[Q] Password Protect Apps? - Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Just curious if anyone has discovered a way to password protect the use of specific apps. Ex: I have friends who use my phone, and I have apps like root explorer that i would like only myself to be able to access. Would hate for someone to go through my phone and delete important system files.

jasone4gt said:
Just curious if anyone has discovered a way to password protect the use of specific apps. Ex: I have friends who use my phone, and I have apps like root explorer that i would like only myself to be able to access. Would hate for someone to go through my phone and delete important system files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few apps in the Market that do this.
I use App Lock. However, you need to make sure you secure apps that are able to bypass the locking app... such as a task killer!
The downside to these apps is that they are always running, so they tend to decrease your battery life a bit.

Right on thank you Dalmus!

There is an app called "SEAL" I got from free app of the day from Amazon its pretty amazing.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

Just tried SEAL.... Works like a charm, exactly what I was looking for.

Zdbox best of them all
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Related

**AMAZING APP** Autostarts (Still useful, let me know your thoughts)

After rooting our phones, there are several apps that still run (for instance AP and AccuWeather) that I never use.
Autostarts is a really great app.
It lets you prevent apps from opening on certain occurances.
For instance, certain apps open on SMS sent/receive or call receive/sent...
It's a great way to keep apps that you never use/need from starting.
I find that this app is still applicable compared to Juice Defender and SetCPU as these newer phones seem to handle that well.
Anyone else find the same?
Thanks for the feedback.
h20wakebum said:
After rooting our phones, there are several apps that still run (for instance AP and AccuWeather) that I never use.
Autostarts is a really great app.
It lets you prevent apps from opening on certain occurances.
For instance, certain apps open on SMS sent/receive or call receive/sent...
It's a great way to keep apps that you never use/need from starting.
I find that this app is still applicable compared to Juice Defender and SetCPU as these newer phones seem to handle that well.
Anyone else find the same?
Thanks for the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just get root explorer and delete them?
WhiteWidows said:
Why not just get root explorer and delete them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it... A lot of them are processes that cannot be deleted.
Besides...
It isn't about deleting apps.
It's about controlling when an app will start (or when it's triggered to start) based off actions.
Why do I need app x,y, z starting when i send a text message? Answer... I don't...
From the market:
Keep control over your phone: See what applications do behind your back.
Shows you what apps run on phone startup, and what other events trigger in the background. Root users can disable unwanted autostarts and speed up their phone boot.
Note: Root-Access *is* required to make changes. Otherwise, this application will be read-only.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.elsdoerfer.android.autostarts&hl=en
Titanium back up and just freeze them, but I did use ths app and it did make bit up time faster on my evo
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jhgti said:
Titanium back up and just freeze them, but I did use ths app and it did make bit up time faster on my evo
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me rephrase as I'm not making my point (sorry!!).
Google Maps will start at bootup... also when you change connectivity on your device.
I only want Maps open when I open it...
This app lets you prevent things from opening based off certain events (boot up, outgoing sms, incoming call, connectivity change, etc).
So freezing or deleting would remove the app that you might otherwise want.
Hope that makes sense.
Oh i see yes that is true some apps will come on as soon as connectivity changes, If find good settings post some screen shot and i will do the same
h20wakebum said:
After rooting our phones, there are several apps that still run (for instance AP and AccuWeather) that I never use.
Autostarts is a really great app.
It lets you prevent apps from opening on certain occurances.
For instance, certain apps open on SMS sent/receive or call receive/sent...
It's a great way to keep apps that you never use/need from starting.
I find that this app is still applicable compared to Juice Defender and SetCPU as these newer phones seem to handle that well.
Anyone else find the same?
Thanks for the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a VERY handy app. thanks loads. this is definitely a function that android should incorporate stock like they did with task killer
I purchased this app back when I first got my evo and I am now using it with my ET. It is a very handy app to have.

[Q] how do I repack an app..

