***DISCLAIMER***: I refuse to accept responsibility if your device explodes, your cat/dog suddenly goes bald, you get fired from your job, Donald Trump converts to Islam and changes his first name to Abu, the world becomes engulfed in nuclear fire, etc. 'Nuff said.
Up until a few months ago I owned only Samsung where Android is concerned. But I got tired of the **** battery life that seemed to always manifest no matter which phone I bought. So I made a change and bought the finest LG I could find, which turned out being the v10. I've had a few issues here and there but nothing too serious. In my pre-LG days I used the S-Pen and Galaxy Apps often. Now, the latter was the only thing I really missed.
So, I dug up an old Note 4 ROM zip that was still lingering in my Dropbox, and began copying various files from it into my /system. After lots of headaches I managed the bare minimum # of files that were necessary to get Galaxy Apps working. The result is a <20MB flashable zip.
What you need:
File manager
Xposed
XInstaller
My zip
Download XInstaller, activate it in Xposed, go to Device Properties in the app, enable changing device properties, then change your model to "SM-N910T" (no quotes), then reboot. You technically could probably use any Samsung model, but this is what worked for me. Be aware that this will cause the Play Store (and possibly other apps) to mistake your model. Galaxy Apps checks your model when you run it, so this is necessary, unless you want to edit the APK to omit the model check (I don't know how).
As an alternative to using XInstaller and Xposed, you can just edit the model in your build.prop (located in /system).
Next, reboot into recovery and flash my zip, then wipe cache/dalvik cache. An alternative is to manually copy the files in the zip into their appropriate locations, then set permissions for each file to 0644. You can try installing all the APPs as data/user apps, but the 3 files in /system/etc/permissions and /system/framework must also be present, or this won't work.
Next, reboot into Android, go to Accounts in Settings, then add your Samsung account (create one if you don't have one). Launch Galaxy Apps and let it update and download additional necessary files (if necessary). Everything *should* work normally, including updating GA itself. I was able to download and run apps (all free). However, I haven't tested buying apps, in-app purchases, registering and using a credit/debit card, etc. If anyone wants to try then feel free and report back.
Caveats:
1. This may not work on ROMs below KitKat, since the files were pulled from a KK ROM. All files are presumably Samsung originals and I have not modified them in any way, which is why I'm calling this a port rather than a mod.
2. This may not work on AOSP/CM ROMs (it didn't for me, I got an FC/hang when trying to log into my Samsung account).
3. Nothing else I can think of ATM.
This is my first contribution to the Android community. This can probably also be used on other non-LG devices, but since I own an LG currently, I'm posting it here in the v10 forum, instead of somewhere else on XDA where it would receive more attention (people would eventually find this thread anyway by searching around).
If you think Galaxy Apps on LG is stupid, keep your thoughts to yourself and don't try this, I could care less what you think. This is for people that want to try it. Any trolling will be reported to the mods/admins.
Enjoy!
Edit: To be clear, I'm referring only to the GA Store itself, and not other Samsung Apps like SVoice, SMemo, etc. I just realized that my topic title might cause some confusion and people being mistaken.
Feel free to comment/discuss here, but all questions should either be PMed to me or (less preferably) posted in the Help/Q&A/Troubleshooting forums (but I don't really feel that this 2nd option is appropriate, because any issues are almost certainly due to trying to run GA on non-Samsung devices, rather than an LG/v10/non-Samsung issue).
I will be regularly updating the zip whenever any of the APPs get an update (and probably stop when this no longer works for whatever reason).
Credits to Samsung and HyperDrive ROM devs for the files, and JRummyApps and ZipMe for the means to create a flashable zip.
I don't own the v10 anymore. I went back to using the Note 4, which is a bit older than the v10 but still very fast and reliable for me. Battery life is also much better than I remember it being around 2 years ago (the last time I had my old N4 before it was stolen). Overall I'm happy I switched back, very few issues, all small. On it I'm running a modded Nougat ROM that is based on LineageOS. My Galaxy Apps zips runs fine even on that, no need to use Xposed/XInstaller or edit my build.prop, probably because it's an N4 and not an LG. I will continue to provide support for this, I plan to submit another zip soon that has all of the provided Samsung APKs as up-to-date as possible, and will have only the APKs that will be compatible for as many devices as possible.
Which samsung app are they? Just curious if the camera will work?
@raven213: They are:
Samsung Account
Samsung Billing
Samsung Galaxy Apps
Samsung In-App Purchase
Samsung Push Service
The only ones you can actually interact with are Account and Galaxy Apps, Account is so you can sign into a Samsung account from your Settings' Accounts menu, or from Galaxy Apps itself. I don't think Galaxy will let you download without an account anyway. Billing and IAP are most likely for being able to collect your payment info if you buy an app or make an in-app purchase (like buying coins in a online game or whatever). I haven't tested buying anything, so if anyone decides to tries, please post whether it worked. And Push Service is so the Samsung apps can send notifications to your device. So basically, just the bare essentials needed for Galaxy to work and nothing else. As for Samsung Camera, I doubt it will work, it'll probably just crash, since other files might be needed for that. Maybe you can get a Samsung Camera APK from apkmirror.com, or from Galaxy. There are also numerous threads on XDA where you can find collections of Samsung apps, they might have what you want.
