Hi all
I just got my 8.4 Tab Pro and need some advice before I apply my usual tweaking. Sorry if something similar has been discussed in other threads, I was not able to find definite answers to my questions.
As with all my Android devices I'd like customize the Tab Pro to minimize load, remove bloat and basically have the most control over it as possible.
- I rooted the Tab Pro with Towel without triggering Knox. So far so good. From what I read though, installing a recovery mod and/or a custom rom, Knox will still be triggered. What if I use an 'optimized' (debloated, tweaked) stock rom, is there a way no to have Knox in the way?
- If there's no way to prevent Knox from triggering: Any advice on which processes/apps can be safely removed and which (eg build.prop) tweaks would make sense for this device?
- Is there an overview which shows available Firmwares and maybe even changelogs? I'm a bit confused by all the different available codes and their corresponding origin countries.
That's it for the moment, thanks in advance
as soon as you flash a custom recovery, you will trip Knox. There is no way around that at the moment.
you can freeze quite a bit of the stock apps to get the device to run smoother. check your settings -- apps, and go to the running tab. Note which apps you don't use that are running in the background, and then freeze them with Titanium backup or similar program. Note some apps have multiple APK's that need to be frozen.
mike-y said:
as soon as you flash a custom recovery, you will trip Knox. There is no way around that at the moment.
you can freeze quite a bit of the stock apps to get the device to run smoother. check your settings -- apps, and go to the running tab. Note which apps you don't use that are running in the background, and then freeze them with Titanium backup or similar program. Note some apps have multiple APK's that need to be frozen.
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Hah, looks like my Auto-Correct trolled me with "Knox", nice one :silly:
Corrected it..
Thanks for the reply, that cleared it up for me with the trigger.
Regarding the other topic though: I'm aware how one can identify and disable unnecessary apps, I was hoping to find (for example) some kind of a list like the one Rom Cleaner uses where stock Samsung bloatware is identified- which would make it a lot easier to work on with the ridiculous amount of stuff included in the device.
Not sure if there is such an app yet for the tab pro..
I made a list of apps I froze in the battery life thread, here's a link to the post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54229116&postcount=26
Keep in mind, I started off with a rom without the All-Share APK's, and without the Knox APK's (there are several of each).
since that post, I have also frozen S-finder and Security Manager Service. Started getting random reboots, so I re-installed Security Manager Service, and it seems to have fixed the reboots.
Nice, thanks for that- that'll be a good start.
Any ideas regarding the different available firmwares?
I'm on ND3, which seems to work for me. Using Freeza's nearly stock rom for now and all seems well. haven't tried any of the CM based roms on this tablet yet though.
Related
So I got the S3 last week, finally found the root thread yesterday and rooted it last night but had already done the OTA update. I am happy with the stock ROM for the most part, just want to get the bloat out of it. I plan on putting CWM on it tonight then backing the stock ROM up.
once I have the stock ROM backed up is it possible to use Ti Backup to uninstall the bloatware without causing any issues with in the stock ROM? If I do remove the bloatware will it cause issues with putting a custom ROM on in the future? What all bloatware can be removed without and bad things happening to the stock ROM.
Sorry for the questions, picture me as that 40 year old guy who knows enough to understand and also mess things up so I try to understand and do calculated moves before I actually do them.
Thanks in advance...Todd
Take a look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1732039
sneakyws6 said:
So I got the S3 last week, finally found the root thread yesterday and rooted it last night but had already done the OTA update. I am happy with the stock ROM for the most part, just want to get the bloat out of it. I plan on putting CWM on it tonight then backing the stock ROM up.
once I have the stock ROM backed up is it possible to use Ti Backup to uninstall the bloatware without causing any issues with in the stock ROM? If I do remove the bloatware will it cause issues with putting a custom ROM on in the future? What all bloatware can be removed without and bad things happening to the stock ROM.
Sorry for the questions, picture me as that 40 year old guy who knows enough to understand and also mess things up so I try to understand and do calculated moves before I actually do them.