So it doesn't need to verify online?
I'm the paranoid type.
apps that are working perfect right now, do not need to connect to the internet one day and force me to update into a possible (probable) change that ruins functionality, or renders such app useless due to who knows.
IMHO.
They also do not need to one day suddenly shut down, because so-and-so's server won't verify my apps.
So let's pretend that I, myself, am an amazingly successful android app developer..
(starting to like this game already)
And I have a string of aps that require online verification, every use. (Or weekly, montly, etc.)
Each app must connect to the internet, communicate with my servers, and verify app contents and credentials before launching.
This is to ensure that the users of my apps are not only up to date but also legitimate.
If I wanted to remove this process, and instead give my users apps that never need to have network access again, thus never needing to force update..
How would I go about doing any of this?
Would it be to each app his own? Meaning there are many different codings, and checks between separate apps?
Or is there a rather cookie-cutter way to get this done?
Remember these are all my apps, and I have every right to alter them in any way.
Any help or links that can get me on my way?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I would guess that each app developer builds in their own security measures. Why not just use something like droidwall or lbe privacy guard and deny the apps internet access?
someguyatx said:
Why not just use something like droidwall or lbe privacy guard and deny the apps internet access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works for some, but not for apps that need to verify..
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Well if you can spoof the verification somehow you can modify the hosts file to direct the app wherever you want. You could setup your own verification server essentially.
Google lucky patcher apk
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Good Root Apps

Now I understand that most people just search the app market looking for good root apps, but this cant take time. As a guy who just rooted their phone with clockwork 5.0.2.7 mod, and a BML, and then switched over to a CM9 ICS ROM all in one day, which isn't too bad. Luckily I am in college for electronics engineering technology so I know quite a bit about electronics so rooting wasn't an issue.
Now I see that there are similar threads that this site is showing me as I am making this, but I was wondering for apps that work best with the Epic 4G.
As I know there are apps that work with some phones, and others that well, don't.
I already have Titanium Backup which helped with clearing and wiping everything to switch over to CM9. Actually, I found that recovery doesn't like mounting SD cards over 2GB, so I backed up on my 16GB SD, and used my 2GB for the files.
Anyways, if there are any decent apps for the Epic 4G rooted phones in particular that would great if someone could drop me a line/reply.
First of all before posting a thread please check google for root apps!!- there's even a whole thread for it-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1633386
I'm just going to list my Top 3 Favorites:
1."Wireless Tether for Root Users" / "FoxFi" ( Don't get the one from the play store- its not compatible- get the apk from somewhere else instead)
2."ES File Explorer File Manager"-and check root explorer in the settings of the app
3."Rom Manager"
Well there's no "must have" apps for a rooted epic. You just search and use whatever apps you need or whatever you like. As the guy above listed wifi tether and rom manager I can't say he's wrong but I don't use wifi tether so that's not one of my apps and I perfer to use the cwm app over rom manager. So its really all up to you on what apps you use.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
lilajrestnom said:
Well there's no "must have" apps for a rooted epic.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it should be law that every rooted user should get RomTool Box
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superuser, for obvious reasons.
es file explorer, so you can write/delete/change stuff in the root.
the only two that are MUST HAVES in my phone
AdAway is pretty great....blocks ads in your browser and in-app via a hosts file.
Droidwall
Rocking cm9
Root uninstaller pro! That app is amazing! Has the ability to freeze an app, unfreeze when you launch said app, and then refreeze it upon closing it out! Absolutely amazing and comes in handy for apps that like to open on their own randomly that you don't want to freeze because you use them often... maybe like google maps.... tons of other features also... only downside is its a paid app but I love it and its totally worth the money to get rid of nusiance apps without actually getting rid of them!

Is using an app like Lookout even necessary?

