New Pixel Launcher is removed after OS update - Nexus 5X Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey community. I would like to ask you a way to avoid the removal of Pixel Launcher after OS updates (monthly updates). Basically, I install the launcher as system app and fix the permissions as for the guides, but as soon an an update comes the launcher is removed. Any tips on how to avoid it? The annoying part is that each time I need to reinstall and set up my preferences. Thanks in advance.

No modifications to /system will persist across stock updates. However, as long as you reinstall the Pixel Launcher via recovery before you first boot back into Android, it won't lose its preferences. You can also install Magisk and then use the Pixel Launcher Magisk module, which will let you save even more effort (you still have to be careful to reinstall Magisk before letting Android boot, though).

Related

Help with google now launcher

a little background:
-xt1033
-wiped phone
-fresh intall stock 4.4.4.
-ran lost101 debloat script
-installed GNL from here
but google now cannot be selected as default home
Reflash?
You installed stock ROM and then ran a debloat script.. Why don't you better flash the GPE ROM and then install Google Now Launcher? That way you'll have zero bloatware and will get updates a few days before stock ROM users.
Not really a fan of gpe wanted to keep stock fw as it is almost vanilla plus stable but really wanted to get gnl running on it
The reason why you can't see home is you removed the original launcher, to solve this just install another 3rd party launcher, don't set it as default then install the new Google Now Launcher and select it from the popup list and set as default
I suggest installing 4.4.4 GPE with root and remove the system apps you don't like with system app remover from Play Store. And ultimately install GNL.
ILoveMyMotoG said:
The reason why you can't see home is you removed the original launcher, to solve this just install another 3rd party launcher, don't set it as default then install the new Google Now Launcher and select it from the popup list and set as default
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did not remove the stock launcher check out the screen cap in the first post, i also tried your suggestion at first the home menu in the settings was missing so i installed nova from play store then it reappeared the uninstalled nova the menu remained but GNL is still not recognized even if installed. also tried third party home/launcher switcher
aben.dc said:
a little background:
-xt1033
-wiped phone
-fresh intall stock 4.4.4.
-ran lost101 debloat script
-installed GNL from here
but google now cannot be selected as default home
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update Google search and activate Google now. Now you are good to go.

OTA with Magisk? Root even necessary?

Finally pulled the trigger on a Panda Pixel 2 XL. Wanted to let some of the manufacturing issues get resolved, plus couldn't justify that kind of cash when my 6P was working just fine (replaced battery). However, it appears I've suffered a hardware malfunction in the 6P and the only way to avoid a bootloop was a kernel that disabled some CPU cores and performance has suffered.
I've realized I don't really use root for much anymore, don't need Titanium Backup or Greenify since Google has done a good job replicating those. I no longer use Tasker plugins that require root, I honestly think I could even go without TWRP. Since I'm considering going strictly stock, is it possible to still receive OTA's with only Magisk installed? Not sure if a systemless root will still allow an OTA to install. I realize you can flash the factory image without the wipe data flag, take the OTA, then reinstall magisk. But I'm not great about checking for the most up to date image, previously I've gone months before realizing I hadn't gotten any security updates.
If I can't get OTA updates with magisk, then do I even really need it? I use PureNexus on the 6P with ElementalX kernel, pretty sure stock 8.1 will be just fine. Currently, the only thing I root for is for ES File Explorer, and a magisk module to convert some apps to system. Is there a way to convert an app to system and still receive OTA updates? As always, I greatly appreciate any help or input.

