Develop Bugs

where do apps install to?

hello, I'm rooted and I wanted to change a few of my icons so they are changed in the app drawer. on my ipod touch I used iFile to find the app's folder and overwrite the icon.png, I tried to use Root Explorer to do this but I can't figure out where the apps install to. Could anyone give me a hint? thanks in advance.

12gage said:
hello, I'm rooted and I wanted to change a few of my icons so they are changed in the app drawer. on my ipod touch I used iFile to find the app's folder and overwrite the icon.png, I tried to use Root Explorer to do this but I can't figure out where the apps install to. Could anyone give me a hint? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
System apps would be /system/app
User apps would be /data/app

thank you, sorry for the ignorant reply but all I found were apk's. the apps don't unpack files into a directory when installed? they stay and run from an apk on your phone?

12gage said:
thank you, sorry for the ignorant reply but all I found were apk's. the apps don't unpack files into a directory when installed? they stay and run from an apk on your phone?
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Click to collapse
Yes, and the data from them is stored in /data/data/

freeza said:
Yes, and the data from them is stored in /data/data/
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Click to collapse
thank you, so if I don't see the icon files in data/data then I'm screwed as far as being able to change it?

Iirc here are the general steps.
Search to get the exact syntax.
Make a copy of the apk.
Rename the copy suffix to .zip from . apk
Extract the image stuff and replace it.
Repack the zip.
Rename it to apk

/system/app/ or sometimes /data/app/ if you modify an app you have to sign it again or the phone won't recognize it
EDIT: Use ninjamorph and just drag and drop the pings in there and here is myn's method of signing
myn's post
ninjamorph thread

Please need help regarding meta-inf

i installed "4.0.3 Leak On Screen Buttons" which was in zip having two folders
1 - meta- inf [which has a com folder (with files in it update-binary and updater-script) and with three files CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF]
2 - system (in it framework-res.apk)
so i installed this zip via cwm, but i didn't liked the concept as it wasn't looking good,etc
so as i had already backed up my original framework-res.apk , so using root explorer i moved it back in sys/framework folder
restarted my phone and all got fine....
Though my question is as those files : update-binary and updater-script ---- CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF are not searchable and i guess should not be deleted as they were just updated .. so still would they be impacting my phone or its all kool as i havn't been able to search them or delete them ?!
is it important to find and delete them or its no need for that and its ok ?!
Hope someone understands what i am trying to ask and reply appropriately please i would highly appreciate the same!

Think them like busybox (so you can mount delete etc)
And script file, that includes commands to do.
Every cwm zip files includes them. when you install zip file, these commands executed.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

eryen said:
Think them like busybox (so you can mount delete etc)
And script file, that includes commands to do.
Every cwm zip files includes them. when you install zip file, these commands executed.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
Just ease me by telling that so its nothing but just used for commands, so i need not to be worried for them could be hampering my phone's performance ?!
a yes answer will do

eryen said:
Think them like busybox (so you can mount delete etc)
And script file, that includes commands to do.
Every cwm zip files includes them. when you install zip file, these commands executed.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shantusingh said:
Awesome!
Just ease me by telling that so its nothing but just used for commands, so i need not to be worried for them could be hampering my phone's performance ?!
a yes answer will do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify,
That folder contains the Zip signatures and file manifests. as well as the CWM controll scripts. ect. these should never be coppied to the phone on a flash. likewise if you edit them the zip will prob not work without resigning the zip.
Pvy.

pvyParts said:
Just to clarify,
these should never be coppied to the phone on a flash. likewise if you edit them the zip will prob not work without resigning the zip.
Pvy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your reply but now this got way over my head, m not that deep into this stuff so would appreciate if i get a simple answer to my question only please?
like asked in first post that i installed this zip via cwm, but i didn't liked the concept as it wasn't looking good,etc
so as i had already backed up my original framework-res.apk , so using root explorer i moved it back in sys/framework folder
restarted my phone and all got fine....
Though my question is as those files : update-binary and updater-script ---- CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF are not searchable and i guess should not be deleted as they were just updated .. So still would they be impacting my phone or its all kool evn if as i havn't been able to search them and delete them ?!
is it important to find and delete them or its no need for that and its all ok now as i just moved the original framework back ?!

