I got hold of my ZE551ML a few days ago and so far I'm pretty pleased with it, apart from all this ZenUI crap. There are dozens of Asus apps (I count 29, although some you could call settings) and many are poor versions of ones that Google already provide, or do next to nothing, and aren't removable. The notification drawer and lock screen are likewise lacking compared to the default android ones (and uglier).
I tried installing the Google Now Launcher but there's no way of hiding apps and so it's full of the ASUS stuff...so I've defaulted to my previous standard Apex launcher which at least allows me to hide the apps I don't want access to.
Is there any way of getting the stock android lock screens and notification drawer? Or nuking the built-in ASUS stuff?
fraktal said:
I got hold of my ZE551ML a few days ago and so far I'm pretty pleased with it, apart from all this ZenUI crap. There are dozens of Asus apps (I count 29, although some you could call settings) and many are poor versions of ones that Google already provide, or do next to nothing, and aren't removable. The notification drawer and lock screen are likewise lacking compared to the default android ones (and uglier).
I tried installing the Google Now Launcher but there's no way of hiding apps and so it's full of the ASUS stuff...so I've defaulted to my previous standard Apex launcher which at least allows me to hide the apps I don't want access to.
Is there any way of getting the stock android lock screens and notification drawer? Or nuking the built-in ASUS stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Nova Launcher will take care of homescreen and drawer. Clean and customizable. Notifications is another matter.
Edit: NM. See you've already got Apex.
It's quite annoying to me as well, they take up a huge amount of RAM and I only have 2GB version... I tried installing other launchers but I can't remove the ASUS apps which run in the background.
keepfishes said:
It's quite annoying to me as well, they take up a huge amount of RAM and I only have 2GB version... I tried installing other launchers but I can't remove the ASUS apps which run in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download Titanium backup, and place all Asus apps into a Bloat label. The bloatware will be uninstalled once you follow through the app's directions.
mrbubs3 said:
You can download Titanium backup, and place all Asus apps into a Bloat label. The bloatware will be uninstalled once you follow through the app's directions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. But this will involve rooting the phone right?
keepfishes said:
Thanks for the reply. But this will involve rooting the phone right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because getting rid of Bloatware is basically getting rid of system files, you will have to root in order to accomplish this. So yes. However, rooting should not be a difficult thing to do, and it is reverseable.
mrbubs3 said:
Because getting rid of Bloatware is basically getting rid of system files, you will have to root in order to accomplish this. So yes. However, rooting should not be a difficult thing to do, and it is reverseable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I'll try to root the phone then! Thanks for advice! I'm just afraid that if I upgrade via ota by mistake I will get stuck in bootloop after root.
Just disable the apps from settings,app section..they wont disturb u again
Sent from my H60-L04 using XDA Free mobile app
moizsami said:
Just disable the apps from settings,app section..they wont disturb u again
Sent from my H60-L04 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable the google apps, but you can't disable the Asus ones.
Okay the best way is to root the phone and to remove all the unwanted apps with root uninstaller. I've tried it and now I've got less background processes running and more free ram for my own apps!
This is the most lean and efficient method so far, until someone comes up with a custom ROM.
Use auto start manager in your zenfone,disable all apps from auto starting except for those u want or need .
If you're not worried about POTENTIALLY voiding warranty, I would suggest you to unlock your bootloader, install TWRP, and use one of the debloated stock ROMs. There is SuperZen and Prism Barebone which both are stock ROM but bloatwares uninstalled. I'm personally using Prism Barebone. It's basically stock ROM (ZenUI) but Asus apps are uninstalled so less bloated and performance is better.
And if you wanna go further, you can try cm 12.1 but I personally wouldn't recommend because cm is not as stable as stock based rom
Btw: Stock means what your oem (asus) gives you, and not pure android like nexus devices in this context. So your title "stockifying" basically means makes it as close as what Asus give you by default.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
Related
I must be a complete noob. But i've been trying to figure out how to use this program, but i don't know how to turn it on? Not listed under widget or apps or... how in the world do i try this out??!
