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..........

[SOLVED] Coming from an iPhone

I came from an iPhone 4 and I really liked how you could back up the phone and after you install a fresh OS you click"restore from backup" and it would put all the apps, passwords etc. back to exactly how you had it.... As far as I know theres nothing like that for android.
Does anyone know some apps or processes that would essentially do that before I root?

I'm pretty sure google already does that? the only difference is that you can do a complete wipe/clean install without a computer.. It's all in the cloud baby!

Durkbeef said:
I'm pretty sure google already does that? the only difference is that you can do a complete wipe/clean install without a computer.. It's all in the cloud baby!
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Click to collapse
Yeah except I just got back to stock and none of my APPS or anything are there, and its done syncing
(EDIT Just my Apps showed up after Syncing my google voice account) No passwords or organization of homescreen... Too bad it didnt save that stuff

Sync will only back up the apps you had downloaded through market and will re-download them later on after a wipe if you so choose. As far as backing up passwords etc, a program such as Titanium Backup may work, but I know you can use ADB or terminal and go through the databases pulling files for each thing you want to keep, then pushing them after you have everything back up and running to get that specific data back on there.

Nitemare3219 said:
Sync will only back up the apps you had downloaded through market and will re-download them later on after a wipe if you so choose. As far as backing up passwords etc, a program such as Titanium Backup may work, but I know you can use ADB or terminal and go through the databases pulling files for each thing you want to keep, then pushing them after you have everything back up and running to get that specific data back on there.
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Click to collapse
I keep hearing everyone talk about ADB.... what is it and where do you download it

icolorado303 said:
I keep hearing everyone talk about ADB.... what is it and where do you download it
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Click to collapse
Its an Android Dev tool and its used via a PC and command prompt, not something easily learned from scratch, at least to me.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Adb is a simple tool. Google ADB guide and you'll be able to find out a ton of info.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

icolorado303 said:
I came from an iPhone 4 and I really liked how you could back up the phone and after you install a fresh OS you click"restore from backup" and it would put all the apps, passwords etc. back to exactly how you had it.... As far as I know theres nothing like that for android.
Does anyone know some apps or processes that would essentially do that before I root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally Google will backup your apps, and depending on which launcher you use, you can back other things up as well. For example Launcher Pro (or was it ADW?) let's you backup all homescreen and launcher settings to your SD card.
I'm not sure about passwords and etc.

When it comes to Android and complete backups, it seems like rooting the phone and performing a nandroid backup is the best way.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

rp1783 said:
Adb is a simple tool. Google ADB guide and you'll be able to find out a ton of info.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm doubting they have a mac version lol
I was wrong they have android SDK for mac hope ADB is there

Titanium Backup will do most of what you want. Install it, press menu go to Batch then run Backup of User Apps.
Then when you go to restore it all go back to Batch, then restore User Apps and Data.
It should restore all your apps + save games ^_^
Also make sure you have an SD card =P

Titanium Backup to do your backup, as has been said. You'll need to be rooted for that.
As for adb, see the guide here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865685 . I'm still working on the guide, but there are some responses with links on how to get it working on the Mac.

icolorado303 said:
Hmmm doubting they have a mac version lol
I was wrong they have android SDK for mac hope ADB is there
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Click to collapse
There is no mac version...but what you can do is jump onto isohunt.com and grab a version of Parallels...and a windows iso..get everything set up with those two and you should be able to run adb in the virtual environment...YouTube is probably your best friend if you dont know how to do that...but its what i use...or just burn the windows iso and make a bootcamp partition...much more stable and reliable than a virtual machine
Sent from my HTC DesireZed

SN4K3B1T3 said:
There is no mac version...but what you can do is jump onto isohunt.com and grab a version of Parallels...and a windows iso..get everything set up with those two and you should be able to run adb in the virtual environment...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh ? There is a Mac version of the SDK, as the previous poster said. See http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html

Download mybackup pro, it can backup all your phones data and app data.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

*sighs in amusement*
Give a man a fish...

steviewevie said:
Eh ? There is a Mac version of the SDK, as the previous poster said. See http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
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Click to collapse
Hmm and to think i didnt have top go through all that trouble! haha sorry for the noobness lol

SN4K3B1T3 said:
Hmm and to think i didnt have top go through all that trouble! haha sorry for the noobness lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your way sounds like more fun though

[Q] Unroot a custom rom?

