Develop Bugs

Simplest way to remove unwanted system apps?

I want to keep the stock HTC factory ROM on the phone now. I want to remove some of the system apps that come preinstalled, that's all. Facebook, for example. What's the simplest way to do this?
Also, I want the OTA update to 2.2 when it comes, and I don't care if I lose root, so long as I can cherry-pick what programs are on my phone.
And I want a pony, too.
Seriously, isn't there an easy method to just kill a few apps that is noob-friendly?

Download estrongs file explorer, go into settings/root options/Select hiapk or cyanogenmod (whichever works, you will also be prompted to grant su permissions)/then mount.
Now you navigate to system/app and delete at will.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

adelaney said:
Download estrongs file explorer, go into settings/root options/Select hiapk or cyanogenmod (whichever works, you will also be prompted to grant su permissions)/then mount.
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Click to collapse
Didn't work. Looks like root is required, plus a custom ROM flashed. Far too many steps to simply delete a preloaded system app. I'm running the stock HTC ROM. I suppose I can run Unrevoked3 to get root, but I have no interest in a custom ROM. I simply want the stock ROM with fewer apps. Thanks anyways...

adelaney said:
Download estrongs file explorer, go into settings/root options/Select hiapk or cyanogenmod (whichever works, you will also be prompted to grant su permissions)/then mount.
Now you navigate to system/app and delete at will.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't work on the stock ROM
I would also like to remove some apps. I want to keep the stock ROM for now (tried some 2.2 and did not like them... I'll just wait for OTA) and I'm root. What are the posibilities?

Unrevoked only gives you root, you don't have to install a custom ROM. You could just root, keep the stock ROM and just delete whatever you want. Don't see much point in that though. I also hate FB, stock and all the rest but as long as you don't use them / sign in they don't do anything and the free space you gain will be useless.

Simply there is no way to remove system apps without root..
With root you can only do it in recovery by issuing adb commands or by simply deleting .apk files from a custom rom before you flash it.
edit: and i agree with pascanu no need, and you might just screw something up

So basically I have to get root access using something like Unrevoked3, then type in some commands (adb) in my computer, with the phone hooked up via USB, and delete the apps that way?
I can refer to one of the threads explaining how to use ADB, but a quick search tells me that I need to download & install the SDK to use it. Already we are getting way too complicated. Each solution I see involves downloading large files and installing software.
If this is the only way currently, than I can accept that. I have rooted phones and flashed ROMs before, and I am confident I could figure it out again if needed. I just don't want to bother now. I like the stock ROM from HTC on my Desire. All I want is control over exactly which apps live on my phone, just like I control which programs are on my PC. Imagine if you couldn't remove some toolbar or AOL from a new PC when you bought it? Scary, huh? That's where a lot of us are now.
Until it's easy and quick, I and the majority of users just won't bother. I'm still hoping it's possible, and if anyone can explain how to do it then please do.

Yes as i wrote there is no need for that, if you are going to root it should be because you want some of all the good stuff it comes with (wireless tether, a2sd, froyo, decent backup, custom theming etc.)
It is quite easy though.

I may know where you can get a pony..........

[Q] Unable to remove programs, Rooted & Unlocked

I have rooted my phone using the Vietnamese method, not Bin4ry's, and I have successfully unlocked the phone using Freegee. I downloaded Root Browser Lite and began trying to uninstall some of the bloatware I'll never use, but have found I cannot uninstall anything other than apps I installed myself. I have things running properly that require root, i.e. AdFree, but I noticed that RB Lite did not request root permission when I opened it up and tried uninstalling apps. I've uninstalled and reinstalled RB Lite a couple times, hasn't fixed anything. Am I doing something wrong? I am new to this game, having only one phone prior that I rooted/unlocked and messed with ROMs on, but I never had a single issue removing apps off my Evo 4G. Any help is welcome and appreciated! If you need more details, let me know. Thanks guys!