You won't want to use it unless you are rooted and remove HTC Sense.
tmac said:
You won't want to use it unless you are rooted and remove HTC Sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly...the new update blocks you from using other launchers.
If you don't have the update it'll work without root and you don't need to remove sense.
On the other hand, if you have the update you will need to root your phone first.
Davwf26 said:
I must be a complete noob. But i've been trying to figure out how to use this program, but i don't know how to turn it on? Not listed under widget or apps or... how in the world do i try this out??!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is because it is not technically an app, at least not the type that you are accustomed to using. Do this to get it to work.
1. Go to Settings ---> Applications ---> Manage Applications
2. After the list loads scroll down to HTC Sense, tap "Clear Defaults" and "Force Stop"
Touch the home button and it should give you an option on which launcher you would like to load.
Hope this helps!
michaelvibe said:
That is because it is not technically an app, at least not the type that you are accustomed to using. Do this to get it to work.
1. Go to Settings ---> Applications ---> Manage Applications
2. After the list loads scroll down to HTC Sense, tap "Clear Defaults" and "Force Stop"
Touch the home button and it should give you an option on which launcher you would like to load.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already rooted and running fresh. And apparently this came with the most recent fresh update, but had no idea out to try it out! So thanks! This is exactly what i needed.
disabling sense and using the stock launcher was the only way to get my computer to see my phone. i tried launcher pro but my comp will not see my phone now, very very frustrating.
Neotelos_com said:
Not exactly...the new update blocks you from using other launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
I've been in root land so I haven't used it and I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't BLOCK other launchers, I think it just doesn't include the 2.1 AOSP launcher "Launcher 2."
As far as the system cares, your home screen is just an app like a browser or music app, it is just a matter of disabling which one is set as default. This can be done in the applications menu via the method described above, or you may find the application "Home Switcher" useful if you like to try out different home screen launchers?
I certainly could be wrong, but I would be surprised if they blocked the ability to turn off sense as the default.
You do not need to be rooted to use either ADW.Launcher nor LauncherPro.
I highly doubt the launcher is causing your computer to not see the device.
tmac said:
You won't want to use it unless you are rooted and remove HTC Sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? What does rooting, or removing Sense, have to do with using an alternative launcher? Take your time, be specific.
Neotelos_com said:
Not exactly...the new update blocks you from using other launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the new OTA removes the stock Launcher2. It doesn't block anything.
If you don't have the update it'll work without root and you don't need to remove sense.
On the other hand, if you have the update you will need to root your phone first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. You can either use the Force Close trick to get Sense to close, or you can just grab Home Switcher from the Market and use that to close Sense.
DraginMagik said:
You do not need to be rooted to use either ADW.Launcher nor LauncherPro.
I highly doubt the launcher is causing your computer to not see the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it either, but wit the stock launcher as default my comp saw my phone n that was the only way, wouldnt work wit sense. Wit the new update, they removed the launcher so i tried launcher pro as default n it didnt work. But the weird thing is that my computer at work sees my phone wit no problem, so it must be something within my comp that i cant seem to figure out. n my comp is fully updated n drivers are all up to date so its weird.
I just loaded launcher pro last night. Took me a while to figure it out too as it is NOT in the apps and there are NO instructions.
Is it just me...or is there some conspiracy in Android land to NEVER HAVE ANY INSTRUCTIONS!!!!!!!!
grrrr
Anyway...somehow one time I tapped the home button on phone and it popped up with a window that asked which one I wanted to use. No idea how I got it, but there it was. It had stock android, launcher, and sense listed. (I am still pre-ota). I have played around with all three.
However...honestly...I found launcher to be a complete slow tortoise! Seriously. Everyone hatin on Sense and Launcher was the slowest thing I have ever seen. And I hadn't even added any apps to it. Not sure I like it at all.
Only cool bit is the home screen rotation...which is what I was looking for. I should go leave comments on this....
LauncherPro is a speed demon and is great to use (been doing so since I found out about it).
I have no idea why it would be slow for you at all.
