On my Note 9 being hacked & the validity of 'Ethical hackers'... - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Guides, News, & Discussion

I was running a U1 XAA build of Android 10 2.0 with the
June 1 Security patch that I'd downloaded and flashed
from Sammobile.
Awhile ago I downloaded and flashed the U1 XAA 2.1 update from the same place and noticed that there
are a number of apps I can no longer deny Wifi Control
access to under the Apps Special access area:
DeviceTest
DeviceKeystring
FACM
Gear VR Service
Voice wake-up
being 5 out of the 12 I cant deny access to.
Also I am no longer able to disable Google Play Services
whereas before in 2.0 I could. I'm not even allowed to forcestop Play Services now! Its not just these two changes, there are other things I used to be able to disable but now can't. And I have *two* 'SmartThings'
apps, one is version 10.0.37.0 and the other is version
1.7.50-21 (the-21 is just how its listed.)
I know this all sounds somewhat tame and trivial but I would like to know if this is all normal and can be confirmed by anyone else.
Anyone
-----------------
**Update**
Okay, just wanted to post some info on some sort of resolution to the above, mostly for those who make honest and earnest pleas for help and ask really pertinent questions but are ignored by the knowledgable (or criminal)
peruser.
In short, I was hacked. It doesn't come as a surprise (has happened *many* times with my N9. It *does* make me wonder about that supposed military-grade Knox security)
How do you know if you're hacked?? I just used the Running Services lister under Development Tools. Look
for services that shouldn't be running as often as they do
(Last hack they had Samsung Push which is for delivering notifications related to Samsung apps?? running something as a Service (not sure what it was but as soon as I stopped it, it popped right back up) or things you never use or have deactivated showing up in the cache (ESPECIALLY Aircommand!! Disable this as a Trusted Agent immediately! And keep an eye on it, and always keep the Air Remote feature OFF).
Also, the Google Play Store app. When I flashed the July 2020 Security update I noticed the Play Store was still at the May 2020 version update. I didn't think much of it at the time, but after having to Factory Reset I noticed it now read July 1 2020. So I guess the 'worms' have the May version hacked. Sucks that villany loves working for free breaking stuff, but in order to build something up and protect it, it takes toil and coercion.
Finally (Not sure if this is actually a sign of malware or hacking, but the only reference I could find relating to it
was from a guy who was truly beleaguered by hackers)
theres a User Certificate under Biometrics & Security / Other
Security settings / User Certificates that reads as
'FindMyMobile' and purports to being necessary for VPN security and other applications. Well, I had Find My Mobile
deactivated and uninstalled via ADB and it still showed back up after being deleted numerous times and my VPN seems to work without it. It might be for the Note 9's
built-in Knox android VPN strengthening parameters, but I couldn't find nfo online about it anywhere except in the case I mentioned which seems very odd. Qualifying proof of its malicious intent for me?: After factory resetting it hasn't shown back up.
I dont think my N9 is cleaned or I should say I'll never trust a smart phone fully again, not until the outdated and hacked 40 year old SS7 protocol that runs all cellular communications is updated, not until something more reliably secure than 'somewhat' obsfucatingly complex baseband processors are present in phones and maybe something akin to a hardware firewall in the soc that can interpret and filter non-carrier invalid commands (prob only need to update that damn SS7 protocol!) I'd also love it if Google/Alphabet would dump Android and start over with a new updated mobile OS with security at the forefront (Think, updates delivered via 'Middleware', roms bought initially directly from the manufacturer that can be crytographically flashed up to three times with signed updates with each update burned and locked into the rom via fuses. Each factory reset brings you back to your last update. The roms are only updatable if a hardware dip switch is tripped which moves actual physical leads in the soc which powers the ability to flash this chip. And maybe screw AOSP, I wonder if all this open sourceness has actually given the malware creators more knowledge to
finess the software and the hardware. The so-called white-hat 'Ethical Hackers' (LOL! HOW can breaking into someone's personal space without permission outside of national defense be considered ethical?!? All hackers are criminals. If you want to be considered a 'good' hacker (*snort*) bring to light the measly exploits and software, the slime who make and distribute the same and tell how to protect against them and detect them and disable them. Criminals giving webinars and seminars about how to circumvent protections for devices that billions of people rely on for living should be outlawed FULL-STOP-PERIOD I'd rather have one slime who knows how to get into a system than having that slime be allowed to freely distribute the software and knowledge so that millions of other definately less conscionable scum can make use of his knowledge.)
hackers only care about making their fame and fortune by
beinging to light obscure and unknown exploits that no one has ever used or are likely to use than going after to exoloits that *are* in use and *do* affect those in the here and now. It must give some sense of ease not to be in contention with real criminality and the fear of any reprisals from the 'less-ethically saturated' in the tech community.
Just wanted to get that out somewhere. I know its pointless and no-one will listen. Look at what Edward Snowden sacrificed for people who were/are unworthy of *any* sacrifice by betraying everything bit by bit, battle by battle until it must one day be reclaimed (if it can be) via costly confrontation, disruption and perhaps irrevocable critical loss.
Okay, END RANT. Yeah, a slow day, corona cloud and all.
But seriuosly the Feds need to check all this electronic criminality, its gotten waaay out of hand. TO FEDS: Less hunting terrorists, MORE hunting electronic predators and anarchists!