I'm posting an updated zip with updated versions of all the apps/APKs, I made it not too long ago so they should be relatively recent. If they're out of date, they may ask to update, just let them. Or you can manually check for updates in Galaxy. I haven't tested the new version much, but it did work in my most recent try.
Also, I've come up with a new method that should work. It involves pushing touchwiz.xml to /system/etc/permissions/, and pushing twframework.jar and twframework-res.apk to /system/framework/. These are necessary and must be present in /system/. But the APKs can just be installed as regular user/data apps instead of system apps. To accomplish this just flash the latest zip (presumably from TWRP), then open TWRP's file manager, go to /system/priv-app/ and delete the Samsung APK files. You can also use FlashFire. Then boot into Android, unzip the zip file, then just install the APKs like you normally would. You'll need to enable Unknown Sources for this to work. Follow my instructions from the first post too. If you're on Marshmallow or higher, go to Settings and then Apps, manually grant all permissions for the Samsung stuff. If you cant see them make sure to enable viewing of system apps in this menu.
I am going to apply this method to my new non-Samsung Android phone as I really missed Samsung Focus. Do you think I will be able to use Samsung Focus with your method?
@xanga: I've never heard of Samsung Focus, so I wouldn't know if it would work. I only tested with the Galaxy Apps store. You will have to try for yourself and find out. Let me know if it does.
Does it works on xperia z5 with lineageos 14.1 on it?
I don't know, you'll have to try to. I don't own any Sony phones. It should though.
Important Question
This way, will I be able to install "Samsung Notes" app and Sync with Samsung Account?
@Fuurio: I don't know, as I said before, you'll have to try for yourself. Let me know if it works.
Yeah, it's a shame that this isn't working on Linage 15.1 . I can get the watch talking to my phone but I am unable to load any apps from Galaxy apps to the phone (which is better than nothing). As you said it just hangs... Everything else seems to work, it can even communicate with SHealth. If I don't update Galaxy Apps after flashing your 2nd zip I can sign in but when trying to install/download apps to my phone (Note Edge... pretty much a note 4) it downloads but hangs at that point and is unable install it to the watch through the gear plugin apparently (which is running).... If I update to the latest Galaxy apps (4.2.22) it can't even log in it gives me an error that the account already exists in account manager. Anyway, seems like I am almost getting it though. In fact I was able to work this prior to the last month or so (not with your zips) but something either changed with the Samsung apps or with Lineage 15.1
If anyone manages to get this to work completely on Lineage 14.1 or 15.1 pls post how you did it. I would like to at least be able to add watch faces.
Working now....
@rickpub: You mean it works with Oreo now? Because for me it doesn't, the app will open but it keeps saying there is a Samsung account already registered, when I try to download most apps. Works fine in Nougat.
Camera broke
Help i need to fix it how do i undo it
@Nick32603: What did you do? You just flashed the zip? And now your camera isn't working? I don't see how my zip would break your camera, unless you changed your model in build.prop, or with the Xposed module I mentioned. You can try deleting the files in the zip from your system partition. Or you can flash a stock KDZ. I used my zips on a LG v10 stock ROM awhile back, nothing broke, camera continued working normally. If you need more help then just post or send me a PM, I'll try to help.
Here is a link to a zip with the updated Galaxy Apps components (everything should be current as of May 2019). Follow steps in 1st post and flash in TWRP:
https://mega.nz/#!8h5EDIQI!QWNMQ4DB4Qg4Vx_83uf86Nnw_OSymSAZpdNnB8omVng
AnonVendetta said:
Here is a link to a zip with the updated Galaxy Apps components (everything should be current as of May 2019). Follow steps in 1st post and flash in TWRP:
https://mega.nz/#!8h5EDIQI!QWNMQ4DB4Qg4Vx_83uf86Nnw_OSymSAZpdNnB8omVng
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I tried installing this after the original one didn't work, but it didn't work either. It always hung itself up or crashed when trying to add a new Samsung account.
But I got it finally working after installing this Samsung Account APK: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/samsu...ng-account/samsung-account-2-2-04-64-release/
I'm not sure why it works now but I'll take it. Newer versions of this apk might work as well, but I only tried this one.
Thanks for this. Could you maybe bundle a few more apps. The sync provider(s) are really useful IMO.
Or maybe you could just dumb the entire rom on mega so we could pick the apps we like?
the file is not working
orjewelry11 said:
the file is not working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean? Works fine with me (LOS 14).
Related
Okay my phone was refreshed and I had to reinstall all my apps. I can't see google talk in the app marketplace. I also can't find it on appbrain.
I searched around for a while to try to figure out what was going on, but can't find much other information about it.
I doubt the app was pulled or i would have probably heard of it.
Can i get a QR code or link to the appstore or an APK or appbrain?
I wish I knew as well. I ended up reflashing my rom to get it back...
OP.... what you need to do is download a rom and extract it.
go into the folder " sytem" then "apps"
get the talk.apk our and either adb install it or put it on your SD card and use root explorer to move it to the system/apps folder on your phone.
