Re-written to be more concise and readable:
Long story short: I installed the program "Permissions Denied" from the market and restricted a few games. When I rebooted something was broken and I can't quite figure out what, but it runs deep through the phone.
The phone isn't bootlooping, but when I starts up it will very often become unresponsive immediately after getting to the lockscreen, my theory is that things are trying to load and crashing in the background. The only fix for this is to wait until it appear to reboot itself; the screen will come back on and show me a quick few cycles of the boot animation, then back to the lockscreen. After this, it asks to re-activate on the network. Whether or not everything works after this point has been highly variable. Currently, my phone is on but has no way of signing into a google account (isn't even an option in the list under settings).
If I try to restore a nandroid, at the very end it spits out "Error while restoring /data!". I've done this with a couple nandroids that I've used fine in the past. Fully wiping from CWM and installing a fresh rom yields similar results.
Basically my thinking at this point is to back up anything I want while I have access to the phone and try to do as full a factory reset as possible. Any ideas? Of note is that I've run the "fix permissions" function both in CWM and ROM Manager, and when I run it in ROM Manager the log shows permissions for a bunch of programs that have been wiped. So I'm guessing that permissions settings persist across wipes, but I don't know what to address that with specifically.
Bump? (rewrote OP to make it less of a train wreck of my late-night detective work)
Edit with maybe-progress: I found and installed an older apk for Permissions Denied and even though this is an older nandroid and everything has been wiped time and again, the permissions for the games I changed are still disabled.
Having trouble getting the program to actually undo anything though, and rebooting the phone is a rather tiresome task with all this going on just to find out nothing changed.
Does anyone know
1)Where permissions live, and if I can reflash whatever that is, as it is clearly corrupt here.
2)Where I can get a copy of the v2.9 apk for this app, as maybe it will be better at restoring what it did than the older version I dug up.
Edit2:I eventually just did a factory reset and it fixed everything. I had also emailed the developer of the app and he got back to me with the following advice:
It sounds like the permissions file is locked, packages.xml. Try opening my app, going into the settings, and make sure that the first option is NOT checked.
Then hit the unlock option to unlock the file.
If that doesn't work, try the following in a terminal...
su
chattr -ia /data/system/packages.xml\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Intuitively this sounds like it may have fixed the problem, so I'm posting it here in case anyone ends up with similar problems and finds this thread searching.
Hello there,
Since I have updated my LG G4 to 6.0 MM, I get a message every time when data option reconnect. It says: "customize your phone. Download carrier's apps and content" . I know it's T-mobile customization, but I don't want it on my phone.
When I go to Setings - Apps - Show System - App updates - notifiations I have 3 options:
*Priority
*Allow Peeking
*Hide sensitive content
No matter what I try but the message keeps coming back.
When I press "Force Stop" the message dissapear. But when data connect again after losing wifi or after a restart, the message is coming back.
What can I do so the message wil never come back again. Root and download the T-mobile customization is not an option
Without root, you are screwed, and the workaround you found is the only one available.
You could take out the sim, but that would render it quite useless.
With root you can undo all their cosmetic changes (like freeze the APK).
You can root without unlocking the bootloader, which would still allow you to flash an original image (recommend you make your own backup)
But it would be a bit more cumbersome without a nice recovery on the phone itself.
If you softbrick you will need a computer.
Along with the cosmetic changes, they might optimize certain settings for their network (at least I think they could).
So unless you download the patch and study it's effects (backup, install, backup again, compare changes).
You might be missing out on channel/network changes that could affect the quality of your service.
If you root, you might be able to trick your current rom into thinking it already has the patch applied, but this would be complicated.
It's easier to just override or remove their changes after it has been applied.
Like the boot animation, ringtones, backgrounds, etc.
FreezyExp said:
Without root, you are screwed, and the workaround you found is the only one available.
You could take out the sim, but that would render it quite useless.
With root you can undo all their cosmetic changes (like freeze the APK).