Cuz he has sense still running I would think
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Be sure to clean slate your HTC Sense Launcher. I am running EVOlution V9 now, so can't remember exactly where the option is; but it's there somewhere. I installed Launcher Pro on my Stock ROM yesterday before rooting and loved it. Everything worked great once I deleted everything off of my HTC Sense Launcher and set Launcher Pro to default. Running it on Froyo now as well.
thorpe24 said:
Cuz he has sense still running I would think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think? I heard so many great things about it, but it is nasty slow on my machine. So if I choose it from that pop up window...then you think sense is still trying to run but with that launcher??
So...how is this done? You have to actually get rid of sense or can you turn it off without root?
(ps...i do plan to root, but not until i make a decision in my 30 day period...yes, i have commitment issues!)
sablesurfer said:
You think? I heard so many great things about it, but it is nasty slow on my machine. So if I choose it from that pop up window...then you think sense is still trying to run but with that launcher??
So...how is this done? You have to actually get rid of sense or can you turn it off without root?
(ps...i do plan to root, but not until i make a decision in my 30 day period...yes, i have commitment issues!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open Sense again. I think if you hit menu, something like "Scenes" or similar will appear. Select that and select "Clean Slate." That should clear your Sense homescreen.
Then try Launcher Pro again.
Is it possible to turn off MotoBlur on the DEFY? I am interested in buying this phone.
Also, anyone know if the bootloader is encrypted and unhackable?
Turn off motoblur in what sense? And why? The launcher? Or the apps?
It is rootable. Not sure of the bootloader etc. Probably want to read through dev forum to see if you find anything that suits your needs
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
I removed most of the moto widgets and haven't had any issues with blur since.
nitewalkergr can you give a list of the motoblur services you deleted and maybe how you did it or point me to a tutorial where to do it?
New to the android scene coming from a very old herald p4350 that still rocked the world but my screen broke for the fifth time now and I thought maybe its time for some gorilla glass
I concur on the list of services.
There are sites that list Windows services - what they do and what the consequence of switching it off is. It would be excellent if we could compile something like this for the Defy.
In my opinion the Blur launcher is laggy and crap. however some of the blur apps are actually good. The easiest way is to install another launcher - I installed my favourite - Launcherproplus and bang the lag was gone.
Yeah the blur apps for contacts n stuff cannot be removed but the launcher itself can.
+1 for launcher pro as well.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
I'm using launcher pro and it's quite good. But tbh blur isn't laggy at all, maybe it's because i don't use its widges? but anyways i'm using launcher pro and i'm loving it...
I removed the Blur widgets because I have no need for them but if I go into Settings > Applications > Running services I still see things named 'FeedReceiverService' and 'NewsRetrievalService'.
Does anyone know some way of killing the services, because they're just a waste of space to me.
If you removed the news widget, friend feed and social feed apk's those services shouldn't be there. They're not on mine.
'Scuse my ignorance but how do I remove the apks?
When I said I removed the widgets, I just meant from the homescreen.
You would need to root and then delete the apks at your own risk. Always back up first as im not sure how/if they interact with other blur services etc.
Step666 said:
'Scuse my ignorance but how do I remove the apks?
When I said I removed the widgets, I just meant from the homescreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my DEFY using XDA app
If u don't want to have blur running then don't sign into your accounts under blur accounts.... simple. I personally like that quick contacts and clock and date widget.
Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk
Frankly at first I wanted to get rid of Motoblur as well but in the end it isn't that bad and probably better tested for battery life compared to the usual apps like twitter and such.
However when you change the SIM it asks you for Motoblur user/pass. Fine. I understand the point, security. Now anyone knows how to make it cache the credentials? Or just a general patch for Android to "trick it" into not knowing you changed the SIM? Having to enter user (=long email) + pass for motoblur, then gmail password as well (standard android treat) is quite too much (this is even before we go into SIM pin, normal screen unlock, etc).
Just installed launcher-pro and really happy with it.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
Aren't there Defys released in some countries without Motoblur? If that's the case, we could hope for a Motoblur-free ROM that should be easily flashable, right?