Hope this helps
hmmm why would I need to do this? was it pulled from the android marketplace for some reason? i'm just curious, i'm pretty sure I had to load it on my phone before from the marketplace.
i probably will just end up using another messaging client, because I don't really want to go through all that for an app I don't use very much.
in any case thanks for the advice, i'm glad to hear i'm not the only one who can't find it..
It has been included in every ROM I've installed. Maybe find it in the gapps pack for Cyanogen?
I'm not even rooted... i'm not using a custom rom.. i'm just using the stock sprint issued evo.
I was having issues with the phone and they restored it to factory defaults which made me lose my apps. The last time i rooted was the intial unrevoked (which later was lost with an OTA update)
No idea what to tell you then. Talk is part of the Google apps that are included with the phone. Most every ROM I have installed includes it. Cyanogen doesn't include a lot of these because they aren't allowed to be distributed by third parties and their team is good about sticking within the rules.
If something screwed up you should just factory reset the phone if you only want stock. Better yet, do a proper root and install whatever app you want
http://cyanogenmod-mirror.local.host.name/gapps/gapps-hdpi-20101025-signed.zip. Must be rooted to flash obviously. Do not know if this zip will work with Sense ROMs. It contains all Google apps (Market, Talk, Google Voice, etc.) Good luck. Not guaranteed that this will work. Use at own risk. Do a backup first.
neodorian said:
No idea what to tell you then. Talk is part of the Google apps that are included with the phone. Most every ROM I have installed includes it. Cyanogen doesn't include a lot of these because they aren't allowed to be distributed by third parties and their team is good about sticking within the rules.
If something screwed up you should just factory reset the phone if you only want stock. Better yet, do a proper root and install whatever app you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah i see my problem, i am an idiot. google talk IS preinstalled on the phone. i kept thinking i had to install it, couldnt find it in the market and gave up. i didn't even think to look in the app list on the phone....
that said, yea its about time that i did a proper root. ill have to read up a bit to be sure its easy enough- i have all the OTA updates, and htne ill go for it.
thanks for the replies!
NOTES: IT INSTALLS FINE ON THE LATEST FIRMWARE. *ONLY FOR THE LATEST APRIL2011 FIRMWARE DUE TO BUILD PROP CHANGES*
THERE ARE NO SIGNATURE PROBLEMS; ALL APK'S AS FOUND FROM CYANOGENMOD. USED ORIGINAL CONTAINER FOR VENDING.APK TO AVOID SIGNATURE ISSUES.
ALSO ADDED CALENDAR AND TEXT MESSAGING APPLICATIONS.
download:
Code:
http://www.multiupload.com/HCVHTF0QHM
--
instructions: FACTORY RESET FIRST w/ latest firmware (april 17th)
1
boot to recovery
1A
power on, let go, hold power until it says starting recovery kernel, then let go of power
1B
press the "home" button, and use the menu to wipe cache, factory reset, flash the factory rom, and wait for first boot w/ ac power plugged in.
2
after first boot, turn unit off, and turn back on and boot into recovery again.
2A
flash the a7-gapps zip provided (remember to rename it to update.zip to work w/ recovery).
2B
CHOOSE FACTORY RESET (this wipes existing data that may conflict with install)
2C
REBOOT
congradulations, you should now have a FULLY WORKING MARKET PLACE.
UPDATED NOTES; this is the the 1.82 market that comes w/ the latest gapps for tegra from cyanogenmod (gapps-mdpi-tegra-20101020-signed). i patched it using the same smali patches applied in the patched market found in dexter's 1.2 rom, minus the androidmanifest.xml. this may account for it not autoupdating the market itself, but for today i'll take full market access on the old interface than limited access on the new market.
i tested this patched market to show "skyfire" and "qik" video players, and i added further build prop and permission settings that provided more search results; searching for 'gps' and 'video' results went up from 3300 to about 4500.
i intentionally did not provide larger apps like youtube, maps and twitter as they are downloadable from the market.
----
This is the google apps, libs and permissions that i extracted from cyanogenmod's gapps package and provided as a standalone update.zip for those wishing to have the google android market on their tablet, but not wanting to deal w/ a third party experimental rom requiring regular updates and wipes.
I hope you enjoy using the google market and applications with the latest stock rom. My wife does, and can now enjoy her working tablet w/ farmville.
--
Please, hit the lil' DONATE button under my name if i helped to make your life a lil' easier, or your android device more enjoyable. Thank you!
--
new firmware available here: eLocity Customer Support
i dont think it will install on a new update from elocity, as they use a different test signature than i do. and the signature check fails..
did you test on top of original stock?
if you check logs you will see framework fails to install, as signature does not match, and package will be ignored.
so basically why i release a full image, as all apk + framework needs to be signed correctly.
but maybe you did something extra? different?
kinda covered all the details in the op. the gapps update i made flashed on the misses phone okay after flashing the latest firmware available from the elocity support site in the link at the bottom of my post.
i did also detail that prior to that i had manually wiped the cache partition and flashed the latest recovery image from said update using the nvflash tools from nvidia. i did this due to the device being bricked w the common recovery error about recovery.c and the cache partition. i was able to adb into the device tho, and upon seeing all the random apks and files having radio user or group permissions told me somethings wrong w the rom. when i reflashed said rom, i still observed odd permissions,group settings (ive been finding and fixing these in modroms lately), so i went to the latest stock, got my usb/sd functioning as intended, checked that the permissions didnt look screwey in stock (all apks and general files set to root,root where expected instead of root,radio, which were coincidently mostly your gapps) then decided to make my own gapps w your files by comparing the gapps package for my x10, since you must be building the rom instead of modifying to get/repair fc's in the settings apk.