shantusingh said:
thank you for your reply but now this got way over my head, m not that deep into this stuff so would appreciate if i get a simple answer to my question only please?
like asked in first post that i installed this zip via cwm, but i didn't liked the concept as it wasn't looking good,etc
so as i had already backed up my original framework-res.apk , so using root explorer i moved it back in sys/framework folder
restarted my phone and all got fine....
Though my question is as those files : update-binary and updater-script ---- CERT.RSA, MANIFEST.MF and CERT.SF are not searchable and i guess should not be deleted as they were just updated .. So still would they be impacting my phone or its all kool evn if as i havn't been able to search them and delete them ?!
is it important to find and delete them or its no need for that and its all ok now as i just moved the original framework back ?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
They are not flashed. Hence you can't find them. So no need to worry.
Pvy.
Sent from my TEAM Powered Arc S

pvyParts said:
Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
They are not flashed. Hence you can't find them. So no need to worry.
Pvy.
Sent from my TEAM Powered Arc S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thank you! I understood they just help in probably installing that particular app giving its own correct signatures and file manifests w.e so it gets installed via cwm and nothing more . And as i just backed up my original framework-res.apk to framework folder so its ofcourse all back to normal, though my phone is fine always as it was, I just had this doubt in my mind and m glad it got cleared thanks again!!
Cheers!!

Where did you place the Meta-INF files? I know system files goto system/framework but I cant find where Meta-INF files go. I'm using a root file manager.

chipdawg said:
Where did you place the Meta-INF files? I know system files goto system/framework but I cant find where Meta-INF files go. I'm using a root file manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not correct about the system files. And I recommend you do some more reading on how these zips work.
Metainf is FOR THE ZIP. And has been prety well explained above.
Pvy
Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk 2

How would you push an .apk to your system/app?

The best way to push an app to your system/app file with out bricking your phone?

na4hotx said:
The best way to push an app to your system/app file with out bricking your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um that isn't going to brick you. Especially since you're talking about system app. Worst thing to happen would be a reboot if you touched an app which was currently running.
But I've been using root explorer and it works great. Or if the file is on my computer I use adb push. Or even a flashable zip if you really are worried.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

As he said. Nothing else really needed to be said, good answer.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

I used a file browser app and installed it over the existing one. Every time after that I was getting an error something .goo not responding. (SecPhone.apk) Trying to restor the call recording feature. I ended up doing a restore back to square one. No if I use root-explorer will it make a difference or should I use dab push? I would not know how to begging with that. could I use terminal and instal like I would if I was using the cwmtr.img install directions. but direct it to system/app?

na4hotx said:
I used a file browser app and installed it over the existing one. Every time after that I was getting an error something .goo not responding. (SecPhone.apk) Trying to restor the call recording feature. I ended up doing a restore back to square one. No if I use root-explorer will it make a difference or should I use dab push? I would not know how to begging with that. could I use terminal and instal like I would if I was using the cwmtr.img install directions. but direct it to system/app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which file browser app did you use? Did you remember to set the permissions for the newly copied apk? Permissions in /system/app should be rw-r--r
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

No I did not set permissions. If I use Root-Explorer will that allow me to set permissions? I used Smanager to move the file.

Ctrl+C then Ctrl+V

Can I use RootExplorer to zip file them flash it? Or just move using RE?

na4hotx said:
No I did not set permissions. If I use Root-Explorer will that allow me to set permissions? I used Smanager to move the file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Root Explorer will allow you to change permissions as long as you aare rooted.
na4hotx said:
Can I use RootExplorer to zip file them flash it? Or just move using RE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root Explorer is a file manager, use to move the file to the appropriate folder and set permissions and reboot. I know you can create a zip & tar file, don't know if it would be flashable though.

na4hotx said:
No I did not set permissions. If I use Root-Explorer will that allow me to set permissions? I used Smanager to move the file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smanager isn't a good file system tool. Try root browser lite tap and hold functioning is perfect. Has options for copy paste and permissions
saldebot said:
Yes, Root Explorer will allow you to change permissions as long as you aare rooted.
Root Explorer is a file manager, use to move the file to the appropriate folder and set permissions and reboot. I know you can create a zip & tar file, don't know if it would be flashable though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it can't make flashable zips. Just storage zip files
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

I am using Frosty JB v6. I asked in the developer thread and I got a reply http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1874063&page=546
I tried using RootExplorer and I was still getting error messages after be booting. Is there a way to make it flash able? What am I doing wrong or is it just never going to work? Do I need to start looking for a rom that has it functional on the build?