Hey All,
For Work I need to install the app Good for Enterprise so I can get my calendar and work email pushed to my phone. Unfortunately it is company policy that it be unrooted. Presumeably a security issue. Is it possible to unroot a custom rom? i'd rather not go back to stock for the simple reason of app storage. I love A2SD+ and being able to have as many apps as I want installed. Also nandroid backups, that would go away without root too wouldn;t it? Can I just remove the SU.apk? Will that suffice to be "unrooted"? Is that even possible?

Tweak_four17 said:
Hey All,
For Work I need to install the app Good for Enterprise so I can get my calendar and work email pushed to my phone. Unfortunately it is company policy that it be unrooted. Presumeably a security issue. Is it possible to unroot a custom rom? i'd rather not go back to stock for the simple reason of app storage. I love A2SD+ and being able to have as many apps as I want installed. Also nandroid backups, that would go away without root too wouldn;t it? Can I just remove the SU.apk? Will that suffice to be "unrooted"? Is that even possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to unroot, you'll need to go back to stock.
The reason they want unrooted phones, is not so much a security issue, as it is they just don't understand or don't wish to deal with possible problems.

If you backup your apps and data you can run the official RUU, and it will put the original unrooted system to your phone. I don't know other method.
Here are the official ROMs: http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=android&model=Bravo

Removing the SU binaries will unroot you, I don't see the need as to why you have to be unrooted though.

apparently you can't use the new movie-rental feature of google's market, when you are rooted.
Is it possible to stick to a custom rom but unroot it, so that google recognises your phone as a not-rooted device and allows you to watch movies from market?
I don't need root-permissions every day - in fact I only need it for Titanium Backup, so deleting su-binaries and/or superuser.apk would be ok - but it must be possible to restore them (via recovery/adb) to run TB.
This probably isn't what google wants you to do since you can download the movie to watch later and if you have a working recovery you probably could get you hands on the downloaded files, but still - would be nice, if this was possible.

Easiest way to unroot and go back to stock is to stick a PB99IMG.zip on your sdcard, and turn your phone on with volume held down

How about this:
1) Go back to stock ROM via RUU
2) Install Good For Enterprise (I guess your IT department installs this, so they can check you are not rooted?)
3) ROOT the stock ROM using UnRevoked
4) Take a Titanium Backup of Good For Enterprise
5) Re-install your custom ROM
6) Restore the Titanium Backup of GfE
-> You have a rooted, custom ROM with GfE installed. And your company will never know!

madcr0w said:
Easiest way to unroot and go back to stock is to stick a PB99IMG.zip on your sdcard, and turn your phone on with volume held down
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Click to collapse
Congratulations for not reading the post. Here is your cookie.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App

Demonic idea
kuroneko007 said:
How about this:
1) Go back to stock ROM via RUU
2) Install Good For Enterprise (I guess your IT department installs this, so they can check you are not rooted?)
3) ROOT the stock ROM using UnRevoked
4) Take a Titanium Backup of Good For Enterprise
5) Re-install your custom ROM
6) Restore the Titanium Backup of GfE
-> You have a rooted, custom ROM with GfE installed. And your company will never know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like your idea mate! Hahahahahaha....
Edit: Bad boy! Bad bad boy! hahahahahahahaha....

kuroneko007 said:
How about this:
1) Go back to stock ROM via RUU
2) Install Good For Enterprise (I guess your IT department installs this, so they can check you are not rooted?)
3) ROOT the stock ROM using UnRevoked
4) Take a Titanium Backup of Good For Enterprise
5) Re-install your custom ROM
6) Restore the Titanium Backup of GfE
-> You have a rooted, custom ROM with GfE installed. And your company will never know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone ever tested this?