Hi, @tamdwin,
Even though you believe your phone may have been hacked, DeviceKeystring, DeviceTest, EmergencyManagerService, FACM, IMS Service, IOTHiddenMenu, Samsung MirrorLink 1.1, Settings, Setup Wizard, Wi-Fi Direct & WlanTest are enabled on my Note9 with One UI 2.1, Security patch: 1 July 2020 (w/out Google Play Services/Google Play Store, Bixby, GearVR, DeX...only have Google Services Framework installed).
After downloading the 1 July 2020 Security update, I noticed that these services could no longer be turned off for wi-fi control.
Wish I never downloaded the update for the fancy camera features, lol.
Snowden? Have you read any of his articles on smartphone security? (you may want to throw your phone in a blender after reading...)
Some of the settings, such as disabling "Find My Mobile" from running in the background, reset/enable after you restart the phone.

Snowden? Have you read any of his articles on smartphone security? (you may want to throw your phone in a blender after reading...)
But will it blend!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN9mktgYZJ8

I am worried about these things, so I am looking at developing my own custom ROM.
Sorry for my English I Am brazillian

@P00r ROFL! The Samsung S4 Active shake looks delicious! Thank you for sharing the vid!
silvaBR said:
I am worried about these things, so I am looking at developing my own custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like an excellent plan!

Related

Android Device Manager

In case you didn't know, Google has silently implemented FREE tracking for almost all androids. It also allows you to erase the phone if you feel that it's necessary, all you have to do is enable it as a device admin. I realize there have been apps on the market for a long time now that do this (and more) however Google doesn't require you to install or update any apps to use this service and from my brief testing it seems to work amazingly well right off the bat.
Go here and bookmark: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
it's about time they did this. i've hated having to install lookout or avast for decent location and remote wipe. now, that is more. further proof why you don't need an AV on your phone.
The only thing missing that I would like to see in future updates would be the ability to remotely lock the device so that a thief would have a harder time fooling around with the phone before you can track it. I've been using Where's My Droid for a long time but it lost the web interface tracking a while ago and that's been a bummer.
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
IRKONIK said:
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can disable the google play services in a custom ROM (i think it's built-in to android 4.2.2) but it'll break the YouTube app, and as you said, you're limited without it. as far as like older ROMs go (ICS, GB, etc.), the app isn't built-in and you can uninstall it.
I personally find google play services somewhat useful (especially now with the ADM), and i use YouTube occasionally so i need it for that, but we all have our own opinions, as you said, and I'd personally like to keep things civil.
and if you hate the services that much, you can actually reflash the ROM you're using without Gapps. it will be a limited experience, but the Play Services won't be there
IRKONIK said:
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than what was already said I don't think there's a way to remove it, but just look at it this way... it doesn't take up any space and won't just activate by itself, so it's really not inconveniencing you in any way. I understand you don't want to be force-fed features that you don't want, and I absolutely respect that, but for many (myself included) this was a long overdue feature that will no doubt help many many users. This kinda stuff comes with the territory of owning a 'connected' device like a smartphone, so if you really want to get off the grid, just go back to a dumb-phone (yes they still exist).
Sorry for the "rant", but these updates cost me money, since I don't have a flatrare on my phone. (And Android OS still uses my data, whilst I have it turned off. Which is strange)
I actually do own "a few" dumb phones, one for calling, one for getting called, one for SMS.
So I am off grid, at least a little bit.
I actually never understood that feature. As I stated above, I am not the kind of person that loses stuff (OK, maybe sometimes my manners ) nor did I ever had something stolen from me. People tried, but never succeeded.
I am looking forward to Replicant, so I can finally shove my middle finger up Googles fat back-ends (of the wafer. Also it is somehow connected to the fat file system. Not what you thought )
Some day.. Soon.
IRKONIK said:
Sorry for the "rant", but these updates cost me money, since I don't have a flatrare on my phone. (And Android OS still uses my data, whilst I have it turned off. Which is strange)
I actually do own "a few" dumb phones, one for calling, one for getting called, one for SMS.
So I am off grid, at least a little bit.
I actually never understood that feature. As I stated above, I am not the kind of person that loses stuff (OK, maybe sometimes my manners ) nor did I ever had something stolen from me. People tried, but never succeeded.
I am looking forward to Replicant, so I can finally shove my middle finger up Googles fat back-ends (of the wafer. Also it is somehow connected to the fat file system. Not what you thought )
Some day.. Soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replicant is available for the galaxysmtd (international galaxy s). it's not fully functional though, because there aren't a ton of open-source libraries and drivers available. if you want replicant on this phone, you gotta learn how to code, and how to build from source.
supernexus is kinda like replicant except it uses a lot of closed-source libraries that make things work. as i said, just don't flash the google apps package. it's basically a clone of the Nexus firmware, as you get all the AOSP components, nothing more or less. oh and also, very minimal google integration without Gapps
How does it work
So does Android Device Manager track the phone or tablet by the hardware signature or by Google account? I ask because I lost my Nexus 7 last Monday and immediately changed my Google Account password. Now when I try to track the Nexus 7 using Android Device Manager it shows that it has not been used since last Monday.
Capt-Capsaicin said:
So does Android Device Manager track the phone or tablet by the hardware signature or by Google account? I ask because I lost my Nexus 7 last Monday and immediately changed my Google Account password. Now when I try to track the Nexus 7 using Android Device Manager it shows that it has not been used since last Monday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardware i reckon, when i used this it let's me choose which device I've used with my Google account. It sees phone as different again when I've flashed a new ROM.
Crawshayi said:
In case you didn't know, Google has silently implemented FREE tracking for almost all androids. It also allows you to erase the phone if you feel that it's necessary, all you have to do is enable it as a device admin. I realize there have been apps on the market for a long time now that do this (and more) however Google doesn't require you to install or update any apps to use this service and from my brief testing it seems to work amazingly well right off the bat.
Go here and bookmark: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM Team Announces CyanogenMod Account For Remote Device Wipe/Tracking, Dual-Release Branches For Better Security
Posted by Ryan Whitwam in News
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...ng-dual-release-branches-for-better-security/
CM guys still finding ways to 1-up google android :silly:
.

