I just got this phone today (I live in Thailand if that matters). I have the 64GB version. I have had Sony, Samsung, Motorola phones in the past and that is what I am used to. So first thing:
How do I change the home launcher? I don't see any setting for it in the settings menu. I can open up Themer (which I downloaded) and it will open up but as soon as I go to any other app, it will go back to the original homescreen.
Why is there no app drawer?
Why is the phone asking me to accept terms (which says **** like honor the Chinese constitution) and connect to the internet just to view photos in my album? I can't think of any reason that a photo album would need to connect to the internet unless it's going to upload my photos somewhere which I obviously don't want. So I seemingly cannot even view photos on this phone unless I can download something else to take care of it.
I looked at the rooting section for this phone and it seems that all of them currently have issues. Is there no way to just get plain ole vanilla android on this phone? I have never rooted a phone before and the thought is a bit scary to me because it seems like most of the instructions are written for people who already know how to do that type of thing. I went to the Cyanogenmod website and they didn't have one for this phone. Are there no alternatives? I will gladly pay for something like this. I don't want all this Mi stuff on my phone.
Sorry if I sound... whatever, I am just a bit flustered with all of this. The hardware seems nice but the software is utter ****. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
theusedversion said:
I just got this phone today (I live in Thailand if that matters). I have the 64GB version. I have had Sony, Samsung, Motorola phones in the past and that is what I am used to. So first thing:
How do I change the home launcher? I don't see any setting for it in the settings menu. I can open up Themer (which I downloaded) and it will open up but as soon as I go to any other app, it will go back to the original homescreen.
Why is there no app drawer?
Why is the phone asking me to accept terms (which says **** like honor the Chinese constitution) and connect to the internet just to view photos in my album? I can't think of any reason that a photo album would need to connect to the internet unless it's going to upload my photos somewhere which I obviously don't want. So I seemingly cannot even view photos on this phone unless I can download something else to take care of it.
I looked at the rooting section for this phone and it seems that all of them currently have issues. Is there no way to just get plain ole vanilla android on this phone? I have never rooted a phone before and the thought is a bit scary to me because it seems like most of the instructions are written for people who already know how to do that type of thing. I went to the Cyanogenmod website and they didn't have one for this phone. Are there no alternatives? I will gladly pay for something like this. I don't want all this Mi stuff on my phone.
Sorry if I sound... whatever, I am just a bit flustered with all of this. The hardware seems nice but the software is utter ****. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you purchase this Phone? From Chinese website? Does it have Google Playstore? If yes then
1) If you just want to change the Home Launcher then install your desired Launcher from Playstore and goto settings-> Installed Apps-> Defaults and set the Downloaded Launcher from there.
2) The Default Launcher on the phone is MIUI Launcher which doesn't have app drawer like iPhone and some other chinese UI.
3) There is unofficial CyanogenMod and some other custom ROMs but there are some problems with each of them like Video recording not working, if working then Audio not being recorded in them. 3G network issues and so on. The process of flashing a custom rom or rooting is little bit tedious and I'd not suggest you in this stage.
Better is to download a desired launcher from Playstore (if you have it) else sideloading and hiding the apps which you don't want to see.
Also note on official Miui ROM you're able to uninstall a bunch of stock apps too.
I'd recommend read up to unlock boot loader. It's a minor project getting this device where you want it, but the awesome battery life and screen size makes your effort worth the time.
Pls also visit official Miui forums there's a wealth of info there. ? ?
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
paarkhi said:
Where did you purchase this Phone? From Chinese website? Does it have Google Playstore? If yes then
1) If you just want to change the Home Launcher then install your desired Launcher from Playstore and goto settings-> Installed Apps-> Defaults and set the Downloaded Launcher from there.
2) The Default Launcher on the phone is MIUI Launcher which doesn't have app drawer like iPhone and some other chinese UI.
3) There is unofficial CyanogenMod and some other custom ROMs but there are some problems with each of them like Video recording not working, if working then Audio not being recorded in them. 3G network issues and so on. The process of flashing a custom rom or rooting is little bit tedious and I'd not suggest you in this stage.
Better is to download a desired launcher from Playstore (if you have it) else sideloading and hiding the apps which you don't want to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG, thank you so much for the home launcher tip. That solved the biggest issue I had. My Xperia Z2 had a home launcher setting in the main settings menu. I never would have guessed to look there. Thank you so much. I switched all the default apps to what I wanted and this is already a million times better. And yes, I bought it from a reputable retailer here in Bangkok so I think it's legit. Had Play store on it and everything.
badrsj said:
Also note on official Miui ROM you're able to uninstall a bunch of stock apps too.