Did you reset permissions to match the rest of the files in the folder?
And you probably need to wipe dalvik and cache in recovery.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

na4hotx said:
I am using Frosty JB v6. I asked in the developer thread and I got a reply http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1874063&page=546
I tried using RootExplorer and I was still getting error messages after be booting. Is there a way to make it flash able? What am I doing wrong or is it just never going to work? Do I need to start looking for a rom that has it functional on the build?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use root browser lite, you can get it from the market it's a freeware then copy the app you want to system/app ....no permission stuff needed

DocHoliday77 said:
Did you reset permissions to match the rest of the files in the folder?
And you probably need to wipe dalvik and cache in recovery.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this. Also, you didn't odex your ROM did you?
deziguy420 said:
Use root browser lite, you can get it from the market it's a freeware then copy the app you want to system/app ....no permission stuff needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please know what you're talking about first before posting suggestions. Especially when it pertains to system directory permissions. System/app directory uses rw-r--r-- as the permissions. Meaning owner has read write permissions while everyone else only has read. Not setting permissions correctly can lead to many many many issues.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

There is application on the market called system application mover
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

I vote for a rom that has it and works where you don't need to mod stuff, yet. Learn all this stuff with something you don't need, like a sound mod (DSP) or something.
simple video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJGbiSkom9M

Need Samsung Email APK

Hi all,
Something happened to my phone and I ended up having to wipe and re-flash everything. Long story short, I did have the Samsung email 5.0.0.00400 install with the new ROM but I accidentally deleted it via TI Backup. I tried re-installing a backed up version of 5.0.0.00200 but it will not install for some reason.
I've searched around and the most recent apk I could find is 3.3.something, which I have installed now, but I'd really like to get back to the newer version. I know I can re-flash the ROM, but I've done quite a bit of setup, restoring apps and widgets, etc. at this point and I'd hate to lose all that. Figured I'd ask here before going down that road.
Could someone please be kind and link me to a stock Samsung mail app apk for version 5.0 and above?
Thank you in advance!

Shuggaloaf said:
Hi all,
Something happened to my phone and I ended up having to wipe and re-flash everything. Long story short, I did have the Samsung email 5.0.0.00400 install with the new ROM but I accidentally deleted it via TI Backup. I tried re-installing a backed up version of 5.0.0.00200 but it will not install for some reason.
I've searched around and the most recent apk I could find is 3.3.something, which I have installed now, but I'd really like to get back to the newer version. I know I can re-flash the ROM, but I've done quite a bit of setup, restoring apps and widgets, etc. at this point and I'd hate to lose all that. Figured I'd ask here before going down that road.
Could someone please be kind and link me to a stock Samsung mail app apk for version 5.0 and above?
Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go, both email & exchange. They are deodex though.

aaron74 said:
Here you go, both email & exchange. They are deodex though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Aaron very much appreciated! :good::good:
Still a noob when it comes to some most of this stuff. In this case odex vs deodex. I see the 2 apk files as well as all the files in the lib folder. I'm assuming the apk files install as normal? What do I do with the lib files?
Thanks again for your help!

