Develop Bugs

Removing pre-installed applications (Bell HTC Desire Z)

Hi guys, Basically I'm sick of all the trialware that Bell has put on the thing and would like to get rid of it. I have root and root explorer installed. I don't really want to reflash my phone and follow the debranding procedure. So is there any way I can achieve this ?
I have tried deleting the .apk files from the system/app folder as well. The applications just reappear after a couple of minutes.

holycow123 said:
Hi guys, Basically I'm sick of all the trialware that Bell has put on the thing and would like to get rid of it. I have root and root explorer installed. I don't really want to reflash my phone and follow the debranding procedure. So is there any way I can achieve this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure there are quite a few questions/guides about this out there already if you do a search...
In short, you can delete the appropriate APK from your /system/app directory (or use the "pm uninstall" command in terminal). Alternatively, you can simply disable the app with a "pm disable" command (see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=809231). This is usually the safer route---disable the app, make sure your phone is still running properly, then uninstall it if you still want to. If you want a nicer interface for doing all this, you can download TitaniumBackup from the Market (I believe the free version allows both uninstalling and freezing/disabling apps).

ianmcquinn said:
Pretty sure there are quite a few questions/guides about this out there already if you do a search...
In short, you can delete the appropriate APK from your /system/app directory (or use the "pm uninstall" command in terminal). Alternatively, you can simply disable the app with a "pm disable" command (see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=809231). This is usually the safer route---disable the app, make sure your phone is still running properly, then uninstall it if you still want to. If you want a nicer interface for doing all this, you can download TitaniumBackup from the Market (I believe the free version allows both uninstalling and freezing/disabling apps).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstalling in Titanium Backup didn't work either. Freezing however did. I'll keep it this way till I put some Cyanogen magic on it. Thank you kind sir!

holycow123 said:
Uninstalling in Titanium Backup didn't work either. Freezing however did. I'll keep it this way till I put some Cyanogen magic on it. Thank you kind sir!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting that Titanium Backup didn't work either (or that deleting the apk from /system/app failed as well). Be sure in your Titanium Backup preferences, you select "Chuck Norris" mode if you didn't already.

[Q] Looking for Uninstaller that actually Meets ALL my needs

So there are many uninstallers. The ones I've have found that will uninstall system apps doesn't have a quick uninstall feature, or it won't allow me to quickly uninstall many system apps. I have root explorer and can just go through and delete the apk's, but I've found that I run into issues occasionally and have found that actually uninstalling the apps is cleaner and doesn't cause as many issues as when I just delete the apks. Any suggestions would be great, I'd rather not have to download many versions, as the descriptions aren't always accurate. Thanks

Code:
adb shell
su
rm /system/app/Nameofapp.apk
rm -rf /data/data/application.package.name
pm uninstall application.package.name
reboot
exit
Works every time.

Thats awsome, I get the first part of it, I'll check out what the rest of the code does However, I would like an app as I don't enjoy typing that much into a virtual terminal. If there is no app then I might just have to deal! I'd like to think with the thousands of apps that 1 uninstaller will allow me to quickly uninstall system apps, like a mass uninstall feature. I'll keep digging....

Well, you could make a bash script out of it...
Anyways, here's what it does:
Open ADB Shell
Get root
Remove unwanted System app
Remove the settings/data for said app
Remove the app from the package manager
Reboot
Close Command Prompt/Terminal

I've never tried writing a script before. Would I have to write one for each program that I would want to remove?

Uninstalling an app you can't see.

Hey,
Like the topic says.. just wondering how you go about uninstalling an app you can't see. When I use a backed up apk file to install it, it says it will replace data and such, then I click okay, and then gives me a message, "application not installed". So that's how I know the app is there...
Its just that nothing recognizes the app as being installed. No uninstall app, no system app... anyone know how to get rid of this app by means of file exploring and not wiping the phone clean??
Thanks all.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk 2

Maybe the "application not installed" means that it wasn't installed. This would explain why you can't see it.
Under settings/applications/all, can you find it there? You might be able to uninstall it from there.
Can you find it with a file manager? You could delete it, but it might leave the data behind. This is usually in /data/data if you want to scrub things clean.
Lastly, and my personal favorite, the command line. This is the no-click method. If you know the java name, you could probably type "pm uninstall android.your.package" Try typing "pm" from the command line to get the syntax/ Some thlng like "pm list" will give you a list of installed pacakges.
Be careful what you delete- some things don't react well with being deleted.