You can root without unlocking the bootloader, which would still allow you to flash an original image (recommend you make your own backup)
But it would be a bit more cumbersome without a nice recovery on the phone itself.
If you softbrick you will need a computer.
Along with the cosmetic changes, they might optimize certain settings for their network (at least I think they could).
So unless you download the patch and study it's effects (backup, install, backup again, compare changes).
You might be missing out on channel/network changes that could affect the quality of your service.
If you root, you might be able to trick your current rom into thinking it already has the patch applied, but this would be complicated.
It's easier to just override or remove their changes after it has been applied.
Like the boot animation, ringtones, backgrounds, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, let's root!
Thnx
Tab S4 stock cleanup actions
phablet guide fest continues V30->Note9->6T->Mi9->S10->7T->Tab S6->Tab S4, time to provide some thoughts, easy to click links and guides. Goal is to have a clean device after each update, and have a helper script running at boot or on demand. This is a tablet, we want to achieve flat battery graphs when it is unused (picture attached), hopefully charge once a week with slight usage.
Debloat
What the script does:
* choose 8 categories of app removal, in the beginning of the file
for each say 0=skip 1=remove 2=revert back
* use more switch to disable some questionable/helpful stuff
* disable up to 80 apps with possibility to revert back
* remove usage access for google (do manually)
* remove device admin backdoor "Find My Mobile", you won't recover stolen device this way lol, it doesn't work with Secure Startup! it's useful for Govt.
* remove proca (which was slowing down tablet after rooting), if it doesn't work from your shell, edit the file as below
Tested ok on March stock Pie firmware. Samsung has too much bloatware installed, and requires shocking permissions to run some basic services. We will further need to reclaim privacy. As for debloat list, i've cooked the list based on knowledge of each process, its current presence in the Pie firmware, and what would fit the tablet usage. In this case, i'm leaving Samsung account, Galaxy shop and few pen apps and we assume XPrivacy is sending these snitch services bogus personal details.
Download: (file attached)
Installation:
- run in su terminal once or add to any startup script (3C\Device mgr\Scheduler can assign scripts from /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ccc71.at/scripts), or to magisk
Rooting
We want encryption. There are no ROMs, and TWRP can be used for many other tasks without access to your files.
OEM unlock in dev settings
when turned off and rather plugged it to your PC with drivers installed, hold Power & Vol+ & Vol- til you see download screen, confirm with Vol+
in ODIN, slap TWRP into AP while "Auto reboot" is unchecked
hold Power & Vol- to exit download mode, then Power & Vol+ to enter recovery
in TWRP, slap kernel and Magisk into tablet from SD card or USB (can be usb flash, can be other mobile, can be adb)
in TWRP, say boot to system and wait 5min
check Magisk app status, enable USB debugging in dev settings
kernel: WETA recovery: TWRP 3.3.1 for PIE SM-T83x
watch kernel log for 20sec
Code:
dmesg -Tw|grep proca
if proca messages appear open /vendor/etc/init/pa_daemon_qsee.rc and comment the lines
You should enable "Secure startup" in "Biometrics and security" settings. Recovery should fail reading encrypted drive sda27 because of its crypto flags and logical mapping.
Which plugins to use
Similarly to Mi9, collecting what i think is useful to keep on stock rooted firmware.
Magisk plugins:
* Riru - Core, Riru - Ed Exposed -- brings XPosed to Pie. Need also installer. Make a choice SandHook/Yahfa bipolar release, i never found out which one is better.
* libsecure_storage companion -- helps us keep the bluetooth pairings
* (optional) YouTube Vanced black themed -- brings usable YouTube experience. Unfortunately it's now a horror to install (v15), but v14 from Magisk still works.
* (optional) Move certificates -- perhaps
* (impossible) QuickSwitch -- there's no pill but Samsung custom recents... oh how glad i am for it now! Android10 cancelled this fantastic Pie pill already and you can scroll apps in OneUI!