How many people use apps like Lookout that scan your phone and supposedly offer ant-virus protection? Are they even necessary?
Don't think you'll find many that do. Other than corporate security reasons. All of is crackflashers don't stay on the same system long enough to warrant such a measure
Sent from my phone using xda premium.
I like lookout for the scream feature....my wife loses her phone all the time and if I send the code through lookouts website the phone makes a loud siren sound even when on silent or vibrate. As far as the antivirus I really dont use it
I use lookout not for the scanning feature, but for the lost phone/lock/wipe features.You never know when you might need it.
Not absolutely, i use Eset Mobile on the N4, used it for many years allready om my pc`s. Better safe than sorry. And always look at the permissions you are about to give to an app when installing.
I used Lookout for 2 years on my HTC Desire then decided to uninstall it about 6 months ago. Can't say I've missed it.
I've not put it on my N4.
Common sense, and checking permissions is much more important than an anti virus imo. Google play store already has the bouncer that scans all the apps. Most of these malware apps that users install come from people not willing to cough up a few dollars for apps and getting said apps from third party sites, and torrents often repackaged with malware, and imo it looks good on them. Support the devs, don't be so cheap, and pay for apps (not directing this at anyone here, just saying). Use the Playstore, or somewhere reputable like XDA and check permissions, there's no reason a wallpaper would need access to your contact list and private info ect. Never used an antivirus on a phone and i likely never will.
i use lookout because i need to install apks from other sources..
i need to install apks from other sources because google play does not allow apks like adaway..
i buy apps from google play.. but ads? no way..
A little off topic here but Rom toolbox by JRummy has an adblocker, i wonder if Google will make him pull the app
I use avast... Dont know if it works, but being a windows user, i think im mentally ill, and insecure.
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carnage017 said:
I use avast... Dont know if it works, but being a windows user, i think im mentally ill, and insecure.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahahhaha, Awesome man, made my morning. :good:
ScumDroid said:
A little off topic here but Rom toolbox by JRummy has an adblocker, i wonder if Google will make him pull the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he's taking care of that before they pull it: https://twitter.com/jrummy16/status/312368614059692033
overhauling said:
No, he's taking care of that before they pull it: https://twitter.com/jrummy16/status/312368614059692033
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i guess i wont be updating rom toolbox anymore
ROM toolbox adblocker was never as good as AdAway anyway.
As far as apps like Lookout go, I'd never use an anti-bvirus scanenr etc. I use Cerberus in case I lose my phone so I can track/find or wipe it.
waste of RAM and space for antivirus apps... dont pirate apps and just download apps/games from the play store and you'll be fine.

so I've rooted my OGP. Now what?