Or why don't you just delete superuser via adb or android commander

good for enterprise checks for root access/ su every time it starts. It's not an issue of not being able to install the app. It's available for free on the market. The problem is when entering all your info and starting it up, it checks for SU.
I am guessing the best way around this is to install custom rom, set everything up that you need that requires SU/root. Then delete all the su/root related files. Then install Good.
Unfortunately I don't have a list of all the files that have to be deleted for this to work.
There have been reports that other users who have tried this method got it to work but the App stopped syncing after a few days.

List:
/system/app/superuser
/system/bin/su
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

I tried this method, renamed the 2 files. It has been working for last 24 hours. I'll update again after a week if it still works..
Edit:
yep this works perfectly.

vvelumm said:
I tried this method, renamed the 2 files. It has been working for last 24 hours. I'll update again after a week if it still works..
Edit:
yep this works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You renamed SU.apk to SU.apk.bak most likely...
What did you rename the libs file to?

vvelumm said:
good for enterprise checks for root access/ su every time it starts. It's not an issue of not being able to install the app. It's available for free on the market. The problem is when entering all your info and starting it up, it checks for SU.
I am guessing the best way around this is to install custom rom, set everything up that you need that requires SU/root. Then delete all the su/root related files. Then install Good.
Unfortunately I don't have a list of all the files that have to be deleted for this to work.
There have been reports that other users who have tried this method got it to work but the App stopped syncing after a few days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have rooted my HTC Salsa to get apps2sd which is great, but now my mobile banking app says it will not work on a rooted device, similar to your issue.
I am new to android modding, what commands do i need to enter where to rename the files you mention ?
Thanks in advance.
Mike

wont work good enterprises would more than likely check every time like sky go. you would have to removed a2sd command line i think and all su binarys ( and su.akp ( difficult as its normally a system app and once one of the su has been removed you dont have premition to remove the other/
and to the donunt who said ( the dont understand root) wanna cookie 0. basicly good enterprise is a secure web client for companys to send information to mobiles, i have it on my work (iphone) <<<< scummmy.. anyways as root gives to the option to do what ever you or anyone else wants with the phone in theory you could use that system to breack the law or for instance chaindd could possible put an update in to su that will take data from the company> for google videos ) well with root you can screen record ( basicly ) excuse the spelling im trying to find out how to un root and keep all of my system ui mods and themes and my rom ( proving difficult)

hey I know that this is based on a old post but I have a question did you ever find out how to unroot a custom rom that is pre-rooted?

Rooted phone.. can I still develop app?

For my final year project I'm creating an Android app. As i'm sure most of you are aware the Android emulator is incredibly slow and so I want to run the app on my phone instead each time. I know you can do this usually but as my phone is rooted and running a ROM (that isn't stock), it doesn't give me the option to run on the phone when I run the project (I know you can usually do this because my friends unrooted phone works fine). Is there anyway I can get my rooted phone to work or will I have to revert to stock?
Many thanks

You might be better off in another non device specific forum.
But in general, yes, it can. The only thing a stock ROM can do that a custom one can't is consume more resources, battery, and space than necessary.
Do you mean to install an app? Just tap on the .apk file on a file manager or something and it should let you install.

Go into developer options and click whatever needs to be checked. If you run adb devices and it shows up, you should be able to install it on your device. If you are using eclipse the option should show when you try to run the program.
Sent from a dream.

xxkid123 said:
You might be better off in another non device specific forum.
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Click to collapse
Sorry I should of said, I've got a DHD running the CodeFire 4.2 BR1 ROM.
xxkid123 said:
Do you mean to install an app? Just tap on the .apk file on a file manager or something and it should let you install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I mean just running the app like I would through the emulator without installing the .apk file on the phone.

Teichopsia said:
Go into developer options and click whatever needs to be checked. If you run adb devices and it shows up, you should be able to install it on your device. If you are using eclipse the option should show when you try to run the program.
Sent from a dream.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I adb devices it wasn't showing anything so I downloaded PdaNet and this re-installed the correct drivers for my phone. It now works :victory:

You cannot run an app without installing it ..
when u use the emulator on pc and and connect your phone via datacable to run your app on it , the emulator actually installs that app in your phone and then run it ! most probably u r not confused with this ...