RAM usage and battery on custom ROMs

Am running Superior OS ROM, really like it, except it uses something like 1.2 GB RAM as baseline, reporting 500 MB of apps I did not launch, so probably GAPPS, etc.
Since I got rid of stock ROM ,can anybody tell me how much it uses after boot?
Am sure Lineage OS was using much less when I tried it, but never really checked. Also seems to me that battery life was better on Lineage with less stuff running? Anybody?
I'm using that rom for about 3 days, right now I have 1.1 gb free ram and for me it's quite the same on lineage and stock. One annoying thing is Lawnchair which i don't use cannot be killed and always remain in background doing who knows what.
If you have dark/black theme, when you open the settings do you see for a brief moment a white screen just before it opens?
anzhaki said:
I'm using that rom for about 3 days, right now I have 1.1 gb free ram and for me it's quite the same on lineage and stock. One annoying thing is Lawnchair which i don't use cannot be killed and always remain in background doing who knows what.
If you have dark/black theme, when you open the settings do you see for a brief moment a white screen just before it opens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there is a nasty half a second long white flash when opening Settings in dark theme, just checked it out. Happens each time. (PS. White flash vanished after the phone sat idle a while).
I thought RAM consumption might be similar because they are all based on stock ROM., but Lineage boots much quicker, not that it's done often, but there must be fewer services running, seems faster, and I think uses less battery, which is what I was after. You think Superior uses how much battery compared to others? Because on mine it seems to drop rather fast.
If you wanna stay on Superior maybe you could kill LawnChair with something like App Quarantine app, Greenify or some hibernation app. Works on Play Services all right.
Plus , Superior didn't let me pass SetUp without connecting to network, unlike stock ROM, or others, and installed VIA browser, first I heard of it, which can only be disabled, not uninstalled. If not nasty, it's a boneheaded move. Happened to you?
I didn't notice that the white flash vanishes when the phone is in idle after a while. It's so annoying that I just put the light theme to avoid seeing the white screen on dark theme.
For me too lineage is the perfect rom, simple and without too much customization. Unfortunately, after selinux was updated to enforcing Magisk was not working anymore so I tried other roms and used resurrection remix for a while. I found out later that it was needed to use Magisk 18.1, in a few days I think I'll gonna come back to lineage since there are small things that I don't like on superioros.
About the battery life, with lineage I was not using any custom kernel but with resurrection remix and superioros I used butterfly kernel 4.4 and I have less consumption compare to lineage. I think with a custom kernel lineage will have a better battery life.
Now I'm trying the module gms doze that should improve the battery by limiting Google services wake lock. I'll see in fews day if I will have some improvement. Other modules I tried were lkt and fde but they just consume more battery without performance improvement.
About Lawnchair it is really annoying, you can't disable it nor kill it. It just relaunch itself after terminating it from settings. Even greenify can't do anything.
I always configure the phone with a sim.
Yep I found via browser too which at least can be disabled.
anzhaki said:
One annoying thing is Lawnchair which i don't use cannot be killed and always remain in background doing who knows what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use this ROM, but this behaviour matches stock...
The multitasking UI in pie comes from the default launcher. The launcher is also involved in "OK Google" listening, but this can at least be turned off.
Probably the ROM has lawnchair setup as the default launcher. If you are using a different launcher, you can disable or uninstall lawnchair to stop it running, but you'll have the Oreo recents screen instead of the pie recents.
I use a Magisk module (debloater) to disable system apps that prevent it. There's also an adb command you can use if you don't have root. https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
a1291762 said:
I don't use this ROM, but this behaviour matches stock...
The multitasking UI in pie comes from the default launcher. The launcher is also involved in "OK Google" listening, but this can at least be turned off.
Probably the ROM has lawnchair setup as the default launcher. If you are using a different launcher, you can disable or uninstall lawnchair to stop it running, but you'll have the Oreo recents screen instead of the pie recents.
I use a Magisk module (debloater) to disable system apps that prevent it. There's also an adb command you can use if you don't have root. https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll gonna try the method without root. I found the module debloater but unfortunately it was not working, its commands on terminal are not recognized. I already wrote on its thread and still waiting for an answer.
I have Magisk 19.1 on ROMs installed by flashing patched boot images after full stock ROM flash, then installing custom ROM, then twrp, disabler, switch slots, reboot twrp, install gapps, the usual, then boot system, install Magisk Manager, then reboot twrp, and then install Magisk 19.1 and reboot system. It works, with messages can't mount system, then vendor, but all works.
Damn, funny because Oreo Recents is what I was after. Can anybody tell me how to get them on Lineage, for example? Install different launcher than Trebuchet, what? I just think Oreo recents were better, so I wanted a ROM with that option. But I am getting off Superior, I think. Tried Resurrection Remix, but UI started going crazy after a while, maybe Recents switching, and apps stopped launching altogether.
Magisk 19.1
Posted twice, sorry. No way to delete posts except editing? Never mind.
MarkR7 said:
Damn, funny because Oreo Recents is what I was after. Can anybody tell me how to get them on Lineage, for example?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock launcher on the system handles recents. If you hide/remove it then you'll get Oreo recents.
I use a Magisk module to remove the stock launcher. There's adb commands if you don't have root. There's also a quickswitch Magisk module, that's aimed more at enabling third party launchers to handle recents, but it can also force oreo recents.
a1291762 said:
The stock launcher on the system handles recents. If you hide/remove it then you'll get Oreo recents.
I use a Magisk module to remove the stock launcher. There's adb commands if you don't have root. There's also a quickswitch Magisk module, that's aimed more at enabling third party launchers to handle recents, but it can also force oreo recents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will try.

