didn't solve the problem. Now, I decided to try to solve the problem by installing a custom ROM, so first step was to wipe the phone with TWRP. After wiping, I no longer had root access, and now installing SuperSU doesn't work, I can install the .zip through TWRP recovery, but I still don't have root access afterwards, according to Root Checker. Any ideas? Thanks!

Ed_shred said:
So, the phone worked ok for a month, but then started restarting itself all the time. I deleted loads of apps, but it didn't solve the problem. Now, I decided to try to solve the problem by installing a custom ROM, so first step was to wipe the phone with TWRP. After wiping, I no longer had root access, and now installing SuperSU doesn't work, I can install the .zip through TWRP recovery, but I still don't have root access afterwards, according to Root Checker. Any ideas? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Repeated the process, ticked a few boxes in SuperSU, seems to be solved for now, thanks...

swukjay said:
Thanks for the thanks ! glad it was of use to you, I wrote another guide which enables volte to be removed and put lineage os on instead which you may find useful, its a fairly lengthy process but foolproof and doesn't brick the phone which was my main concern as there is nowhere to download the stock roms for these 3gb variants, cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so I have tried quite a few times to install Lineage OS 14.1 and Viper, with both they get stuck in a bootloop. Trying to install Lineage with this guide https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/kiwi/install, the 'format data' stage is not successful. I get a message saying ' E:Unable to wipe '/data' - unknown file system 'auto Unable to format to remove encryption '.
I'm not totally committed to a custom ROM, but I'd like this phone to work. Any ideas, either how to troubleshoot the ROM flashing issue, or to get the phone stable with the stock de-Chinesed stock ROM? Thanks!