Just install adw launcher from market, tadaa, nicer look and no more lag. My Defy was running Motobloat for exactly as long as it took me to open the market, dow load adw and reboot
I am not talking about the looks. I skipped the registration at the first boot and installed LauncherPro immediately.
Still, lot's of motoblur-stuff running in the background (social networks app for example) and most stock-apps are changed. It's mostly minor changes and sometimes even for the better, but a vanilla android version would feel "cleaner".
Try app Free Advanced Task Manager
Step666 said:
I removed the Blur widgets because I have no need for them but if I go into Settings > Applications > Running services I still see things named 'FeedReceiverService' and 'NewsRetrievalService'.
Does anyone know some way of killing the services, because they're just a waste of space to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I'm just about to get a Defy and I'm using "Free Advanced Task Manager" on my Moto XT701 (an HK Milestone - I think?) and it works exceptionally well.
FREE on Market.
3mvv said:
Aren't there Defys released in some countries without Motoblur? If that's the case, we could hope for a Motoblur-free ROM that should be easily flashable, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, there will be defy without blur avaliable in Taiwan and Hong Kong before Chrismas. If there's a tutorial to teach me how to get a copy of the rom, I would like to share it.
Thought this may be useful for everyone to have as the device does sadly have a tendency to be a bit laggy.
Have followed a few guides and got some great info from XDA so trying to give a little back if I can
From what I have done I have found no ill effects that I have noticed so far, all fairly obvious choices so early on, but will get braver as I get more used to the handset and I'm sure others have been more adventurous than me and can help bulk the list up a bit and we can do away with a whole bunch of bloat to get a smoother ride from out G3. Some of these I froze as I prefer other 3rd party apps.
Frozen/Removed
Cell Broadcast
E-Mail
Documents
File Manager
Internet/Stock Browser
LG Health
LG Search Widget Provider
LG Setup Wizard
McAfee Security
Messaging (stock)
Music
Video
Video Trim
Weather
Weather Theme
Weather Platform
If you have any other suggestions please post and and I'll add updates to Post 1 for easy reference :highfive:
Hope this helps some fellow G3 users
557953 said:
Thought this may be useful for everyone to have as the device does sadly have a tendency to be a bit laggy.
Have followed a few guides and got some great info from XDA so trying to give a little back if I can
From what I have done I have found no ill effects that I have noticed so far, all fairly obvious choices so early on, but will get braver as I get more used to the handset and I'm sure others have been more adventurous than me and can help bulk the list up a bit and we can do away with a whole bunch of bloat to get a smoother ride from out G3. Some of these I froze as I prefer other 3rd party apps.
If you have any other suggestions please post and and I'll add updates to Post 1 for easy reference :highfive:
Hope this helps some fellow G3 users
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should do a different list for the Google apps, the main attention people will give this thread is to find out what LG apps they can freeze and remove, most people will not be interesting in removing the Google apps from their devices.
Lennyuk said:
I think you should do a different list for the Google apps, the main attention people will give this thread is to find out what LG apps they can freeze and remove, most people will not be interesting in removing the Google apps from their devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood, you are most likely correct. Google Apps removed from list
If possible, can you post the real app name (the apk name in /system/app or /system/app-priv) ?
Thanks
Get my G3 later today. Thanks for the list! I'm completely new to Android, so how do I remove bloat ware?
you need to keep file manager if you wish to write to the extsd card
I've not been able to disable the mcafee software
walkerx said:
you need to keep file manager if you wish to write to the extsd card
I've not been able to disable the mcafee software
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't find the apk by myself, but root uninstaller found somehow
Is freezing them through TB essentially a better version of hibernating them through Greenify?
alphamini said:
Is freezing them through TB essentially a better version of hibernating them through Greenify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do different things. Freezing them is like uninstalling them - they are gone and won't work at all but can be retrieved by unfreezing. Greenifying them just hibernates them but they work as normal.
bartito said:
If possible, can you post the real app name (the apk name in /system/app or /system/app-priv) ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also in system/vendor/app. Found some stuff in there that tibu couldn't get rid of. Here's most of what I froze. If it's not in my list of frozen apps I deleted it lol
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Could we have a non-root list, and also a description of what gets disabled/broken for each one. E.g. what does Cell Broadcast do? (I've googled, I 'm now aware, not relevant currently in the UK).