[Q] Heartbleed - Disable Heartbeats in OpenSSL on Android 4.1.1 Rooted

Apparently the ONLY version of Android that is vulnerable to Heartbleed is 4.1.1. I ran a check on my phone, and sure enough I'm running that version, and heartbeats are definitely enabled. I used the Lookout security app to verify this. Is there a way I can patch my system myself and somehow disable the heartbeats feature without having to wait another 3 years for Motorola to come out with a fix? My phone is rooted, but something tells me that OpenSSL probably needs to be essentially recompiled with a flag set to disable heartbeats?
I was hoping there would be a quick config file for OpenSSL that can be modified, but I'm not usually lucky. Based on everything I've seen thus far, a recompile with a flag set is the only way to fix this. Figured i'd give it a shot and ask on here.
I've been thinking about the same thing.
If memory was encrypted that could solve all or part of the problem.
If the Chrome https browser cache were turned off, which I think requires an APK edit there would not be any clear text data in the browser cache.
What do you think?
dosmac said:
Apparently the ONLY version of Android that is vulnerable to Heartbleed is 4.1.1. I ran a check on my phone, and sure enough I'm running that version, and heartbeats are definitely enabled. I used the Lookout security app to verify this. Is there a way I can patch my system myself and somehow disable the heartbeats feature without having to wait another 3 years for Motorola to come out with a fix? My phone is rooted, but something tells me that OpenSSL probably needs to be essentially recompiled with a flag set to disable heartbeats?
I was hoping there would be a quick config file for OpenSSL that can be modified, but I'm not usually lucky. Based on everything I've seen thus far, a recompile with a flag set is the only way to fix this. Figured i'd give it a shot and ask on here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, 4.1.1 is vulnerable to this. 4.1.2 has the no heartbeat fix added in and 4.1.1 took the update that was bugged. That said, we DO have TWO 4.1.2 Stock roms, Mexican Retail and Bell are both 4.1.2 and should have that fix -- needs confirmation. Our Stock ICS roms are all from before this bug was added in and are safe. In reality, only stock, locked AT&T Atrix HD's are vulnerable to this since all the other roms* have this fix.
Normally I'd say something around the lines of give me a few days and I'll look into this more, but I've been busy lately, and when I'm not busy I'm either tired or sore; did some heavy lifting a few weeks ago and my back is still sore from that day.
*Our 4.1.2 roms are untested, but 4.1.2 AOSP has the fix so our 4.1.2 stocks should too
I was just thinking that ther eis no such thing as security. Security is achieved by being harder to exploit than the other computers. Even 3-DES can be cracked with enough computing power.
So encrypting memory and stopping https caching would close two big holes. I'm now wondering what holes would remain to be exploited by the heartbeat exploit on a 4.1.1 device if this were done?
stevep2007 said:
I was just thinking that ther eis no such thing as security. Security is achieved by being harder to exploit than the other computers. Even 3-DES can be cracked with enough computing power.
So encrypting memory and stopping https caching would close two big holes. I'm now wondering what holes would remain to be exploited by the heartbeat exploit on a 4.1.1 device if this were done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was on a stock phone running 4.1.1 and I was that worried about heartbleed, I'd unlock the bootloader and install Bell or Mex Retail because both are 4.1.2. I might even be possible to just swap the exploited binaries with the ones in our 4.1.2 roms, that's something someone else worried about this can do. Hell, it might even be possible to run the 4.1.2 roms with safestrap and the AT&T kernel...again, that's a someone else thing...I have no intention of dicking with SSR.
Think about Wifi being hacked....when it first came out a crappy password like 12345678 was good enough because computing power wasn't that good for consumers yet; nowadays, a basic gaming laptop can check 500,000 wpa2 passwords a second, a decent desktop with multiple GPU's can do over a million a second. All wpa2 hacking is sniffing out the verification md5*, then the tools generate passwords and their md5 and compare it against the sniffed out one, eventually you'll find one that matches, especially so if the password sucks. If you know how certain telecoms set up their wifi passwords, you can shorten the amount of time taken by limiting to the characters they use -- for example, AT&T U-Verse** uses 10 digit numeric passwords, so all you'd have to do is limit the tools to use numbers and start with 10 digits....hint: there are only 1 million codes if you use 10 numbers only....10 to the power of 10 and all....
That isn't a wifi hacking tutorial, just an example of how overtime good security unchanged becomes very bad security and how eventually an exploit will be found and security compromised, like how wpa2 for a split second sends out a the verification md5 unencrypted.
*not sure if WPA2 uses md5, but most of us know what md5's are
**last time I read about that service that's what I saw...and I read that a few months ago