[GUIDE] Root/Kernel+ViPER/Dolby+Theme/Mods

Intro
I decided to put together this all-in-one guild compiling all the research and testing I've done. I've seen a lot of the same questions and misunderstandings come up over and over in the various threads, most of which I had myself. I've spent lots of time, since I got my new Google Pixel 2 XL, searching XDA, following all the guides the fine folks here put together, flashing, restoring, testing, etc. I've been using Android since my Google Nexus One, so I've been messing around with all this for quite some time now. The Android community is amazing and I've learned a lot over the years, so it's my turn to hopefully help someone out.
I'll also share some of the caveats, issues and fixes I had to do with this setup. This was all done with a Google Pixel 2 XL on Project Fi with an eSIM & physical SIM, so this guide was written and tested with that, however it should work the same in theory with other carriers, but your results may vary.
NOTE: I am not a developer by any means. I've toyed with creating my own custom ROM, but I'm not a ROM or Kernel developer. I just got really good at using the stuff the other amazing smart people here developed and shared with the community.
NOTE 2: Following these steps WILL wipe your device, so make backups if needed!
Thanks
I would like to give thanks to the following folks for the guides, development and help; @topjohnwu, @nathanchance, @Dees_Troy, @luciusfox, @thedude420, @Quinny899, @airmaxx23, @matt1313, @sharkie405, @Tulsadiver, and @zachman1750. Please forgive me if I forgot to mention you directly as I've gone through many threads and guides at this point. I also thank the community for helping each other out and providing their experiences and testing as well.
Why Root?
I get the same question from everybody all the time, "why do you root your phone?" Well, many reasons, which I'll list a few below, but because I spent a lot of money on my phone and I feel I should have full access to it. If your phone is leased or company owned, I understand why you wouldn't, but if you own it outright, why not have full access to do what you want with it? I mean, how would you feel if you purchased a computer (I'll use Windows in this analogy) and it came with one user account that was only part of the "Users" group, no local Administrator or account part of the Administrators group and no way to grant your one user account Admin rights? I'd be upset as I wouldn't be able to do much with it including; remove bloatware, install my own applications, replace the stock AV/Malware software, upgrade my video driver or even start from scratch. I mean the first thing I do when I get a new computer is format the HDD lol. I know it might be a silly analogy, but I don't see how it's any different than having root access on my phone.
- Remove bloatware (system apps you don't want/need)
- Custom Kernels (though the stock kernel on this phone is amazing out to the box, custom gives us more access to manage wakelocks, color control, vibrations, among other kernel items) (EXKM and Kernel Adiutor are a couple great apps to tweak your custom kernel)
- Customer recovery (easy backup/recovery, easy flashing of Zips, etc...)
- Untethered system theming including; custom fonts, launcher tweaks, status/navbar tweaks, etc...)
- System wide ad blocking
- Full system backup/restore (Titanium Backup is amazing for full system backups and then upload to cloud storage of your choice)
- Terminal root access (every have horrible battery drain and can't figure out exactly why quick and easy? Drop to terminal, elevate using su, then run top and and see what app is hogging the CPU)
- Xposed modules for system customizations (I've used a lot over the years, but not on this phone yet. You will also FAIL SafetyNet if you use the Xposed Framework.)
- AUDIO MODS! I honestly don't know how I lived my life without apps like ViPER and Dolby on my phone
A/B Partitions
To hopefully help clear up some confusion here, I'll list some important points to take note of.
- The whole point of the dual partition setup is to make OTA updating easier, allowing for updating the OS in the background
- There are two system, two boot and two vendor partitions, but only one data partition
- Only one system and its corresponding boot partition are active at one time
- Whichever system/boot partition is active will use the one data partition
- Flashing a custom kernel, mod zip or Magisk will flash to the current active slot from recovery, however flashing the Google Image or a custom rom will flash to the inactive slot
- The recovery is part of the boot partition, meaning anytime you flash the stock or custom kernel, for example, you'll need to reflash your custom recovery again (unless you install a kernel zip created with AnyKernel2 by @osm0sis)
My Build
Sharing these details as if you are on a different image, kernel, carrier, etc... your results may vary.
Phone: Google Pixel XL 2 Black 128GB - purchased from Google Store / Hardware Version: rev_10
Carrier: Project Fi with eSIM & physical SIM
Android Version: Official 8.1.0 / Security Patch Level: February 5, 2018
Build Number: OPM1.171019.018
Kernel: 4.4.119-FlashKernel-Taimen-v2.20 (clang version 6.0.0)
Root: Magisk Manager 5.6.1(105) (patched dtbo NOT preserving "force encryption" or "AVB2.0/dm-verity") & Magisk 16.0(1600) / Modules: Busybox for Android NDK 1.28.1, Magisk Manager for Recovery Mode (mm) 2018.1.31, Single User Mod 1.4, ViPER4Android FX Materialized 1.5.1 (2.5.0.5)
Recovery: TWRP 3.2.1-0
APKs: SELinuxModeChanger v11.0, AdAway 3.2-60, Dolby, MinitBatteryResrouces
Convenient Play Store Apps: 3Minit Battery Settings, FiSwitch, Kernel Adiutor, Light Manager, Root Explorer, substratum (Swift Black), TiBu Pro (I do scheduled backups of my phone to my Google Drive) & Terminal Emulator (great to use Busybox commands like "traceroute" or "top" to find that app killing your battery!)
Android Platform Tools Install
1. Download the latest version for your computer OS (PC/Mac/Linux) from Google: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html
2. Unzip the downloaded file to your hard drive somewhere and:
- Windows: add to your PATH (google "add adb to path")
- Mac/Linux: From terminal of your choice "sudo install adb /usr/local/bin && sudo install fastboot /usr/local/bin" (run from within the extracted directory and enter your password when prompted)
- Windows 10 & macOS High Sierra detect the phone automatically, but older versions you may need Android Device Drivers. Just Google what you might need and how to do it if your phone is not detected automatically.
Unlocking
1. Turn your phone off.
2. Press and hold Volume Down, then press and hold Power.
3. Plug your phone into your computer.
4. From command prompt/terminal on your computer (run Command Prompt as Admin in Windows throughout this guide):
- fastboot flashing unlock
- fastboot flashing unlock_critical
NOTE: I've read a lot of back and forth on if we should unlock_critial or not. This is just my opinion, but if you're here to do all this stuff to your phone, want complete access to do whatever you want to it, just do it. It's better to be ready now for the future because every time you unlock or relock, it will factory reset your phone. I've been unlocked both regular and critical since the first boot when I took my phone out of the box. I'll also mention, I’m not entirely sure what steps will work or not work in this guide if you don't since I've never not been unlocked with critical.
5. Follow the instructions on the phone screen to do the factory reset.
Clean Start
1. Download the "taimen" for Pixel 2 XL factory image [8.1.0 (OPM1.171019.018, Feb 2018)]: https://developers.google.com/android/images
2. Turn your phone off.
3. Press and hold Volume Down, then press and hold Power.
4. Plug your phone into your computer.
5. Unzip the downloaded file to your hard drive somewhere and from the directory you extracted the files (CMD/Terminal):
- Windows: flash-all.bat
- Mac/Linux: ./flash-all.sh
- Unplug your phone from your computer
Initial Config/Prep
1. Go through the initial phone setup steps.
- Make sure you setup your Google account so you have access to the Play Store and you can activate your eSIM if that's what you're using.
NOTE: When setting up with only an eSIM, I ran into some bugs and caveats I had to figure out on my own as Google support couldn't figure it out let alone understand what I was trying to explain to them. I ordered a physical SIM and now have both an eSIM and a physical SIM installed and can switch between them.
Verizon SIM: As @jrbxx7 was kind enough to share below; if running a Verizon SIM, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps don't get installed on google setup.
eSIM Caveat: If you have 2 Step Authentication turned on for your Google account and your phone is your only device with the Google Authenticator App or Google Prompt, you will have to use one of your backup codes to log back into your account as your phone will not be activated until it's completed in the Project Fi application.
eSIM Bug: After you go through the initial phone setup, let Play Store finish its updates and don't reboot yet. Open Play Store and search for "Project Fi", then click "Enable", but DON'T update it. Just open Project Fi, complete the activation then reboot your phone. You can update the Project Fi app after the activation is successful. I've tested this through three factory restores and the result is the same every time.
Physical SIM: No issues since your phone will just be activated after boot so you can receive SMS codes.
2. Enable Developer Mode: tap "Build number" under "About phone" 7 times.
3. Under "Developer options", enable "USB debugging".
4. Download necessary files:
- Magisk 16.0(1600): https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445
- SELinuxModeChanger 11.0: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.mrbimc.selinux/
- AdAway 3.2-60: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.adaway/
- Dolby: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/viper-dd-atom-t3724096
- Kernel. I use @nathanchance Flash Kernel: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/development/taimen-flash-kernel-1-00-t3702057
NOTE: You can use whatever kernel you want, but I've only used/tested with Flash. Flash Kernel also has the proper drives to resolve the TWRP touch issues. I've read other custom kernels do as well.
- TWRP 3.2.1-0 (image & installer): https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/development/twrp-alpha-pixel-2-xl-t3698148
5. Plug your phone into your computer.
- If prompted on your phone, save and allow USB Authorization for your computer.
6. Push downloaded files to your phone (CMD/Terminal):
- adb push <path_to_Magisk_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_SELinuxModeChanger_file>.apk /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_AdAway_file>.apk /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_Dolby_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_Kernel_zip_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_TWRP_image_file>.img /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_TWRP_installer_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
Install Kernel & TWRP
NOTE: As of the Google February security image release, TWRP will no longer decrypt. You have three options to flash in TWRP until it's fixed; disable security before booting to TWRP, use USB storage via your OTG adapter, or put the files you need in the /data partition.
1. adb reboot bootloader (CMD/Terminal while your phone is still plugged into your computer)
2. Flash TWRP:
- fastboot boot <path_to_TWRP_image_file>.img
- Once in TWRP, install the TWRP_installer.zip file
- Reboot into TWRP
- Install Kernel.zip file
- Install the Magisk_16.0(1600).zip file
- Reboot to System.
3. Configure Magisk:
- Open Magisk Manager
- (OPTIONAL) Patch dtbo by unchecking both "force encryption" and "AVB2.0/dm-verity", tap "Install", tap "Install", tap "Direct Install (Recommended), then reboot
NOTE: By patching dtbo, you will receive a message on every boot that says something along the lines of "There's an internal problem with your device". This is perfectly normal when patching the dtbo and can be ignored as nothing is broken. Now, to be honest, I patch dtbo as I can't get certain things to work properly without, like Dolby, and the message doesn't bother me as it's only on boot up. I know patching dtbo is necessary for some things. For example, I don't think you can do manual build.prop edits without editing dtbo, if I'm not mistaken. I have had a few others on other threads say they were able to get Dolby to work without patching dtbo and just using SELinux in "permissive" mode, but I couldn't. Up to you, hence the "optional" part. If you decide to patch dtbo and want to go back, just flash the stock dtbo image file in fastboot or TWRP.
- Open Magisk Manager
- Goto Settings and tap "Hide Magisk Manager"
- Reopen Magisk after it's done
- Goto Settings and make sure "Magisk Hide" and "Systemless hosts" are both enabled
- Gogo Magisk Hide and check the applications you need to hide from Root (banking apps, authenticators, etc...)
4. If Play Store is not showing as "Certified" under Play Store Settings, clear Data and Cache on the Play Store under Phone Settings. Your Play Store will now be "Certified" under the Play Store Settings.
Install/Configure SELinuxModeChanger and AdAway
NOTE: It's my understanding that SELinux does not need to be set to "permissive" for ViPER and Dolby to work, but I can't get them to work otherwise. My Dolby will FC without setting SELinux to "permissive", which is why I'm adding it to my guide in case someone else is having the same issue. You can use the Magisk Module script if you want, but I like the convenience of the App to turn on and off easily.
1. Open "Downloads" from the App Launcher on your phone.
2. Install both SELinuxModeChanger.apk and AdAway.apk.
3. Open SELinuxModeChanger:
- Tap "Permissive"
- Tap "Automatically start on boot"
4. Open AdAway:
- Open Preferences and make sure "Enable systemless mode" is enabled". It's normal to be Greyed out. This is verification from the Magisk Settings you set above.
- Tap "Download files and apply ad blocking"
5. Reboot phone.
Install & Configure Magisk Modules / Dolby
1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Downloads:
- Download "Busybox for Android NDK" (some root apps need this, but it's also nice to have these utilities)
- Download "Single User Mod" (needed for latest TWRP install to my understanding, but it worked for me without. I like this anyway because I don't share my phone)
- Download "ViPER4Android FX" (make sure to get the v1.5.1(2.5.0.5) version) / during install you will be asked what version and theme, chose the 2.5.0.5 driver version and the Materialized version (needed for Dolby).
- Reboot Phone
2. Open ViPER 4 Android FX application:
- Under Settings tap "Turn on developer mode" then tap "Disable SELinux"
3. Reboot Phone.
- After reboot, open ViPER 4 Android FX application and enable/configure the effects you want.
NOTE: Be patient after a phone reboot. It sometimes takes a minute for the Magisk modules to load.
4. Reboot to TWRP.
- Install Dolby.zip file
- Reboot into System
5. Open Dolby, and if it force closes, make sure your SELinux is "permissive" first and if you still have force closes, patch dtbo following instructions above.
Themes & Mods - Screenshots attached below!
I use substratum and Swift Black from the Play Store for my system wide theme. I use Light Manager from the Play Store for custom status lights for applications, etc... You can also get more customization of what icons to show or not show on your status bar by pulling down the notifications at the top of the phone and holding down the Settings gear icon until you feel a vibrate. You'll now have "System UI Tuner" under Settings->System. I'm also using the following Mods:
- SearchLess Launcher: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/mod-pixel-2-xl-launcher-mods-8-1-0-dp1-t3701939
- Rosemary Font: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/font-flashable-ubuntu-font-zip-pixel-2-t3710892
- Various Mods Aroma w/ 3Minit Battery: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/various-mods-8-1-december-update-t3721741
- Substatum /w Swift Black (I dont theme System UI or System UI Navigation as part of my setup with the Various Mods Aroma)
- ViPER w/ Audiophile X profile & Dolby using Music profile (Volume Leveler / Surround Virtualizer / Intelligent EQ: Open)
Updating
I'm going to keep these steps kind of generic and provide the order in which things have to be done (order is important), however for the details just follow the steps for each part above. You shouldn’t have to do the setup for Magisk Modules again unless:
- You ran into issues and needed to do a clean start with Magisk using the Magisk Uninstaller
- You are doing a Google Image update
Magisk - Push the updated Magisk Zip to your /sdcard/Download folder, boot into TWRP, flash new Magisk Zip, reboot into System, go through Magisk setup steps again.
Kernel – Push the updated Kernel Zip file to your /sdcard/Download folder, make sure you have the Magisk Zip file in your /sdcard/Download folder as well. Reboot to TWRP, flash new Kernel, flash Magisk, boot System and setup Magisk again.
TWRP – Push the updated TWRP Zip to your /sdcard/Download folder, reboot to TWRP, flash new TWRP Zip, boot into TWRP to test, boot System.
Google -
1. Disable any screen security you have.
2. Disable and uninstall Substratum themes, if you have any.
3. Full backup of some sort recommended!
4. Boot to Bootloader and do a flash-all (without -w) of 8.1 factory image, boot to System and allow the update to finish.
5. Boot back to Bootloader, boot TWRP, install TWRP, reboot to TWRP, install Kernel Zip file, install Magisk Zip file, boot back to System.
6. Complete Magisk setup steps (Magisk hide, App hide, systemless, etc..), check SafetyNet.
7. Apply any mods and themes in Substratum.
Have fun!

