So, I'd like to make a few changes to the app icons...for example...browser, tw launcher, email, etc.
On my previous phones, I've always just flashed them thru recovery...but with the problems some users are having after flashing custom kernels (with cwm), I would prefer to stay on the stock kernel for right now.
Could I just use root explorer to drop the replacement pngs in the apk files in system/app?
Any info would be helpful....
Thanks
Try to pull the apk to your computer, use something like 7zip to open, edit your images, update the archive, copy to your SD card, sign using zipsigner 2 and install.
Let me know how it works out
Just drop the apps
First move the app into comp
Extract with 7zip
Change the pngs (theyre in res foulder)
Unextract your files by opening file archive and dragging and dropping res folder
Use root explorer to replace app
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Related
Can some leed me to the way of changing the Signal bars to baby blue i have not seen no one change the colors of the bars before
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
In a nutshell: If you are running an aosp rom, pull the framework-res.apk from /system/framework. If using sense I think you have to pull com.htc.resources.apk from the same place instead.
Then make three copies of the file you are using. Make one for backup then unzip the second one. You can then look through the unzipped apk under /res/drawable-hdpi for the images you want to change. Use your favorite editor to change the color of the images.
When you've made all the changes you want, use 7-zip to open (not unzip) the third copy of the apk that you haven't touched yet. Drag and drop the edited images into the same folder in the opened apk, overwriting the old ones.
Now you should be able to push this apk back to your phone.
Sent from your mom's phone.
Thanks man This is pretty hard do you mind doing this for me if you can thanks
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Thanks I've been trying to figure that out for done time now.
nukedukem said:
In a nutshell: If you are running an aosp rom, pull the framework-res.apk from /system/framework. If using sense I think you have to pull com.htc.resources.apk from the same place instead.
Then make three copies of the file you are using. Make one for backup then unzip the second one. You can then look through the unzipped apk under /res/drawable-hdpi for the images you want to change. Use your favorite editor to change the color of the images.
When you've made all the changes you want, use 7-zip to open (not unzip) the third copy of the apk that you haven't touched yet. Drag and drop the edited images into the same folder in the opened apk, overwriting the old ones.
Now you should be able to push this apk back to your phone.
Sent from your mom's phone.
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Click to collapse
Swyped from Eva running Myn's RLS4!
I unzipped a apk file to change some of the images in the drawable-hdpi folder, how do I zip it back into an apk file to reinstall it on my phone. Or can I flash the zip file? I dunno how that would work...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Can you get another copy of the apk?
If you can then the best thing to do is use winRAR or 7zip to open/explore the apk just like with a .zip file. That way you never unzip it and don't run into that issue. Using those allows you to delete and add files. You can also do the same thing on your phone using root explorer or something similar.
As far as correcting what you've done already (assuming you can't get a copy of that apk) I've completely forgotten since I never have to do it. I know if you look on the android sdk's site you can find the answer though.
adamtheindien said:
I unzipped a apk file to change some of the images in the drawable-hdpi folder, how do I zip it back into an apk file to reinstall it on my phone. Or can I flash the zip file? I dunno how that would work...
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
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Click to collapse
An apk is just a zip file with the apk extension, once you zip it up change it from a .zip to a .apk
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
i changed what i wanted and rezipped, changed the extension, tried to install it, says problem parsing the package?
adamtheindien said:
i changed what i wanted and rezipped, changed the extension, tried to install it, says problem parsing the package?
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Click to collapse
It can also depend on which APK (system vs non-system) and which images (.9 images can be tricky to replace if you don't know what you are doing). Sometimes, you also need to re-sign the APK, depending on what you modified (there are tools to re-sign in the SDK or you can use something like APK Manager).
You should try the opening the APK directly in WinRAR/7-zip and replacing the images method. In my experience, if you are just replacing simple images, you usually don't have to re-sign when doing this (it leaves the existing signature intact).
ok i mainly just replaced images and and edited a couple. i dont know how to use all that adbsdkwhatever stuff.... -_- i know i should but im too lazy. so i dunno how to re sign it...
all im trying to do is edit the quick search bar images. maybe i dont have to do this if there is somewhere to find themed search bars?