ActionManager service? Board Content Provider?
I've found this list but most of the bloat on Verizon wasn't on mine, since I'm not in the US: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-lg-g3/general/list-bloatware-safe-to-disable-t2819370
I wonder if anyone has the time, patience, and good will to compile all of these threads into one master index?
ohmegosh said:
Could we have a non-root list, and also a description of what gets disabled/broken for each one. E.g. what does Cell Broadcast do? (I've googled, I 'm now aware, not relevant currently in the UK).
ActionManager service? Board Content Provider?
I've found this list but most of the bloat on Verizon wasn't on mine, since I'm not in the US: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-lg-g3/general/list-bloatware-safe-to-disable-t2819370
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed that the system doesn't allow you to disable everything if you're not rooted so maybe anything you are allowed to disable is safe to disable.
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
drock212 said:
Also in system/vendor/app. Found some stuff in there that tibu couldn't get rid of. Here's most of what I froze. If it's not in my list of frozen apps I deleted it lol
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how is everything working out after having disabled all those 3 weeks ago? Any anomalies or bad experiences? So far your screenshots give the best list of the removable apps (I'm completely new to LG so I don't know about their stock stuff), and I'd love to remove them but I'm afraid to experiment without a fully working recovery to restore nandroid.
Horcza said:
And how is everything working out after having disabled all those 3 weeks ago? Any anomalies or bad experiences? So far your screenshots give the best list of the removable apps (I'm completely new to LG so I don't know about their stock stuff), and I'd love to remove them but I'm afraid to experiment without a fully working recovery to restore nandroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything is working great. Battery life is spectacular. There are 0 negative results to report.
drock212 said:
Everything is working great. Battery life is spectacular. There are 0 negative results to report.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the quick feedback! I just got a notification about a new downloadable software update (will not do it ofc), I suppose freezing the software update app will mean no more notifications and to setbacks either?
Horcza said:
Awesome, thanks for the quick feedback! I just got a notification about a new downloadable software update (will not do it ofc), I suppose freezing the software update app will mean no more notifications and to setbacks either?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. I have mine frozen to avoid receiving update notifications. Also this is good until you find out if the new update is rootable. If its not then its good to stick with the current software.
drock212 said:
Also in system/vendor/app. Found some stuff in there that tibu couldn't get rid of. Here's most of what I froze. If it's not in my list of frozen apps I deleted it lol
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My list is almost this one of yours. Had to unfreeze some of those because it made the home screen very lagged.
Everything Google uninstalled or frozen for over 2 weeks. No problems or complaints.
thanks the development has really taken off for this great device
So I froze most of these. Will it free up memory or do I have to delete them? Kinda scared to delete them. I have nandroid backup, just hate to possibly have to restore when the phone is running good.
Is there a way to disable the ASUS apps (for example: Launcher, Calling Screen, Dialer & Contacts, Gallery) and go to the default android apps for these?
I don't care for the Gallery, the Calling Screen, etc. and I'd like to get to the standard android apps to do these functions.
Can I do this without rooting? Is there some way to turn these apps off? Are there apps that I can install instead? Or am I stuck with the ASUS UI unless I root?
Thanks.
yeap. uninstall, freezing must be on rooted devices.
Shafwan7 said:
yeap. uninstall, freezing must be on rooted devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Don't understand that response at all. Sorry.
Yeah facing this too
You need to root your device first. Then install Titanium Backup Pro and freeze all the Asus Apps you don't use. Do not uninstall them because then you won't be able to use OTA updates easily.
cmendonc2 said:
You need to root your device first. Then install Titanium Backup Pro and freeze all the Asus Apps you don't use. Do not uninstall them because then you won't be able to use OTA updates easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I understand that. Stuck with the ASUS UI unless I root.