Rooted it today. First android phone I've ever owned (though been jailbreaking since 2009).
I installed Ttanium Backup, and i think i backed up my apps and data, but not exactly sure where to, as i don't have an SD card in it yet. If I backed up to the phone, I'm guessing that's mostly useless. But I'm new to this stuff so i don't really know.
So, now that i have root access, what apps should i be installing?
What stuff should i be uninstalling or freezing?
What cool things can i now do that i couldn't do yesterday?
Anything specific to the OGP that i should or should not do?
andygold said:
Rooted it today. First android phone I've ever owned (though been jailbreaking since 2009).
I installed Ttanium Backup, and i think i backed up my apps and data, but not exactly sure where to as i don't have an SD card in it yet. If I backed up to the phone, I'm guessing that's mostly useless. But I'm new to this stuff so i don't really know.
So, now that i have root access, what apps should i be installing?
What stuff should i be uninstalling our freezing?
What cool things can i now do that i couldn't do yesterday?
Anything specific to the OGP that i should or should not do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can block ads, search adaway here on xda since Google recently rid the store of all ad blocking apps. You can use programs like sqlite editor to enable hotspot even if you're not subscribed to a plan that supports it. You can use xposed framework also here on xda (under our phones themes and apps) to apply themes to the phone. You can disable built in apps using titanium backup. Also, you should install Cwm under android development for our phone and make a nandroid backup in case you ever screw up your phone.
Best of all, you can install greenify root to make your battery last a lot longer. It hibernates apps for you that would normally run in the background.
When we have our bootloader unlocked is when the real fun will start though.
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk 2
lessthanzach said:
You can block ads, search adaway here on xda since Google recently rid the store of all ad blocking apps. You can use programs like sqlite editor to enable hotspot even if you're not subscribed to a plan that supports it. You can use xposed framework also here on xda (under our phones themes and apps) to apply themes to the phone. You can disable built in apps using titanium backup. Also, you should install Cwm under android development for our phone and make a nandroid backup in case you ever screw up your phone.
Best of all, you can install greenify root to make your battery last a lot longer. It hibernates apps for you that would normally run in the background.
When we have our bootloader unlocked is when the real fun will start though.
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Couple more questions...I was able to do a search for adaway, and found it, but you mention (under our phones themes and apps), and could not find that. Is there a section that just has XDA Apps in it? All I was able to find was forums, and not repositories (don't know if that's the right word).
Basic newbie question...if an app is listed as being for Jellybean 4.1, can we use it even it was made for a Galaxy S3 for example? If it's Jellybean 4.1 is it good to go?
As to adaway...if you disable ads, will some programs refuse to run?
Is the hotspot app, safe for my phone bill?
If you "disable" apps using titanium backup, does it remove them from the phone, or just hide them? What is freezing an app? And if later you want to have them back (let's say for a trip to the cell store) are they readily returned to view?
I was under the impression (probably wrongly) that CWM at this point could brick our phone. Am I mistaken? And where does the nandroid backup get stored? Hopefully not on the phone...
I ask a lot of the above questions as being a new android user (2-weeks now), I'm clicking or checking out everything I see on the phone (and in the store(s) to learn about what it can do. I'm also installing a ton of apps that are new to me, and I've also gone to some non-Google Play stores to DL some stuff. I know that sooner or later I'm going to want to restore the phone to factory stock to get rid of conflicts, viruses (virii?), and anything that does not play well with other stuff. So, during this learning quest, I assume I'm going to frag the phone in some way, and will have the need to return it to stock (hopefully without needing to go back to the store)!!! I just want to have a bit of assurance that with everything I do, I can get back to stock.
Lastly, is there anything somewhat similar to iTunes that will make a restore a bit less time consuming. Is Titanium Backup what I"m searchnig for?
Wasn't aware of greenify root.. will give that one a go right now!
Sent from my LG-E980 using xda premium
lessthanzach said:
You can block ads, search adaway here on xda since Google recently rid the store of all ad blocking apps. You can use programs like sqlite editor to enable hotspot even if you're not subscribed to a plan that supports it. You can use xposed framework also here on xda (under our phones themes and apps) to apply themes to the phone. You can disable built in apps using titanium backup. Also, you should install Cwm under android development for our phone and make a nandroid backup in case you ever screw up your phone.
Best of all, you can install greenify root to make your battery last a lot longer. It hibernates apps for you that would normally run in the background.
When we have our bootloader unlocked is when the real fun will start though.
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for mention greenify root, I install it. It's a hit!!
Now that I'm rooted (and installed some associated apps) I've noticed some laggy operation. When I'm on pretty much any of the home screens, and click on the app drawer icon, I'm brought to the page where I see "Apps", "Downloads", and "Widgets" at the top, but occasionally I have a blank screen below that. It stays blank for anywhere from one to three seconds and then the apps and folders appear. Sometimes they will show up instantly, but quite often there is a few second lag. The only things I've installed since rooting are Root Checker, Titanium Backup and Greenify. I'm not sure whether it is the root or the new apps, so I guess I can uninstall the three apps and see.
I also seem to be getting the circling "please wait" message more often than in the past.
Anybody else experiencing this? And does this sound like a root issue or an issue from one of the three apps?

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