Thanks in advance...Todd
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Click to collapse
you can use tibu to uninstall bloat. if you are unsure, freeze the app (in tibu) for a few days and see if you get fc's. if you don't, then you can uninstall, but it never hurts to have a backup. removing bloat will not affect custom roms
You can also just disable the applications in the built in application manager. You do have to remove any application updates first.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
DontHaveACLue said:
You can also just disable the applications in the built in application manager. You do have to remove any application updates first.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
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I used to be able do that, but now I don't have a button to disable or enable an app...any ideas what could cause this? (I used tibu to freeze bunch of bloatware, must have frozen something that caused that?)
[Q] Advice/Help on removing "locked" or un-uninstallable apps that I do not want
Ok, so.... Flashed CM 10.1. Did not like it at all. I have always been happy with the stock rom and realized through this process that what I really wanted was a stock ROM that I could remove all the nonsense that is imbedded and that runs and drains my battery life. I want to have complete control over my OS.
So, my main question is: Having read differing opinions on how to remove the so called bloatware(I like some of the stuff that is built in), what is the best way to go about it?
I obviously can root and flash my phone and can install CWM and have Odin installed and have done all that stuff. What I am looking for is a complete solution/method to removing the apps that I do not want. A lot of times the so called bloatware free ROMS have taken out too much and do not have what I am looking for so I am almost looking to create a custom stock ROM in a way by being able to delete the stuff that I do not use at all.
Do you use Titanium Backup?
jasvncnt1 said:
Do you use Titanium Backup?
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This.
You can flash the bloated version of your carrier's rom, get root and use Titanium Backup to either uninstall or freeze (paid version) the apps you don't want.
Thanks! Done. Exactly what I needed.
Had already reverted back to the bloated version with something like this in mind and actually paid for the pro version. I think this is the first time I've ever paid for an app.
Now to make a list of all the things running that I don't need/use and uninstall them.
Please, I'm a little unsure to install TWRP because I'm on android 4.4.2 (with root) but I'm seeing several people with problems after installing.
So I ask (for those who understand the subject): I will stay with the Stock ROM for now, could show me which apps I can freeze on start, and improve system performance?
joaonds said:
Please, I'm a little unsure to install TWRP because I'm on android 4.4.2 (with root) but I'm seeing several people with problems after installing.
So I ask (for those who understand the subject): I will stay with the Stock ROM for now, could show me which apps I can freeze on start, and improve system performance?
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Click to collapse
Get one of the Root Uninstallers and *don't* uninstall any green icon app if your not sure of what it does. Also try and not completely uninstall - but put the apps you discard in the trash so you 'can' retrieve them. In other words - say your not going to be editing movies, uninstall it to the trash, etc. That's one way.
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!
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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
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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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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!
I just bought a Tab S 8.4 and rooted it. I've had other Android devices before, like the Nexus 7. I tried to uninstall some bloatware but the system reinstalled it all. I'm looking for a custom ROM like CleanROM for the Nexus 7 - with less bloatware or at least the ability to choose which apps I want to keep.
Thanks for any suggestions .
You will find them in the development section
ashyx said:
You will find them in the development section
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Yeah, I know that this is more of a DIY project. Besides, devs get the same questions all the time. Still, I was hoping to get a hint or two. But, I've had time to do some exploring, and I'm finding lots of useful info.
What will you using your device with the rom for and i can suggest some
I've used several ROMs and it really comes down to your preferences.
You generally have the really-custom ROMs based off Cyanogenmod OR heavily-modified stock Touchwiz ROMs.
For the former, I can say that BlissPop is pretty nice: BlissPop. I've been using this for the past month without any problems until I switched a few days ago.
I do find that most ROMs based off Cyanogenmod really perform very similarly to each other and have mostly the same features.
For stock, I am currently using this: IronROM.
