Root Guide to removing stock apps....

[kwknott]

****
Due to lack of time after my last daughter was born (5 kids and a wife and job eat up alot of time I have found ) and me no longer having the Elite this thread was in need of updating as I hadn't added the zv5 apps yet. With that i felt it better to turn it over to someone who was still using the Elite and had the time to update it.

Artine was nice enough to step up and create a new updated thread for you guys. You can find the thread here ....

http://androidforums.com/showthread.php?p=5334755

*********


This guide is a work in progress and is meant to help determine which apps can be safely remove from your Optimus Elite. As I test more apps this guide will change.

This worked for me but remove apps at your own risk.

Id's suggest backup up all apps with Titanium Backup and also freezing the apps for a while before uninstalling them. Everyone uses a phone differently so just because it works for me don't mean it'll work for you

These are safe to remove if you don't use them
Adobe Flash Player - Plays online flash content.
Android Live Wallpapers - Animated Wallpaper
Application Stubs - Virgin Mobile App
Buzz Feed - Virgin Mobile App
Calculator - Built in calculator app
Calender - Built in calander app
Calender Storage - On phone Calender storage
Clock - Built in clock and alarm clock app - Does not affect system clock
Downloads - Shows downloads you've made from Virgin Mobile
*There are 2 download apps. This is one with red logo
Email - Email program for pop3 and imap accounts
Facebook - Facebook app
Gmail - Check Gmail email
Google Play Books - E-reader for Google books
Google Play Music - Buy and Sync music app
Google Search - Desktop search widget
Google+ - Google+ app
Image Editor - View and edit images
LG Wallpapers - Wallpapers
Live Wallpaper Picker - Manages live wallpaper
Maps - Google Maps
Mobile Id - Virgin Mobile App to add customization packs
Music Visualization Wallpapers - Live wallpaper pack
My Account - Virgin Mobile account shortcut
News & Weather - News and weather app
Polaris Viewer - Document viewer
Quickmemo - Quickmemo App
Shopper - Google shopping app
Smart Device Manager - Sprint App
Streetview - Streetview in Google maps
Swype - Swype keyboard
Tags - Nfc tag reader
Talk - Google talk chat app
Tuning Fork - Stupid Virgin Mobile App
Tutorial Widgets - Tutorial widget
VM Icon Pack - Virgin Mobile App icons
Virgin Mobile Live - Virgin Mobile music app
Virgin Mobile Live Widget - Virgin Mobile live widget
Voice Dialer - Voice dialing feature
Voice Recorder - Voice recording app
Voice Search - Voice search feature
Voicemail - Voicemail desktop shortcut
Wallet - Google Wallet
Wikipedia - Wikipedia App
Yelp - Yelp app
YouTube - YouTube app


These can be removed with caution
Android Keyboard - Default android keyboard - Only remove if another keyboard is set as system app
Browser - Only remove if you have another web browser installed
Camera - Only remove if you have another camera app installed
Downloads - Handles downloads for Google apps.. Youtube, Picasa, etc
*There are 2 download apps. This is one with green logo
Gallery - Only remove if you have another picture gallery app installed
Google Calender Storage - Only remove if you don't sync Calender to Google server
Google Contact Sync - Only remove if you don't sync Contacts to Google server
HTML Viewer - Safe to remove but recommend leaving
Launcher - Only remove if you have another launcher installed and set as system app. If not you won't have launcher after factory reset
Market Updater - Checks for app updates. If you remove market won't prompt you to update apps
Messaging - Only remove if you have another text messaging app
Music Player - Only remove if you have another media player installed
My Uploads - Handles uploads for Google apps, Youtube, Picasa, etc.
Pico TTS - Text to speech, can be removed but some apps may not be happy you did
Preferred Activity Setter - Sprint app but not sure of purpose - Removed and have seen no issues
SSA - Activation app. Removing will prevent activating via app
Setup Wizard - First time phone setup. Phone will FC after factory reset if removed
Sprint Android Requirements - Removing prevents Activation app from working, Can be removed if you removed SSA activation app
TTS Service - Text to speech, can be removed but some apps may not be happy you did
VPN Services - Allows phone to Make VPN connections - Should be safe to remove