no surprise gapps works on this tablet like an aosp addon, as the stock rom fits the same definition of being a rom free of google apps.
i do believe the latest firmware update has binary different/newer files than whats in your rom. the recovery image is a different size too. not sure if thats resulted from changes you had made, or just reflects that the update from elocity is newer than whats in your rom.
let me know if theres any other details i can help w. otherwise, regarding signatures; thats never been an issue for me and android. the elocity recovery appears to have no problem flashing w test keys, and ive never had to resign a modified apk for an android rom.
now if we were talking symbian, then i would have to resign. android doesnt care that i'm supplyin new apk's. maybe only if i'd modified an existing apk that android had already cached the keys for, or had exclusively modified an apk in an existing updatezip w/ out resigning the zip.
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btw - thanks for the great rom for the misses tablet, mister dexter. also, analyzing your updates gave me the idea to redudantly assign permissions for every file in the install script, even tho one would assume all the files copied would be 644 by default, but sometimes being redudant is better than assuming.
EDIT: doublechecked, you did use a dated (1-07) recovery.img instead of the factory one provided w/ the newer rom you would have modded [original files dated 2-10, your modified files dated 3-20(boot.img) and 3-21(system.img)].
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bestialbub said:
EDIT: doublechecked, you did use a dated (1-07) recovery.img instead of the factory one provided w/ the newer rom you would have modded [original files dated 2-10, your modified files dated 3-20(boot.img) and 3-21(system.img)].
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- as elocitya7 uses non-visible mmc partition for boot/recovery and only loong road solution with apx mode will enable it, i did not bother trying the new recovery..
- i suspect them to start using signed updates like folio100, and that means locked devices( for users without apx).
on the gapps-mdpi install,
i tried this on several models, and it always fail signature check for framework pack and network location provider at install.
the mdpi is made for cm7 with test-keys and somehow that seems to go wrong, maybe the framework failure is ignored and not crashing anything, but i do know they had some issues on gtab with it crashing like i just wrote, but it worked.
next, you got the stupid MAC address issue, which is fixed in the build of the framework..
i just used the gapps being present, fuctioning and allowing me to install some 30 apps and not breaking after reboot confirmation that they worked. hadnt checked logs, just eyeballed permissions were as they should be. root,root,644. market, mail and contacts worked offhand, start but couldnt complete google voice setup during the wizard where its suppose to change the tablets voicemail settings, but since those settings arent present in a tablet w out internal telephoney services i wasnt too concerned.
generally dont require resigning of apks in my dailey themeing/modding. read the general assumption is youre suppose to, but when thats required the system usually crashes and shows in logcat. i've only had the a7 work in adb mode while it was bricked/not booting to interface. havent been able to see the tablet under adb devices since, but hadnt tried before. was surprised the shell was full color w working ls -aFl options working, instead of just ls -l.
Sent from my X10i using Tapatalk
probably not relevant to point out that all testing was done over a wifi connection at home to a new 2wire wifi router on an att dsl connection. since you mentioned network connectivity.
the google account used is the same one used for another att android device. was interesting to see the tablet thru the android market on the web listed as a tmobile a7-040 device or something to that effect.
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i might further update that sms text messaging services do work great on the tablet using google services w google voice even tho the setup wizard for google voice does not let you complete w/out the device having its own phone number.
i was able to text the misses and vice versa w no probs, even on fresh boot of the device. text messaging appears to work w internal text messaging activity in the contacts app, which you can text to a contact in the contacts menu.
tip; i created shortcuts on the home screen to text message using anycut to create a direct text message shortcut for the misses to conveniently text message me or her friend to our phones w ease, for free.
note; i could not use a third party text messaging app like handcent, and could not locate a messaging shortcut for message history.
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Just so I can understand clearly.
What benefit does this provide over elocitymod?
How reliable is microsd/USB mounting/unmounting?
netstat_EVO; the current firmware from the manufacture is reasonably stable. in every experience, the manufactures software generally tends to demonstrate more stability than any rom developers, as they're providing your drivers and software written specifically for your hardware peripherals, instead of generic ones, or modified generic ones fixed to work the best they can for your devices.
my wife has experienced no usb/sdcard issues w/ the manufactures current firmware, and the biggest benefit experience from a third party rom (market/gapps addons) is still available to take advantage of the android market, as thats one of the main reasons folks see to using an android device. i can also say that she uses her tablet daily now (i'll have to post screenshots), and she hasn't had any wifi issues either. wifi resumes w/in 5 seconds from waking on newest firmware. some1 else didn't fix that(some folks reported problems in the past), it was already fixed, at least for my wifes device.
folks may have other opinions, but the primary reason i see for folks modifying roms on android devices (at least 3g ones tied to service providers) is that the service providers your buy your products from molest the firmware and load it up with unwanted software and restrictions.
this reason does not apply to the a7 tablet. the best route, for someone that doesn't want to read forums everyday and apply updates and patches every week would be to stick with the manufactures dependable firmware as a base, and run simple modifications and addons to that base.