XPosed plugins:
* Xposed Edge Pro -- a must have and best plugin
* XPrivacy -- Screw the big brother. Must have of the century. Disabling analytics, tracking, telephony, network, identification for all visible apps and all Google and Samsung apps with some exceptions.
* Firefds kit -- so this is our main customization app irrelevant here: ..and enables the very important call recording, which is beutifully integrated into call history. Bye bye external apps. Also for Samsungs it forces Restart "recovery"
* (optional) Xposed Dex -- some tweaks
* (optional) afWall -- Problems with this firewall and some VPN clients for years. Using AdGuard now and happy. It can even control DNS, no need one of those paid lausy apps. This plugin should by disabled in Xposed.
* (optional) Exi for Swiftkey -- you can make Swiftkey great again, GBoard is still the best, Samsung keyboard is very good, but too tall and leaves gap in fullscreen mode
Root apps:
* TitaniumBackup -- a must since Android was born
* Adaway -- a must but with AdGuard not so.. but i use both
* AdGuard -- can filter more and can amend requests.. that's a game changer. You can have a efficient proxy when rooted.
* 3C toolbox -- too helpful not to pay for the biggest package
* (optional) Root Essentials -- a multitool, have a look
* (optional) MiXplorer -- best file manager, replaces spyware ES File explorer you had before. Edits root files comfortably even when other editors don't
* (optional) FolderSync -- best sync tool
Battery
Battery saving:
- tablet should not be neccessarily always connected, receive notifications, so why not keep it dead when the screen is off
- the key is to disable background network activity:
disable it overall by Medium Power Saving mode
disable background network for individual apps (there's "Allow background data usage" and also nice "Allow background activity" checkbox)
force it with 3C (Device Mgr\Profiler) or Adguard (App Management)
- can't see wifi switch.. to turn wifi off when screen off. no wifi scanning drainer or other "intelligent" bs functions there either. just "Hotspot 2" - turn off.
- nearby scanning should be off, what a useless function of finding unknown devices - once you pair the known, what's the sense? or you keep connection 10 new bt devices each week? just a drain and endless beacon
- location can be off, and again it can be scripted by turning on only when screen is on by 3C
- not installing {LSpeed, Naptime, Servicely, FDE, LKT, Universal GMS Doze, Sysconfig patcher} here
- no signifficant doze functions here {AOD, fp icon, dt2wake, raise2wake} to speak off
- we want battery to remain flat when screen off, last tablet i had could do -1% per week! let's do it here
Other
- i like tender boot screen indicating knox off status, no need to flash boot logos
- no boot keys needed like on Tab s6
- not using multidisabler as i'm on stock and i do want encryption on every device ever
- how to launch camera quickly?? still dind't find out
- don't be afraid to use another device (mobile) as USB drive.. this way you can restore your apps directly via TitaniumBackup without copying it first! also Smart Switch can be used from non-Samsung phones, but it is as weak as Google backup ever was - no data restore
What do you do to run this exactly?
copy the file to storage. open su terminal. Get any root terminal app (ConnectBot, 3C Toolbox, or adb shell) and run as root. I run this script as autostart on each of my devices.
wifi_standby_test: first battery standby test: 37 hours to 91%, i've 'charging protection' so approx 93% that give us 0.19%/hr drain with wifi and bluetooth on. 10x less then a mobile (S10). Good start, nice 3 weeks of standby potential, but let's try medium power saving mode to squeeze it to over month of standby.
Will i loose my data while rooting? Im on Build number PPR1.180610.011.T835DDS4BSL2
doggydog2 said:
Tab S4 stock cleanup actions
phablet guide fest continues V30->Note9->6T->Mi9->S10->7T->Tab S6->Tab S4, time to provide some thoughts, easy to click links and guides. Goal is to have a clean device after each update, and have a helper script running at boot or on demand. This is a tablet, we want to achieve flat battery graphs when it is unused (picture attached), hopefully charge once a week with slight usage.