Don't even think about removing these
Android System - Android operating system
Bluetooth Share - Bluetooth function
Camera Test - Camer test app for LG Hidden Menu
Certificate Installer - Manages Secure Certificates
Contacts - Your contact list
Contact Storage - On phone contact storage
DRM Protected Content Storage - Handles rights to protected media
Dialer - Phone Dialer
Dialer Storage - Syncs something to Google
Download Manager - Handles Downloads
Framework.apk - Icons and Various theme settings
Google Backup Transport - Backs up phone settings to Google
Google Partner Setup - Not sure yet
Google Play Store - App store
Google Services Framework - Handles Google login
Home Screen Tips - Desktop tip widget. Will make phone FC after factory reset
LG MLT - Not sure yet
LG Hidden Menu - LG programming menu. Not sure if safe to remove
Market Feedback Agent - Allows apps to prompt you for feedback on market. not sure if safe to remove yet
Media Storage - Handles on phone media storage
Network Location - Tower based location info
NFC Service - Near field communications - Removal will result in FC's
NFC Handover - Near field communications - Removal will result in FC's
Package Access Helper - Handles app installs
Package Installer - Handles app installs
Search Application Provider - Not sure yet
Sensor Test - Test proximity and accelerometer
Service Program Menu - The ##virgin# programming menu
Settings - Phone settings
Settings Storage - On phone setting storage
Status Bar - Status bar
System_ui.apk - User Interface
UTS UI - not sure yet
User Dictionary - Stores words you add to phone
com.android.qualcomm - not sure yet
com.android.qualcomm.qcom_oncrpc - not sure yet
com.qualcom.prohibit - not sure yet
com.sdcard.test - Tests sdcard at startup

 

[MacFett]

Don't even think about removing these
Messaging - Text messaging app

Unless something is different with the Elite this is safe to remove if you have another messaging app such as Go SMS or Handcent.

If you are unsure freeze an app with Titanium Backup or the like before uninstalling.

 

[ktb83]

Unless something is different with the Elite this is safe to remove if you have another messaging app such as Go SMS or Handcent.

If you are unsure freeze an app with Titanium Backup or the like before uninstalling.

FWIW, I've definitely had My Uploads blocked with Droidwall for a few days without problems. I haven't tried freezing it yet.

 

[kwknott]

Unless something is different with the Elite this is safe to remove if you have another messaging app such as Go SMS or Handcent.

If you are unsure freeze an app with Titanium Backup or the like before uninstalling.

Yeah it is.. I added it to the remove with caution list.

FWIW, I've definitely had My Uploads blocked with Droidwall for a few days without problems. I haven't tried freezing it yet.

Yeah i figured out that My Uploads and Downloads are for Google apps such as Youtube, Picasa and the such. As long as your not downloading or uploading between the youtube or picasa or whatever other google app they can be removed

 

[Android311]

For new people, don't remove system.ui.apk or framework.apk or else your phone will magically turn into a brick right in front of your eyes

 

[kwknott]

Thanks for pointing those out. I was looking at apps through root uninstaller and forgot those 2.

 

[BliND123]

The apps that give a warning (like the Calculator, which I backed up ofcourse), safe to ignore and continue uninstall?

 

[MacFett]

The apps that give a warning (like the Calculator, which I backed up ofcourse), safe to ignore and continue uninstall?

When unsure I always freeze first run for a couple days and a few reboots to be sure before I uninstall them.

 

[Zx5]

This guide is a work in progress and is meant to help determine which apps can be safely remove from your Optimus Elite. As I test more apps this guide will change...

Is the uninstall process done through the Play Store? I don't see uninstall buttons on the phone apps.

 

[kwknott]

To remove system apps you must use something like Titanium Backup or root uninstaller.

 

[giantpune]

The UTS UI seems to have something to do with sending and receiving sms messages.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<manifest android:sharedUserId="android.uid.system" android:versionCode="1" android:versionName="1.0" package="com.lge.uts"
  xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_CONTACTS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_OWNER_DATA" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.VIBRATE" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WAKE_LOCK" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SEND_SMS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_SMS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_SMS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CHANGE_NETWORK_STATE" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE" />
    <application android:label="UTS UI">
        <activity android:theme="@android:style/Theme.Translucent.NoTitleBar" android:name=".AndroidUTSManager">
            <intent-filter>
                <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
                <action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
                <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
            </intent-filter>
        </activity>
        <receiver android:name="AndroidUTSManagerReceiver">
            <intent-filter>
                <action android:name="com.lge.uts.unread" />
                <action android:name="com.lge.uts.send" />
                <action android:name="com.lge.uts.inbox" />
            </intent-filter>
        </receiver>
    </application>
    <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="4" android:targetSdkVersion="10" />
</manifest>

However, when I simply try to start the app via 'am', it force crashes with an uncaught exception due to a null pointer not being checked, so I never got to see any UI. Starting the program via 'am' requires an action be passed to it, but I still see no UI appear on the phone.