I'd recommend read up to unlock boot loader. It's a minor project getting this device where you want it, but the awesome battery life and screen size makes your effort worth the time.
Pls also visit official Miui forums there's a wealth of info there.
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will look into it. Cheers.
I've had the same feeling since my first Mi phone, the Redmi Note 3G. They make some really great & quality hardware capable of very good performances & end up great value for money if you know your way around. But like you felt MIUI is complete horse arse' output these days. It used to be great around version 4 or even upto 5 but then its been downhill since. My suggestion is unlock, install twrp, then you have 2 options
If you
1. want VoLTE then install sMIUI 8.0.1.0 from xiaomi.eu
2. can get by without VoLTE(either not using it at all or by using it through a MiFi modem which some carriers provide in many places/countries now) then install RR5.7.3(thanks to people like @ajsmsg78) which I found to be the most stable with the least issues so far for everyday use. Please thank the devs.
Not that the other like CM13, Mokee, etc are bad but there are issues here & there which prevent me from using it as a daily driver. I'd suggest you take a nandroid backup of all these when you try them each.
If you need more help, drop me a PM. I can help anytime with an hours notice AFAIK.
CAUTION: Read the unlocking & custom ROM/recovery guides 10-20 times so that you've almost memorised every detail if you are a newbie otherwise, especially for phones which have a non-removable battery, you'll end up regretting something later & end up kicking yourself. DO NOT SKIMP ON READING IT AGAIN & AGAIN OR SKIP STEPS else YOU"LL PAY FOR IT LATER.
To unlock the bootloader, you must ask permission from xiaomi. This takes a few days to process. You can read how to do this on en.miui.com forum. Once you have unlocked the bootloader, things will be much easier.
If the "reputable" dealer in Bangkok is Lazada, then you have probably got a patched ROM from China. You can check this by version number.
Parmo100 said:
To unlock the bootloader, you must ask permission from xiaomi. This takes a few days to process. You can read how to do this on en.miui.com forum..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've spent 6 hours searching that f***ng forum and I can't find a thing about unlock the Mi Max. Maybe I'm an idiot or maybe you're a genius, who knows.
Taxidermista said:
I've spent 6 hours searching that f***ng forum and I can't find a thing about unlock the Mi Max. Maybe I'm an idiot or maybe you're a genius, who knows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chill bro here is the link : en(dot)miui.com/thread-327459-1-(dot)html
replace (dot) with the symbol(.)
a word of advice stemming frm my experience,when u enter the phone number in application be sure to enter the same number which ur going to use in the device,and even after recieving the approval sms u might have to give it a few tries before it actually unlocks,(i had to wait 3 days for the approval sms,after recieving the sms tried for 3 days until it actually unlocked, ur mileage may vary)all the best,hope u get unlocked soon
I Googled "xiaomi mi max Unlock bootloader" and got this within 10 seconds :-
http://en.miui.com/thread-202290-1-1.html
Take care that you are logged into xiaomi account and the phone number as mentioned above, if you use phone number as your user name.
That's the only possible error. My permission from xiaomi took only 4 days. Once you unlock the bootloader, things are very easy. Remember to unpack all the zip files!
It took me 2 weeks to get an unlock code the Redmi Note 3 which uses similar internals to the Mi Max. Once I got unlock permission, I had no problems unlocking the phone using the MiFlash Unlock program in Windows. I've unlocked it a few times when I was switching back and forth between MIUI and CM.
And you're right, MIUI is a donkey's behind when it comes to slowing the phone down and doing weird things in the background. I'd recommend rooting the phone, running OS Monitor to check outbound traffic and installing Afwall to stop MIUI from phoning home. I replaced most of the stock system apps with open source equivalents and I allowed Internet access for only a few apps. Bad enough that Google slurps your data, it's even worse to have eyes in China tracking your every online move too.
Related
First, quick intro - finally making the move to android from iOS after years of procrastinating. My galaxy note 2 arrives Wednesday eve and I couldnt be more excited. I purchased the n7100, unlocked international version.
(1) To update to 4.1.2 when it arrives - is this automatic or is there something I need to do to get it right away?
(2) I saw two ways to make any app multi-window functional. The first is by modifying it in windows, the second is through an app on the phone itself. It is my understanding that for the latter, i need to be rooted. Is that the case for the windows application too?
(3) I dont want to install a custom rom just yet because i want to tinker with s-note and the s-pen apps. However, regarding rooting - is there any reason not to root?
Thanks
emanuelme said:
First, quick intro - finally making the move to android from iOS after years of procrastinating. My galaxy note 2 arrives Wednesday eve and I couldnt be more excited. I purchased the n7100, unlocked international version.
(1) To update to 4.1.2 when it arrives - is this automatic or is there something I need to do to get it right away?
