Develop Bugs

Do I have Malware on my Nexus?

Today, for the second time, I received a notification (only showed up in the notification bar) that I have a "Gift Pending" and I "could be today's Christmas Winner"
When I click on the notification it brings me to a webpage with a broken URL
This seems incredibly fishy to me.. does anyone know what this is, if it's malware, and how to remove it?

did you installed any weird app? it might be an ads from those app.

Probably one of those apps that has those notification ads.. you'll have to find the app and uninstall it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I haven't installed anything out of the ordinary.. "facebook photo sync" "syncmypix" and "ski report" are the only ones that could be considered "werid"

I just deleted my 2 most recently installed apps. Maybe this will fix the problem.
I think I freaked out because I've never seen an advertisement like that before. I wish Google didn't allow this!

cjsph88 said:
I just deleted my 2 most recently installed apps. Maybe this will fix the problem.
I think I freaked out because I've never seen an advertisement like that before. I wish Google didn't allow this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you want Google to not allow applications to give notifications?

Or maybe you really did win a xmas gift! you lucky dog you!

cjsph88 said:
I just deleted my 2 most recently installed apps. Maybe this will fix the problem.
I think I freaked out because I've never seen an advertisement like that before. I wish Google didn't allow this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot choose to allow or disallow certain notifications.. How the hell would you go about doing that. Simply stop using the app, and if enough people do so the developer will lose money and chose another ad-model.

Sudden Ads In Apps

Is anyone else getting random ads popping up in apps?

Nope. Nothing new here.
Have you installed any new apps lately?
Some of the free apps will plague you with adware.
Sucks, because some nasty devs will get their app reviewed by hundreds of fake people giving it 5 stars just so they can get you to install the crap.
I cringe whenever I install a new live wallpaper because those are notorious for this.

CZ Eddie said:
Nope. Nothing new here.
Have you installed any new apps lately?
Some of the free apps will plague you with adware.
Sucks, because some nasty devs will get their app reviewed by hundreds of fake people giving it 5 stars just so they can get you to install the crap.
I cringe whenever I install a new live wallpaper because those are notorious for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to make sure i understand, android apps now can install adware that allows it to run and show ads right ontop of other apps?

dy2592 said:
Just to make sure i understand, android apps now can install adware that allows it to run and show ads right ontop of other apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install AdAway and use the Adware Scan feature, then uninstall the apps that could show the ads

Cool, I never noticed the scan-for-apps feature there before!

MarcoReckless said:
Install AdAway and use the Adware Scan feature, then uninstall the apps that could show the ads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CZ Eddie said:
Cool, I never noticed the scan-for-apps feature there before!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Will try out adaway and report back.

dy2592 said:
Thanks. Will try out adaway and report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I remember in 2014 I had a Droid RAZR M, and it was my first Android... Got dupes into installing some god-awful battery app, and it uninstalled itself after getting me to let it be an administrator; although, it was still there running. But it would never show up in settings in my apps list, so I couldn't "remove it", and on the play store it would say it was installed... Did this same thing, and it also would take me to a random page whenever using the play store... Had to do a complete factory reset... Was AWFUL

Package Disabler Pro + (Samsung)

Has anyone used this app on their NOTE 10 to disable bloatware?

Really no need for apps like this when you can disable anything via adb without root.

stu5797 said:
Has anyone used this app on their NOTE 10 to disable bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it back in the playstore?
Goronok said:
Really no need for apps like this when you can disable anything via adb without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you disable/enable apps on the fly using adb?

lennie said:
Is it back in the playstore?
Can you disable/enable apps on the fly using adb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't picture the use case, but no, need a PC to enable/disable.

I had to go to a different app CCSWE in app store.

The work note 10 plus ccswe app manger :good:

Anyone plz let me know what to disable for security updates and things of that nature. Thanks

Package disabler pro works for me on my note 10. It's not available in the play store and hasnt been for some time. I purchased it directly from the dev site. Believe its 3.00 usd. Just installed it today and it works perfectly, even after the new software update

Devs behind Package Disabler Pro are scam artists. The apps work, but they are always deleting them then releasing a new version a few weeks later. Usually after a new phone comes out.
They've probably done this 5-6 times since I got the my first app from them. I asked them about giving me a license since I already paid, and they basically told me it's Samsung's fault it gets removed and I have to pay again to make up for the trouble.
Ha! No thanks.