Living Without Root

First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
HipKat said:
First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
sd_shadow said:
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
HipKat said:
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well for me the biggest difference is I used to use Playstation controllers, so I had to switch to a gamesir g3s which is the same size and shape but does not require root. Nothing else I do requires root so Im perfectly fine not having it. I miss mhl far more than root since I used it a lot with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse with chrome remote desktop, but I bought a laptop to eliminate that.
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
sn00gan said:
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I wanted to hear. Guess I'll have to pass on this one. No Backup, or V4A is not acceptable for me
The only complaint that I have is that some of the pre-installed apps are not able to be uninstalled. theres 4? or so that I can't get rid of
This is my first non-rootable phone and I have mixed feelings about that. As a stock platform, the Z Force is a great phone and does almost all that I could ask for from a pocket computer. I love having stock Android and like having WiFi calling, though it's a pain to switch back and forth: go into airplane mode, then switch WiFi on to make WiFi calls. Of course, you have to remember to turn airplane mode off when you get back into service.
I also miss Titanium Backup and the ability to completely remove apps I have no interest in having on my phone. All things being equal, I find that I can live without root on this phone. Battery life is great, it's fast, and it gets frequent and regular updates.
Really, no root?
So I just as well stay with my old rooted Droid Turbo. I came here thinking its time I look for a newer Motorola phone, that I can root.
What if I buy an unlocked Z Force? Can it be rooted then?
It seems that the regular Moto Z can be rooted according to this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-z/how-to/guide-how-to-root-moto-z-supersu-t3551113
So why can the Force not also be rooted?
Stuck with VZW Malware
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
sn00gan said:
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
htcSlide said:
How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I know, right? Reading comprehension can be hard.
As I said, my plan was to FIRST move back to an iPhone, THEN switch to T-Mobile OR Google Fi (the implication being, that when changing networks, one must obviously either have or obtain compatible hardware). Unfortunately, in my area only VZW has reliable 4G coverage without dead zones in the places where we need service the most. The wife has put her foot down about switching networks for the time being.
At least my iPhone, while older, still has the most recent version of iOS and is unencumbered by Verizon's malware. It's a reasonable compromise at the moment.
Since Z Force seems to be non-rootable, does it mean that camera2 api support level on the phone cannot be improved?
Or is there any way to enable Camera2 API Without Root on this phone?
also, can someone PLEASE help me on this QUERY...
What is Camera2 API support level on Moto Z FORCE
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z-force/themes/camera2-api-support-level-moto-z-force-t3863829
Its so sad not to have root on a very capable device like the Z force

Can't go past the "Verifying your account" [URGENT - I'M CAUGHT IN CHINA]