(2) I saw two ways to make any app multi-window functional. The first is by modifying it in windows, the second is through an app on the phone itself. It is my understanding that for the latter, i need to be rooted. Is that the case for the windows application too?
(3) I dont want to install a custom rom just yet because i want to tinker with s-note and the s-pen apps. However, regarding rooting - is there any reason not to root?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Let's see if I can help:
It's automatic. Your phone should check for updates automatically every few days or week or something like that. If you plug it into your computer and open KIES it'll check for the update right away every time you plug it in. If not, and you want the OTA update, you can go to the settings and about your phone and then updates and you can check manually, but that's if you want to check manually! Otherwise, you'll get a notification eventually
To do that, you're going to need to root your device either way. Both methods require root from what I understood. You're changing a core apk in your phone.
Rooting is up to you. A lot of people root, and a lot of others don't. I believe MOST people ORIGINALLY Rooted to get more control and better functionality over their device. I'm not sure this is the case with the Note 2. A lot of people say that the Stock ROM is fantastic and you don't get a lot more by changing roms, but as for rooting you get more access over apps. I came from iOS years ago (from the iPhone 4) and I have rooted only once, because I think Samsung and Android gives you MILES more opportunities over iOS. For me, Android is "prerooted" in nature in comparison to iOS. I'd say, FIRST check out the device and see if you can do everything you want without rooting. I do everything I want without being rooted. I'm also not the epitome of a typical Android user. I have Folder Sync to sync all my folders across Dropbox and SugarSync. I have apps running in the background, and I edit pictures like a pro! I multi-task a million times better than iOS!!!! So it really depends on you. Try out Android, maybe without rooting it's enough! Maybe it isn't Then you root
Hope I've helped!
zkyevolved said:
Hi! Let's see if I can help:
It's automatic. Your phone should check for updates automatically every few days or week or something like that. If you plug it into your computer and open KIES it'll check for the update right away every time you plug it in. If not, and you want the OTA update, you can go to the settings and about your phone and then updates and you can check manually, but that's if you want to check manually! Otherwise, you'll get a notification eventually
To do that, you're going to need to root your device either way. Both methods require root from what I understood. You're changing a core apk in your phone.
Rooting is up to you. A lot of people root, and a lot of others don't. I believe MOST people ORIGINALLY Rooted to get more control and better functionality over their device. I'm not sure this is the case with the Note 2. A lot of people say that the Stock ROM is fantastic and you don't get a lot more by changing roms, but as for rooting you get more access over apps. I came from iOS years ago (from the iPhone 4) and I have rooted only once, because I think Samsung and Android gives you MILES more opportunities over iOS. For me, Android is "prerooted" in nature in comparison to iOS. I'd say, FIRST check out the device and see if you can do everything you want without rooting. I do everything I want without being rooted. I'm also not the epitome of a typical Android user. I have Folder Sync to sync all my folders across Dropbox and SugarSync. I have apps running in the background, and I edit pictures like a pro! I multi-task a million times better than iOS!!!! So it really depends on you. Try out Android, maybe without rooting it's enough! Maybe it isn't Then you root
Hope I've helped!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks and you certainly did help... There is one app in particular and im not sure it supports multiwindow (withings baby monitor) - I will know in a few days. If it doesnt, it would be great to have this app with multi-window support and I would root in order to do this... I guess we can wait and see... Thanks for your response.
emanuelme said:
Thanks and you certainly did help... There is one app in particular and im not sure it supports multiwindow (withings baby monitor) - I will know in a few days. If it doesnt, it would be great to have this app with multi-window support and I would root in order to do this... I guess we can wait and see... Thanks for your response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. As from seeing the apps I have installed almost no apps support the multi window feature that aren't huge. Facebook twitter chrome plus a lot of the Samsung apps like gallery and video, messaging and snote Google Talk and youtube as well. For more apps: hack!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
zkyevolved said:
No problem. As from seeing the apps I have installed almost no apps support the multi window feature that aren't huge. Facebook twitter chrome plus a lot of the Samsung apps like gallery and video, messaging and snote Google Talk and youtube as well. For more apps: hack!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I need to hack or theroetically, if someone modified the app for me, could i then put it on the sd card and install it or would i need to be rooted first?
Great answer zkyevolved!
Other apps that work uith multi-window are popping up every week. Greader Pro now works as does lecturenotes and solid explorer.
Emanuelme. If you want the most fluid multi-tasking experience download SwipePad with the (paid) "recent apps add-on. It will blow you away and make your old iphone friends very jealous
emanuelme said:
First, quick intro - finally making the move to android from iOS after years of procrastinating. My galaxy note 2 arrives Wednesday eve and I couldnt be more excited. I purchased the n7100, unlocked international version.