Debloat
What the script does:
* choose 8 categories of app removal, in the beginning of the file
for each say 0=skip 1=remove 2=revert back
* use more switch to disable some questionable/helpful stuff
* disable up to 80 apps with possibility to revert back
* remove usage access for google (do manually)
* remove device admin backdoor "Find My Mobile", you won't recover stolen device this way lol, it doesn't work with Secure Startup! it's useful for Govt.
* remove proca (which was slowing down tablet after rooting), if it doesn't work from your shell, edit the file as below
Tested ok on March stock Pie firmware. Samsung has too much bloatware installed, and requires shocking permissions to run some basic services. We will further need to reclaim privacy. As for debloat list, i've cooked the list based on knowledge of each process, its current presence in the Pie firmware, and what would fit the tablet usage. In this case, i'm leaving Samsung account, Galaxy shop and few pen apps and we assume XPrivacy is sending these snitch services bogus personal details.
Download: (file attached)
Installation:
- run in su terminal once or add to any startup script (3C\Device mgr\Scheduler can assign scripts from /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ccc71.at/scripts), or to magisk
Rooting
We want encryption. There are no ROMs, and TWRP can be used for many other tasks without access to your files.
OEM unlock in dev settings
when turned off and rather plugged it to your PC with drivers installed, hold Power & Vol+ & Vol- til you see download screen, confirm with Vol+
in ODIN, slap TWRP into AP while "Auto reboot" is unchecked
hold Power & Vol- to exit download mode, then Power & Vol+ to enter recovery
in TWRP, slap kernel and Magisk into tablet from SD card or USB (can be usb flash, can be other mobile, can be adb)
in TWRP, say boot to system and wait 5min
check Magisk app status, enable USB debugging in dev settings
kernel: WETA recovery: TWRP 3.3.1 for PIE SM-T83x
watch kernel log for 20sec
Code:
dmesg -Tw|grep proca
if proca messages appear open /vendor/etc/init/pa_daemon_qsee.rc and comment the lines
You should enable "Secure startup" in "Biometrics and security" settings. Recovery should fail reading encrypted drive sda27 because of its crypto flags and logical mapping.
Which plugins to use
Similarly to Mi9, collecting what i think is useful to keep on stock rooted firmware.
Magisk plugins:
* Riru - Core, Riru - Ed Exposed -- brings XPosed to Pie. Need also installer. Make a choice SandHook/Yahfa bipolar release, i never found out which one is better.
* libsecure_storage companion -- helps us keep the bluetooth pairings
* (optional) YouTube Vanced black themed -- brings usable YouTube experience. Unfortunately it's now a horror to install (v15), but v14 from Magisk still works.
* (optional) Move certificates -- perhaps
* (impossible) QuickSwitch -- there's no pill but Samsung custom recents... oh how glad i am for it now! Android10 cancelled this fantastic Pie pill already and you can scroll apps in OneUI!
XPosed plugins:
* Xposed Edge Pro -- a must have and best plugin
* XPrivacy -- Screw the big brother. Must have of the century. Disabling analytics, tracking, telephony, network, identification for all visible apps and all Google and Samsung apps with some exceptions.
* Firefds kit -- so this is our main customization app irrelevant here: ..and enables the very important call recording, which is beutifully integrated into call history. Bye bye external apps. Also for Samsungs it forces Restart "recovery"
* (optional) Xposed Dex -- some tweaks
* (optional) afWall -- Problems with this firewall and some VPN clients for years. Using AdGuard now and happy. It can even control DNS, no need one of those paid lausy apps. This plugin should by disabled in Xposed.
* (optional) Exi for Swiftkey -- you can make Swiftkey great again, GBoard is still the best, Samsung keyboard is very good, but too tall and leaves gap in fullscreen mode
Root apps:
* TitaniumBackup -- a must since Android was born
* Adaway -- a must but with AdGuard not so.. but i use both
* AdGuard -- can filter more and can amend requests.. that's a game changer. You can have a efficient proxy when rooted.