Shuggaloaf said:
Hey Aaron very much appreciated! :good::good:
Still a noob when it comes to some most of this stuff. In this case odex vs deodex. I see the 2 apk files as well as all the files in the lib folder. I'm assuming the apk files install as normal? What do I do with the lib files?
Thanks again for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem.
If your rooted, you could try just copying the folders over to /system/app. The folder gets 0755 permission and the files get 0644 permission. And then they would be system files. This should work fine, as long as the permissions are set.
Or you could just try installing them regularly.
And Then if you want maybe use Ti Backup to make them system files.
Hope that helps

aaron74 said:
No problem.
If your rooted, you could try just copying the folders over to /system/app. The folder gets 0755 permission and the files get 0644 permission. And then they would be system files. This should work fine, as long as the permissions are set.
Or you could just try installing them regularly.
And Then if you want maybe use Ti Backup to make them system files.
Hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am rooted. So just to talk this out before I do anything... I've looked up how to set permissions for files and folders. I have ES File Explorer and understand I can change permissions with root explorer on. I've never done this before so just to make sure I have it correct...
I would copy both secEmail_K and SecExchange folders to the /system/app folder on the phone.
Using Root explorer I would set permissions as:
Folders: rwxr-xr-x
Files: rw-r--r--
Thanks again for your help and quick responses. One more question if you don't mind, just to help me understand permissions. If the files have no executable permissions for any of the 3 classes it would seem as though they wouldn't be able to run. I'm sure I'm misunderstanding however.

Shuggaloaf said:
Yes I am rooted. So just to talk this out before I do anything... I've looked up how to set permissions for files and folders. I have ES File Explorer and understand I can change permissions with root explorer on. I've never done this before so just to make sure I have it correct...
I would copy both secEmail_K and SecExchange folders to the /system/app folder on the phone.
Using Root explorer I would set permissions as:
Folders: rwxr-xr-x
Files: rw-r--r--
Thanks again for your help and quick responses. One more question if you don't mind, just to help me understand permissions. If the files have no executable permissions for any of the 3 classes it would seem as though they wouldn't be able to run. I'm sure I'm misunderstanding however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so, attached pic. Plus make sure owner and group are root.
This is right from my phone now. So all should be good. You might not even have to change it, they might be good before.

aaron74 said:
I think so, attached pic. Plus make sure owner and group are root.
This is right from my phone now. So all should be good. You might not even have to change it, they might be good before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thanks for your patience and help Aaaron.

Shuggaloaf said:
Awesome! Thanks for your patience and help Aaaron.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Let me know you got it working!

Rooted but can not mount system folder to r/o

I rooted my oneplus7T with magisk manager7.4.0 by using patched root.img and boot from patched img to directly install magisk, but can not write files into system. So AdAway can not work by this reason. But clocksync can work normally and rootcheck is successful.
By the way, the model is HD1905 and biuld number is 10.0.6HD65AA.
Need help. Thanks so much!

myson1188 said:
I rooted my oneplus7T with magisk manager7.4.0 by using patched root.img and boot from patched img to directly install magisk, but can not write files into system. So AdAway can not work by this reason. But clocksync can work normally and rootcheck is successful.
By the way, the model is HD1905 and biuld number is 10.0.6HD65AA.
Need help. Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go under magisk setting and click host something

rob420p said:
Go under magisk setting and click host something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for your reply.
AdAway now is working. but mixexplorer and rootexplorer also can not copy to and delete files from system folder.

myson1188 said:
Thanks so much for your reply.
AdAway now is working. but mixexplorer and rootexplorer also can not copy to and delete files from system folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On that one idk

you cant mount system r/w on anything that ships with 10 natively.

aer0zer0 said:
you cant mount system r/w on anything that ships with 10 natively.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much.
So you mean can not change system files like fonts and can not delete pre-installed apk?

myson1188 said:
Thanks so much.
So you mean can not change system files like fonts and can not delete pre-installed apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can wait for custom roms to achieve a smaller system footprint.
Or you can disable them for now, there is a way to disable some system apks through adb, but you should know what you are getting into before you proceed down that road.
Disabling an application takes away it's rights to run any code and also make the playstore skip the updates for that apk.
Other things can be changed using magisk without actually modifying the system, through different modules.

myson1188 said:
Thanks so much.
So you mean can not change system files like fonts and can not delete pre-installed apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, system is permanently RO.

Thanks all.

I'm actually working on this issue. I'm going to try to edit some img files and get back to everyone