Right on brother. My own journey is pretty much a mirror of your write up and I can't think of a single thing to add. Nice work. We have the same setup. Lol

CyberpodS2 said:
Right on brother. My own journey is pretty much a mirror of your write up and I can't think of a single thing to add. Nice work. We have the same setup. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Yeah, this stuff has always been fun to me. I don't mind "breaking" my phone so I have to figure out how to fix it. lol I lost count how many times I wiped, flashed, etc to come up with my list.
I've also updated the guide to include "updating" stuff.

felosisman said:
Thanks man! Yeah, this stuff has always been fun to me. I don't mind "breaking" my phone so I have to figure out how to fix it. lol I lost count how many times I wiped, flashed, etc to come up with my list.
I've also updated the guide to include "updating" stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I got really quick at starting from scratch... Lol

Nice write up! One note if u feel like adding it, if running a verizon sim, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps dont get installed on google setup.

jrbxx7 said:
Nice write up! One note if u feel like adding it, if running a verizon sim, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps dont get installed on google setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the addition, I"ll add it now! I don't have a VZW SIM so I would never have known lol.

This is the best guide on XDA now! I've been reading 10 different threads to do stuff, but someone who understands how it all works together can make it so much easier... Thanks again [emoji106]
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

slaydog said:
This is the best guide on XDA now! I've been reading 10 different threads to do stuff, but someone who understands how it all works together can make it so much easier... Thanks again [emoji106]
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome! I'm happy to know this is helpful to folks.

Sticky?
Mods,
Is there any way to make this thread a sticky so it's easier for everybody to find?
Thanks!

jrbxx7 said:
Nice write up! One note if u feel like adding it, if running a verizon sim, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps dont get installed on google setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly is installed for Verizon apps? I didn't notice them on my install. Not saying they are not there, just didn't notice the changes.

felosisman said:
Mods,
Is there any way to make this thread a sticky so it's easier for everybody to find?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this thread is worth a sticky because it covers a lot of stuff that other guides don't, and covers them well. TWRP wasn't even a viable option when other guides were made, and it has made things much simpler...
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Thank you for the guide. So I assume that if I were to brick the device I could use the factory images and fastboot to restore? Does anyone know what would happen if you tried to flash an older factory image street upgrading through OTA?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

andrewjt19 said:
Thank you for the guide. So I assume that if I were to brick the device I could use the factory images and fastboot to restore? Does anyone know what would happen if you tried to flash an older factory image street upgrading through OTA?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should always be able to restore using the factory images from Google. In all the years I've been doing this, I've never once actually bricked a device to where is wouldn't work anymore. Just basically boot up to the bootloader and run the flash-all script. You can get the full Google images and instructions here: https://developers.google.com/android/images
As for downgrading, I've not personally done it. I know folks have gone from the 8.1 DPs back to 8.0, but if I'm not mistaken Google is making it hard to downgrade for security reasons. Once 8.1 is officially released, we may not be able to go back to 8.0, for example. I'll let others chime in with their experiences.
EDIT: After reading your post again, if you mean you took the November OTA you will be fine. The latest factory image from Google is the same as the Nov OTA.

please delete

felosisman said:
You should always be able to restore using the factory images from Google. In all the years I've been doing this, I've never once actually bricked a device to where is wouldn't work anymore. Just basically boot up to the bootloader and run the flash-all script. You can get the full Google images and instructions here: https://developers.google.com/android/images
As for downgrading, I've not personally done it. I know folks have gone from the 8.1 DPs back to 8.0, but if I'm not mistaken Google is making it hard to downgrade for security reasons. Once 8.1 is officially released, we may not be able to go back to 8.0, for example. I'll let others chime in with their experiences.
EDIT: After reading your post again, if you mean you took the November OTA you will be fine. The latest factory image from Google is the same as the Nov OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy for the reply. That's what I figured but my personal policy had always been to "find" the fix before I tamper with anything. Once I unlock the bootloader I'm assuming I cannot take OTA's in typical fashion right? Also is relocking the bootloader the same as unlocking (obviously using the opposite command)? Thanks so much.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

andrewjt19 said:
Thanks buddy for the reply. That's what I figured but my personal policy had always been to "find" the fix before I tamper with anything. Once I unlock the bootloader I'm assuming I cannot take OTA's in typical fashion right? Also is relocking the bootloader the same as unlocking (obviously using the opposite command)? Thanks so much.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome! Absolutely, might as well be prepared just in case.
So, I've not tried it myself from "System Updates", but to my understanding you can still take OTA with the bootloader unlocked. I think the OTAs stop working when the System partition has been modified. But considering pretty much everything we do these days is Systemless, I think it'd be fine. I did manually install the November OTA from fastboot with my bootloader unlocked and it worked fine. To relock, yeah the command is pretty much just the opposite.
"fastboot flashing lock" would relock your device. Keep in mind though, every time you lock or relock it will wipe your device.

Sticky Request
I've done sone searching and can't figure it out, but does anybody know if there is an official way to request this to be a sticky?

felosisman said:
I've done sone searching and can't figure it out, but does anybody know if there is an official way to request this to be a sticky?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guide helped
Cheers ?
You using any other mods
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs

Prattham said:
Your guide helped
Cheers
You using any other mods
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent, happy it was helpful!
No, I'm only using what I've got posted; ViPER, Single User and BusyBox.

I'll go ahead and ask this here since the Viper thread is so busy and I have seen a lot of answers and it's things that I've already tried over and over again. But, no matter which Viper version I download whether it be through magisk or a zip install via TWRP, I can never ever ever get the drivers to install. You got Viper in the title of your thread but I only seen one line of Viper in the op and that's to do with setting selinux to permissive, which I already have set to.
So does anybody have any out-of-the-box advice on what to do to get that Viper driver to install on a pixel 2 XL running 8.1 .0 DP2?
I'll spend all my 8 thanks for the day thanking somebody if they can help me figure this out.
Edit: I did just notice some more Viper instructions, my bad. I will try those out and report back
Edit 2: So I followed your instructions to the T, and the driver still won't install. Anyone got any ideas? It's not some sort of bug with the program is it where the driver has really been installed already but it's just saying that it's not?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs

[GUIDE] microG - Deodex - Signature Spoofing - Debloat Gapps!