Does the RB Lite supports the required features?
Cause the Root Explorer, for example, doesnt provide them in light version.

It claims to. In the description: Batch copy/paste, zip, tar, delete, move any file or folder. When I ran FreeGee, I didn't get any errors, and CWM seems to be working fine. And again, apps that require root, i.e. AdFree are working correctly. I don't know, maybe I'll throw down the $3.99 for Root Explorer and see if that works...
Tim4 said:
Does the RB Lite supports the required features?
Cause the Root Explorer, for example, doesnt provide them in light version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Problem solved.

latrotoxin1986 said:
Problem solved.
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Click to collapse
Care to elaborate? May be helpful to others.

RB Lite was the issue. Downloaded File Explorer, which if you intend to use on a rooted phone, makes you download some extra files from the app store. This program is free and seems to work well enough, though my goal is simply debloating the phone. Anyways, silly error on many part.
chevro1et said:
Care to elaborate? May be helpful to others.
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Click to collapse

I think I lost root. How do I check and fix?

I've had a few apps tell me that I'm not rooted and my wifi tether no longer works (laptop doesnt even see the network. Tried changing and using another tehtering app and it saw it but only gave me limited connection. No internet.) but when I put SU into terminal emulator it returns #.Can someone please tell me how to check to make sure my root is still fully entact and functioning.

Try opening the superuser app.

Thanks for the fast response man. I really appreciate it.
I did and it didnt do anything so I cleared the permissions for it aaaaaaand think i made it worse. in super user I scrolled down to the wifi tether app and clicked it and hit the trash icon withouth thinking it through. IS there a way to manually add allowed apps. I also noticed SU never prompts me to allow apps anymore. Really holding up my ingress progress. lol

2low2rl said:
Thanks for the fast response man. I really appreciate it.
I did and it didnt do anything so I cleared the permissions for it aaaaaaand think i made it worse. in super user I scrolled down to the wifi tether app and clicked it and hit the trash icon withouth thinking it through. IS there a way to manually add allowed apps. I also noticed SU never prompts me to allow apps anymore. Really holding up my ingress progress. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just run any app that needs root and it will prompt you again. You cake also download root checker from play store.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Thank you too eles. I actually just did that and it told me I dont not have proper root access. But Terminal emulator does show # when prompted. Can either of you tell me how what may have caused this and how to fix it. I did just get the 4.1.1 update from T-mo so Im thinking maybe that.

Reflash superuser with your recovery.

Aerowinder said:
Reflash superuser with your recovery.
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Click to collapse
Yes do this or Odin the prerooted one. The update broke it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks again aero. I reflashed it and Root checker still says im not. I also tried to run fix permissions and it says an error too.I also tried to do a back up and it hangs on "done freeing up space". What would be your next step to diagnosing/fixing this. and Thanks again you guys I've been freaking out a little. lol

Just re-root.
Then reflash your favorite ROM.
How did you root in the first place?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Is it really that simple? Won't there be some issues because I have a somewhat partial root already? I honestly don't rememeber my original method. I did it back in september and havent messed with it since. I never even ran any roms I'm still bone stock. Is there a method you would suggest? or possibly a link to it?

Yes, it really is that simple.
If root still isn't working, follow instructions in my signature. The su zip is also going to wipe out any previous superuser/supersu that is present on your phone.
Alternatively, if you already have CWM on your phone, you can use this http://db.tt/okfh9vzU to update it without tripping your counter.

Thanks to your guys' help I was able to reroot using the tool kit. Now my issue is that I did this to fix my wifi tethering issue and its not. What app would you guys suggest for tethering? I dont have it on a part of myplan but I know theres ways around it. Wifi tether and barnacle didnt work (wasnt seen by laptop or other s3) and fox fi was identified, let me connect but said it was limited, then eventually went to fully connected but still wouldnt load pages or anything. If I can get one of you guys to help me solve this by suggesting an app or something I'll get out of your hair.
Do I need to load a custom rom to tether maybe? Thanks again guys.