(1) To update to 4.1.2 when it arrives - is this automatic or is there something I need to do to get it right away?
(2) I saw two ways to make any app multi-window functional. The first is by modifying it in windows, the second is through an app on the phone itself. It is my understanding that for the latter, i need to be rooted. Is that the case for the windows application too?
(3) I dont want to install a custom rom just yet because i want to tinker with s-note and the s-pen apps. However, regarding rooting - is there any reason not to root?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I don't know if the 4.1.2 update is being rolled out yet, but if it isn't, u can just flash it from odin, no root is required, and u can still keep your warranty.
As for the multi Window, you will need to be rooted, and preferably on a deodexed rom.
If u look in the dev section, u will see a multi Window zip file u can flash, that will give the any app multi Window.
The only reason not to root would be:
The readers hub, and the learners hub, don't work if you are rooted.
Your a noob
Rooting won't void your warranty, as u can just flash a stock rom and u will be unrooted.
I am currently working on a dual boot kernel for the note 2, so then u can have the stock rom, and a second rom, installed at the same time, and choose which to boot in to when u start the rom, but i am still finishing it ect at the moment.
Cheers
Corey
Sent from my GT-N7100
Hi all,
My Realme X will be arriving early next week. Based upon a number of reviews I've read and viewed, I suspect that I'll wish to remove some of less useful applications on it, or even replace some with Google's own versions.
What is the best way to debloat a stock installation without rooting the device. I do plan on running a custom ROM later, but I want to give stock a fair assessment first.
Thanks in advance,
Bill
Hi
I've been using the phone since launch. Great buy.
I've tried couple of custom ROMs, went back to stock as the development is practically dead from what I notice so far.
I tried just rooting and removing useless apps but it just breaks the phone lol . Good choice on just looking to debloat without rooting.
Here are couple of things that I've done.
1. Look though settings , every nook and cranny of color os settings menu as it's very different and unnecessarily complicated . Couple of things you might want could be hidden behind doors . Go through every possible setting options possible and alter for your preference.
2. Uninstall bloatware wherever you get the option to do . Disable the rest if possible to.
3. For the bloatwares disable all permissions including blocking it from accessing internet.
4. Disable notifications / auto update etc for bloats.
I've done all this to the default browser, game space , the realme oppo app market , Facebook etc and phone runs just fine.
santor said:
Hi
I've been using the phone since launch. Great buy.
I've tried couple of custom ROMs, went back to stock as the development is practically dead from what I notice so far.
I tried just rooting and removing useless apps but it just breaks the phone lol . Good choice on just looking to debloat without rooting.
I've done all this to the default browser, game space , the realme oppo app market , Facebook etc and phone runs just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
Custom ROM development is still very much active for it. However, Telegram is the most useful portal to access it currently. If you search for "RealmeUpdates" and "RealmeXOfficial" there, you'll find it.
I stumbled across this last night as it discusses how to remove the bloatware without rooting. You might find it useful:
https://gadgetstouse.com/blog/2019/...oatware-from-realme-smartphones-without-root/
Regards...
Bill_G said:
Thanks for your reply.
Custom ROM development is still very much active for it. However, Telegram is the most useful portal to access it currently. If you search for "RealmeUpdates" and "RealmeXOfficial" there, you'll find it.
I stumbled across this last night as it discusses how to remove the bloatware without rooting. You might find it useful:
https://gadgetstouse.com/blog/2019/...oatware-from-realme-smartphones-without-root/
Regards...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to know development is still alive , I didn't know about telegram ?.
The article is useful. Thank you!
Hey,
I ordered chinese Black Shark 3 and I would like to know if I can flash a global ROM on it ?
Which features could not work after flash ?
Any tuto to flash please ?
Anyway, we are ok to say the only thing between a chinese phone with global rom and global phone is B28 ?
Thanks.
apparently there is no such capability on black shark 3
But you can google about Google installer v3 this works to install google play store and framework which enable you to use as usual global
Chinese bs3 have b28 I test here. I just want to know if bs3 global have widevine l1 ?
Was going to write a few things in the pro forum. Essentially it's the same hardware. I have the BS3 Pro. Installed the V3 apk google installer. Things are a bit messy though. I knew it going into it as I've owned Chinese phones before Huawei etc but no experience with Xiaomi/joyui.
+Google play store, services etc install but there are issues. 2 main ones seem to be GPS being an issue on any app that needs it. Google maps just has a gray dot and can't update my location. Have tried a few things from various sites but it seems Joyui 11 has updated things that make the workarounds useless.