You don't need root to use a different launcher. There are ones that can hide apps as well. Most "stock" apps are now Google Apps and not AOSP anymore (Photos, Camera, Calendar, Hangouts, GEL, etc)
cmendonc2 said:
You need to root your device first. Then install Titanium Backup Pro and freeze all the Asus Apps you don't use. Do not uninstall them because then you won't be able to use OTA updates easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but it's also worth noting that if you have a custom recovery installed you'll not be able OTA update anyway
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk 2
ziddey said:
You don't need root to use a different launcher. There are ones that can hide apps as well. Most "stock" apps are now Google Apps and not AOSP anymore (Photos, Camera, Calendar, Hangouts, GEL, etc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GEL is interesting. Google Experience Launcher. Is that the same of the Google Now Launcher or something that has to be side-loaded?
denzelnuke said:
GEL is interesting. Google Experience Launcher. Is that the same of the Google Now Launcher or something that has to be side-loaded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher
can't hide apps with it though
I would have expected more activity here......
seems like people are happy with their devices out of the box... so there isn't much need for mods, custom ROMs and stuff like this?!
I think the modding scene died as stock Android progressively chipped away at the best major features of custom ROMs. Better privacy controls, power savings, night & dark modes, quick tiles. Those were pretty much the biggest selling points for me. The only other custom ROM features people liked were PIE controls and and silly animations.
And with the Pixel you'd lose so many of the Pixel extras if you flash a custom ROM. (recognizing music, probably live transcribe, the nifty Live Wallpapers, etc.
I've been occasionaly racking my brain to figure out if there are any value-added features left to pursue. Say, for LineageOS- they could replace all of the stock audio files with some high quality and very unique sounds, get some interesting wallpapers (a fresh coat of paint.), improve the stock launcher, bundle F-Droid, and offer Google Cloud Messaging and location svcs alternatives. They did/are add(ing) an online backup solution called SeedVault.
It's a difficult thing to think of any original ideas. I also have this per-app fuzzy location idea I submitted to Google issue tracker (which iPhone also came up with recently. I think they call it Approximate Location.)
It used to be more exciting to be a flashaholic but every time I look at the custom ROMs these days they don't "do anything" for me. More minuses than pluses.
jawz101 said:
And with the Pixel you'd lose so many of the Pixel extras if you flash a custom ROM. (recognizing music, probably live transcribe, the nifty Live Wallpapers, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all these working on derpfest but I generally agree with your point. Im mostly modded for some personal QoL changes that might not be worth having SafetyNet broken, im weighing it atm
I rooted for about 2 weeks until a security update happened. It's such a pain to update without TWRP, I went back to stock. Only thing I miss with root is backing up data with Swift BU. There are a few other things that are nice with root, but not necessary (mainly custom accent colors, and fonts). I know I'd love to be back on Derpfest, but until a stable TWRP is available, sticking with stock.
Just got mine. Love it. Going to enjoy the stock pixel before playing around with root and roms.
Bought the Pixel 4a precisely to avoid all this root and modding stress. And I was not disappointed, everything runs perfectly.
My last 2 phones ran stock with root. This phone is no exception. I'd be on a custom ROM if the stock wasn't AOSP (eg. Samsung, MIUI, etc). Magisk fixes up any annoyances.
tcat007 said:
I rooted for about 2 weeks until a security update happened. It's such a pain to update without TWRP, I went back to stock. Only thing I miss with root is backing up data with Swift BU. There are a few other things that are nice with root, but not necessary (mainly custom accent colors, and fonts). I know I'd love to be back on Derpfest, but until a stable TWRP is available, sticking with stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I just bought a Pixel 4a, downgraded it to A10 and install Magisk and TWRP.
It seems to be running fine so far (1 week).
But I am concerned with your comment above about a security update breaking your root.
Is this right?
If so, then is there a way to stop auto-security updates?
JohnC said:
Hi,
I just bought a Pixel 4a, downgraded it to A10 and install Magisk and TWRP.