there may be some confusion here, you say the reason you know the app is in your phone and hidden is when you try to install it is says that it will be replaced? well you can use root explorer or similar file explorer to hunt it down, check:
/system/app
/data/app
/sd-ext/app
/sdcard

demkantor said:
there may be some confusion here, you say the reason you know the app is in your phone and hidden is when you try to install it is says that it will be replaced? well you can use root explorer or similar file explorer to hunt it down, check:
/system/app
/data/app
/sd-ext/app
/sdcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the way I know the app is there is because when I try to install it. It prompts me and tells me that the program will be replaced but user data and settings will be saved. Usually if an app is not installed on the phone there is no prompt and you just have to hit install.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk 2

gee one said:
Maybe the "application not installed" means that it wasn't installed. This would explain why you can't see it.
Under settings/applications/all, can you find it there? You might be able to uninstall it from there.
Can you find it with a file manager? You could delete it, but it might leave the data behind. This is usually in /data/data if you want to scrub things clean.
Lastly, and my personal favorite, the command line. This is the no-click method. If you know the java name, you could probably type "pm uninstall android.your.package" Try typing "pm" from the command line to get the syntax/ Some thlng like "pm list" will give you a list of installed pacakges.
Be careful what you delete- some things don't react well with being deleted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't find it under settings/applications/all
I'll try to find it using root explorer... and if all else fails.. I guess I'll have to live without using the app or try the command line method.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk 2

If you have upgraded from say GB to ICS, the app might not install because it is a GB app. Try upgrading from the market. Otherwise, I would guess that you don't actaully have the app installed, perhaps just the data.

gee one said:
If you have upgraded from say GB to ICS, the app might not install because it is a GB app. Try upgrading from the market. Otherwise, I would guess that you don't actaully have the app installed, perhaps just the data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well darn. Gotta fish this thing out then. Heh. There's gotta be a way! I guess I'll upgrade through the market if possible solutions are exhausted.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk 2

More technical, but it was mentioned to use the package manager. Under the terminal or using adb shell enter:
Code:
pm list packages
This gives you a list of all the packages installed listed as something like android.application.com. Most are self explanatory. Using that information you can use:
Code:
pm path android.application.com
That gives you the location of the apk (i.e. /system, /data/app, etc). Then delete via explorer or use adb to remove:
Code:
adb uninstall /location/application.apk

I came across the same error when I manually copied an APK into /system/app folder. It showed in my drawer but was unable to execute it. In order to get rid I had to install it as well, then I was able to uninstall it which made is disappear. Any chance its something like that?

progress ughtsrr
Have you tried clearing the google play store data? If this has been corrupted with some partial entry for your app it might leave it in there and hence why you can't install/uninstall it...
Menu -> Settings -> Apps (and/or manage applications as per your ROM)
Choose "Google Play Store", then "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache"
Close the settings, then see if you can re-install the app.
Failing that, try the above, followed by a wipe cache/wipe Dalvik cache at recovery and see if that helps.
Good luck

Backup & Restore Apps + Data of RESTRICTED Profile

Ok, so my tablet wouldn't install the latest JSS15J update. So I had to manually install it. In the process, it wiped out my entire tablet. I have a main profile and a restricted secondary profile (my son's. It's my son's tablet). How do I get all the apps + data backed up (from a restricted profile) and restored (to a restricted profile)?
I've tried Titanium Backup and MyBackupPro (both root). I got close a few times, but I CANNOT get the APK's + data off a restricted profile, flash the Nexus 7 upgrade, then install APK's + data again successfully.
If I use Titanium backup while logged into the main profile, it backup up the data from the main profile only. Nothing from the restricted profiles (game saves, settings, etc.)
I've spent the day trying to get this done! I've been going back and forth between NANDROID backups, trying different things.

i'm not sure, as i don't use profiles.
BUT, what I can suggest for the future is:
Create a new folder on your internal and call it R Tita. Backup [for giggles], then backup your sons apps to the second folder, keep yours in the original. Just before you restore, change the backup / restore folder appropriately.

teh roxxorz said:
i'm not sure, as i don't use profiles.
BUT, what I can suggest for the future is:
Create a new folder on your internal and call it R Tita. Backup [for giggles], then backup your sons apps to the second folder, keep yours in the original. Just before you restore, change the backup / restore folder appropriately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried that. I played around all day with it. You also can't easily move backup files from one place to the other. Then even when you do it (with Root Explorer), it still doesn't work for some reason. On top of everything else, it's hard to make backups as TB says there's no storage space left even though there's over 20GB. That's while trying to save it in all different place. Emulation 0, Emulation 10, legacy, Sdcard.... etc...

froggydoddy said:
I've tried that. I played around all day with it. You also can't easily move backup files from one place to the other. Then even when you do it (with Root Explorer), it still doesn't work for some reason. On top of everything else, it's hard to make backups as TB says there's no storage space left even though there's over 20GB. That's while trying to save it in all different place. Emulation 0, Emulation 10, legacy, Sdcard.... etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should just do all the backups in the /storage/legacy directory.
Though I don't see any reason why TB should have issues restoring that, should work. Have you verified your backups are good within the app?