Problems after first update of LineageOs 17.1 install

First update since installing Lineageos on Lenovo P2.
The navigation bar along the bottom disappeared. Couldn't be swiped up - had been fixed previously.
Then found other things as well. Fingerprint sensor not working. Pixel launcher failing. Had been using Nova launcher and foolishly removed it thinking I'd reinstall to see if it restored the nav bar. But now stuck with a failing launcher and can't start anything - including Play to reinstall Nova. Just says 'Pixel Launcher keeps stopping, App info, Close App.' Cleared cache from App info as that was all I could do but no difference.
I haven't read it anywhere but are updates cumulative? Ie, can I skip one if I miss it and get all updates rolled up into the next one. I hope so because that's what I did. Jumped from something like 9th August to 30th.
Any ideas?
Current update always include codes from previous builds so you can skip nightlies in between. There are few solutions for your problem. I'm telling you two:
1. Install a third party launcher apk through system settings
2. Reboot into TWRP, wipe system only and install latest update package with nano gApps and it should work.
alirazaagha said:
Current update always include codes from previous builds so you can skip nightlies in between. There are few solutions for your problem. I'm telling you two:
1. Install a third party launcher apk through system settings
2. Reboot into TWRP, wipe system only and install latest update package with nano gApps and it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for your help. In fact, while trying your first suggestion I somehow got into Google Play through APK install settings from where I was able to reinstall Nova Launcher. So now I have a partly useable phone again but still with the problems that followed the update in my OP (navigation bar gone, fingerprint sensor stopped working plus the failing launcher - those are just the things I found without looking).
It's disappointing that the update failed though, not least as staying updated was a major reason for moving to Lineage. Any ideas why this might be?
Maybe I should try the second suggestion and reinstall the update by sideloading as described here. So do I use the same file that I use to install LineageOS in the first place from here https://download.lineageos.org/kuntao? It's not stated in the document. And will this wipe the phone clean again?
Finally would I have to re-sideload a GApps package at the same time and should it be Nano GApps as suggested? Originally I installed Open GApps as suggested in the upgrade instructions.
bind00 said:
Thanks so much for your help. In fact, while trying your first suggestion I somehow got into Google Play through APK install settings from where I was able to reinstall Nova Launcher. So now I have a partly useable phone again but still with the problems that followed the update in my OP (navigation bar gone, fingerprint sensor stopped working plus the failing launcher - those are just the things I found without looking).
It's disappointing that the update failed though, not least as staying updated was a major reason for moving to Lineage. Any ideas why this might be?
Maybe I should try the second suggestion and reinstall the update by sideloading as described here. So do I use the same file that I use to install LineageOS in the first place from here https://download.lineageos.org/kuntao? It's not stated in the document. And will this wipe the phone clean again?
Finally would I have to re-sideload a GApps package at the same time and should it be Nano GApps as suggested? Originally I installed Open GApps as suggested in the upgrade instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel launcher in Android 10 force closes if it is not chosen as "Recents provider". Therefore, navigation bar also stops working. Hence, we need Quickswitch app to choose Pixel or any other launcher such as Lawnchair for giving them the mentioned right and that works without any hiccups.
You should install the latest update after wiping system only. You don't need to wipe everything, just wipe system partition.
Nano GApps are taken from Open Gapps website. I've suggested nano GApps because it doesnt include Pixel Launcher hence, stock ROM launcher will flawlessly work. However, if you want to use Pixel Launcher then install Magisk from recovery and Quickswitch module within Magisk. Then open Quickswitch app from launcher and click Pixel Launcher. Quickswitch app will process for a few moments and will restart your phone. Now, choose Pixel launcher as default from settings if it is not used as default and Done.