Goronok said:
Can't picture the use case, but no, need a PC to enable/disable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so you need a PC in order to disable or enable an app through adb but yet you can't picture a use case for apps like package disabler pro?
What about apps you don't use often? Isn't it better to disable them until you need to use them so android don't have them running in the background for no reason?
So what if you're using a different launcher than the stock launcher wouldn't it make sense to disable stock launcher until you need it?
I can go on but the best part is that you don't need a PC to do it.
AceDaMack said:
Anyone plz let me know what to disable for security updates and things of that nature. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you even need package disabler for that, you can just go into developer options and disable auto update from there. Or in package disabler in system apps you should see one that is called "update" or something like that.
black96ss said:
Package disabler pro works for me on my note 10. It's not available in the play store and hasnt been for some time. I purchased it directly from the dev site. Believe its 3.00 usd. Just installed it today and it works perfectly, even after the new software update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to hear I bought it from the play store, not sure why I didn't just buy it from their website since Google or Samsung can't block that one.
nosympathy said:
Devs behind Package Disabler Pro are scam artists. The apps work, but they are always deleting them then releasing a new version a few weeks later. Usually after a new phone comes out.
They've probably done this 5-6 times since I got the my first app from them. I asked them about giving me a license since I already paid, and they basically told me it's Samsung's fault it gets removed and I have to pay again to make up for the trouble.
Ha! No thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it's Samsung that requests that Google block the app in the playstore. They plainly tell you to buy it from their website because that way Samsung or Google can't block it. So instead of paying 5-6 times why didn't just buy it from their website once?

lennie said:
Wait, so you need a PC in order to disable or enable an app through adb but yet you can't picture a use case for apps like package disabler pro?
What about apps you don't use often? Isn't it better to disable them until you need to use them so android don't have them running in the background for no reason?
So what if you're using a different launcher than the stock launcher wouldn't it make sense to disable stock launcher until you need it?
I can go on but the best part is that you don't need a PC to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to get defensive. It is better to disable so android isn't running them in the background, I just can't think of an app I'd ever need to enable/disable on the fly. Certainly not the stock launcher, that can stay permanently disabled.

lennie said:
Actually it's Samsung that requests that Google block the app in the playstore. They plainly tell you to buy it from their website because that way Samsung or Google can't block it. So instead of paying 5-6 times why didn't just buy it from their website once?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you can't read...I only paid for it once, I said they've re-added it 5-6 times since I purchased it. I asked them for a license since I already paid for it once and they told me I had to rebuy it because of the trouble Samsung causes them.
If you read reviews about them, they are notorious for doing what I said. Not once did they ever tell me I could get the app directly from them by the way, it's always been to rebuy it from the app store. They don't list a website on the play store and the email address is where they told me to keep rebuying it in the play store
Not to mention, they always name it the same thing. I can't for a minute believe that google keeps allowing them to re-upload the app with the same name over and over again if Samsung is getting it removed. lol.
yes, let us just keep covering for shady companies who find a way to force additional sales of their product through "forced" rebuys.

Thanks that what I did. just to be safe I wanna disable the packages

Goronok said:
No need to get defensive. It is better to disable so android isn't running them in the background, I just can't think of an app I'd ever need to enable/disable on the fly. Certainly not the stock launcher, that can stay permanently disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not defensive/aggressive in the slightest. It's just that I use it all the time and I disable pretty much every app I'm not currently using as in every app gets disabled until I need it, with a few exceptions. Android/Google/Samsung services are not killing my battery in the background. But to each his own.
---------- Post added at 03:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:18 PM ----------
nosympathy said:
I guess you can't read...I only paid for it once, I said they've re-added it 5-6 times since I purchased it. I asked them for a license since I already paid for it once and they told me I had to rebuy it because of the trouble Samsung causes them.
If you read reviews about them, they are notorious for doing what I said. Not once did they ever tell me I could get the app directly from them by the way, it's always been to rebuy it from the app store. They don't list a website on the play store and the email address is where they told me to keep rebuying it in the play store
Not to mention, they always name it the same thing. I can't for a minute believe that google keeps allowing them to re-upload the app with the same name over and over again if Samsung is getting it removed. lol.
yes, let us just keep covering for shady companies who find a way to force additional sales of their product through "forced" rebuys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well apparently I can't read. But the first time Samsung disable their app and I contacted them they directed me to their website where I could get a proper version that won't get disabled.
Well who knows maybe they are crooks like you've said. But then it begs the question, how come the version on their website doesn't get disabled like the one on the play store?

lennie said:
Well apparently I can't read. But the first time Samsung disable their app and I contacted them they directed me to their website where I could get a proper version that won't get disabled.
Well who knows maybe they are crooks like you've said. But then it begs the question, how come the version on their website doesn't get disabled like the one on the play store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are saying they also made you pay twice? I still wouldn't be happy with that. I paid for the license, it's not my fault Samsung got their app removed. I'd have to dig, but I have the emails where they told me I had to pay again because of Samsung causing them trouble. They could easily issue a code to let me claim the license I already paid for.
I don't think they really want website sales, but will take them as a last ditch effort. Can't claim Samsung made you delete it off your own website.
If they wanted the sales on their website, then they would have their website listed on google play. Then someone like me who searches for the app like today, where it doesn't exist again, could look at one of their other apps and find my way to buy it.
For what it's worth, they do the same thing with the LG version of the app. They delete it at least once a year then release it again. Not sure what excuse they use on that one.
Edit: I will give them one last chance, I sent them an email again to see if they would make good. See if things have changed.