I wasn't even able to create the backup anywhere due to that "no storage" issue. Then finally when I was able to create one somehow, I wasn't able to restore from it.
I've emailed the makers of TB to ask if they are planning on adding that functionality (backing up restricted profiles)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

froggydoddy said:
I wasn't even able to create the backup anywhere due to that "no storage" issue. Then finally when I was able to create one somehow, I wasn't able to restore from it.
I've emailed the makers of TB to ask if they are planning on adding that functionality (backing up restricted profiles)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ever came of this? I too would like to know how to backup data from a restricted profile.
The apks aren't necessary, as the primary user is the one who's allowed to installed apps anyway, but the data itself is what's important.
Did the TB team ever respond to you?

bounti said:
What ever came of this? I too would like to know how to backup data from a restricted profile.
The apks aren't necessary, as the primary user is the one who's allowed to installed apps anyway, but the data itself is what's important.
Did the TB team ever respond to you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a way to do it. It's not very easy, I'm afraid. You need root, busybox, and pretty good familiarity with the command line (adb shell or terminal emulator on the device itself. However with this much typing, I really recommend adb shell...)
App data for other than the main user is stored at
/data/user/XX/com.the.application/
where XX is a number. My restricted user was numbered "10".
so to backup, just make a tar archive of that directory:
Code:
cd /data/user/XX
tar cf /sdcard/whatevername.tar com.the.application
to restore,
Code:
cd /data/user/XX
tar xf /sdcard/whatevername.tar
but, this probably only works for the very same user, because the file ownerships need to match.
So if it's not the same user, you need to fix the ownership of the restored files, but not the "lib" symlink.
With the games (the different angry birds...) I cared about had the folders cache, databases, files and shared_prefs. If there are other folders, you need to need to include them too (I'm not sure what folders there can be).
So to fix the ownership of all those, before extracting the backup (the tar xf command), first see who the owner is:
Code:
cd /data/user/XX
ls -ld com.the.application
it says something like
Code:
drwxr-x--x u11_a89 u11_a89 2013-09-12 23:14 com.the.application
here the u11_a89 is the important value.
Then, do the above tar xf command, and run
Code:
cd /data/user/XX/com.the.application
chown uXX_aYY:uXX_aYY .
find cache databases files shared_prefs | xargs chown uXX_aYY:uXX_aYY
Where uXX_aYY obviously is the value the ls command showed before.
By the way, this way you can also copy data from one user to another, e.g. from the main user (who can use titanium backup etc) to the restricted user or the other way around.
Sorry if I'm not very clear.. maybe someone could make a more understandable guide from this.
Disclaimer: I tried this on a rooted stock 4.3 nexus 7 (2012). But I think it's the same on any android 4.3 based device. Also, I really only did this with the angry birds games, I don't know if other apps need other tricks. (well except Bad Piggies is different, the data is /sdcard/Android/data/com.rovio.BadPiggies, and it can be copied with a file manager, without root.)

Thanks. Based on this I wrote a perl script to fix up all the user/group names after restoring the entire data directory; you may need to change u11 to u10 or whatever the restricted user is on your tablet.
Code:
#! /usr/bin/perl -w
# Script to fix ownership of data directories on restore of Android
# restricted profile.
open (LS, "adb shell \"su -c 'ls -l /data/data'\" |") || die "Failed: $!\n";
while (<LS>) {
(undef, $owner, $group, undef, undef, $dir) = split(' ');
$owner =~ s/u0/u11/;
$group =~ s/u0/u11/;
system ("adb", "shell", "su -c \"cd data/user/11/$dir && find . \! -type l -print0 | xargs -t -0 chown $owner:$group\"");
}