Hi there,
After the advice of John on this thread
https://groups.google.com/a/googlep...forums.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
I finally got passed the boot loop after another attempt. I am travelling in China and this country is so beautiful that I could not stand living without a camera. So I simply tried again and it worked. (I have a software VPN that helps to reach the Google servers).
So I have setup a hosted network on my Windows 10 device with the VPN on it and went ahead with the install.
It went all fine (a bit longer as the packets have to transit via San Fransico hardware VPN hosted by VPN Express) however once I'm on the "Verifying your account" page, I enter my email and it grays out in the wait of completion but it rolls and rolls, it never ends.
I have searched on Google search engine about documentation to fix that quick and I ended in an ocean of people running around like headless chickens, sake oil dealers etc etc. So what's all these hurdles about this FPR thing???
I am scared.
I am in china and my phone helps me to get around.
It's now a useless paper weight.
What if I end up in a trap because I asked some people for my way and I get hurt? Am I allowed to blame the new fancy "security" policies?
PLEASE HELP ME FAST - I NEED URGENT ASSISTANCE - I will be refreshing my email every 30mns from now.
vonz33 said:
Hi there,
After the advice of John on this thread
https://groups.google.com/a/googlep...forums.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
I finally got passed the boot loop after another attempt. I am travelling in China and this country is so beautiful that I could not stand living without a camera. So I simply tried again and it worked. (I have a software VPN that helps to reach the Google servers).
So I have setup a hosted network on my Windows 10 device with the VPN on it and went ahead with the install.
It went all fine (a bit longer as the packets have to transit via San Fransico hardware VPN hosted by VPN Express) however once I'm on the "Verifying your account" page, I enter my email and it grays out in the wait of completion but it rolls and rolls, it never ends.
I have searched on Google search engine about documentation to fix that quick and I ended in an ocean of people running around like headless chickens, sake oil dealers etc etc. So what's all these hurdles about this FPR thing???
I am scared.
I am in china and my phone helps me to get around.
It's now a useless paper weight.
What if I end up in a trap because I asked some people for my way and I get hurt? Am I allowed to blame the new fancy "security" policies?
PLEASE HELP ME FAST - I NEED URGENT ASSISTANCE - I will be refreshing my email every 30mns from now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few options you can take (if you have an unlocked bootloader). The quickest would be to simply delete the SetupWizard apk from TWRP.
Another option is to download and flash a ROM without Google Apps (make sure to download the camera apk of your choice- whether it be Snap or Google Camera).
Finally, you could try another VPN service (or server).
Go to a country that allows Google services to be used, or simply be patient as the VPN is apparently the problem. Your last two questions are likely rhetorical, but if you end up in a trap and get hurt it's your fault, not Google's. So no, you can't blame them for their Factory Reset Protection.
The "issue" with FRP is a simple one. It requires knowing the last Google account used and its password. This affects two different groups of people: those with "burner" accounts, and resellers.
In the case of the burner accounts people create a Google account with a password and don't bother to remember it because they don't want to give any information to Google. Then when they have to reset their devices for whatever reason FRP kicks in and they're screwed. Since they don't know the Google account or password they can't get back into the device.
The resellers purchase used devices and try to move them. However the person selling the device often does not clear out the account information from the device or does not remove the device from their account. When the device is sold the new owner attempts to enter their information and gets tripped up by FRP as they don't have the last Google account and its password.
"Burner" accounts are a pathway to disaster. Resellers are a bit more careful, and instances of FRP on a used device from a reseller have gone down.
negusp said:
There are a few options you can take (if you have an unlocked bootloader). The quickest would be to simply delete the SetupWizard apk from TWRP.
Another option is to download and flash a ROM without Google Apps (make sure to download the camera apk of your choice- whether it be Snap or Google Camera).
Finally, you could try another VPN service (or server).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for these options!
Yes, good old TWRP... Good option however since the phone is not rooted it would require a way to root it via fastboot flash, and also a way to push TWRP the same way.
I would perhaps rather downgrade to 6.0 or even 5.0 to see if I get lucky.
I could also buy a new phone here but the pricings are rather prohibitive and the models they have would be of no use outside of China.
I have tried mucking around with other VPNs today, it allowed me to go one or 2 steps further but the procedure finally s+++t itself in the end.
I should be in Vietnam tomorrow so hopefully the local telecom towers will allow me to finish my install....
I have no idea how i'm going to tell the taxi driver that I need to go to the train station without a portable system like an android phone, time is a bit short to chase down a paper dictionary.
If you still have some more leads on your TWRP methods that would solve this, please post ahead. I have no guarantees that Vietnam will solve this at this point in time.