* 3C toolbox -- too helpful not to pay for the biggest package
* (optional) Root Essentials -- a multitool, have a look
* (optional) MiXplorer -- best file manager, replaces spyware ES File explorer you had before. Edits root files comfortably even when other editors don't
* (optional) FolderSync -- best sync tool
Battery
Battery saving:
- tablet should not be neccessarily always connected, receive notifications, so why not keep it dead when the screen is off
- the key is to disable background network activity:
disable it overall by Medium Power Saving mode
disable background network for individual apps (there's "Allow background data usage" and also nice "Allow background activity" checkbox)
force it with 3C (Device Mgr\Profiler) or Adguard (App Management)
- can't see wifi switch.. to turn wifi off when screen off. no wifi scanning drainer or other "intelligent" bs functions there either. just "Hotspot 2" - turn off.
- nearby scanning should be off, what a useless function of finding unknown devices - once you pair the known, what's the sense? or you keep connection 10 new bt devices each week? just a drain and endless beacon
- location can be off, and again it can be scripted by turning on only when screen is on by 3C
- not installing {LSpeed, Naptime, Servicely, FDE, LKT, Universal GMS Doze, Sysconfig patcher} here
- no signifficant doze functions here {AOD, fp icon, dt2wake, raise2wake} to speak off
- we want battery to remain flat when screen off, last tablet i had could do -1% per week! let's do it here
Other
- i like tender boot screen indicating knox off status, no need to flash boot logos
- no boot keys needed like on Tab s6
- not using multidisabler as i'm on stock and i do want encryption on every device ever
- how to launch camera quickly?? still dind't find out
- don't be afraid to use another device (mobile) as USB drive.. this way you can restore your apps directly via TitaniumBackup without copying it first! also Smart Switch can be used from non-Samsung phones, but it is as weak as Google backup ever was - no data restore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro. Is it possible to do this without losing data?
mayank_nigam said:
Will i loose my data while rooting? Im on Build number PPR1.180610.011.T835DDS4BSL2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
backup, try and let us know the reason why usual root methods wipe data is to remove encryption, we don't need that.
doggydog2 said:
backup, try and let us know the reason why usual root methods wipe data is to remove encryption, we don't need that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if we do it without turning oem unlock, will it work?
---------- Post added at 04:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:26 PM ----------
doggydog2 said:
backup, try and let us know the reason why usual root methods wipe data is to remove encryption, we don't need that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any suggestions on backup method?
mayank_nigam said:
So if we do it without turning oem unlock, will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah i see... you need this checkbox unlocked to flash. this device will wipe itself if you just toggle the checkbox. so in the end, data will be wiped in transition from unrooted state.
and regarding backup, just conventional methods like google backup or deeper cable backup by Helium which can partially substitute TitaniumBackup on unrooted device.
How did you get Weta running on the March firmware when it isn't supported?
NM, I see you just used the kernel part.
Running this script did very little for me - no options were given, just a few packages disabled before it errored out
Thank you for the script! It made a great difference on my tab s4, I was able to enable back Chrome and Google.
My device was lagging before... Thanks again for the write up...
Any suggestions on installing apps to sd card? The option under dev options, to force install apps to sd card is not really good.
I just purchased a refurb Tab S4, it should be arriving over the weekend. The seller notes that the S4 is on Oreo.
I noticed references to Pie here. Should boot and I let the tablet update to the latest release from Samsung, and then root / debloat as described in this thread after the Pie update?
¿GotJazz? said:
I just purchased a refurb Tab S4, it should be arriving over the weekend. The seller notes that the S4 is on Oreo.