microG
I am no longer working on this, or updating any information here! This was created back in the day of Oreo.
I've personally moved on and I'm presently using /e/ which you can see the info here and get the ROM for OP5T.
/e/OS documentation - OnePlus 5T
Info about OnePlus 5T - dumpling
As of this post edit on 10/20/22 I'm using 'e-1.4-r-20220922220394-dev-dumpling' and /e/ uses microg. It runs quite nice, so check it out!
microG is Freedom, Security & Privacy from Google, by replacing the Google Services & Framwork, also improving phone and battery performance!
This guide shows you the steps needed to Deodex, Signature Spoofing, Debloat Gapps and install microG.
This is not just a OxygenOS guide, this works on any ROM with Gapps baked in, lack signature spoofing, or doesn't come with microG installed! The only areas specific to OxygenOS is using Xposed and the microG permissions, both which might not be needed on other ROMs, everything else you follow in this guide for any ROM.
The information is here to give you a complete understanding of the process, it's just the Android way is all! Without the information and only steps to follow, there are a lot of areas you could experience problems, and not know how to deal with them.
There is no shorter, or easier way to accomplish this, if there was I would of made a smaller quickie guide, this is the way it works in Android! If you want to do microG you're going to have to read, it looks like a lot but it's not, once you've done it a few times!
Remember, the information is here to help you!
Pie is not supported in Xposed, and at the present moment OxygenOS requires Xposed.
You need to WIPE and install the ROM and start fresh, otherwise it can get complicated, you've been warned! You also need to follow the steps exactly, do not deviate, the process is picky, that is why the steps are to be done this way!
When you go online for the first time do not allow any Google updates! Do not install any Gapps, or anything, other than what is mentioned in this guide!
Keep online time limited to the steps needed in this guide. Connect only to accomplish what is needed and keep an eye out for Google updates and cancel them!
I highly recommend making TWRP backups every step of the way, in case of a mistake, then you don't have to start all over!
Once you get the steps down, the entire process takes around 30-60 minutes to complete!
Each of the RED sections are the STEPS, just read and follow them one by one!
DEODEX OR FAKEGAPPS
For stock or custom roms that don't support signature spoofing, you can either deodex the rom with the VDEXEXTRACTOR steps and use the Nanodroid-patcher to apply signature spoofing, or use the Xposed FakeGapps module which enables signature spoofing support.
If you use an application called "Signature Spoofing Checker" with the Xposed FakeGapps module installed and it shows the support disabled, ignore it. FakeGapps is working, it's a bug in the "Signature Spoofing Checker". 5.1.5 shows Green/Enabled and 5.1.6 shows Red/Disabled.
If you use the Xposed FakeGapps module skip to the [MAGISK] SYSTEMLESS XPOSED section! If you know how to compile for vdexExtractor, there is no reason to use FakeGapps!
VDEXEXTRACTOR
This method shown below is a simple Deodex that NanoDroid uses. SuperR's Kitchen also uses vdexExtractor, but instead does a Full Deodex. The NanoDroid method is simpler, without the need for SuperR's Kitchen. I plan on eventually adding a method of using SuperR's Kitchen to the guide at some point in time.
This NanoDroid Deodex method shown here is good, it's just not a Full Deodex, it hurts nothing, it's not better or worse, just different! So, if you aren't concerned with needing/wanting the full customization capability that a Full Deodex offers, or you have no idea of what is being said here, then don't worry!
ROMs that are either in a state of VDEX or ODEX need to be DEODEX in order to apply Signature Spoofing! So depending on the ROM, check to find out which state it is in, and then you will apply either the VDEX or ODEX methods outlined in this guide; https://gitlab.com/Nanolx/NanoDroid/blob/master/doc/DeodexServices.md
In this guide for OxygenOS you will be following the VDEX method. OxygenOS follows the VDEX method because it has both .odex and .vdex files in the system.
You will have to compile the vdexExtractor source on either Windows, MacOS, or Linux, this guide doesn't cover compiling.
At the end of this section where you download vdexExtractor on GitHub, under the Dependencies section being mentioned there, this is a brief explanation of that information to help get you started.
This is only the basics explained to help get you now moving in the right direction for compiling. If you have any other concerns or questions please search on Google, there is a wealth of information online to help you.
1. macOS users will need to compile by installing Homebrew https://brew.sh/ and adding the dependency zlib-devel as brew install zlib-devel. Then you should be able to use the terminal in macOS to run the command, ./make.sh gcc or sh make.sh gcc to now compile.
2. For Linux users you need to make sure you have libz-dev installed and then at a terminal run either, ./make.sh gcc or sh make.sh gcc to compile.
3. For Windows users you'll need to install cygwin, https://www.cygwin.com/ cygwin helps to give you a Unix/Linux like build environment. Make sure to install zlib-devel from the cygwin installer, it should be listed under the Devel section which you click it so it changes from the word Default to Install, if you don't see zlib-devel listed there, then search for it. There is a lot of information online about installing and using cygwin, hopefully this link below is still working fine for Windows 10 to help you setup the Cygwin Path to the Windows Environment Variable, to make it easier to use the command prompt to compile from. In Windows you'll also run the commands, either ./make.sh gcc or sh make.sh gcc to compile.
Install Cygwin and How to Use Linux Commands in Windows with Cygwin
https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/41382/how-to-use-linux-commands-in-windows-with-cygwin/
If compiling is a problem you can always use the Xposed FakeGapps module, but it's best to DEODEX/PATCH the ROM!
Learn to compile, you'll be better off for it in the long run, switch to Linux it makes the process of compiling a lot easier than any other OS.
Be sure to look at the vdexExtractor Github for basic compile information, where you'll download the source; https://github.com/anestisb/vdexExtractor
NANODROID PATCHER
Download the NanoDroid-patcher; https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928
Download from Stable Download (Nanolx) - As of to date it's version NanoDroid-patcher-20.2.20181122.zip
DEODEX SETUP
Boot to TWRP and mount the /system read-write.
Once you have mounted the /system in TWRP run these commands on your computer to deodex!
DEODEX COMMANDS
Code:
adb pull /system/framework framework
cp framework/services.jar services.jar-backup
vdexExtractor -i framework/oat/arm64/services.vdex --ignore-crc-error
mv framework/oat/arm64/services_classes.dex classes.dex
zip framework/services.jar classes.dex
zip -j framework/services.jar classes.dex
adb push framework/services.jar /system/framework
adb shell
chmod 644 /system/framework/services.jar
chown root:root /system/framework/services.jar
SIGNATURE SPOOFING
Unmount the /system read-write - TWRP > Mount > uncheck System
Install the NanoDroid-patcher in TWRP. (This takes around 10 minutes!)
If you did the deodex correctly, when flashing NanoDroid-patcher it will say Deodex.
When the patch has completed reboot the phone.
[MAGISK] SYSTEMLESS XPOSED
Xposed does not pass SafetyNet!
Download [Magisk] Systemless Xposed - XposedInstaller_3.1.5-Magisk.apk; https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-systemless-xposed-t3388268
MAGISK ROOT
Boot to TWRP and install Magisk to root your phone.
Reboot the phone and update Magisk.
MAGISK MODULES
Do not reboot until you have installed all three modules!
Install the Xposed Framework (SDK 27) - For Xposed to install, Systemless Xposed and Magisk need to be the only two things first installed in the rom!
Install the Debloater (Terminal Emulator) - Debloats the phone Systemlessly!
Install the F-Droid Privileged Extension - Read about it here; https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.fdroid.fdroid.privileged/
After installing these three modules reboot your phone!
XPOSED MODULES
Open Xposed while connected online, it should be displaying in Green! If it is Red you might not of followed the steps correctly, especially the part about doing this on a "Fresh Clean ROM", and following the guide step by step.
Install FakeGapps if you did not deodex the rom, and then apply the signature spoofing NanoDroid-patch!
The XposedGmsCoreUnifiedNlP module will be installed later with microG, mentioned in the MICROG section!
If you installed FakeGapps, go to the Modules section and check the module to enable it, then reboot the phone.
F-DROID
You have basically 3 choices for applications; Aurora Store, F-Droid, Yalp Store.
For now I recommend you install F-Droid, download from https://f-droid.org/en/
After installing F-Droid go to Settings, toggle on Expert mode, make sure Privileged Extension is checked, close and reopen F-Droid and then update F-Droid if a new version is available!
You'll need a terminal emulator in Android because Debloater (Terminal Emulator) runs from the command line, it doesn't have a GUI. I recommend using Termux, it's a very powerful terminal emulator with many features.
Search for an install Termux!
DEBLOATING APPS SYSTEMLESSLY
Do not debloat the Google Play Store if you plan on using it!
Do not create/add a Google Account, it will only get removed when you debloat out Google, instead wait to the last section I WANT MY GOOGLE & STAY PRIVATE TOO, and add it after you have installed and setup microG!
If you want to keep some Gapps that's your choice! Be sure to run any Gapps that you want to keep before debloating. This is not always the common situation where you need to run Gapps before debloating, it's typically rare, but some odd applications will have a hard time working with microG if this isn't done. For applications you are not sure of, be sure to run them, especially applications that use Location, such as OnePlus Weather and the Camera, etc., before debloating!
Make sure you are connected online when you run Termux for the first time.
With Termux running, at the command prompt type su for superuser access and grant root access.
Type debloat and you'll remove from 1 - System Apps & 2 - System Priv-Apps.
Type the numbers with spaces in between for the applications you are debloating, as an example; 15 16 17.
When you have the applications typed in and you are ready to debloat, tap enter.
For the best Gapps Free experience debloat all of these;
Android Setup
Calendar
Chrome
Drive
Duo
Gboard
Gmail
Google
Google Backup Transport
Google One Time Init
Google Partner Setup
Google Pay
Google Play Movies
Google Play Music
Google Play Services
Google Play Store - (Do not debloat if you're going to use!)
Google Services Framework
Market Feedback Agent
Maps
Photos
On a note of Privacy, there's information online in regards to OnePlus and Analytics/Data Mining as it relates to the below applications.
I highly recommend that if you're serious about privacy to do your own research and judge for yourself, but if you're asking me I debloated all of them!
BugReportLite
EngSpecialTest
FactoryMode
Insight Provider
LogKitSdService
OnePlusLogKit
Oneplus System Service
RfToolkit
After debloating you are suppose to reboot your phone for the changes to take effect!
If you debloated Chrome, make sure you update the Android System WebView in either the Aurora Store or Yalp Store, after you've completed the installation of microG!
Make sure you debloated Gboard, be sure to install another keyboard before rebooting! I recommend installing AnySoftKeyboard from F-Droid!
If you make any mistakes, you have the option to reinstall applications!
Reboot the phone...
If any updates occurred, after debloating some Gapps might still appear in the system. These now turn into User-Installed applications, so either in the Settings > Apps > Application List, you'll have the option to uninstall, or if the application is in the App Drawer, you can now uninstall it from there!
If the Google Play Services is listed in the phone but no option shown to uninstall, follow the GMS PROBLEMS section! Regardless of what you see or don't see in the Application List be sure to still follow the GMS PROBLEMS section!
GMS PROBLEMS
Before installing microG you need to make sure this GMS directory com.google.android.gms is out of the system!
Run this command;
Code:
adb uninstall com.google.android.gms
If com.google.android.gms exists and you were able to remove it, you'll see this reply; Success
If you see a lot of output with this line, then you have no changes or updates installed, there's nothing to remove;
java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Unknown package: com.google.android.gms
If com.google.android.gms exists and the Google Play Services is still active, you'll see this reply; Failure [DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER]
If the Google Play Services is still active you will have to manually remove com.google.android.gms.
Run these commands;
Code:
adb shell
su
cd /data/data
rm -rf com.google.android.gms
If you run rm -rf com.google.android.gms and get this reply back; rm: databases: Directory not empty, just run the command over!
Even if the command gave you a success response, or unknown package, be sure to visually check for the presence of com.google.android.gms in /data/data!
Exit and reboot your phone!
If you had to manually remove com.google.android.gms, go to the Settings > Apps > Application List > Three Dots (Upper Right) > Show system apps. If you see the Google Play Services uninstall it, the option to uninstall should now be available. Click uninstall and wait a few seconds for a popup to appear and click ok to remove.