+Chrome browser can't sync with my Google account to let me use bookmarks, passwords, history etc. Clicking on the button does nothing.
+WhatsApp notifications are useless. Can't get them to come through unless I'm in the app. Again lots of previous workarounds don't work. Given all the permissions needed and turned off the battery saver option, locked the app in the background etc.
+This isn't anything official and might be obvious but worth noting. I ran it for over a week without installing google services and the battery was awesome but when google was loaded I can see it drain very quickly.
Hoping to get these issues sorted, had hoped it would be easy enough to flash a global rom but that's looking unlikely based on the BS2 success etc. Otherwise a cracking phone but might have to return it due to these issues.
Google apps worked perfectly and too bad Black shark 3 pro unlocking bootloader currently not availabale...
Anybody here unlock the bootloader bs3 ?
wrinkletit said:
apparently there is no such capability on black shark 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once the roms are available for download, it will be possible.
Same problems with mine with notifications. BS3p
They don't work for ages and then all of a sudden everything is rosey for a few hours, the phone works great, then out of the blue notifications just stop. Like now it's working great WhatsApp, Gmail etc all coming through straight away. In a few hours or a few minutes it'll all go Pete tong.
Then occasionally I'll get 6 notifications all in one hit.
Chrome does work fine though, it's all synced up.
It's very strange.
The only way to get global firmware is hit the door from xiaomi and request this.... china have banned netflix, amazon and whatsapp. This explain why global firmware have widevine L1 and china firmware have L3... and explain too why whatsapp notification never works on china rom, but global works.
jbaggs said:
Was going to write a few things in the pro forum. Essentially it's the same hardware. I have the BS3 Pro. Installed the V3 apk google installer. Things are a bit messy though. I knew it going into it as I've owned Chinese phones before Huawei etc but no experience with Xiaomi/joyui.
+Google play store, services etc install but there are issues. 2 main ones seem to be GPS being an issue on any app that needs it. Google maps just has a gray dot and can't update my location. Have tried a few things from various sites but it seems Joyui 11 has updated things that make the workarounds useless.
+Chrome browser can't sync with my Google account to let me use bookmarks, passwords, history etc. Clicking on the button does nothing.
+WhatsApp notifications are useless. Can't get them to come through unless I'm in the app. Again lots of previous workarounds don't work. Given all the permissions needed and turned off the battery saver option, locked the app in the background etc.
+This isn't anything official and might be obvious but worth noting. I ran it for over a week without installing google services and the battery was awesome but when google was loaded I can see it drain very quickly.
Hoping to get these issues sorted, had hoped it would be easy enough to flash a global rom but that's looking unlikely based on the BS2 success etc. Otherwise a cracking phone but might have to return it due to these issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you have allow all permission on each app? by all permission i mean all permission including the sms etc2 make everything green tick
and put the important apps like whatsapp or gmail to no be affected by miui battery saver (appinfo>batterysaver)
and put autostart on, if you want your device to start the app without you launch it first time every reboot.
be prepare! poor battery oerformance is coming
jbaggs said:
Was going to write a few things in the pro forum. Essentially it's the same hardware. I have the BS3 Pro. Installed the V3 apk google installer. Things are a bit messy though. I knew it going into it as I've owned Chinese phones before Huawei etc but no experience with Xiaomi/joyui.
+Google play store, services etc install but there are issues. 2 main ones seem to be GPS being an issue on any app that needs it. Google maps just has a gray dot and can't update my location. Have tried a few things from various sites but it seems Joyui 11 has updated things that make the workarounds useless.
+Chrome browser can't sync with my Google account to let me use bookmarks, passwords, history etc. Clicking on the button does nothing.
+WhatsApp notifications are useless. Can't get them to come through unless I'm in the app. Again lots of previous workarounds don't work. Given all the permissions needed and turned off the battery saver option, locked the app in the background etc.
+This isn't anything official and might be obvious but worth noting. I ran it for over a week without installing google services and the battery was awesome but when google was loaded I can see it drain very quickly.
Hoping to get these issues sorted, had hoped it would be easy enough to flash a global rom but that's looking unlikely based on the BS2 success etc. Otherwise a cracking phone but might have to return it due to these issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So by chance did you ever get whatsapp up and running? Im having the same problem with my phone. I dont even mind the hit to the battery life because the warp charging means its never down for long but the lack of incomming messages is a dealbreaker for me.
I don't know much this will help but I was able to fix location issues. You must allow location access all the time for Google Play services. Location now works in Google Maps and Uber.
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
i need your help
hoangtieubao said:
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a BS3PRO chinese rom i need it to be Global rom
Hi guys, heard my friend going to release bs3pro global fastboot ver. Please wait for it but not sure when...