alirazaagha said:
The Pixel launcher in Android 10 force closes if it is not chosen as "Recents provider". Therefore, navigation bar also stops working. Hence, we need Quickswitch app to choose Pixel or any other launcher such as Lawnchair for giving them the mentioned right and that works without any hiccups.
You should install the latest update after wiping system only. You don't need to wipe everything, just wipe system partition.
Nano GApps are taken from Open Gapps website. I've suggested nano GApps because it doesnt include Pixel Launcher hence, stock ROM launcher will flawlessly work. However, if you want to use Pixel Launcher then install Magisk from recovery and Quickswitch module within Magisk. Then open Quickswitch app from launcher and click Pixel Launcher. Quickswitch app will process for a few moments and will restart your phone. Now, choose Pixel launcher as default from settings if it is not used as default and Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks again for your detailed help. Much appreciated.
Went for standard Open GApps just because that's what I had before and had hoped to get it all back as it was. (I've no particular preference for Pixel only that was all that was available to me after updating through updater. ) I've got the update loaded now, sideloaded with adb and TWRP. Unfortunately I seem to have accidentally factory reset from TWRP (thought I was just swiping to unlock and only noticed too late. Doh.)
TBH, this has been a whole lot of hassle for an update. After hours to get this far now have to set phone up from scratch yet again. And crucially, I still don't know why updater failed. Going to be very nervous about running update in future and staying updated was the main point of moving to Lineage in the first place.
But thanks for help again.
bind00 said:
Many thanks again for your detailed help. Much appreciated.
Went for standard Open GApps just because that's what I had before and had hoped to get it all back as it was. (I've no particular preference for Pixel only that was all that was available to me after updating through updater. ) I've got the update loaded now, sideloaded with adb and TWRP. Unfortunately I seem to have accidentally factory reset from TWRP (thought I was just swiping to unlock and only noticed too late. Doh.)
TBH, this has been a whole lot of hassle for an update. After hours to get this far now have to set phone up from scratch yet again. And crucially, I still don't know why updater failed. Going to be very nervous about running update in future and staying updated was the main point of moving to Lineage in the first place.
But thanks for help again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem bro. Next time, when you update, follow these things:
1. Keep ROM, Magisk and GApps in a single folder.
2. When updating ROM, just install the ROM and restart.
alirazaagha said:
No problem bro. Next time, when you update, follow these things:
1. Keep ROM, Magisk and GApps in a single folder.
2. When updating ROM, just install the ROM and restart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. That's good information. So you recommend not using the Updater but adb sideloading instead?
OK, and I just read this at stackexchange "You normally don't need to re-flash GApps as most GApps installers will install an addon.d script which restores GApps automatically after flashing a new ROM that supports addon.d (LineageOS does so)." So if GApps is in the same folder it finds it automatically I guess.
I'd better clue myself up on Magisk now and a decent backup system.
cheers
bind00 said:
Thanks again. That's good information. So you recommend not using the Updater but adb sideloading instead?
OK, and I just read this at stackexchange "You normally don't need to re-flash GApps as most GApps installers will install an addon.d script which restores GApps automatically after flashing a new ROM that supports addon.d (LineageOS does so)." So if GApps is in the same folder it finds it automatically I guess.
I'd better clue myself up on Magisk now and a decent backup system.
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Built in update works as required but if it messes with system partition then you better download update and install it through recovery.
GApps can be restored after update but the point is that you don't need it. System update only replaces the older system files with new ones without touching gApps files. Whereas, Magisk is automatically installed after update if it's in the same folder.