How about a list of apps people have removed successfully without issues.

nosympathy said:
Devs behind Package Disabler Pro are scam artists. The apps work, but they are always deleting them then releasing a new version a few weeks later. Usually after a new phone comes out.
They've probably done this 5-6 times since I got the my first app from them. I asked them about giving me a license since I already paid, and they basically told me it's Samsung's fault it gets removed and I have to pay again to make up for the trouble.
Ha! No thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This needs to be spread. This information.

i use ccswe app manager.. it works great

badcrow35 said:
The work note 10 plus ccswe app manger :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
super easy to install too.. it just works! worth every penny

roaduardo said:
This needs to be spread. This information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is definitely true. I have been re-buying this app almost every time I get a new samsung phone (been upgrading every 6 months to S and Note series since the Note 5/7/S7 Edge, so that is at least 10 different devices. I am pretty sure I have re-bought it every time! However I have always used google opinion rewards money so it was basically free for me, now that they only sell the working version on their site I am done with them.

Question This app was launched by Google Play services?

I've noticed idle battery drain on my phone and found out that it was caused by an app (it was the Shopee app), so I tried to prevent it from running in background, like limiting its permissions, turning off notifications both in app and phone settings, restricting background activity in Battery Saver.
But after sometime it happens again. I checked in App behavior and it says the app was started by Google Play services.
What does this mean and can I stop it permanently?

If you don't use it, why keep it !
Just uninstall it.

laid1995 said:
If you don't use it, why keep it !
Just uninstall it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never said that I don't use it, can't you read? It's a shopping app and I only open it when I look for something to buy. Do you use your app 24/7???

Saphira209 said:
I have never said that I don't use it, can't you read? It's a shopping app and I only open it when I look for something to buy. Do you use your app 24/7???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, you not mentioning that u use it casually, so figured u don't use it. Still, I said "if" though.
Then try to uninstall and install it. Maybe it's the version you have.
If you have root. There are plenty of apps that can put it to sleep.

" rooting "

Hmmm, I know that Google Play Services can be launched by many apps to use any kind of sensors and APIs, but never heard of the opposite... maybe it's the case and is bad translated? In that case, try the BBS app and check what sensors are used

Saphira209 said:
I have never said that I don't use it, can't you read? It's a shopping app and I only open it when I look for something to buy. Do you use your app 24/7???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Watch your tone. No one here is obliged to help you so you might as well start talking politely.

ApexPrime said:
Watch your tone. No one here is obliged to help you so you might as well start talking politely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry if my words hurt you.
Now, I was asking about GP services and strange app behavior, I want to know if someone had any similar experience. If I could just uninstall then I wouldn't waste your precious time by making this thread would I? That's just throwing the problem away, not solving it.

Saphira209 said:
Oh sorry if my words hurt you.
Now, I was asking about GP services and strange app behavior, I want to know if someone had any similar experience. If I could just uninstall then I wouldn't waste your precious time by making this thread would I? That's just throwing the problem away, not solving it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some apps that can disable other apps to auto-start without root, but may need adb commands if running on non-root device:
Brevent
Ice Box
SuperFreezZ App stopper

Saphira209 said:
Oh sorry if my words hurt you.
Now, I was asking about GP services and strange app behavior, I want to know if someone had any similar experience. If I could just uninstall then I wouldn't waste your precious time by making this thread would I? That's just throwing the problem away, not solving it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trash app, trash behavior.
Yeah uninstalling pretty much gets rid of the cause. Wonder what else it's doing?
Solving? That's how it was designed to behave... badly. I would have ditched it the first day.
Or
Disable Google play Services when not needed.
Arguing with members trying to help you won't further you along

pl1992aw said:
There are some apps that can disable other apps to auto-start without root, but may need adb commands if running on non-root device:
Brevent
Ice Box
SuperFreezZ App stopper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I do have magisk installed, I'll try Ice Box later and see how it works.
About the other 2, from their descriptions I think what they do is force closing unused apps automatically for you is that right? Would it be different from force closing manually? Because I did try to do that but GP services was still able to launch the app occasionally as reported in App behavior.
First time noticing play services could do this so I was really curious lol, idk if it was google services or the app developer can make it like that?