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Hey, and for BS3 pls too
For those of you that are interested in doin the conversion yourself there is a thread in the bs3 pro section that has the files and instructions
https://forum.xda-developers.com/bl...bootloader-t4140001/post83225465#post83225465
hoangtieubao said:
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
free?
hehk1234 said:
Chinese bs3 have b28 I test here. I just want to know if bs3 global have widevine l1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you upload a twrp backup bro? I want to go back to Chinese version
hoangtieubao said:
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need help for blackshark 2 china unlock bootloader I will pay
I have an old mediatek based redme note4, so very much due an upgrade. The cameras on this look pretty decent and good enough for my youtube vid work...
But I have one issue i want to address...
On my old Note4 using MiUi ive noticed that A LOT of system programs dial home to aliexpress servers... I assume to Xiaomi controlled servers... Ive noticed this quite regularly when doing certain tasks like using Chrome or email, or installing apps...
Now I want to get this phone, I kinda need to know that there will be some roms going around that will strip all this crap out. Annoyingly though I like MiUI as an interface. I just dont like this phone dialing home as much as it is.
So got the few questions.
As its snapdragon, i realise in all likely hood there will be custom roms. What will my likely options be? Lineage? Will there likely be a MiUi with the nastiness stripped?
And I also, when I root the phone to do all this is there anyway to mask the root? I use banking apps that wont run if the phones been rooted...
Anyway I realise its early day. Just thought I should ask. I might be getting the phone around december or january...
We can expect that there would be xiaomi eu rom support which is debloated miui with additional languages. (Also with their shi**y roboto font)
Custom roms may not be your favor cuz they usually give you same boring aosp experience whatever you install.
Magisk has a "hide" feature that allows to have root and still use Bank apps.
e.miron said:
Magisk has a "hide" feature that allows to have root and still use Bank apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This typically doesn't work anymore, or it works with very high efforts for a short period.
Mine is arriving today and I will be unlocking the bootloader ASAP.
Xiaomi usually let you unlock the bootloader although you have to wait and the custom ROM scene for past Xiaomi devices has been good (I've had both a Mi 5 and Mi 9 and can testify to this).
So long as someone builds for this device, you'll probably end up with a fair selection of ROMs to choose from including customised / debloated versions of MIUI which aren't too bad either
CalyxOs has been released. This is great news for us.
Download and install instructions: https://calyxos.org/news/2021/01/26/pixel5-pixel4a5g-support/
Features: https://calyxos.org/features/
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Let's use this thread for a Calyx discussion.
Screenies
radogost said:
Screenies
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Esim support?
Happy days!! This is the reason for getting the 4a 5g.
Is it already daily driver ready?
FooYoungHi said:
Happy days!! This is the reason for getting the 4a 5g.
Is it already daily driver ready?
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Click to collapse
I got it running and no issues with the ROM itself, I like it alot, but the whole playstore and getting aurora to work made me give up, I was not able to get my preferred playstore apps.
shannoncole05 said:
I got it running and no issues with the ROM itself, I like it alot, but the whole playstore and getting aurora to work made me give up, I was not able to get my preferred playstore apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solution: Uninstall Aurora and reinstall it from F-Droid.
Before I dive in, 2 questions:
- I'm still runnin the december update, do I need to update to the januari update before I can flash Calyx?
- Is there a way to backup my current install?
Edit: I bit the bullet anyways, first updating to the Januari update, painless process, btw. I decided that I didn't care about a backup.
First impressions: Very nice looking and I saw pretty quickly that within CalyxOS you can back stuff up outside of the bootloader.
Had the 'Aurora store' bug, fixed after reinstalling it.
Gonna love exploring the OS in the coming days.
I have one question about a launcher: I have the paid version of Nova Launcher, and I'm logged into Aurora anonymously, so I can't DL paid apps. Does anyone have an alternative to Nova Launcher? I absolutely love this app (the gestures etc. are a dream) so preferably a FOSS alternative with close to the same functionality would be awesome. I have been able to migrate to FOSS/free apps for all of my paid ones, but I still can't find anything better as a launcher.
Edit2: Might have been nice for them to put a warning before flashing that it will completely wipe your phone.. I made a few last minute backups on the internal storage before flashing. Everything is lost now. Luckily I back stuff up often, but I still lost stuff, so a warning from them might've been nice.
Edit3: I now can't log into my google account (for retrieving my whatsapp backup Fixed by using another phone and copying the local backup to my Pixel) because it can't connect to the server... know error apparently, but I can't find a fix for it.
Why oh, why, do I always decide to try this stuff on a sunday evening when I should go to bed...
FooYoungHi said:
Before I dive in, 2 questions:
- I'm still runnin the december update, do I need to update to the januari update before I can flash Calyx?