microG creates com.google.android.gms, do not remove it after you have microG installed!
DALVIK CACHE & CACHE
Before installing microG, boot into TWRP and Wipe the Dalvik Cache and Cache!
When done wiping reboot the phone back into the system.
NANODROID-MICROG
At the present moment it is better to use the NanoDroid-microG version! Official microG is not getting as much development!
Visit the NanoDroid post on XDA;
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928
Down from the Stable Download (Nanolx) link!
If you use the NanoDroid-microG version, take the "FakeStore" "GmsCore" "GsfProxy" from the zip, look for them in the folders under /system/priv-app/ use the "GmsCore_NanoDroid" and "GsfProxy_NanoDroid" and be sure to rename them, and follow the MICROG steps below using these versions instead of the Offical microG!
MICROG
microG on stock Android sometimes take a little more effort with Gapps installed compared to custom roms without Gapps, but the process typically only involves dealing with the preinstalled Gapps and Google updates. Most of the time you only need to follow the GMS PROBLEMS steps outlined in the guide when running into problems.
If you debloat the Play Store and then later reinstall it, make sure you do not have FakeStore installed, Play Store will not go back in with FakeStore installed!
microG DroidGuard Helper is only required if you want to use applications that require SafetyNet or to test DroidGuard!
The microG UnifiedNlP package at this point in time is not supported in OxygenOS, for this reason the XposedGmsCoreUnifiedNlP Xposed module needs to be installed!
Open Xposed and install XposedGmsCoreUnifiedNlP, go to the Modules section, check the module to enable it!
Android 7 (or later) needs to have microG installed to the /system.
If you use the Official microG download FakeStore GmsCore GsfProxy! (It's higly recommened to use the Nanodroid-microG version!)
FakeStore - (Only needed if you're not using the Play Store)
https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_FakeStore/releases
GmsCore
https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore/releases
GsfProxy
https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GsfProxy/releases
Rename all the APK!
FakeStore.apk
GmsCore.apk
GsfProxy.apk
Create theses directory names and place the APK in them!
FakeStore
GsfProxy
GmsCore already has a directory in /system/priv-app!
Debloater (Terminal Emulator) places a file .replace in all the /system/priv-app directories that you debloated.
In GmsCore the contents of ".replace" is "Google%Play%Services", so that the Google Play Services apk doesn't populate the directory. If you were to remove or rename ".replace" and rebooted, you would see the actual Google Play Services GmsCore.apk in the directory!
Do not touch these hidden ".replace" files!
Because GmsCore already has a directory in /priv-app, copy the microG GmsCore.apk to your phone with a File Manager that gives you root access to /system/priv-app/GmsCore.
Do not adb push GmsCore.apk in TWRP, it will only get removed when you reboot!
Boot to TWRP and mount the /system read-write.
Use this command to push the directories for FakeStore and GsfProxy. - (FakeStore is only needed if you're not using the Play Store)
Code:
adb push FakeStore /system/priv-app
adb push GsfProxy /system/app
Make sure /system is still mounted in TWRP, then > Advanced > Terminal.
Run these commands to make sure you have the correct permissions! - (FakeStore is only needed if you're not using the Play Store)
Code:
chmod 755 /system/priv-app/FakeStore
chmod 644 /system/priv-app/FakeStore/FakeStore.apk
chown -R root:root /system/priv-app/FakeStore/FakeStore.apk
chmod 755 /system/priv-app/GmsCore
chmod 644 /system/priv-app/GmsCore/GmsCore.apk
chown -R root:root /system/priv-app/GmsCore/GmsCore.apk
chmod 755 /system/app/GsfProxy
chmod 644 /system/app/GsfProxy/GsfProxy.apk
chown -R root:root /system/app/GsfProxy/GsfProxy.apk
Do not update microG through Aurora Store or Yalp Store, only update through F-Droid!
If at any time there are any new updates, you'll need to follow the steps over for adb push, copying GmsCore, and the permissions for FakeStore - GmsCore - GsfProxy! Delete all the old APK first before copying and doing adb push!
If you use the Official microG Open F-Droid, Settings, tap on Repositories and add in the microG repo; https://microg.org/fdroid/repo so you can keep microG updated!
If you use NanoDroid-microG, in F-Droid, Settings, tap on Repositories and add in the NanoDroid-microG repo; https://nanolx.org/fdroid/repo/ so you can keep microG updated!
Unmount the /system read-write and reboot the phone.
MICROG SETUP
Open F-Droid and search for microg. The Network-based Geolocation choices are, Deja VU - MozillaNlPBackend - Local GSM Location. It's good to just install all three, or experiment to see which works best for you, either alone or in combination. For address lookup and to also test Geocoder, install NominatimNlPBackend.
Make sure WiFi, Mobile data, "Location ( Mode - High Accuracy)" are all turned on in the phone before opening microG!
Open microG, you'll notice at the top it says Permission missing, tap on this, tap on the words REQUEST MISSING PERMISSIONS and ALLOW all of them!
If your deodex went successful, or you went with FakeGapps, you should notice at the top System spoofs signature checked.
You should now only see two check marks missing at the bottom for Location backend(s) setup and UnifiedNlP do not have Location to test Geocoder.
Network-based location enabled should be checked if you didn't turn off Location in the Phone Settings.
Make sure Battery optimizations ignored is also checked!
To get Location working properly in microG, under Self-Check tap on Google device registration and toggle it ON.
Google device registration needs to be ON, when signing up or logging into your Account, or the Play Store for the first time, afterwards it can be turned OFF if you don't need Location support! If at any time an application doesn't run, trying turning Google device registration back ON to see if it helps.
Go to the phone Settings > Location and put the Mode on "High Accuracy".
In the "UnifiedNlP Settings" configure the "Network-based Geolocation" backends you just installed!
Under "Address lookup" for the NominatimNlPBackend, tap Choose Nominatim API Server and pick MapQuest! I recommend using MapQuest, you'll need to sign up for a free account at MapQuest to get an API key.
https://developer.mapquest.com/
When you get your key, tap on MapQuest Developer API Key and add it in.
The MapQuest API key only allows 15,000 transactions a month!
MICROG PERMISSIONS
To get UnifiedNlP do not have Location to test Geocoder checked in microG, you need to add these two permissions.
Code:
adb shell
su
pm grant com.google.android.gms android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
pm grant com.google.android.gms android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
After adding the permissions reboot your phone.
If you go into the microG settings before it's updated the Location, you will still see UnifiedNlP do not have Location to test Geocoder unchecked. Go back out of Self-Check and wait a few seconds then check it again, sometimes you need to scroll up and down a few times too. After a few seconds your Location should be updated and everything should be checked.
This time you'll see it says Geocoder provides address resolution from location checked. Also scroll up and down for a few seconds, and this time under UnifiedNlP status you should have 6 sections now checked.
Over a period of time, depending on what you do, you might see UnifiedNlP do not have Location to test Geocoder become unchecked, if this happens just run the permissions over!
I WANT MY GOOGLE & STAY PRIVATE TOO
All of this just depends on your level of privacy and concerns in regards to Google!
If you debloated Chrome, before you can add a Google Account in the phone settings through microG, you need to update Android System WebView!
These steps below are only if you need paid applications through the Play Store! Free and paid applications can also be downloaded through Aurora Store and Yalp Store, F-Droid can only download free applications.
If you want to stay away from Google, you can use your Google Account on either Aurora Store or Yalp Store. Some paid applications with their License Checks might not work without being downloaded through the Play Store, or if the Play Store isn't installed, you'll have to test this out with various applications to see how they work.
Besides paid applications, system applications will also appear through Aurora Store and Yalp Store, so you can limit the time using the Play Store for privacy, and update everything through either Aurora Store or Yalp Store, possibly even paid applications too.
Aurora Store and Yalp Store violates §3.3 of Google Play Terms of Service, so your account could be disabled, but as it's mentioned on the Yalp Store site, they've never heard of any real cases of accounts being disabled.
https://github.com/yeriomin/YalpStore
https://gitlab.com/AuroraOSS/AuroraStore
To make this step of privacy work, you will need to create a Google account for the first time, because if you did it the normal way on your phone, then you have exposed your device, given up your carrier name, mobile or wifi ip address, geo location etc... If you signed up on a computer, depending on what you did, you might of also exposed yourself!
If you want to create your Google account on a computer, be sure to cover your tracks, like using a VPN!
If you need paid applications from the Play Store, create your Google account after you've done all the steps outlined in this guide for privacy!
Before you follow the steps, make sure Location is off, WiFi is off, Mobile Data is off, and switch the sim card! You do not need an active sim card to use the Play Store! With dual sims, deactivate the good one, and activate the dead/spoofed one! Make sure the spoofed sim card is also the sim card set as the default for the Phone, text, mobile data!
Follow these steps even if you are signing up through a computer, to make sure you are ready to sign into the Play Store on your phone you've prepared!
Every time you sign into the Play Store on your device, if you want privacy with as little attention drawn to the account, then you need to always connect to the Play Store with all of the same phone settings, sim card, etc., otherwise you will get a new device added to the account.
Make sure you never sign into a Google account using your real sim, wifi/mobile network IP, or Location on! Anything that can track you, make sure it's spoofed or off!
For the best Privacy use a VPN that does not log, then sign into the Play Store over wifi using this VPN! As an example you can also use some throw away sim card that you paid for by cash that has no trail to you, but remember the Carrier Network does place you locally! If Geo Locality is a concern, use a VPN!
It's also recommended to maintain the same network(s) and GEO location when signing into the Play Store!
If at anytime you want to update, or get more applications, follow the steps over repeating the process!
Here's a break down in the steps! - (1 - 4)
1. You can sign up for the Google account on your computer, then add it into your phone, but don't forget to follow step #2 when you add the account in the device.
2. When signing up or adding your Gmail/Google account on your device, use another sim card in your phone so the mobile network goes through a different carrier, or a spoofed sim card that doesn't work, or wifi over a VPN, Phone, text, mobile data all set on the spoofed sim card, Location is off! Make sure anything that can track you is off or spoofed!
3. If you are either signing up, or logging into your Account on your device, make sure Google device registration is ON in microG! This also needs to be ON the first time you log into the Play Store!
4. When you are done using the Play Store for the first time you can turn Google device registration OFF in microG, if you don't need phone Location! If at any time applications aren't working properly try turning Google device registration ON!
Be careful with the Account and Play Store on the phone, that you don't access either of them with anything that gives up your identity, as you can see there are a few things you could forget!
NANODROID PHONESKY
If at anytime you have problems with the original Play Store, you can get Phonesky.apk from NanoDroid-microG, it's a patched version to work with microG. Download it from Stable Download (Nanolx), it's located in the /system/priv-app/Phonesky directory.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928
Copy Phonesky.apk with a File Manager to the Download directory.
Boot to TWRP and mount the /system read-write.
Rename the original Phonesky.apk in /priv-app to keep a backup, also so it won't run. Rename it like; Phonesky.bak - Phonesky.orig
In TWRP copy the Nanodroid version to /priv-app/Phonesky.
In TWRP > Advanced > Terminal, run this command to make sure you have the correct permissions on the Nanodroid version of Phonesky!
Code:
chmod 644 /system/priv-app/Phonesky/Phonesky.apk
Unmount the /system read-write and reboot the phone.
The Nanodroid version of the Play Store is now located in the App Drawer.
If Privacy is a concern, when you are done using the Play Store you can go to Settings > Apps > Application List > Google Play Store - Tap Disable to stop the Play Store from running, then you can Enable it later when you want to run it again! You do not need to debloat the Play Store! You can also tap Permissions and disable all of them!
Settings > Security & lock screen > Apps with usage access > Google Play Store > Permit usage access - Disable this for better privacy!
That's all there is to accomplishing microG on OxygenOS, Stock Android ROMs, and Custom ROMs!
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If this post helped you in any way, please press the THANKS button!