..i still haven't had the time to disect the 3rd party rom the way i want to understand how much is based on manufacture software. i may do that this weekend and map out instructions for creating said rom based on binary comparisons to the manufactures rom, just for funziez. (its inevitable if it comes my way, i'm extracting and decompiling and mapping it out, because i have to know what changed. i do this to every rom i download.)
Nice, your wife is justification for just making gapps work
i like your reasoning here...
ayup. the misses made the effort after i got her the tablet to load her own rom, since she seen me doing the same for our other devices and noticed they tended to improve the quality of the devices we're running. i tend to have a preference for picking roms based on their stability, which generally tends to be roms based on the manufactures firmware, w the manufacture's drivers. sure, if it was a 2.1 rom, there'd be room for improvements in performance w/ froyo modifications.
catch is, its already a fast device w/ froyo on it plus a disappointing lack of a regular android market interface.
now, for someone who's happy with their tablet out of the box, and already enjoy using the android market, and all the apps they have to offer on their other android devices, this lacking feature is a serious let down for any android owner.
now, to add this feature, she discovers theres 3rd party roms that can do this, but as we know, they come without warranties. so the users get a support thread where they get to wait on a busy dev for their assistance w/ troubleshooting the various ins and outs of their rom or wade thru hundreds of support messages to fix their problem. whatta frustrating solution.
so, yes, i think my misses deserves to be able to enjoy her android device, and not have to be what i call a "romhead"; someone that has to flash a rom every other day in an effort to gain improvements and fixes over the last rom they just flashed.
i think that kinda stuffs great when theres a variety of roms and mods for your device to choose from, to see the various gains and differences in peoples software offers. i think its kinda sad when you just have to do it because you have no other options.
i've been getting some positive feedback, both in threads, pm's, and emails thanking me for providing those options. those are the other justifications for releasing a standalone gapps package. all relatable folks that appreciated another option, some thanking me for not having to run any more patches or fixes to keep their device going the way they'd like to enjoy it.
--
i might note, i hope you don't mind that i borrowed the gapps from your rom. i know all gapps get 'borrowed' from somewhere else.
thanks htc and google!
--
ps- thanks again mister dexter for your work. i appreciate any mods, roms, themes or apps folks can release that i can learn from. as i've stated, i reverse engineer everything i download thats posted freely online. if i make use of anything you've done for the device, i'm always happy to let folks know.
XDA is for sharing, i dont mind at all!
i wish i had personal reasons for this tablet, i just have the wishes of users, but its ok for me
On folio100 it was original a personal interest to make it better, and indeed it got better..
for those wanting a little more than gapps, the market is always open for graphics mod, hardware fixes etc..
Nvidia tegra2 platform is not as you say not worth fixing.. we lack proper rotation support although some new games are trying to read sensors correct now..
we need proper sdcard handling.. we need latest drivers from nvidia. and lastly all our early tablets lack better audio..
lastly: Android 3.0 is needed..
i think there's alot of room for improvement on top of stock firmwares. but not all users know its fixable or even need it if they are new to the platform..
Dexter; haha, I thought so. Seems most the popular rom devs are usually developing for devices they dont own themselves. pretty commendable.
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Regardless of the whos or whys...a BIG thanks to both of you for all your dedication and effort.
ditto...
Regards
FURTHER UPDATE: tried the mahimahi fingerprint, w/ the gapps from dex's rom provided in my first release + marketaccess, this does not work for full market access. i do have a gapps package w/ same fixes that will work. i'll try to get this out by tomorrow. i got yard work to do first today.
correction; this solution tests GREAT w my gappsv2 update. i'll update this later today. this does NOT work with my first upload/gapps provided in dexters rom. it may also be a combination of the build prop update WITH this app that gave me full access on my tablet.
theres an update in the original post w/ the link to the author's website of marketaccess.apk for access to the rest of the applications in the market.
okay, bumped for market patch. this update includes calender and text messaging applications. see first post.
Can the april firmware be flashed over elocitymod and then this patch applied? Im dying to get full market access!!
Edit: Just read your post on modmymobile and all my questions were answered!
for those more technical types; you can extract the vending.apk file from this update and install the market individually. suggested troubleshooting instructions to do this; dont ask for more details or expect positive results without a wipe, but its possible;
1
goto settings, applications, running services and stop all google framework services including the genie.
2
delete /data/data/com.android.vending*
3
replace old vending.apk w new vending.apk
4
reboot
those suggestions come w no guarantees or expectations beyond bricks and bootloops. if you need more details, then you dont need this on dexters rom until someone provides you a flash update to automate cleanup instructions before market update.
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Howdy,
Looking for some feedback on tools after rooting for doing a complete image of the phone. I need to setup about 14 phones and would like to get one set then image the rest. The only concern I have is the google account on each phone, I'll have to remove the one contained in the image and apply the new one, does anyone know if that will cause issues with the installed apps? I get that if they are google account based apps those apps would need to go through setup again.