List of system apps safe to delete? How to change the position of buttons on navigation bar?

I am using an LG V20, recently I have successfully installed Lineage OS 18.1.
I'm scared of the amount of junk apps (ads, useless, third-party,...) that are available inside LG's firmware (and you can't remove them without root - but you can only root on Android 7), so I decided to try another OS.
After installing Lineage OS the first thing I noticed is that I can't customize the buttons on navigation bar, I tried searching google for custom instructions but most of them are instructions for the old version of Lineage OS, I can't find the custom buttons on navigation bar on this latest version (or maybe I'm wrong?). Please help me?
I have used System App Remover to see all system apps, there are more than 200+ system apps (including GApps), I've looked a few times, only a few apps can guess the function. functionality, or only a few app packages can be recognized (less than 80 apps in total are recognisable and searchable on Google). I want to ask which system apps can be safely deleted?
I tried flashing the LOSdiet file and android debloat script with TWRP although the flash was successful BUT NO apps was removed.
UPDATE: I feel that installing the whole GApps is really unnecessary as Google Play Store and Google Play Services can be downloaded on Google, just 2 apps Google Partner Setup and Google Services Framework are enough. If in the firmware file these 2 applications are available, I think installing GApps is not necessary.
Thanks.
habaka said:
I am using an LG V20, recently I have successfully installed Lineage OS 18.1.
I'm scared of the amount of junk apps (ads, useless, third-party,...) that are available inside LG's firmware (and you can't remove them without root - but you can only root on Android 7), so I decided to try another OS.
After installing Lineage OS the first thing I noticed is that I can't customize the buttons on navigation bar, I tried searching google for custom instructions but most of them are instructions for the old version of Lineage OS, I can't find the custom buttons on navigation bar on this latest version (or maybe I'm wrong?). Please help me?
I have used System App Remover to see all system apps, there are more than 200+ system apps (including GApps), I've looked a few times, only a few apps can guess the function. functionality, or only a few app packages can be recognized (less than 80 apps in total are recognisable and searchable on Google). I want to ask which system apps can be safely deleted?
I tried flashing the LOSdiet file and android debloat script with TWRP although the flash was successful BUT NO apps was removed.
UPDATE: I feel that installing the whole GApps is really unnecessary as Google Play Store and Google Play Services can be downloaded on Google, just 2 apps Google Partner Setup and Google Services Framework are enough. If in the firmware file these 2 applications are available, I think installing GApps is not necessary.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing GApps is really not necessary. But in that case you will miss many features. Including play store. But you can install f-droid and aurora store.
LineageOS is not meant to torture you with bloatware. Even if you don't use the preinstalled apps, they will do no harm.
And you can debloat unrooted stock ROM with adb.
kurtn said:
Installing GApps is really not necessary. But in that case you will miss many features. Including play store. But you can install f-droid and aurora store.
LineageOS is not meant to torture you with bloatware. Even if you don't use the preinstalled apps, they will do no harm.
And you can debloat unrooted stock ROM with adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but it has too many deprecated apps, I am discussing on reddit, hope they remove them in next update.
habaka said:
Yes, but it has too many deprecated apps, I am discussing on reddit, hope they remove them in next update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mail already removed with android 10 to 11 version upgrade.
kurtn said:
Mail already removed with android 10 to 11 version upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MMS has been deprecated although it still exists.

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