If you can then the best thing to do is use winRAR or 7zip to open/explore the apk just like with a .zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your using winRAR click and drag stuff works if its one or two files.
If its a lot of images or a large file like framework-res.apk (I'm thinking your search bar might be in there if I'm not mistaken) then you'll want to make a new ZIP archive with "store" compression (uncompressed pretty much).
(also you shouldn't need to resign the framework-res.apk)
I haven't tested 7zips click and drag but the same principals apply. If its bigger files being recompiled Winrar tends to compress it a bit and sometimes it causes bootloops.
That being said, don't forget to nandroid
82_Z28 said:
If your using winRAR click and drag stuff works if its one or two files.
If its a lot of images or a large file like framework-res.apk (I'm thinking your search bar might be in there if I'm not mistaken) then you'll want to make a new ZIP archive with "store" compression (uncompressed pretty much).
(also you shouldn't need to resign the framework-res.apk)
I haven't tested 7zips click and drag but the same principals apply. If its bigger files being recompiled Winrar tends to compress it a bit and sometimes it causes bootloops.
That being said, don't forget to nandroid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well from my experience, 7zip handles the task like a champ. I've taken every image out and put others back in with no issues. The downside is that some apps set certain dependencies in the .xml files so if you delete the wrong things it won't install and if it does, all you get is a fc all day. In that case it helps to know how to convert the xml binary to something readable (unless you're a king a hex editing).
I am trying to change certain images for my XDA premium app but I cannot seem to get my version to install...
I am backing up via "My Backup Root", then placing the modified images in the drawable-hdpi folder inside the app WHILE my SD card is mounted on my computer. I am overwriting all of them (using the same names and keeping the sizes the same). And then I tried installing the modified version through ES file explorer in the my backup root folder, no dice. Then I tried installing it by restoring a backup via my Backup root, but no matter what, my XDA App will not install with the modified images. I am using 7zip to replace images.
So you need to find a way to backup a non-system application while still being able to edit it?
Have you tried going straight into data and pulling the app with ADB? Using Super Manager, Root Explorer or ES?
Hell maybe you have resign it!
If you want to send over the files I'd love to play with it.
How would I pull it using adb pull? I've got ES File Explorer, but it's a non system app.
Using root explorer goto data/app and copy the apk to sdcard. Put sdcard in your pc and pull the apk and modifie. Then install
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
In ES there is a root explorer right?
Go into settings and at the bottom are root options. Enable them.
Then click the SD button at the top left hand corner and you should see your phones root folder. Then data -> app and find the XDA application. Long press and select copy, then paste it to your SD card. it will be named something like com.somethingXDA.apk, or net.somethingXDA.apk, or even org.somethingXDA.apk.
Also try renaming your MyBackup modifyed file to its actual filename. So for example "SetCPU" to "com.mhuang.overclocking.apk" or "XDAPremiumApp" to "com.somethingXDA.apk". I know for some Swype mods you had to do that.
This is my first time using ES File explorer! And I really like it!
I don't understand, I did exactly as Mystery said, and app still not installed. For some odd reason, my edited .png files are smaller less kbs than the original APK. Does changing colors only alter data size?
Overstew said:
I don't understand, I did exactly as Mystery said, and app still not installed. For some odd reason, my edited .png files are smaller less kbs than the original APK. Does changing colors only alter data size?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to put it in /system/app now, because modifying the APK's contents in any way will invalidate the signature. You could also resign it, but it won't update.
Ok, I'm getting farther and farther, but how do I fix the permissions to paste it in System/App? It's a non system app, shouldn't it be copied into Data/app?
Overstew said:
Ok, I'm getting farther and farther, but how do I fix the permissions to paste it in System/App? It's a non system app, shouldn't it be copied into Data/app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure how to do it in es , but in root explorer you long press the app and click permissions and put checks in all three of the first column and just the top one in the 2nd column and leve the rest unchecked. Its ok to put it in system/app.