Thanks,
~DC
DevCake said:
Howdy,
Looking for some feedback on tools after rooting for doing a complete image of the phone. I need to setup about 14 phones and would like to get one set then image the rest. The only concern I have is the google account on each phone, I'll have to remove the one contained in the image and apply the new one, does anyone know if that will cause issues with the installed apps? I get that if they are google account based apps those apps would need to go through setup again.
Thanks,
~DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is deploying the app your only target? Or you want some of the system settings to be deployed as well?
If the apps are already installed and I'm taking what you're saying is you're going to basically copy and paste for my lack of more technical terms, from one phone to a few others right? Well if so the apps will not pass the installation of any updates at least for paid apps. Any apps you'd like to be system apps just drop in system/apps.
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justlovejoy said:
If the apps are already installed and I'm taking what you're saying is you're going to basically copy and paste for my lack of more technical terms, from one phone to a few others right? Well if so the apps will not pass the installation of any updates at least for paid apps. Any apps you'd like to be system apps just drop in system/apps.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to create a base image to deploy to all the phones. The base image will not contain any paid apps, mostly google services with a few utilities for tracking bandwidth and others for locking down features. After deploying the image to all the phones I would changes each google account to for the user that will get the phone. Once each user's phone is setup I will create an image for each user for restoring.
I was concerned I would not be able to remove the initial google account, I believe this was something locked in earlier versions of android but not an issue now. Phones are in today so I'll be testing everything. I have to document the process so I'll post a guide.
Thanks!
~DC
Sounds awesome. I'd compile something for you from source but knox is fluffing crazy. Your Google account can be transferred from the main account to another if you shall succeed by making the second one you attached to the device the primary. But you I don't think can remove the main account unless you fully wipe the device but after you swap the primary account in settings you can then delete your original. Please do share the guide I'm sure it'll come in handy.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
If you have custom recovery on the phones: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=scd.app2zip
Don't have custom recovery and use SD card: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.infolife.appbackup
So, I have been attempting this on my own for a couple weeks with little to no luck, and searching XDA hasn't really been fruitful, so I thought I would ask.
So I work in Tech Services at the library at my local university. My team is in charge of electronic equipment loans, and recently purchased 20 Galaxy Tab 3 10.1s for student checkout. What I am trying to do is make a straight factory ROM that is flashable through TWRP but with a set of 3 e-book apps added into system apps. The 3 apps I need added are Kindle, Overdrive Media Console, and Bluefire Reader (it is after all, a library). Doesn't need to be rooted or anything, but to speed up turn-around time, it would be nice if it would wipe data automatically as part of the flashing process so we don't have to worry about peoples passwords or account info being compromised. I have tried many different things, but can't seem to get A: the apps added correctly (they install but FC as soon as I try to open them) and B: a script added that would wipe before flashing the ROM. As far as I can tell through my research, it might be possible, but far beyond my skill and knowledge levels. Honestly, I am not even sure if flashing through recovery is the best solution. I have looked at Samsung Configurator as well as many 3rd party MDM tools and none of them seem to be able to do what I want. Possibly something that could be flashed through Odin?
Any thoughts, suggestions, advise, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Moderators: If this needs to be moved, feel free to do so. I wasn't sure where it belonged, but figured this would be okay.
Thanks everyone!
Edit: Don't know if it matters, but they are Wifi only models.
karlkarloff said:
So, I have been attempting this on my own for a couple weeks with little to no luck, and searching XDA hasn't really been fruitful, so I thought I would ask.
So I work in Tech Services at the library at my local university. My team is in charge of electronic equipment loans, and recently purchased 20 Galaxy Tab 3 10.1s for student checkout. What I am trying to do is make a straight factory ROM that is flashable through TWRP but with a set of 3 e-book apps added into system apps. The 3 apps I need added are Kindle, Overdrive Media Console, and Bluefire Reader (it is after all, a library). Doesn't need to be rooted or anything, but to speed up turn-around time, it would be nice if it would wipe data automatically as part of the flashing process so we don't have to worry about peoples passwords or account info being compromised. I have tried many different things, but can't seem to get A: the apps added correctly (they install but FC as soon as I try to open them) and B: a script added that would wipe before flashing the ROM. As far as I can tell through my research, it might be possible, but far beyond my skill and knowledge levels. Honestly, I am not even sure if flashing through recovery is the best solution. I have looked at Samsung Configurator as well as many 3rd party MDM tools and none of them seem to be able to do what I want. Possibly something that could be flashed through Odin?
Any thoughts, suggestions, advise, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Moderators: If this needs to be moved, feel free to do so. I wasn't sure where it belonged, but figured this would be okay.
Thanks everyone!
Edit: Don't know if it matters, but they are Wifi only models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just off the top of my head...this is what I would do.
Root the tabs (probably need to install custom recovery for that, but I'm not sure since I don't follow the 10 in forum).
Install Titanium Backup
Install the 3 apps that you want to make as "system" apps (install as any normal app).
Use Titanium backup to "convert to system app" (this will place app in the /system/app" directory).
Uninstall Titanium Backup and use the unroot option in SuperSu.
This should leave you those 3 apps installed as system apps.
You can then, perform a factory reset when the Tabs are returned and still have those apps available. Factory reset does not wipe the system partition, so the apps will remain.
Thanks! I will definitely try that!
I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.
ChewVodka said:
I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
!!!Make a backup prior to this step!!!