2low2rl said:
Thanks to your guys' help I was able to reroot using the tool kit. Now my issue is that I did this to fix my wifi tethering issue and its not. What app would you guys suggest for tethering? I dont have it on a part of myplan but I know theres ways around it. Wifi tether and barnacle didnt work (wasnt seen by laptop or other s3) and fox fi was identified, let me connect but said it was limited, then eventually went to fully connected but still wouldnt load pages or anything. If I can get one of you guys to help me solve this by suggesting an app or something I'll get out of your hair.
Do I need to load a custom rom to tether maybe? Thanks again guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ddownload, and install WifiTether-TrevE_Mod_Latest.apk
it'll work if you make the changes here:
Profile :generic ics/jb wlan0
Enable "send netd max client cmd"

[Q] Sprint Note 2 rootted stock now an update nag

Device Info: Sprint Galaxy Note 2 Running rooted stock Android 4.4.2. (chainfire auto root using odin)
Wifi only unit. I have no sprint contract purchased it used (I'm new to customizing android- I have flashed an old palm pda, but only via guidance)
Situation: Rooted the unit and have customized it as mine
1. No custom backup and would like to do that
2. Do not like all the bloatware apps
3. Now a system update has been downloaded asking to install (I've not okayed it)
So please help me with each of these
1. Please point me in the direction of best way to take a backup of existing rom ( I do have philz downloaded, but I'm not sure about how to ?
2. Would that deal with the persistent update request? Would it be good to update?
3. and then the bloatware removal, should I use an app that removes system apps? ( I have titanium, but I'm not good at knowing which apps to touch and not to touch) Thanks in advance and no I'm not in a hurry as yet.

Hi,
I will have your thread moved to your device section so the experts who own your device can help you.
Good luck!

Point to links please
If someone doesn't want to tackle this whole question I'd just appreciate links on how to step by step. I'd appreciate any help at all, I'm just a bit fearful of bricking the device, but if the instructions are clear I can definitely do this.
The first is issue is backup that is my priority at the moment. The second is whether to install the update or not and how to get rid of the nag. thanks

Not sure about backing up the ROM itself... but what I do is just back up the apps with Titanium and then re-load the apps (or just data) when I have to re-install my ROM like I did a couple of weeks ago. Prior to the Note II, I had an HTC Hero (stop laughing) and would do nandroids for that device. Don't know that you need that for Samsung devices, but somebody may be better to explain than I am.
ETA: here's an article on creating a nandroid, FWIW
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-a-nandroid-backup-and-how-exactly-does-it-work/
If you are rooted, I don't know that the persistent update will actually apply/install. I'm on Classic Stock 4.4.2 and I also had the same nag. Here's a link on how to disable the update nag. This is what I did, as my phone would not apply the update so I just disabled the persistent reminder using the steps below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2442207
With respect to removing system apps, not sure I can offer much direction other than to suggest removing obvious apps (maybe like the Sprint Zone app) and then just doing a search on each app that looks like you can/want to delete or uninstall. Probably a bit time consuming, however, I am not aware of a "bloatware list" or anything which outlines safe-to-remove apps.

Much appreciated Lenny
When I did the root, I didn't really want a custom rom, just stock with root. Now that I've used titanium backup and have removed the install update nag- I'm set for a while!

lost in cyberspace said:
Much appreciated Lenny
When I did the root, I didn't really want a custom rom, just stock with root. Now that I've used titanium backup and have removed the install update nag- I'm set for a while!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might also look at adding a free version of BusyBox (I use stericson's, and jrummy also has one out there).
Also might want to look at an install of AdAway, which you'll need to install manually (not available from the Play Store). You don't have to install the whole F-Droid package, you can download only the AdAway apk if you want.
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway
One last piece of info, you may want to turn off automatic updating for apps, as the SuperSU app can have problems after an update and you might have to re-root your phone. Here's what I ran into.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58955076&postcount=10