- Is there a way to backup my current install?
Edit: I bit the bullet anyways, first updating to the Januari update, painless process, btw. I decided that I didn't care about a backup.
First impressions: Very nice looking and I saw pretty quickly that within CalyxOS you can back stuff up outside of the bootloader.
Had the 'Aurora store' bug, fixed after reinstalling it.
Gonna love exploring the OS in the coming days.
I have one question about a launcher: I have the paid version of Nova Launcher, and I'm logged into Aurora anonymously, so I can't DL paid apps. Does anyone have an alternative to Nova Launcher? I absolutely love this app (the gestures etc. are a dream) so preferably a FOSS alternative with close to the same functionality would be awesome. I have been able to migrate to FOSS/free apps for all of my paid ones, but I still can't find anything better as a launcher.
Edit2: Might have been nice for them to put a warning before flashing that it will completely wipe your phone.. I made a few last minute backups on the internal storage before flashing. Everything is lost now. Luckily I back stuff up often, but I still lost stuff, so a warning from them might've been nice.
Edit3: I now can't log into my google account (for retrieving my whatsapp backup Fixed by using another phone and copying the local backup to my Pixel) because it can't connect to the server... know error apparently, but I can't find a fix for it.
Why oh, why, do I always decide to try this stuff on a sunday evening when I should go to bed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Lawnchair Launcher and sideload
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/deletescape/lawnchair/lawnchair-2-1-2627-ci-q-merge-release/
shannoncole05 said:
Try Lawnchair Launcher and sideload
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/deletescape/lawnchair/lawnchair-2-1-2627-ci-q-merge-release/
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give that one a shot.
I ran into something I didn't see for years on a smartphone: ADS!! Since root is impossible and not recommended, adaway won't work.. Any other solutions?
FooYoungHi said:
Thanks, I'll give that one a shot.
I ran into something I didn't see for years on a smartphone: ADS!! Since root is impossible and not recommended, adaway won't work.. Any other solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for ADs try Blokada: https://blokada.org/
or the new Adaway, also with rootles mode VPN: https://github.com/AdAway/AdAway
Just got the februari update.. the most painless update I've ever had on a smartphone. Really digging CalyxOS.
About the adblockers; I already run a 'normal' VPN, so VPN based ablocking won't work, right?
Some other random questions:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
I also have some shared calendars from google that I unfortunately need to use, but I don't want to sign in to google on my phone. Any tips to get this to work? I can import regular google calendars into my nextcloud, but not the shared ones.
FooYoungHi said:
Just got the februari update.. the most painless update I've ever had on a smartphone. Really digging CalyxOS.
About the adblockers; I already run a 'normal' VPN, so VPN based ablocking won't work, right?
Some other random questions:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
I also have some shared calendars from google that I unfortunately need to use, but I don't want to sign in to google on my phone. Any tips to get this to work? I can import regular google calendars into my nextcloud, but not the shared ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About the adblockers with VPN - you can utilize "Secure DNS" option in Android. I highly recommend NextDNS or BlahDNS for no-logging, adblocking DNS service.
As for the keyboards, there are AnysoftKeyboard (has swipe), OpenBoard and FlorisBoard. I am using Anysoftkeyboard and I am pretty happy. I'm beta testing it, and new version should be out soon. Also, Calyx has a firewall feature that allows you to block internet access for any app you want. Just go to the Settings -> Apps and then Data Usage and you can block Swiftkey from there. Calyx Team is currently working on a better UI for firewall, should be out in the following months.
radogost said:
About the adblockers with VPN - you can utilize "Secure DNS" option in Android. I highly recommend NextDNS or BlahDNS for no-logging, adblocking DNS service.
As for the keyboards, there are AnysoftKeyboard (has swipe), OpenBoard and FlorisBoard. I am using Anysoftkeyboard and I am pretty happy. I'm beta testing it, and new version should be out soon. Also, Calyx has a firewall feature that allows you to block internet access for any app you want. Just go to the Settings -> Apps and then Data Usage and you can block Swiftkey from there. Calyx Team is currently working on a better UI for firewall, should be out in the following months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm liking Anysoftkeyboard so far. I only wish you could remove the smilie and voice buttons, that would make the spacebar a bit wider.
Will the scureDNS stuff work nicely with a VPN, since they use their own ones, AFAIK. I got it to work, just wondering if it doen't mess with the security of the VPN.
FooYoungHi said:
I'm liking Anysoftkeyboard so far. I only wish you could remove the smilie and voice buttons, that would make the spacebar a bit wider.