Will update post when I am home with more suggestion's.
Thanks, that's somewhat helpful. At least it give me the names of programs. I have no idea what I'm doing though. Can you give me a link to a step-by-step guide, or at least explain what the different things are and what they do? Sorry for being such a noob with this.
Instructions
MAKE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE FILES FOR YOUR SPECIFIC DEVICE (T700, T705, T800, T805, etc.)
You will need Odin (This is the software that will allow you to install the root and other files [FLASHING])
CF-AutoRoot (Will provide Root access for your device): You will be flashing this with Odin
Optional: Install custom recovery TWRP. This is also done with Odin. This will allow you to make backups and flash .zip files, including custom roms, apps, etc.
Just google for guides on rooting Samsung Galaxy Tab S. They will show you step by step on how to do the Odin flashing, PDA, settings, autoreset or not, etc.
I recommend backing up your device at this point. Reboot into recovery (instructions will be in the rooting guides), go to backup and backup everything for now. In the future when you feel comfortable enough that you can/will select to only backup what you deem necessary.
Your device is now rooted, the first boot after installing CFAutoRoot will take awhile +/-3 - 5 minutes.
Now download Titanium Backup, and you can google or search XDA for a list of "safe" things to uninstall. Just go into TitaniumBackup and look for the app you want to Freeze (This will prevent the app from running but it will NOT delete it, thus it will still take up space) or Remove.
Busybox: Will be required by certain apps.
Optional:
Link2SD App, this allows you to install/move/link your apps to the SD Card, it essentially frees up your internal memory of the device and tricks the device into installing apps and their data files onto your second partition of your External SD Card (Google or Search XDA for guides on Link2SD). This will allow you to install a lot more apps than you normally would be able to. (Example: Vice City, San Andreas, Plants vs Zombies, etc. I mention these because of their large data size). Not all apps will work when linked, just trial and error. I can't seem to get Word, Excel, Powerpoint linked to my SD Card without at least one of the failing, same with Facebook. You will have to test each app and see what files you can link/bind and which you can't.
Adblock Plus: Self explanatory
Xposed: A bunch of customization options for your device
ES File Explorer Pro: The best file management/directory app IMO
Greenify: Battery saver
Aptoide: Secondary App Store
Hancom Apps: I feel these work better on occasion then the Microsoft Office apps (Example large excel files with multiple formulas and filters)
NovaLauncher: Custom launcher, a lot more customizations then TouchWiz will provide you. (Your home screen)
Tasker: Limitless possibilities with this app (Search google/XDA for info)
TWRP Manager: TWRP Recovery app.
VLC: Video player
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
If you are happy with your device up to this point, I would create another backup after you are done with the initial set up and have installed the apps of your choosing. Save a copy on the device, PC, NAS, etc. just in case you lose one of your copies. Some TWRP versions do not allow you to backup directly to the external SD Card, you may have to backup into the Internal and then transfer the information over to the external SD Card.
Good Luck.
xLima said:
Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the link I should be using? I'll know for sure what it's model number is once I receive the tablet. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
xLima said:
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
xLima said:
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
Thanks again for any help!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
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Click to collapse
This link works, although there are newer versions of TWRP, you can install these after however, no big deal.
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The previous link contains TWRP, read above. The normal CF Autoroot comes with CWM Recovery I believe (A custom recovery similar to TWRP). You can use the link you posted. Chagallwifi is the "nickname" of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 WiFi, it is one way to search for a device, the other being the model number T800, for instance or the long commercial name.
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get the app from the playstore, correct. I am not sure about GApps, I want to say it isn't necessary unless you will be installing a custom rom (you can double check this on the rooting guides, if it asks for GApps, then flash the GApps)
The system back up is done via TWRP or CWM, boot into recovery and choose backup.
Titanium Backup allows you to back up the app and its data file. So you don't lose the progress of your games. Also backs up email, WiFi passwords, etc.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the errors cause soft bricks, you can recover from these. I would recommend you backup after rooting, in case you mess something up toying with Titanium, Link2SD, SuperSU, etc. You can always use SamMobile and find a Stock Rom to flash back onto the device, again via Odin. Not sure if the KnoxTrip flag will still show up, you can trying Googling how to root without tripping Knox, I know there are methods, however I have never used them. I have soft bricked my device before, I deleted everything with TWRP, I wanted to factory reset, and I selected erase System..... scary times.
Stock Rom: SamFirm (Outdated) or Updato
Thanks for all your help and advice. I just got my tablet today. Still kinda playing around with it. I probably won't do anything for a couple of days. At least till my next day off from work (Thursday) so I can concentrate on what I'm doing. I was really scared when I first turned it on, everything was in Korean. I had to find a YouTube video showing how to go through the initial setup to change the language. All good now. Once I got it fully running, it downloaded a 350mb update and rebooted. I'm now running Lolipop 5.0.2. Is that going to cause any issues? Also, I can now confirm that it is model SM-T800.
Thanks again!
ChewVodka, once your past the learning curve rooting etc. can be done in your sleep. After some research, I rooted a 10.1 tab 4 a while back with no problem. Definitely better o have more control over the device, I think. Just got a new 10.5 also, and am looking around for the best way to administer the Android system - the Galaxy Tab S for Dummies book seems to me to be actually a good place to start. I'll check back here with any choice info I find on the 10.5.