LG Hidden Menu is just that - its a hidden menu that you need special permissions to start. Its a black screen that is laid out similar to the settings screen, but it has a bunch of hardware device tests. Naming a few, I see "Device test", "ELT Test", Field Tests -LG", Data -LG", "SMS -LG", "ICC Activation Setting", H/W Test -LG", battery, LCD, Wi-Fi, Test Mode, etc. This doesn't seem necessary for normal operation of the phone, but it does have some cool looking options like "Tool launcher Enable" that can be turned on. ( http://androidforums.com/4463534-post245.html )

Camera Test - this is the same test for the camera hardware that is accessed from that hidden menu. It takes a picture and asks you to confirm that the images looks correct and then records a 5 second video and plays it back and asks if the video looks like it should.

Google Partner Setup - contains a number of background services that listen for events including when the phone is done booting up, the sim card is changed, 'GSERVICES_CHANGED', package added, and 'LOGIN_ACCOUNTS_CHANGED'. Most of the permissions it requests have to do with google accounts such as reading and writing them. If I had to guess, I would say this is responsible for letting other programs such as youtube and gmail know your google name and logging into those accounts.

LG MLT - a couple receivers, some log providers, and another hidden menu. It contains strings for a couple options, and a couple services. One of the services is set to start when the phone is done booting ("MptOnBootReceiver"). The hidden menu has only 1 changeable setting "Enable/Disable - MLT will (not)run shortly after booting".

com.android.qualcomm.qcom_oncrpc - appears to be used to access qualcomm's 'qchat' (Push-to-chat QChat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) using 'Open Network Computing Remote Procedure Call'. (Open Network Computing Remote Procedure Call - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

com.android.qualcomm another one from qualcomm. I haven't yet gotten this one to boot up (it crashes with each method I've tried), but the xml files contain some settings that somebody may recognize from an app. This one is contained in 'QualcommSettings.apk'.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<resources>
    <string name="app_name">qualcomm_settings</string>
    <string name="diag_title">On-Device Logging</string>
    <string name="diag_enabled">Enabled</string>
    <string name="diag_disabled">Disabled</string>
    <string name="diag_summary">Redirect DIAG traffic to Memory Device on Phone</string>
    <string name="stay_on_plugged_title">Stay On Plugged</string>
    <string name="stay_on_plugged_summary">Screen will be on during charging</string>
    <string name="dim_screen_title">Dim Screen</string>
    <string name="dim_screen_summary">Screen will be Dim</string>
    <string name="QualcommSettings">Qualcomm Settings</string>
    <string name="Socket_Data_Call_title">Socket Data Call</string>
    <string name="Socket_Data_Call_summary">Enable or disable data call mode</string>
    <string name="Socket_DataCall_Default">Enable</string>
    <string name="tune_away_title">Tune Away</string>
    <string name="tune_away_Default">Disable</string>
    <string name="priority_sub_title">Priority Subscription</string>
    <string name="priority_sub_default">SUB1</string>
    <string name="priority_sub_summary">Select Priority Subscription</string>
    <string name="auto_answer_title">Voice Call Auto Answer</string>
    <string name="auto_answer_summary">Set voice call auto answer timeout</string>
    <string name="auto_answer_default">-1</string>
    <string name="go_dormant_title">Data Call Go Dormant</string>
    <string name="go_dormant_summary">Set data call to dormant mode</string>
    <string name="usb_mass_storage_title">USB Mass Storage</string>
    <string name="usb_mass_storage_summary">Enable/Disable USB Mass Storage</string>
    <string name="usb_remote_wakeup_title">USB Remote Wakeup</string>
    <string name="usb_remote_wakeup_summary">Enable/Disable USB Remote Wakeup</string>
    <string name="sd_poll_title">SD Polling</string>
    <string name="sd_poll_summary">Enable/Disable SD Polling</string>
    <string name="dualmic_title">Dual Microphone</string>
    <string name="dualmic_summary">Enable/Disable dual mic during call</string>
    <string name="anc_title">ANC</string>
    <string name="anc_summary">Enable/Disable ANC during call</string>
    <string name="sensors_title">Sensors</string>
    <string name="sensors_summary">Enable/Disable Sensors</string>
    <string name="usb_hub_title">Fusion USB Hub</string>
    <string name="usb_hub_summary">Enable/Disable USB Tethering/DUN</string>
    <string name="usb_composition_title">USB Composition</string>
    <string name="usb_composition_summary">Select required USB Composition</string>
    <string name="usb_composition_default">9017</string>
    <string name="hdmi_settings_title">HDMI Display Options</string>
    <string name="hdmi_settings_summary">HDMI Display Options Settings</string>
    <string name="hdmi_settings_default">HDMI_OFF</string>
    <string name="cabl_settings_title">Content Adaptive Backlight Options</string>
    <string name="cabl_settings_summary">Adjust the Backlight based on the screen contents</string>
    <string name="usb_otg_mode_title">OTG Mode</string>
    <string name="usb_otg_mode_summary">Select required OTG Mode</string>
    <string name="usb_otg_mode_default">peripheral</string>
    <string name="storage_device_settings_title">File manager settings</string>
    <string name="view_storage_title">File Manager</string>
    <string name="view_storage_summary">Select default file manager from installed packages</string>
    <string name="file_browser_packages_list">Available packages</string>
    <string name="overscan_txt_instr">Enter Overscan Compensation Percentage. Range 0 to 15</string>
    <string name="overscan_txt_width">Width Percentage</string>
    <string name="overscan_txt_height">Height Percentage</string>
    <string name="overscan_button_ok">Ok</string>
    <string name="overscan_button_cancel">Cancel</string>
    <string name="hdmi_on">HDMI_ON</string>
    <string name="hdmi_off">HDMI_OFF</string>
</resources>