Cheers mate.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Go to a country that allows Google services to be used, or simply be patient as the VPN is apparently the problem. Your last two questions are likely rhetorical, but if you end up in a trap and get hurt it's your fault, not Google's. So no, you can't blame them for their Factory Reset Protection.
The "issue" with FRP is a simple one. It requires knowing the last Google account used and its password. This affects two different groups of people: those with "burner" accounts, and resellers.
In the case of the burner accounts people create a Google account with a password and don't bother to remember it because they don't want to give any information to Google. Then when they have to reset their devices for whatever reason FRP kicks in and they're screwed. Since they don't know the Google account or password they can't get back into the device.
The resellers purchase used devices and try to move them. However the person selling the device often does not clear out the account information from the device or does not remove the device from their account. When the device is sold the new owner attempts to enter their information and gets tripped up by FRP as they don't have the last Google account and its password.
"Burner" accounts are a pathway to disaster. Resellers are a bit more careful, and instances of FRP on a used device from a reseller have gone down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Google's fault? Lets unpack this one... I am a council fixing up a foot path. The engineers have let a slight gap in the concrete due to a fabrication method process. If you trip and hurt yourself it's your fault yeah?
Secondo, it's not Google's job to make my phone safe from thieves, it's mine. Why in hell would they make my life complicated because some idiots spends $2000 on a phone a forget it in a taxi, I don't want to have to do all these things, I just want my phone to be able to be serviced easily. and especially if i'm in a critical area, my safety is more important than these people's concerns about thieves. An the cherry on the pie is that today with the cloud sync technology, who cares in the first place.
""Burner" accounts are a pathway to disaster." Mate, look up the word disaster's definition from the dictionary and see if it applied to a chum that has got his phone stolen and get back to me with that.
Kind regards
I normally don't dissect posts but...
vonz33 said:
]Not Google's fault? Lets unpack this one... I am a council fixing up a foot path. The engineers have let a slight gap in the concrete due to a fabrication method process. If you trip and hurt yourself it's your fault yeah?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not Google's fault as you have alternative options you could take. For instance, a dedicated GPS receiver from Garmin or Tom Tom. I keep both a Garmin GPS and a street atlas in my car as a backup to my N6 and I live stateside. Should I encounter an issue, I have a means to get where I need to go. It's called "being prepared".
Your argument is a strawman argument, because Google's Android software is working as intended. Your argument might have more weight if there was a bug in the software that prevented you from using it. FRP is not a bug.
Secondo, it's not Google's job to make my phone safe from thieves, it's mine. Why in hell would they make my life complicated because some idiots spends $2000 on a phone a forget it in a taxi, I don't want to have to do all these things, I just want my phone to be able to be serviced easily. and especially if i'm in a critical area, my safety is more important than these people's concerns about thieves. An the cherry on the pie is that today with the cloud sync technology, who cares in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a strawman here as well, as the issue isn't the person accidentally leaving his device in a taxi, but the person who gets their device stolen. Add to that the hyperbole of a $2,000 phone and you have a funny comment.
This is Google complying with California's kill switch law that went into effect two years ago. Since people travel in and out of California all the time and it's nearly impossible to target devices with "California-only" firmware Google implemented FRP worldwide. The entire idea of FRP is to make the phone impossible to use if it is stolen.
""Burner" accounts are a pathway to disaster." Mate, look up the word disaster's definition from the dictionary and see if it applied to a chum that has got his phone stolen and get back to me with that.
Kind regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The situation you describe is exactly why FRP was implemented on devices. Burner accounts will lead to disaster because it is inevitable that the owner will have to reset his device for whatever reason. When he does, he's screwed. I will clarify one thing here: when I refer to a "Burner" account I refer to an account with a random string of letters and numbers used for both email address and password with the express purpose of preventing Google from tying data collected from the device to the owner of that device. Ideally, if you really want to use a throwaway account, you at least make up an email address and password that are both easy to remember.
For the record, here's the definition of "disaster". Definition 3 applies to this conversation.
dis·as·ter (dəˈzastər)
noun
1. a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life. "159 people died in the disaster"
synonyms: catastrophe, calamity, cataclysm, tragedy, act of God, holocaust; accident. "a subway disaster"
2. denoting a genre of films that use natural or accidental catastrophe as the mainspring of plot and setting.
modifier noun: disaster. "a disaster movie"
3. an event or fact that has unfortunate consequences. "a string of personal disasters"
synonyms: misfortune, mishap, misadventure, mischance, setback, reversal, stroke of bad luck, blow. "a string of personal disasters"
P.S. When quoting something written in quotes, double quotes are replaced with single quotes. Thus, in quoting me you want to say, "'Burner' accounts are a pathway to disaster."