Thank you for your time and effort with this detailed tutorial.
I understand every step except for the VDEX bit. Can I bypass this part? I don't use Playstore but one app (BT sport) after some updates refuses to work without it. Even on Lineage microG.

bluegrass55 said:
Thank you for your time and effort with this detailed tutorial.
I understand every step except for the VDEX bit. Can I bypass this part? I don't use Playstore but one app (BT sport) after some updates refuses to work without it. Even on Lineage microG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BT Sport wants the Play Store in order to work?
For VDEX I mentioned it before, but this time I changed it to make it more noticeable.
Look back up at ---> DEODEX OR FAKEGAPPS
What computer OS you running?

DoR3M3 said:
BT Sport wants the Play Store in order to work?
For VDEX I mentioned it before, but this time I changed it to make it more noticeable.
Look back up at ---> DEODEX OR FAKEGAPPS
What computer OS you running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows 8.1 Pro.
Yes BT sport needs to feel the presence of Playstore to work. Even though I'm not logged into Playstore, full restriction using XprivacyLua and blocked internet access via AFWall+. When on dedicated Lineage 15.1 microG it used to work. But not anymore.

Excelent guide, I run microg about 3,5 years, now with oxygen the only thing i miss is signature spoofing but I didn't have any problem except of some messages eg when opening tapatalk. Is there any way to deodex on macos?
Sent from my ONEPLUS 5T

vagkoun83 said:
Excelent guide, I run microg about 3,5 years, now with oxygen the only thing i miss is signature spoofing but I didn't have any problem except of some messages eg when opening tapatalk. Is there any way to deodex on macos?
Sent from my ONEPLUS 5T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything is mentioned in these steps, please look them over again, you can always use FakeGapps...
DEODEX OR FAKEGAPPS
VDEXEXTRACTOR
I made some changes to make it clearer. But if you went to the vdexExtractor Github, you would of seen mention of MacOS if you want to compile and DEODEX instead of FakeGapps.

bluegrass55 said:
Windows 8.1 Pro.
Yes BT sport needs to feel the presence of Playstore to work. Even though I'm not logged into Playstore, full restriction using XprivacyLua and blocked internet access via AFWall+. When on dedicated Lineage 15.1 microG it used to work. But not anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Play Store is mentioned in the Guide, so if you need it, just follow these steps;
I WANT MY GOOGLE & STAY PRIVATE TOO
I would also suggest filing an Issue on the microG Github, maybe the microG DEVs will have some suggestions/ideas on how to do this without the Play Store;
https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore

bluegrass55 said:
Windows 8.1 Pro.
Yes BT sport needs to feel the presence of Playstore to work. Even though I'm not logged into Playstore, full restriction using XprivacyLua and blocked internet access via AFWall+. When on dedicated Lineage 15.1 microG it used to work. But not anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Managed to install this via the Fake Gapps route but it failed the Signature Spoofing check via the app from Fdroid. Flashed the NanoDroid Patcher which fixed it.
https://downloads.nanolx.org/NanoDroid/Stable/NanoDroid-patcher-19.1.1.20181103.zip
For some strange reason I still have Faceunlock function even with all Google stuff uninstalled.MicroG self test has everything ticked and Fdroid is working.
This was a test run on an already debloated stock 5.1.6 ROM. Will try again on a later date with clean fresh ROM as recommended. Looked into the Deodex thing again but still non the wiser on how to achieve it.

bluegrass55 said:
Managed to install this via the Fake Gapps route but it failed the Signature Spoofing check via the app from Fdroid. Flashed the NanoDroid Patcher which fixed it.
https://downloads.nanolx.org/NanoDroid/Stable/NanoDroid-patcher-19.1.1.20181103.zip
For some strange reason I still have Faceunlock function even with all Google stuff uninstalled.MicroG self test has everything ticked and Fdroid is working.
This was a test run on an already debloated stock 5.1.6 ROM. Will try again on a later date with clean fresh ROM as recommended. Looked into the Deodex thing again but still non the wiser on how to achieve it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 5.1.6 OTA is available for me to download, and I checked it, and it's VDEX!
Do you remember when you were installing the NanoDroid-patcher, at the beginning it said "Deodex"?
See the attached image where it says; services.jar status: VDEX this is on 5.1.5 & 5.1.6 showing that the ROMs have not be DEODEX yet. It needs to say; services.jar status: DEODEX in order for the Nanodroid-patcher to work...
I noticed too that the Signature Spoofing Checker shows "Disabled" in 5.1.6. microG shows the support, so it appears that the "Signature Spoofing Checker" has a bug and I'll remove it from the post until it can be fixed.
BT Sports is complaining about the Google Play Services, which is not the Play Store. So as I mentioned, just follow the last step of the Guide for the Play Store and see if BT Store works, and if not, make the Issue at the microG GitHub for help.