lennykravitz2004 said:
You might also look at adding a free version of BusyBox (I use stericson's, and jrummy also has one out there).
Also might want to look at an install of AdAway, which you'll need to install manually (not available from the Play Store). You don't have to install the whole F-Droid package, you can download only the AdAway apk if you want.
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway
One last piece of info, you may want to turn off automatic updating for apps, as the SuperSU app can have problems after an update and you might have to re-root your phone. Here's what I ran into.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58955076&postcount=10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I've side loaded adb adblock is adaway better? I use App Ops to turn off specific things within each app such as location finding, I like MW apps manager to add more apps to the multiwindow feature., and I've turned off most apps auto update, but some apps I've left auto update. I've just turned off auto update on super user -- even though, I've not yet experienced any major issues as yet.

lost in cyberspace said:
Thank you! I've side loaded adb adblock is adaway better? I use App Ops to turn off specific things within each app such as location finding, I like MW apps manager to add more apps to the multiwindow feature., and I've turned off most apps auto update, but some apps I've left auto update. I've just turned off auto update on super user -- even though, I've not yet experienced any major issues as yet.
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Click to collapse
Don't know if adb adblock is better - I've never used it. Didn't see you mention a couple of these things when you said you were "all set for awhile", so I was just trying to offer a few other things to consider and look into. Sounds like you're already on the ball though!
Personally, I'm happy with stock. Big reason for me to root was getting rid of ads. I've tried some of the other ROMs but I've always come back to the stock look and feel. I've had the device since about 1 week after it came out in Fall 2012. Of course, I am also on my third one since I totaled two other ones. I absolutely love it, and am in no hurry to upgrade (if possible). Hope you enjoy it as I have... lots of good stuff from devs here!

New HTC desire 816

So im new to all this. My last "smart" phone was pretty basic and couldnt do much. I went through the root process thinking I would like it, but so far it seems like I wasted my time. I thought I would be able to uninstall useless apps and install apps right to the SD card. So far neither have worked. I was wondering if anyone could help and explain in plain simple english what I may be doing wrong or is this phone basically useless to root and just have to live with it as is? I tried titanium backup - all that did was take up almost all my remaining phone space, change my keyboard and switch my wallpaper back to default. I tried System app remover to remove unwanted bloatware - no change. I tried ROM toolbox lite to install apps to SD, I checked that box in the app for it to do this- downloaded an app to see if it worked and nope. So any suggestions on anything useful root does for this phone? So far it seems like i wasted my time on this.

Andy1058 said:
So im new to all this. My last "smart" phone was pretty basic and couldnt do much. I went through the root process thinking I would like it, but so far it seems like I wasted my time. I thought I would be able to uninstall useless apps and install apps right to the SD card. So far neither have worked. I was wondering if anyone could help and explain in plain simple english what I may be doing wrong or is this phone basically useless to root and just have to live with it as is? I tried titanium backup - all that did was take up almost all my remaining phone space, change my keyboard and switch my wallpaper back to default. I tried System app remover to remove unwanted bloatware - no change. I tried ROM toolbox lite to install apps to SD, I checked that box in the app for it to do this- downloaded an app to see if it worked and nope. So any suggestions on anything useful root does for this phone? So far it seems like i wasted my time on this.
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Click to collapse
Heya Andy, welcome. you have a great phone there, and It just needs a little patience.
-you can remove any unwanted system app using whatever Root Explorer/manager you Wish, including ES file explorer!
-you can install/move apps to SD. the best way to do that would be Link2SD. you'll need to look around and read to get acquainted with it, but it's a great little app and it will let you install hundreds of apps, all on SD.
-to make the best use of your Root, you should install this or something similar.
-One of the best things you can do with root, is to install Xposed framework and use modules to customize your phone. some of my favorites are: Sense6 Toolbox, App Ops, Network speed indicator, Xsense, Bootmanager,,,. they give you great control on many aspects of the phone and add some very useful functionality.