Why Should I root?

Hey guys! So I had a Samsung vibrant for years before I got a 920 and rooted it. I would then of course flash roms every week. I looked over the main features of the Roms coming out for the new nexus 7 and don't see anything that I can't already do, but I may he wrong. Can you tell me what is unlocked if I root my amazing new n7? (Apps I can use if rooted , features, etc) Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I am more than happy to answer that question for you. First: I want to shed a little light on what 'rooting' a device means, and what flashing new ROMs entails.
First and foremost: root is not required to flash new ROMs. Having root access to the file system is having full control and rights to your files. Think of it like having an Administrator account in Windows. You're free to manipulate all files on your device, including core system files, which is why you don't have root access by default; the normal end-user wouldn't know which system files do what and could delete a very important file that could soft-brick their device, or could download a malicious app that would do the same (think of it as a virus in Windows)(Protip: if you only download apps from the Play store, you're good).
Second: the only thing required to flash a new ROM is your bootloader to be unlocked, and maybe a custom recovery is required, I'm not too familiar with the stock recovery and whether or not you can flash .zips from there. Unlocking your bootloader enables you to flash unsigned images to your device, a custom ROM in this case. Here's where the confusion happens: when you flash a new ROM, it overwrites your old ROM, including the superuser status you had. Most custom ROMs have root enabled by default, which is why it seems like your old root access carried over. Think of flashing a new ROM as re-installing Windows on your computer. All of your old profiles are erased and you need to set up new ones. Having root access is like setting up your Administrator profile and using it.
Third: the benefits of rooting. I personally use root specifically for Titanium Backup, Cerberus, ES File Explorer, and franco.Kernel updater. If you don't know what those apps do, I'll explain. Titanium Backup backs up all of my apps so when I flash a new ROM, I can easily restore them, instead of having to manually re-install them from the Play store which takes time and sometimes, data. TB needs root because it's installing apps on your device automatically (after you tell it to). You can see why you would need root there. Cerberus is an anti-theft app, which needs root to remotely activate sensors like GPS, camera, take screenshots, show messages, get device info, etc. Again, you could see why root would be needed there: security. ES File Explorer (any root explorer app) needs root because, well, so you can see and manipulate files that you need superuser status to do those things. I use it for many miscellaneous reasons such as renaming my nandroid backups. franco.Kernel updater I use to tweak my kernel settings.
Now, I'm not trying to convince you to root. That is a decision that should be made by you. Having root comes with potentially negative consequences. You could mess up your ROM. The chances are very slim, and very reversible (worst-case scenario: flash new ROM), but still very real. If you don't know your way around the bootloader, or how to restore factory images to the device, it could be frustrating to fix a soft-brick caused by system files being manipulated. Still, you have XDA, full of helpful people and plenty of guides and if you have the patience to read and listen to advice, you should be able to learn how to fix your problem, should one arise.
Ok, sum-up. Having "root" is like having Administrator rights on Windows. Installing ROMs is like re-installing Windows on your computer. Recovery is like the BIOS on your computer. Therefor, root is not required to flash a new ROM, only your bootloader unlocked (possibly custom recovery). Root is nice to have, and poses almost zero risk to hard-bricking your device. Having root could soft-brick your device if you don't know what you're doing, however, and could potentially be very frustrating if you don't know your way around the bootloader and/or recovery. If you have the patience to learn or listen to advice, it can be fixed though. It's up to you to weigh the risks and rewards. One thing to keep in mind: if you only download apps from the Play store, you should be 100% A-Ok to have root. The only way to soft-brick your device then, is if you're in there poking around with files you shouldn't be messing with (so, user-error). If you do decide to root and/or flash new ROM's, I'd advise in doing it manually at first instead of using toolkits. That way, you can see what's happening, which could come in handy if something should come up later.

Well said, Johnmama.
Basically, the #1 reason I root is Titanium Backup. I do also use some additional root apps, like ES File Explorer, but I could live without them. Titanium Backup is the ONE app that I will not do without.

The majority of custom ROMs already come prerooted.