It's pretty nice, has the benefit of things like the fingerprint sensor and such whereas CM stuff will not. A lot of the bloat from the stock ROM has been removed. I'm also trying out @UpInTheAir 's custom kernel with it although it's not strictly necessary to do so. Touchwiz has come a long way from the horrible monster it used to be, especially with ROMs like these.
One thing to note is that the CM stuff will likely be based off AOSP and on Android 5.1.1 whereas the stock stuff is still 5.0.2. Quite honestly, I don't see much of a difference in day-to-day use.
koimr said:
I've used several ROMs and it really comes down to your preferences.
You generally have the really-custom ROMs based off Cyanogenmod OR heavily-modified stock Touchwiz ROMs.
For the former, I can say that BlissPop is pretty nice: BlissPop. I've been using this for the past month without any problems until I switched a few days ago.
I do find that most ROMs based off Cyanogenmod really perform very similarly to each other and have mostly the same features.
For stock, I am currently using this: IronROM.
It's pretty nice, has the benefit of things like the fingerprint sensor and such whereas CM stuff will not. A lot of the bloat from the stock ROM has been removed. I'm also trying out @UpInTheAir 's custom kernel with it although it's not strictly necessary to do so. Touchwiz has come a long way from the horrible monster it used to be, especially with ROMs like these.
One thing to note is that the CM stuff will likely be based off AOSP and on Android 5.1.1 whereas the stock stuff is still 5.0.2. Quite honestly, I don't see much of a difference in day-to-day use.
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Thanks for the info. From what you are saying, IronROM looks like a good choice for me. Basically stock, but debloated. In the meantime, I have found some threads on debloating and on freezing some unnecessary apps. I have been carefully experimenting with that, and so far I'm happy with the results. The odd thing is this: if I uninstall some app like Dropbox or Samsung Apps, my device just reinstalls it right away. So, it's either freeze the unneeded apps or go to a ROM that doesn't have them.
Uninstaling unneeded apps would help with storage space on my 16GB S, but I also have a 64gb SD card and I know about Link2SD. So storage isn't a deal-breaker.
Thanks also for the kernel suggestion. When I had a Nexus 7, I used a custom kernel (Elemental X) and it worked very well.
I'll be using my S for reading, videos, light gaming, email, and some Internet browsing. My usage could increase if I find myself preferring my S to my other options!
Those apps that come back can be deleted. They are contained in the hidden partition. The folder is called preload. Delete anything in there and they won't come back.
ashyx said:
Those apps that come back can be deleted. They are contained in the hidden partition. The folder is called preload. Delete anything in there and they won't come back.
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Thanks. That solves that mystery. Is the preload folder typical of Samsung devices?
ashyx said:
Those apps that come back can be deleted. They are contained in the hidden partition. The folder is called preload. Delete anything in there and they won't come back.
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The only Preload folder I have found so far contains only some images and sound samples, and possibly a screen saver. Maybe I can't access the hidden partition from Root Explorer or ES File Explorer?
In the stock rom there are 2 images that contain loads of crap, cache.img and hidden.img
Between the 2 is why you end up with preinstalled stuff that isn't in the system.img
I will have to check when I get chance to see which one of those has the apks and where it puts it.
Usually it's only the carrier branded roms that have this bloat.
Install a non carrier rom and it shouldn't have it.
Anyway if you download system app remover (ROOT) it should list these apps and let you get shut of them.
ashyx said:
In the stock rom there are 2 images that contain loads of crap, cache.img and hidden.img
Between the 2 is why you end up with preinstalled stuff that isn't in the system.img
I will have to check when I get chance to see which one of those has the apks and where it puts it.
Usually it's only the carrier branded roms that have this bloat.
Install a non carrier rom and it shouldn't have it.
Anyway if you download system app remover (ROOT) it should list these apps and let you get shut of them.
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Click to collapse
I tried system app remover before I started this thread, but the apps would get reinstalled. But I found a solution. I used TiBu to convert some system app bloatware to user apps. I rebooted and then uninstalled them. They stayed uninstalled. That appears to be my answer!