 

[DsyMnapTic]

I don't think I'll ever be factory resetting my phone but I accidentally removed home screen tips, which seems really ridiculous to be able to mess up anything, but I did, woops. Oh and google play movies isn't on the list anywhere either, but I also deleted it, should be acceptable since play books and play music could be removed.

 

[Tejer]

I don't think I'll ever be factory resetting my phone but I accidentally removed home screen tips, which seems really ridiculous to be able to mess up anything, but I did, woops. Oh and google play movies isn't on the list anywhere either, but I also deleted it, should be acceptable since play books and play music could be removed.

Download the file from this thread to get all the system files you need to restore. http://androidforums.com/elite-all-...-orginal-system-files-case-you-need-them.html

 

[DsyMnapTic]

Download the file from this thread to get all the system files you need to restore. http://androidforums.com/elite-all-...-orginal-system-files-case-you-need-them.html

Where the hell is homescreen tips even located in the system folder? I can't seem to find it.

 

[ktb83]

Where the hell is homescreen tips even located in the system folder? I can't seem to find it.

/system/app/
Protips.apk
Protips.odex

 

[slutyman]

i moved superuser to apps folder and now every time i open superuser it forecloses what can i do to regain root acces

 

[DsyMnapTic]

Okay so now I'm not even sure how to reinstall the protips.apk system app. I've tried just simply reinstalling it,but it fails to install and I've tried placing it back into the system/app/ folder with ES file explorer to no avail. Is there a certain app I need to be using to reinstall this or Maybe The file I download from Leslieann is corrupt, which I doubt, but IDK.

 

[Curtis1973]

i deleted protips immediately on the v and elite. never saw one adverse reaction on the v nor on my elite.

 

[DsyMnapTic]

i deleted protips immediately on the v and elite. never saw one adverse reaction on the v nor on my elite.

Yeah, see now that's what I figured too. Which is why I deleted it to begin with, because I would always delete it after flashing a new cyanogen rom on the V

 

[ktb83]

Yeah, see now that's what I figured too. Which is why I deleted it to begin with, because I would always delete it after flashing a new cyanogen rom on the V

I've had it frozen in Titanium Backup since I first rooted. No issues.

 

[HackADevice]

Can someone one post the home screen tips apk on the forum because I deleted mine with no backup:/

 

[HackADevice]

Nvm false alarm is did that on my friends OP S lol

 

[Ginxeng]

How do I remove stock apps? I have my phone rooted but on some aps I just have the icon with 0.00mb on it but no option to remove it.

 

[ktb83]

How do I remove stock apps? I have my phone rooted but on some aps I just have the icon with 0.00mb on it but no option to remove it.

I usually use Titanium Backup to freeze or uninstall preinstalled/system apps. If you want to uninstall apps, it's a good idea to create backups of them first. There are other apps which will do this too.

 

[Ginxeng]

Got it, it worked with Titanium.