Factory reset A7 ( SM T-505)

I have an Tablet A7 ( SM T-505)- With Android 10 UI 2.5.
But after sn failed update from Google Maps ( from 10 something to 11.75.0302)- wich disabled me from charging my tablet propably.
( as I would say ruin my tablet).
Because however what's strange is that I can recharge when I have empty battery( or atleast <5%). Will I charge earlier it just recharge my unit.
And if I cancel before it will be fully recharged I must use up what I have charged.
I myself already tryed to: Put my unit into Safe Mode,and also into dev mode, and also inactivated the app.
Since this app is an rooted app- wich is an part of Googles standard apps ( wich isn't possibel to delete).
So it seems that this update has affected the " register files" in Android.
But since I in the past had experienced trouble to complete the process in the past, mostly due to new updated regulations from both Samsung and Google.
But mostly from Samsung,since they nowdays requires 2 step aut to a nr wich I don't have acess to.
So is there any possibility for me to reset it in an other way?
Since I myself also have heard of Odin- forum.
But it seems that this forum is down- since I don't recive any confirmation mail.
Welcome to XDA
If a reset reset doesn't resolve the issue, flash to the last known working version.
If you're unsure how to flash it, a Samsung Experience center at Best Buys can do, or Samsung Repair. A good repair shop can as well. If all above fail you're looking at a mobo failure; flashing to the last known working version may bypass the hardware damage if that's the cause.
Firmware upgrades and updates can and do break Samsung's. Anytime you flash firmware you take a risk, I trust OTA updates the least. Personally I avoid doing it on Samsung's if the device is running well.
[Edit]:
Well it seems that every time an new update is released from Google causes some sort of conflict( creates bug reports), and that every new update also requires an system update ( OS).
But what's more stange is that Google them selves ignore this,and their standard reply to everyting is Factory Reset.
And in the end that Google don't mention anyting about this.
Since all units wich are sold ( doesn't matter if it's an Tablet or phone ) they always will come with an rooted OS.
Since this type of licence is some special OEM- Software, it's also disabled from doing any changes to the software( non refundable)
So this mean if you already activated it once,it's per default also impossibel to recover( reinstall).
Unleash you create a new account.
Because however I myself had ruined my previous device due to an system update.
Since Samsung call their OS UI.
What many people also is not aware of is the difference between an update and reinstall.
Update= Only adds something new,but don't fix the original problem.
So the conclution is that Google force users to buy the latest equipment.
Wich also mean that I strongly dissuade users to repeat my misstake.
Just find your settings and disable from reciving autoupdates.
But what's more strange is that the new update activates some sort of Safe Mode= an absolut min of charging ( close to values of discarging)
Aprox 0.5A or less.
So this mean that the unit is charging,but very slowly( wich are similar/ close to discharging).
I myself would see an feature of an option where I can manualy Delete( or choose not download) this app.
Because however this is some sort of Momentum 22.
Since what Samsung says about this is that they don't take any responsiblity of 3:rd party apps ( wich are Samsungs policy).
At the other hand what Google do is that they forces me to create an Google accunt- wich is essential.
But the best would if the licens from Samsung would be an traditional OEM- software, wich I could use and reset as many times I find is nessesarly.
Because that's not the case today.
Since when Google has 100% control,they also decide like an push of a button when they should shut down my acess to their software.
Thomasz25 said:
[Edit]:
Well it seems that every time an new update is released from Google causes some sort of conflict( creates bug reports), and that every new update also requires an system update ( OS).
But what's more stange is that Google them selves ignore this,and their standard reply to everyting is Factory Reset.
And in the end that Google don't mention anyting about this.
Since all units wich are sold ( doesn't matter if it's an Tablet or phone ) they always will come with an rooted OS.
Since this type of licence is some special OEM- Software, it's also disabled from doing any changes to the software( non refundable)
So this mean if you already activated it once,it's per default also impossibel to recover( reinstall).
Unleash you create a new account.
Because however I myself had ruined my previous device due to an system update.
Since Samsung call their OS UI.
What many people also is not aware of is the difference between an update and reinstall.
Update= Only adds something new,but don't fix the original problem.
So the conclution is that Google force users to buy the latest equipment.
Wich also mean that I strongly dissuade users to repeat my misstake.
Just find your settings and disable from reciving autoupdates.
But what's more strange is that the new update activates some sort of Safe Mode= an absolut min of charging ( close to values of discarging)
Aprox 0.5A or less.
So this mean that the unit is charging,but very slowly( wich are similar/ close to discharging).
I myself would see an feature of an option where I can manualy Delete( or choose not download) this app.
Because however this is some sort of Momentum 22.
Since what Samsung says about this is that they don't take any responsiblity of 3:rd party apps ( wich are Samsungs policy).
At the other hand what Google do is that they forces me to create an Google accunt- wich is essential.