Also, I have this case for my 10.1, and this is the best under $20 case you can get for the 10.5 - so cheap I bought two of them! Type in search: Xtra-Funky Exclusive Samsung Galaxy Tab S, 10.5 -- the black and navy blue are cool -- the others kinda garish.
Easy Way, allow installation of 3rd party apps in settings download this for android https://kingroot.net/ run it select install anyway when you get the pop up, and root device , open Playstore download flashify for root users, run it allow it access , click recovery image then download twrp choose the 3.0.2-0 release and install to your tab and reboot into recovery, at this point you can use it to make a backup of your current rom or install a custom rom (following the directions on the page for the rom that you choose), this is easier method if you aren't familiar with odin and don't have the drivers and all set up on pc. You can also change kingroot over to super user in a few different ways can download and use supersume from play store and run it or, just flash the newest superuser in twrp and remove whats leftover from kingroot manually after reboot. If you intend on doing a custom rom i suggest choosing first and having all files available before you start. However if you intend on using odin You might want to install this first http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790 so you have full communication with the device in case anything does go wrong there will be other options. This is of course if you are not already setup with this already. Also I would like to note there are a few roms here based on the stock firmware if you like it just look through the forum see what you like, and read everything.
What are the benefits to a custom ROM? I assume you're talking about things like Cyanogenmod. There are some people in another forum I visit that like it, but I don't know what it is or why I would want it. Does it allow installing pirated software or something? It's probably not allowed to be discussed here, and I'm not saying I would purposely do something like that (not that I wouldn't if possible lol). It all comes down to the fact that I'm completely new to the tablet world, other than the fact that it's a bigger and better Kindle Fire that I can get more usage out of by not being limited to Amazon's ROM and store for apps. The biggest things I'm looking to do is get rid of bloatware that came preinstalled (of which a lot was added with the update) and the ability to make backups of the entire system should something screw up.
It sounds like "rooting" is essentially giving you the administrative control access to the system (like in Windows) instead of being limited to a generic "user". That allows you to install more system accessible programs, where a generic user would get a UAC prompt and then be told and Administrator needs to preform that action. As for "recovery", it sounds like that is sort of like the CMOS/BIOS of a PC. It's the first "program" that runs when you boot up (even requiring a specific keypress to enter). This allows you to access the system before the system boots, to get you backup/restore functions, and the ability to install new OS's. It also sounds like the built in version from Samsung is what is getting changed (like updating the BIOS of the PC) to allow more functionality (like backups, etc). The only thing you don't have access to is stuff like disk drives, but things like RAM and CPU can be adjusted once you have ROOT.
The more I learn about it, the more I'm eager to do it. I really don't like feeling confined to a predetermined set of available things to do, and I really don't like having somebody decide to install software I'll never use on my system that just takes up space. I especially hate that said programs can't even be uninstalled. Looks like this is what I'm gonna have to do!
Decided not to wait and rooted it tonight. I have the freedom now to play, though I'm not sure where to start. Currently I have the CF-Autoroot thing done, and it installed SuperSU. Then I did the TWRP recovery, and made a backup of all the partitions. I was kinda hoping I could backup remotely (like on the computer) rather than stored on the same device. I have a microSD card ordered and on the way, so my next task will be to back up to that. There is a tool I use on my Kindle Fire called ES File Explorer. I'll see if I can get that on this. Then I can find the backup and transfer it over the wifi.
I'll check out your other recommended apps as I have time. Thanks again!
Now I'm having a bunch of trouble. I was able to get the Chainfire root to go through, and verified it with a Root Checker. I then installed the TWRP recovery so I could make a backup. I even have a few backups. Then I went and installed an app called TWRP Manager, that was supposed to enable me the option of making backups LIVE (without having to boot into TWRP). It wasn't working, so I went to do a "Classic Backup" which reboots into TWRP and starts the backup then reboots normally. Well, TWRP never booted. I just had a black screen. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn't power on with the power button, and I couldn't manually boot into TWRP. The only option that did anything was ODIN (Download) Mode. I'm really freaking out at this point. I found a way to connect to XDA's IRC Channel and talked with some really nice guys and was told to try re-flashing the stock. I did that, and it worked. But now I'm stuck again. Basically starting from scratch with a stock system, I went through to install the Chainfire root again. It seemed to work ok, and SuperSU showed up. Ran the Root Verifier and it confirmed it was successful. I then went to flash TWRP. ODIN says it passed, but I still can't boot into it. Here's the kicker.. even if it appears that it's not working, if I do the keypresses on my tablet correctly and wait like 2-3 minutes then try again, TWRP will actually be up but the screen locked. WTF??
So did I something wrong? I'm really lost. Like I told the guys in the chatroom, I'm going on blind faith here, not really knowing what I'm doing. I figured once I have stock installed, I'm basically back to square one and can go through the whole process again. Doesn't seem to be working. I have to go to work now but hopefully somebody has something of a suggestion I can try by the time I get home.
xLima said:
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I try this myself and bootloop, would I be safe flashing the 4way multiwindow on the new stock 6.0.1 ROM? (SM-T805)