Saphira209 said:
Thank you, I do have magisk installed, I'll try Ice Box later and see how it works.
About the other 2, from their descriptions I think what they do is force closing unused apps automatically for you is that right? Would it be different from force closing manually? Because I did try to do that but GP services was still able to launch the app occasionally as reported in App behavior.
First time noticing play services could do this so I was really curious lol, idk if it was google services or the app developer can make it like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brevent prevent apps auto-start, and auto-hybernate/auto-close the app when inactive of the time set in the brevent settings.
SuperFreezZ is as you described.
The following is all just guessing:
The reason that you see GP service launch Shopee app is probably Shopee app designed it.
The culprit is more likely Shopee app. It might have designed to wakeup / auto-start when there is change of the system in some conditions, which has some links to GP service.

Question Any way around the "App not optimized for this device"?

A couple apps that I use frequently, namely Walmart and Starbucks, will not allow install because "This app is not optimized for this device"... Is there a safe way around this?

I don't know about Starbucks but, Walmart app installed from backup from Galaxy S10 and is working just fine. Auto rotate and everything.

If it won't load it needs to be updated (the app).
Why would you want either one running as an app? Pure trashware. Don't know about Starwhatever but Walmart runs fine in the browser. Best kept there.
FB, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instascam, etc are a stone's throw from outright malware. Even if I can I don't want to even use those sites in the browser. I'll never load them as an app.
Not trusted apps... actions have consequences, be careful what you allow to run on your device.

The restore from my original device and then an app store update did the trick. Thanks.

emtownsend said:
The restore from my original device and then an app store update did the trick. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use Smartswitch going between different devices or OS's especially for apps.

blackhawk said:
Don't use Smartswitch going between different devices or OS's especially for apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was trying to avoid it...

I've read that this occurs only on the inner screen. I think to get around it you can close the play store then reopen it on the cover screen to install. Once installed you can use on either screen

emtownsend said:
I was trying to avoid it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kies was buggy too.
On the same device/firmware version it may work ok, I'll test it next reload but just for homepage settings, maybe apps.
Always use another backup method for critical data' SmartSwitch should never be the primary backup.
If it works, swell... but don't count on it

blackhawk said:
Kies was buggy too.
On the same device/firmware version it may work ok, I'll test it next reload but just for homepage settings, maybe apps.
Always use another backup method for critical data' SmartSwitch should never be the primary backup.
If it works, swell... but don't count on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I miss the days of rooted Titanium Backup... LOL

Somebody on reddit confirmed to me just now it worked for them with a different app
mitchh said:
I've read that this occurs only on the inner screen. I think to get around it you can close the play store then reopen it on the cover screen to install. Once installed you can use on either screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

mitchh said:
I've read that this occurs only on the inner screen. I think to get around it you can close the play store then reopen it on the cover screen to install. Once installed you can use on either screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried the outer screen for the walkie talkie app for my galaxy watch 4 and it says the same not optimized

Sonin66 said:
Tried the outer screen for the walkie talkie app for my galaxy watch 4 and it says the same not optimized
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm weird did you close the store completely then reopen it on the cover screen?

mitchh said:
hmm weird did you close the store completely then reopen it on the cover screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just tried your suggestion and still a no go for me

Sonin66 said:
Yep, just tried your suggestion and still a no go for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I just checked and it says that app isn't compatible with any of my devices if I go to it on my pc. rip

Just get the apk and install that.

chieco said:
Just get the apk and install that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do we get the apk file

blackhawk said:
If it won't load it needs to be updated (the app).
Why would you want either one running as an app? Pure trashware. Don't know about Starwhatever but Walmart runs fine in the browser. Best kept there.
FB, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instascam, etc are a stone's throw from outright malware. Even if I can I don't want to even use those sites in the browser. I'll never load them as an app.
Not trusted apps... actions have consequences, be careful what you allow to run on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you say this.
I've had these apps for years with no problems whatsoever.

TFDM said:
Not sure why you say this.
I've had these apps for years with no problems whatsoever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple, they are needless security risks and trashware with active internet access.
If you can't sort this out then enjoy the ride.

Sonin66 said:
How do we get the apk file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Type the name of the app followed with apk download into Google and many sites who have the apk should pop up. Download it and simply install it.

chieco said:
Type the name of the app followed with apk download into Google and many sites who have the apk should pop up. Download it and simply install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So while I was able to find and download the apk file, it still won't install.