It seems to be running fine so far (1 week).
But I am concerned with your comment above about a security update breaking your root.
Is this right?
If so, then is there a way to stop auto-security updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is recommended to turn off auto updates. Go to developers settings > turn off automatic system updates
Royalfox said:
Yes it is recommended to turn off auto updates. Go to developers settings > turn off automatic system updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. Thank you.
a1291762 said:
Magisk fixes up any annoyances.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Magisk modules would you recommend?
I am coming from a Samsung S4 and I liked that the built-in Samsung apps each had a different material color header (Phone - green, Email - blue, SMS - Yellow), but the phone app and message app are just mainly all-white screen apps. But this gripe is theme related.
What other non-theme issues have you used magisk to fix?
I would still root for privacy and security reasons, but I can see why the regular schmegular joe wouldnt need to care. Pixel4a is a great phone stock or modded.
JohnC said:
I am coming from a Samsung S4
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I think you and I have different ideas about what needs to be fixed. Adding busybox, updated tz files, removing system from apps so they can be suspended in the background. That's the kind of stuff I have.
a1291762 said:
I think you and I have different ideas about what needs to be fixed. Adding busybox, updated tz files, removing system from apps so they can be suspended in the background. That's the kind of stuff I have.
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I meant like what modules/apps do you find indispensable?
I am using XprivacyLUA, +AFwall Titanium Backup, Autostarts and Gravitybox to keep privacy up and to keep running apps to a minimum.
I'm pretty happy that I was able to find a phone that I could install the apps needed to get the control over it as I wanted.
a1291762 said:
removing system from apps so they can be suspended in the background.
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I know how to freeze apps using TB, which totally disables them. But it sounds like you are just removing their background running permission, but still let them run when you want.
How do you do that?
JohnC said:
I know how to freeze apps using TB, which totally disables them. But it sounds like you are just removing their background running permission, but still let them run when you want.
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Android has the ability to block any app from running in the background. It's a battery saving feature. But you can't do it to system apps. The primary system app I've seen abusing this inability to block it is Google maps. It works just fine as a user-installed app. Magisk debloat apps (I used terminal debloater) remove system apps (without actually having to modify /system) allowing you to install them as user apps.
Another easy way is to grab the system app apk from /system/app or priv-app and copy it somewhere, delete original folder, reinstall the apk, this time it will be a user app with the original your phone used rather than an online dl
JohnC said:
I know how to freeze apps using TB, which totally disables them. But it sounds like you are just removing their background running permission, but still let them run when you want.
How do you do that?
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jawz101 said:
I think the modding scene died as stock Android progressively chipped away at the best major features of custom ROMs. Better privacy controls, power savings, night & dark modes, quick tiles. Those were pretty much the biggest selling points for me. The only other custom ROM features people liked were PIE controls and and silly animations.
And with the Pixel you'd lose so many of the Pixel extras if you flash a custom ROM. (recognizing music, probably live transcribe, the nifty Live Wallpapers, etc.
I've been occasionaly racking my brain to figure out if there are any value-added features left to pursue. Say, for LineageOS- they could replace all of the stock audio files with some high quality and very unique sounds, get some interesting wallpapers (a fresh coat of paint.), improve the stock launcher, bundle F-Droid, and offer Google Cloud Messaging and location svcs alternatives. They did/are add(ing) an online backup solution called SeedVault.
It's a difficult thing to think of any original ideas. I also have this per-app fuzzy location idea I submitted to Google issue tracker (which iPhone also came up with recently. I think they call it Approximate Location.)
It used to be more exciting to be a flashaholic but every time I look at the custom ROMs these days they don't "do anything" for me. More minuses than pluses.
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Great post,cause i was thinking the same
I just picked up Pixel 4a this month and I am really wondering if I wanna be rooting or not. I previously have always rooted my devices (had Essential Phone as my last one). Root gets me AdAway (adblock), Swift Theme Installer and YouTube Vanced working but thats all really. Trying to weigh up if its really worth it with the Pixel 4a... original plan was to run it stock with root but now not so sure.