Will the scureDNS stuff work nicely with a VPN, since they use their own ones, AFAIK. I got it to work, just wondering if it doen't mess with the security of the VPN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can delete the smiley button. Look in "bottom" layouts, and pick minimal or classic
FooYoungHi said:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love using Anysoft Keyboard
I just tried calyxos first time it today myself for 8 hours today. It ha sbeen very nice so far, although most of that 8 hours went in to setting everything up.
Soemthing I hate is that the google camera apk from aurora store is super old.. Ibut that is not calyxos fault.. Probably not that the small arrow to lower the keyboard is ont he left side and doesnt seem to be adjustable either..?
Will have to look around for some safe place to download a more recent gcam or I guess use some port.. Too bad I heard the ports are always buggy and bad and since I got a true pixel for the first time ever I was looking forward to run it with the best possible camera software.
cHECKjAM said:
Will have to look around for some safe place to download a more recent gcam or I guess use some port.. Too bad I heard the ports are always buggy and bad and since I got a true pixel for the first time ever I was looking forward to run it with the best possible camera software.
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Click to collapse
I am using GCam 7.3.018 by Urnyx05 since few weeks and it is all good... If I remember well, I got it here https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-urnyx05/
I don't know if the version 8 does the job on this device, I did not try but am interested to hear back if you try
Edit: check this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/gcam-camera-px-for-google-pixel-1-2-3-3a-4.3875663/post-84514901
ichino_o said:
I am using GCam 7.3.018 by Urnyx05 since few weeks and it is all good... If I remember well, I got it here https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-urnyx05/
I don't know if the version 8 does the job on this device, I did not try but am interested to hear back if you try
Edit: check this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/gcam-camera-px-for-google-pixel-1-2-3-3a-4.3875663/post-84514901
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went ahead and installed the latest official Google camera software from apkmirror. I didnt want to go through the rabbithole of finding what port is the least broken, while also getting the latest and greatest update wise..
Altough now that I've used it for a few days im suspecting I don't have HDR. I cant find any options with HDR anywhere in the app, so maybe something wrong as I heard that if you run googles own gcam on custom roms (I guess calyxos as well?) You loose HDR?
Also its quite annoying that you have to use Google photos to o preview the pictures and I don't want to use that.
cHECKjAM said:
I didnt want to go through the rabbithole of finding what port is the least broken, while also getting the latest and greatest update wise..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can just say that downloading the version 8.1 linked in the thread I referred to in my previous post should make you happy... I just tried it and all seems to be working without any hassle. And it does not look like leading you to a rabbithole.
cHECKjAM said:
Altough now that I've used it for a few days im suspecting I don't have HDR. I cant find any options with HDR anywhere in the app, so maybe something wrong as I heard that if you run googles own gcam on custom roms (I guess calyxos as well?) You loose HDR?
Also its quite annoying that you have to use Google photos to o preview the pictures and I don't want to use that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that is why people are porting the app. I have working HDR (at least the option is here and can be switched, how to make sure that hdr is ok btw?) and I can check the photos with the alternative gallery apps, or at least with the default gallery. There is an option in GCam to allow using gallery other that Google Photo.
May I ask why Google photo is a problem? Looks like you can block all privacy-concerning behaviors...
Then, more generally, I am running CalyxOS with default microG settings on this device since two weeks and everything is just perfect. All is working perfectly and the battery consumtion is really good.
Great job! Perfect ROM for me on this device.
ichino_o said:
I can just say that downloading the version 8.1 linked in the thread I referred to in my previous post should make you happy... I just tried it and all seems to be working without any hassle. And it does not look like leading you to a rabbithole.
I guess that is why people are porting the app. I have working HDR (at least the option is here and can be switched, how to make sure that hdr is ok btw?) and I can check the photos with the alternative gallery apps, or at least with the default gallery. There is an option in GCam to allow using gallery other that Google Photo.
May I ask why Google photo is a problem? Looks like you can block all privacy-concerning behaviors...
Then, more generally, I am running CalyxOS with default microG settings on this device since two weeks and everything is just perfect. All is working perfectly and the battery consumtion is really good.
Great job! Perfect ROM for me on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exciting! I just went ahead and downloaded the gcam mod you linked to, latest version.
I was already quite happy with the camera just moving from a xiaomi Mi 8 with lineage - using the f-droid open camera only.. Totally worthless experience imo..
At first glance there is definetly more options here including HDR. However the third party picture viewer is still not optional..
Honestly you are right I could use google photos and just remove internet access but I would rather not.. But if Im forced I guess I must.. Did you do anything special to get third party gallerys to work?
About the calyxos on pixel 4a 5g .. I absolutely LOOOOVE it man.. It is lightyears ahead of lineage experience that Ive had past 2 years. Love it!