I noticed references to Pie here. Should boot and I let the tablet update to the latest release from Samsung, and then root / debloat as described in this thread after the Pie update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Tab S4 arrived today. Should I allow any updates from Samsung be installed before I run through the rooting process described here, or should I do the rooting before getting the Samsung updates?
¿GotJazz? said:
My Tab S4 arrived today. Should I allow any updates from Samsung be installed before I run through the rooting process described here, or should I do the rooting before getting the Samsung updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes..why rooting an old version.. no OTAs later so you'd have to update manually again.
doggydog2 said:
yes..why rooting an old version.. no OTAs later so you'd have to update manually again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
But, as it turns out ... I won't be able to root or debloat anyways. I purchased a refurb Tab S4 that appears to be in excellent like-new shape, but it was also mislabeled on Amazon.
Instead of getting a SM-T830, I received a SM-T837T (T-Mobile version). I plan on getting it unlocked so that I can use it on AT&T, but from what I understand, it's unrootable.
Thanks, tho!
¿GJ?
doggydog2 said:
yes..why rooting an old version.. no OTAs later so you'd have to update manually again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering about this. So there is no way to update once rooted, other than a full clean flash and start again?
ghoulie said:
I was wondering about this. So there is no way to update once rooted, other than a full clean flash and start again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
later use Frija to get new firmware and update. cleaning is only on first root as we can't avoid it when switching the OEM lock.
This thread is really one of the best thread for tab S4
Thanks for that
Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk
Question, now that 10 is out will you update the OP, some things change.
I am not sure things like exposed can be update? Tried and get some reboot.
Proca not present and other things.
Thank you for your work
Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk
Looks like it is not working anymore on Android 10:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s4/development/rom-t4137013
Hello,
I'm hoping that someone here will be able to help to do one or more of the following things:
1) Complete data recovery of Samsung Galaxy S9 snapdragon
2) Bypass pattern lock
A partner against whom I have a restraining order purchased this phone for me and I have since become aware that there is software installed on it which I cannot access which is recording my location, communications, etc.
All I installed is Mxplorer, OS Monitor, and Logcat, all of which were recommended by users on these forums and which were Google Play verified. When I started going through what I could access and recording the logs, my phone went crazy and a bunch of root files began to delete themselves. Now it is locked by a pattern and I never set a pattern.
Is it possible for me to bypass this pattern without deleting all the data on the phone, or to backup all the data on the phone including root files even if I cannot download the phone itself?
Alternatively, is anyone aware of any organization that would help me to examine the phone, as I do not feel that I have the technological ability to do so myself?
Also, I understand that the best thing to do for my own security is to use a different phone and to reset the passwords for all the accts that were saved on that phone from a different device and I am already doing that but it is very important to me to identify and preserve the spyware that was installed on this phone in order to 1) ensure the continuation of the restraining order 2) know what information he has had access to and 3) share the information that I find with organizations that are involved in combatting the development/sale/use of this kind of stalkerware.
Thank you.
PS C:\Users\Genevieve\Desktop\platform-tools_r30.0.5-windows (1)\platform-tools> .\adb shell
starqlteue:/ $ cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
/system/bin/sh: cd: /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases: Permission denied
2|starqlteue:/ $
2|starqlteue:/ $
This is what I'm coming up against when I try to bypass the screen lock using adb, just for reference.
Permission denied on that path is not unusual, some devices simply don't support accessing that path over ADB. To delete that path, USB debugging needs to have already been enabled in the device's developer options so you can delete the gesture.key file and regain access. I've had a similar fight with an older Android device, trying to retrieve photos from a phone with an unlock pattern the owner had forgotten.
In the end I managed to gain access to the filesystem, but I had to do it through recovery mode by flashing an alternative recovery image to the device which bricked it for normal use.
I'd be surprised if this other person managed to install commercial spyware/malware without rooting the device, which would also give you access to that path.
That sort of 0day vuln is either darknet for $$$ (at which point, just wipe the cache partition, reflash the stock firmware and start from scratch) or nation state actor complexity.