OB19 deodex possible?

deszczuXS said:
OB19 deodex possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the guide?
This is a microG guide for Android not just Oxygen...
But there are slight differences between ROMs, all you have to do is avoid all the OxygenOS parts for Android.
FakeGapps isn't supported in PIE, so if you use PIE then you have to DEODEX, otherwise you can use FakeGapps.

DoR3M3 said:
The 5.1.6 OTA is available for me to download, and I checked it, and it's VDEX!
Do you remember when you were installing the NanoDroid-patcher, at the beginning it said "Deodex"?
See the attached image where it says; services.jar status: VDEX this is on 5.1.5 & 5.1.6 showing that the ROMs have not be DEODEX yet. It needs to say; services.jar status: DEODEX in order for the Nanodroid-patcher to work...
I noticed too that the Signature Spoofing Checker shows "Disabled" in 5.1.6. microG shows the support, so it appears that the "Signature Spoofing Checker" has a bug and I'll remove it from the post until it can be fixed.
BT Sports is complaining about the Google Play Services, which is not the Play Store. So as I mentioned, just follow the last step of the Guide for the Play Store and see if BT Store works, and if not, make the Issue at the microG GitHub for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply.
Don't remember if it said "Deodex" at the beginning but about to have another ago as the phone is bootlooping. Using the Terminal Debloat I removed all the Google stuff but for some reason Google Services Framework and Google One Time Init were still was showing up in the system. Used Titanium, System Uninstall app and Root Browser to remove but without luck. Changed their permissions but ended up in bootloop.

bluegrass55 said:
Thanks for the detailed reply.
Don't remember if it said "Deodex" at the beginning but about to have another ago as the phone is bootlooping. Using the Terminal Debloat I removed all the Google stuff but for some reason Google Services Framework and Google One Time Init were still was showing up in the system. Used Titanium, System Uninstall app and Root Browser to remove but without luck. Changed their permissions but ended up in bootloop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a second attempt and reading the guide more carefully with fresh clean stock ROM have managed to do this. The only issue is these remaining Google things which were also present on my previous attempt even though I got rid of them with Terminal Debloat.
Regarding the BT sports app if I want to use it then microG isn't the way to go. It was a free offer but don't use it that much.

bluegrass55 said:
After a second attempt and reading the guide more carefully with fresh clean stock ROM have managed to do this. The only issue is these remaining Google things which were also present on my previous attempt even though I got rid of them with Terminal Debloat.
Regarding the BT sports app if I want to use it then microG isn't the way to go. It was a free offer but don't use it that much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try not to double post to keep things together...
I went back and edited the post over, with greater details, explaining, that if you Debloat and still see stuff in the system or app drawer, that is because of updates, but now all of these apps can be uninstalled, and that is what you do, manually uninstall them all from the Settings or App Drawer, it's also a reason for trying to do all this on a Clean ROM with no updates, otherwise you deal with this next.
Also for BT Sport, run it and set it all up on Clean Stock Oxygen first, then debloat next. I did mention that if someone wants to keep any Gapps, to run them first before debloating. Hopefullly doing this, it will then run with microG, but if not, I highly recommend making a bug report at the microG Github;
https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore
As far as the Nanodroid-Patcher, if you did not DEODEX the rom, I have no idea how that managed to work, but I'm assuming it just did a little bandaid on the system is all, which helped a little, but wasn't a real complete patch. So for any concerns questions, problems or help with that, please post and ask Setialpha;
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928
P.S. As far as the DEODEX goes it's very simple, it only take a few minutes, the biggest issue would be for people who have never compiled before, understanding and getting that setup on their box/computer, but in Linux compiling is really easy. Once vdexExtractor is built, all you have to do is run a few DEODEX commands and install the Nanodroid-patcher...

DoR3M3 said:
Try not to double post to keep things together...
I went back and edited the post over, with greater details, explaining, that if you Debloat and still see stuff in the system or app drawer, that is because of updates, but now all of these apps can be uninstalled, and that is what you do, manually uninstall them all from the Settings or App Drawer, it's also a reason for trying to do all this on a Clean ROM with no updates, otherwise you deal with this next.
Also for BT Sport, run it and set it all up on Clean Stock Oxygen first, then debloat next. I did mention that if someone wants to keep any Gapps, to run them first before debloating. Hopefullly doing this, it will then run with microG, but if not, I highly recommend making a bug report at the microG Github;
https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore
As far as the Nanodroid-Patcher, if you did not DEODEX the rom, I have no idea how that managed to work, but I'm assuming it just did a little bandaid on the system is all, which helped a little, but wasn't a real complete patch. So for any concerns questions, problems or help with that, please post and ask Setialpha;
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928
P.S. As far as the DEODEX goes it's very simple, it only take a few minutes, the biggest issue would be for people who have never compiled before, understanding and getting that setup on their box/computer, but in Linux compiling is really easy. Once vdexExtractor is built, all you have to do is run a few DEODEX commands and install the Nanodroid-patcher...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I removed the remaining Google stuff using Root Browser but after reboot it resulted in Bootloop.
After any ROM install I never used to allow data access till Xprivacy Lua & AFWall+ were up and running. But for some reason this phone (unlike my Nexus 5) doesn't like Xposed installed directly from TWRP. So I have to allow data and install directly via Xposed Installer. I think the best route is the Deodex way but I have tried looking for guide without success. It's really annoying.

bluegrass55 said:
I removed the remaining Google stuff using Root Browser but after reboot it resulted in Bootloop.
After any ROM install I never used to allow data access till Xprivacy Lua & AFWall+ were up and running. But for some reason this phone (unlike my Nexus 5) doesn't like Xposed installed directly from TWRP. So I have to allow data and install directly via Xposed Installer. I think the best route is the Deodex way but I have tried looking for guide without success. It's really annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To begin with, I edited over the "DEODEX OR FAKEGAPPS" section, "Signature Spoofing Checker" is a BUG, so forget it saying disabled, FakeGapps is working, so use FakeGapps and you are good to go!
As far as everything else, if you follow the GUIDE 100% EXACTLY IT WORKS! I've done this for almost a year on 3 devices so far, and I just did it on 5.1.5 and 5.1.6 without any problems!
You must follow the guide, do not divert from it, like how you used Root Browser as example, you don't need to do this, and that means after the OTA with 5.1.6, the OTA update for 5.1.6 should of wiped your phone clean, then you start from there.
Personally, after the 5.1.6 OTA update, I booted into TWRP and made a BACKUP, then if you mess up, you wipe everything, Dalvik, cache, system, vendor, data and then RESTORE the backup...
P.S. I am now going to start out on 5.1.6 and do the entire Guide, then I'll come back and post the images of 5.1.6 so you'll see it was done with success...