GituSum said:
Im not sure how to do it in es , but in root explorer you long press the app and click permissions and put checks in all three of the first column and just the top one in the 2nd column and leve the rest unchecked. Its ok to put it in system/app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give Root Explorer a try.
Are you decompiling it or just opening it via 7zip and swapping images?? If you aren't decompiling then the signature is fine to run, but not install.. just put it in /data/app.. permissions won't matter.. if you are decompiling, that's a different story.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Hello there,
I found an easy way to change the icons of system apps[msg,music...etc] for ppl who don't know to use ADB
1.Now your ace should be rooted...install root explorer or any file browser that can copy the .apk from system/app.Eg..ive copied the music.apk to sd card.
2.now transfer it to your PC and replace the icon.png in drawable mdpi with your own file using winrar..[Every apk has a diffrent name for the icon..for some it will be ic_launcher..etc],so check it and replace
4.now place the edited .apk in the app folder in the zip file i've attached,move it to your sd card[don't put in any folder]and flash in recovery...
I think most of the people know of this site?
Even I got in touch with it on the first day of visiting SGA forums.
but you cant change the icons in app drawer using uot..you can do that by following my steps......
Oh, had no idea. Was just generally talking about the site, i installed Go launcher on the first day so i havent got in touch with TW xD
Sent from my GT-S5830 using XDA App
i use MyFiles.apk and now it doesn't show MyFiles, just replaced the icon then the apk using Root Explorer and rebooted, disappeared. what to do?
you cant just replace your apk in root explorer...follow the updated method above
I did like you say up, used ur zip, replaced the icon then inserted the apk in app folder in the UOT zip and entered Recovery mode and installed it from there, still doesnt' appear, maybe because i change it 1st, and didn't do backup :7
try changing something else..make sure your using .png of same dimension
Tried it with memo.apk an nothing happen.
Sent from my GT-S5830 using XDA Premium App
My laptop broke,i usually mod my roms using 7zip,i remove or add apk files and more.
Is there any way to do this on the phone?I dont know of any compression apps in the market that will let me add or delete files while leaving the rom intact.
If i just unzip the rom,mod it and rezip it,will it work?Or it needs to be a certain zip format?
Use any file explorer that allows you to unzip/rezip
As long as you navigate back to the original file structure (usually /system, META-INF folders and boot.img) and zip up those three you'll be fine and be able to flash your modified zip in a custom recovery
I'm not familiar with any program able to properly decompile an apk or jar by using JUST the phone but if your just adding/deleting apk's you'll be good with just about any file explorer
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
fergie716 said:
Use any file explorer that allows you to unzip/rezip
As long as you navigate back to the original file structure (usually /system, META-INF folders and boot.img) and zip up those three you'll be fine and be able to flash your modified zip in a custom recovery
I'm not familiar with any program able to properly decompile an apk or jar by using JUST the phone but if your just adding/deleting apk's you'll be good with just about any file explorer
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the compression method?Should i choose High,Low or Medium?
And are you sure it doesnt have to have some special zip method?Dont want to brick,lol.
Thats what i was thinking just to use ES File Explore because it has built in zipl.
lviv73 said:
What about the compression method?Should i choose High,Low or Medium?
And are you sure it doesnt have to have some special zip method?Dont want to brick,lol.
Thats what i was thinking just to use ES File Explore because it has built in zipl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use this
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx
Download the added root apk from the developers website. Extract the ROM you wanna modify, navigate to the extracted ROM and do whatever, then navigate to the original file structure and zip up those contents to flash in recovery
If there are different options for zip just use the defaults
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
fergie716 said:
I use this
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx
Download the added root apk from the developers website. Extract the ROM you wanna modify, navigate to the extracted ROM and do whatever, then navigate to the original file structure and zip up those contents to flash in recovery
If there are different options for zip just use the defaults
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Thanx a lot man,it worked!ES Explorer can only compress folders but FX Explorer can compress saperate files.I used higest compression.
Now i feel like i dont need windows or osx anymore,i can do just about everything on android.Oh and FX Explorer is definetly nice,i might use it instead of ES now,to bad they make you pay for it.