But the best would if the licens from Samsung would be an traditional OEM- software, wich I could use and reset as many times I find is nessesarly.
Because that's not the case today.
Since when Google has 100% control,they also decide like an push of a button when they should shut down my acess to their software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gookill... had my fill of them. Invariably they either keep screwing with a good product until they dumb it down or discontinue it. Either way you're boned. Typical MS ideology, woke cloud our way or the highway; you'll own nothing and be happy... not.
This N10+ last firmware update was 11/2019, still running on Pie. The current load will be 3 yo this June, still fast, stable with minimal maintenance. Security is not an issue. All OTA updates are disables as is Playstore. Google play Services is temporarily disabled unless needed. Samsung updates are disabled as much as possible; Galaxy store and Good Lock apps requires them. Wearables does not and the newer versions suck. Firmware upgrades for the Buds+ should be blocked if they sound good; use a firewall to lock it down.
These are some of the reasons why this Note runs so well and is so stable.
Rule #1 - if a OS is fulfilling its mission let it be!
Use ApkExport to save time, trouble and to avoid using Playstore for reloads and new setups. For paid Playstore apps, once activated firewall block them and disabled Playstore. Playstore runs a lot in the background and isn't needed.
Most apps should not be updated if nothing else is. This can break them and is a potential security risk.
That's a realistic ( and a bit funny) way of express yourself.
Because however as I remembered old computer programs( the type of license); is that when you bought it once you had it for more of less your lifetime( or untill a new OS was released).
But since the new app based technology; in wich you sign up for a period of time( wich means that you don't own your own copy), so this mean that a company in click of a button decides when and who sholud have acess to their products.
So even if Samsung ( or other brands) put " quality" hardware ( for an example high battery,great screen resolution,a good camera etc),but since a hardware is depending on a stable software- it will be a pile of junk either way.
So it's the same of putting an Volvo BM Tractor engine into a Volvo 740 series.
But now matter of my comical expressions- since I myself is an complete novice in the world of Android( has more experience of Win 98).
As I would say: " Everything above Win 98 is just superfluous"
But however I myself had experienced that there are loads of junk apps in Play store.
Some are released from officaly ( well known/ established) sources, but there are exeptions( mostly from cusom search from Google)- wich are junk( harmfull).
Now matter, what is the attached APK- File? What can I use?
Since I myself found a great site wich has APK- Files ( Google maps).
But this maybe be superfluous, since my main issue is that I need to perform a factory reset ( clean install).
Since I myself had experienced it badly in the past,I don't want to repeat the same again.
Thomasz25 said:
That's a realistic ( and a bit funny) way of express yourself.
Because however as I remembered old computer programs( the type of license); is that when you bought it once you had it for more of less your lifetime( or untill a new OS was released).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, still running W7 and may run XPx64 again as well. No real time limit as long as you use it within it's parameters.
Thomasz25 said:
But since the new app based technology; in wich you sign up for a period of time( wich means that you don't own your own copy), so this mean that a company in click of a button decides when and who sholud have acess to their products.
So even if Samsung ( or other brands) put " quality" hardware ( for an example high battery,great screen resolution,a good camera etc),but since a hardware is depending on a stable software- it will be a pile of junk either way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Samsung's need to be optimized and need a package disabler or adb edits. A stock Samsung as such can run very good. This N10+ is still running on Pie, current liad will be 3yo this June.
Almost no issues with minimal maintenance.
Thomasz25 said:
So it's the same of putting an Volvo BM Tractor engine into a Volvo 740 series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those tractor engines ran a lot better with plenty of off the line torque and acceleration. I owned 2 80's 240's before the brand went to hell. You could get half a mil miles out of them. 20 mpg even if stomp down on the accelerator from a stand still in city driving most of the time. You beat the turbos off the line everytime. The air aspirated International diesel on the 90's Ford F-250, E-250's etc were they same way, and fun to drive. Today's junk is well, junk.
Thomasz25 said:
But now matter of my comical expressions- since I myself is an complete novice in the world of Android( has more experience of Win 98).
As I would say: " Everything above Win 98 is just superfluous"
But however I myself had experienced that there are loads of junk apps in Play store.
Some are released from officaly ( well known/ established) sources, but there are exeptions( mostly from cusom search from Google)- wich are junk( harmfull).
Now matter, what is the attached APK- File? What can I use?
Since I myself found a great site wich has APK- Files ( Google maps).
But this maybe be superfluous, since my main issue is that I need to perform a factory reset ( clean install).
Since I myself had experienced it badly in the past,I don't want to repeat the same again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA.
Try using ApkExport to make installable copies of your Android apps...

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