DoR3M3 said:
To begin with, I edited over the "DEODEX OR FAKEGAPPS" section, "Signature Spoofing Checker" is a BUG, so forget it saying disabled, FakeGapps is working, so use FakeGapps and you are good to go!
As far as everything else, if you follow the GUIDE 100% EXACTLY IT WORKS! I've done this for almost a year on 3 devices so far, and I just did it on 5.1.5 and 5.1.6 without any problems!
You must follow the guide, do not divert from it, like how you used Root Browser as example, you don't need to do this, and that means after the OTA with 5.1.6, the OTA update for 5.1.6 should of wiped your phone clean, then you start from there.
Personally, after the 5.1.6 OTA update, I booted into TWRP and made a BACKUP, then if you mess up, you wipe everything, Dalvik, cache, system, vendor, data and then RESTORE the backup...
P.S. Look at the time of this post, I am now going to start out on 5.1.6 and do the entire Guide, then I'll come back and post the images of 5.1.6 so you'll see it was done with success... BRB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Looking forward to it. Will attempt again during weekend. I formatted device and installed stock 5.1.6 so no OTA.Don't want to give up especially as you've gone to some effort.

bluegrass55 said:
Thank you. Looking forward to it. Will attempt again during weekend. I formatted device and installed stock 5.1.6 so no OTA.Don't want to give up especially as you've gone to some effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the way, the apps you debloat, that ended up getting updates, now appear to you as user installed apps with the ability to uninstall them in the Settings or the App Drawer is what I meant to say, which I'll add that in. So since they turn into user installed apps, that's why you don't need anything to uninstall them...
P.S. @bluegrass55 Sorry it took longer then expected, got tied up a bit with some things, anyhow it's all done and as I mentioned before FakeGapps works fine in 5.1.6, it's just a bug with the Signature Spoofing Checker, so ignore it. I did a DEODEX on my phone for 5.1.6 and here's the screen shots!
I made some changes to the post, so be sure to read it all over, and follow it step by step exactly! If you deviate just a little, it's enough to screw up the entire process and you'll have to start over, it's that picky!
P.S. I went back looking over your replies and you mentioned Xposed through TWRP, and I never mentioned installing Xposed this way. Please be sure to follow the guide and use the Magisk Module for Xposed. I'd also stick to 5.1.5, 5.1.6 hasn't been Officially released yet, just a partial rollout.

Please ignore my last message. Couldn't resist doing it again ( don't want to be defeated). Have Decrypted phone to see if it makes any difference.

bluegrass55 said:
Please ignore my last message. Couldn't resist doing it again ( don't want to be defeated). Have Decrypted phone to see if it makes any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re did the install for the 4th time and wow. Phone runs so much better.
Just two questions.
1- Using Root Browser I notice that GooglePackageInstaller.apk is still present is system-priv. Since it's not included in the Debloat list am I right to assume it should be in the system?
2- Face Unlock function is still present and works. Since it needs Gapps to work does it mean I've missed something?I have checked several times and all the items in the Debloat list have been removed.

[ROM][N][7.0][STOCK][G920W8][zerofltebmc/zerofltecan]SamStock November Patch (Lightly Debloated)[RE-PACK]

Original ROM: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...loat-7-0-920-5-w8-f-i-november-patch.3649798/
I removed several apps in the ROM including a very annoying DiagMonAgent app that caused it to continuously show popup notifications.
Here is a complete list of apps I removed from this ROM: http://dr.mywebcommunity.org/g920w8/debloat/20210831-samstock-debloat-results.html
My phone works super well with this setup.
Download information:
Location: androidfilehost.com
File name: 20210831-1914-sst05-safe.zip
File size: 1.4 Gb
Information
I did not include the AROMA options for different phone vendors so if you really need those files, please use original rom. I uploaded this rom for my peronal use and because I am trying to make a debloated rom and bring the size of the zip file back down to under 1 Gb but I have several issues with required apks causing bootloops. So for now, this is a fully functional re-packed rom. I do plan to re-pack the phone vendors in a futur aroma setup but for now, I am still struggling to debloat this rom entirely. I just needed a base stock rom with as little modification as possible and this is the only ROM I found to fit this category. I am fully opened to receive any kind of help or assistance. The goal is to change the ZIP file only through my Windows computer, change any files through Notepad++ if necessary.
If you want details of what has been done in the ROM, please refer to the original author's thread.
GOAL OF THIS RE-PACK
My goal is to keep the original system but remove every other useless things. I want to drop the ROM size to under 1 Gb. I want to remove all Samsung and Google apps that are not necessary for the system to work. If people want Google Play, I want to simply download it on Open GApps. Of course, for now, I have been unsuccessfully removing other apps and had several boot loops, this is the only package I managed to re-pack that has a successfull boot and work well with my needs.
Why use an old 7.0 version?
Honestly? Because everything! Bluetooth connection, camera, stability. Everything works. The only VERY annoying things I hate about v7.0 are:
PROBELM: Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode does NOT work. Apps compatible with PiP will not display any PiP content such as floating video call windows.
SOLUTION: The only similar effect you can have is by enabling in the dev options the "Force activities to be resizable" at the very bottom. Then, in an app you want to have displayed in a floating window, tap on your "All apps" button and drag your app's window on the little square that says "Open in pop-up view".
PROBLEM: Dark modes for apps like GMail and the user interface is not supported unless you seriously start to tinker arround with very creative workarrounds I have not tested.
SOLUTION: I did not test any.
Kernel Source
The kernel supplied in this re-pack is the original kernel from SamStock's original package (G920W8) with no changes. Based off SamStock's thread which states:
Untouched. Completely stock out of the latest zip from sammobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So source is based off original Samsung Kernel Source.
ROOT Magisk
This rom is NOT ROOTED. I removed the outdated supplied Magisk from the original ROM since I prefer to use the latest available version that works without any issues. Just remember to rename the Magisk APK file's extension to ".zip" and flash after flashing this rom. I also use the original APK file to install after first boot because the zip only enables root access but the APK installs the Magisk manager app and enables the popup message to grant root permissions to apps. It is not a requirement since Magisk will download the app automatically when you try to open it the first time, but it just makes you spend less time waiting for the automatic download and installs the app immediately. Installing the APK manually will require a reboot.
AdAway
This is the goto app to remove annoying ads in almost all apps. ROOT is required. To install, head to ApkMirror and download version 4.3.6. That's the latest version that still works very well on Android v7.0. You will be required to do 2 reboots, one after installing the app and enabling adblock and one for updating the hosts file.
Google
You will have a long update list to go through your initial boot to update all apps from Google App Store INCLUDING the app store itself. Please pay attention to Google Services notification because you may need to manually update Google Services if it does not do it on it's own for apps to work such as GMail and other Google apps.
I suggest you disable the "upday" app which Google Update installs. I hate this app so much that I disable the notification, force stop AND disable the app. I have not found any solution yet to prevent this app from being installed.
XPosed Framework
You need the sdk24 version. It works and boots without any problems BUT, it's old and I found it to be pretty much useless. Some stuff such as the Dark mode for GMail module does not work anymore. So I do not recommend you to install XPosed unless you already are familiar with modules you want to use and already know that is working.
What I wil NOT do (unsupported models)
I own only the W8 version of the phone so any other models I cannot support. BUT, I can say this, you can refer to the debloated list above to remove the apps from the ZIP file and repackage the file yourself for your model by downloading the right version on the original author's mod page. As I mentioned, this is a safe debloat list where the phone successfully boots and setups.
I cannot test phone calls and SMS because I do not use this function on my phone. I use a SIP phone service through GrandStream Wave and VoIP.ms. So if you have any issues concerning phone calls or SMS, please comment or check the list of removed apps above and mention to me what is needed and I will post a new upload with the included package. While you may be waiting for my fix, I suggest you use the original author's files.
KNOWN ISSUES
You will need to install another launcher to be able to change wallpaper since I removed some of Samsung's core apps which were linked to the Samsung store including the wallpaper switcher. I recommend the Microsoft Launcher which is entirely free and has all the basic functions including notification dots and icon pack themes.
INSTALLATION
• Backup your system and files
• Boot in TWRP (Hold Volume Up+Home Button+Power Button)
• Format and advance wipe everything
• Install zip file
• Optional: Install Magisk (rename apk extension to zip)
• Reboot System
Stuck in a bootloop or unresponssive phone?
Hard reboot your phone by holding Volume Down+Home Button+Power Button. Once the screen goes black, immediately Hold Volume Up+Home Button+Power Button and you will be back in TWRP. If it fails, simply repeat the Volume Down hard reboot until you get the timing right with Volume Up afterwards. That's what I do and it works but hopefully, this should NOT happen because it does not on my end.
Permission: I requested month's ago permission from the author and never got an answer so I presume that the project is abandonned or not followed anymore. So if ever the author somehow has specific requests or want's me to remove this, I will do so without hesitating after contacting me through PM.
XDA DevDB Information
SamStock ROM Debloated, ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S6 G920W8
Contributors
Moiz Ahmed
Supported Model: SM-G920W8 ONLY
ROM OS Version: 7.0 Nougat
ROM Kernel: Linux 3.10.x
ROM Firmware Required: Latest Modem and Bootloader
Based On: Samsung Stock / SamStock Rom (G920W8)
Version Information
Status: Stable
Stable Release Date: 2017-07-31
Created 2017-08-01
Last Updated 2017-12-25
Re-Pack Date: 2021-08-31