froggydoddy said:
Ok, so my tablet wouldn't install the latest JSS15J update. So I had to manually install it. In the process, it wiped out my entire tablet. I have a main profile and a restricted secondary profile (my son's. It's my son's tablet). How do I get all the apps + data backed up (from a restricted profile) and restored (to a restricted profile)?
I've tried Titanium Backup and MyBackupPro (both root). I got close a few times, but I CANNOT get the APK's + data off a restricted profile, flash the Nexus 7 upgrade, then install APK's + data again successfully.
If I use Titanium backup while logged into the main profile, it backup up the data from the main profile only. Nothing from the restricted profiles (game saves, settings, etc.)
I've spent the day trying to get this done! I've been going back and forth between NANDROID backups, trying different things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get root to work on restricted profiles? In this mode, AFAIK root doesn't work.
EDIT: Just tried creating a restricted profile and assigned rooted apps like Titanium Backup - it complained no root was found, even though the tablet is rooted.

lanwarrior said:
How did you get root to work on restricted profiles? In this mode, AFAIK root doesn't work.
EDIT: Just tried creating a restricted profile and assigned rooted apps like Titanium Backup - it complained no root was found, even though the tablet is rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if this works in a restricted user account. But to get TiB to work in a secondary user account, I had to go into the SuperUser app from the primary user account. Open the settings and select the "Wnable mult-user" checkbox. This is in Chainfire's Super User app. Not sure if other SU apps have this or not.

jicama said:
Thanks. Based on this I wrote a perl script to fix up all the user/group names after restoring the entire data directory; you may need to change u11 to u10 or whatever the restricted user is on your tablet.
Code:
#! /usr/bin/perl -w
# Script to fix ownership of data directories on restore of Android
# restricted profile.
open (LS, "adb shell \"su -c 'ls -l /data/data'\" |") || die "Failed: $!\n";
while (<LS>) {
(undef, $owner, $group, undef, undef, $dir) = split(' ');
$owner =~ s/u0/u11/;
$group =~ s/u0/u11/;
system ("adb", "shell", "su -c \"cd data/user/11/$dir && find . \! -type l -print0 | xargs -t -0 chown $owner:$group\"");
}
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to say your script worked wonderfully. Thanks. Unfortunately, though, Clash of Clans still opened up as if it were a new install . Anyway, good job!

hondoslack said:
Just wanted to say your script worked wonderfully. Thanks. Unfortunately, though, Clash of Clans still opened up as if it were a new install . Anyway, good job!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps Clash of Clans keeps its data on sdcard like Bad Piggies?

viljoviitanen said:
Perhaps Clash of Clans keeps its data on sdcard like Bad Piggies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought that too, but couldn't find it. I'll take another look when I get home, maybe I can find a definitive answer and post back.

hondoslack said:
Yeah, I thought that too, but couldn't find it. I'll take another look when I get home, maybe I can find a definitive answer and post back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you find anything on this? I'm trying to backup CoC on a restricted profile as well.
Edit: found these instructions and they worked great! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51352083&postcount=4

Sorry, totally forgot to reply. IIRC, those were the exact same steps I ended up stumbling upon. Glad you found a solution.

After uninstalling stock apps some user apps force close on A520F

When I uninstall stock installed apps (it doenst matter which app I uninstall) and then reboot some of my user apps are instantly crashing when I try to open them (Steam, Feedly, and a few others).
When I restore a TWRP backup everything works fine. Even if I uninstall a single system app the error occours.
Has anyone experienced this before?

simon151102 said:
When I uninstall stock installed apps (it doenst matter which app I uninstall) and then reboot some of my user apps are instantly crashing when I try to open them (Steam, Feedly, and a few others).
When I restore a TWRP backup everything works fine. Even if I uninstall a single system app the error occours.
Has anyone experienced this before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best way to uninstall stock apps is to use debloat. If you use anything else, I guess that may interfere with user apps, and that may be the cause. Just try to use debloat which is a magisk module that creates a terminal command that lets you uninstall systemlessly. If you have any questions, just reply!

TechGuyOnTechIT said:
The best way to uninstall stock apps is to use debloat. If you use anything else, I guess that may interfere with user apps, and that may be the cause. Just try to use debloat which is a magisk module that creates a terminal command that lets you uninstall systemlessly. If you have any questions, just reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that module called? Can you send me the name or so?

simon151102 said:
How is that module called? Can you send me the name or so?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The module is called debloater. It's in the download section of magisk manager. You can sort it alphabetically to find it quickly. When you find it, install it, do a reboot and voila.
The module only works if you have a terminal app. If you use a lineageos based rom like I do, you can enable the app via developer options. If not, then no problem. Try to find any terminal emulator via google play. Thus, you can use it! :victory: