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I would like to write simple security app for my phone, that wouldn't allow manipulating with mobile after it is ordered to enter disabled mode. I thought about it, and there are 2 things needed to be done. First I'll have to disable screen - not a hard task, but secondly, I need to ensure anyone won't be able to hard reset phone until mobile have disabled state. Normal reset won't be a problem, I plan to start that security app right after the phone powers up and load windows.
If the phone won't respond to commands and to perform hard reset(which would allow bypassing app by wiping it), phone is useless to anybody.
So if I want that to work, I need to disable hard-reset option by any means, but not disable whole phone.It got to be able to power up so app can again run and undo all changes. Is there any way to do that and don't break anything?
I've seen similiar app to what I want build, but it disabled phone totaly, so even after recovering it, it was unusable. That is where I want to improve, so I'd be glad if someone could help me.
i know nothing about mobile programing, but got some though regard what you want to achieve, you may need a customized password protected bootloader.
Dark_Raven said:
I would like to write simple security app for my phone, that wouldn't allow manipulating with mobile after it is ordered to enter disabled mode. I thought about it, and there are 2 things needed to be done. First I'll have to disable screen - not a hard task, but secondly, I need to ensure anyone won't be able to hard reset phone until mobile have disabled state. Normal reset won't be a problem, I plan to start that security app right after the phone powers up and load windows.
If the phone won't respond to commands and to perform hard reset(which would allow bypassing app by wiping it), phone is useless to anybody.
So if I want that to work, I need to disable hard-reset option by any means, but not disable whole phone.It got to be able to power up so app can again run and undo all changes. Is there any way to do that and don't break anything?
I've seen similiar app to what I want build, but it disabled phone totaly, so even after recovering it, it was unusable. That is where I want to improve, so I'd be glad if someone could help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey, this sounds like a cool task. I can help with the SPL modification.
you would also want to protect it from reflashing with another ROM.
cmonex said:
hey, this sounds like a cool task. I can help with the SPL modification.
I think it might be just enough for now If we could password protect our systems from being wiped/flashed, but as I read, this wasn't possible. I'm not sure if times changed, but with android and win7 becoming popular, I doubt that anyone will take an effort and I don't know enough to make it by myself...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dark_Raven said:
cmonex said:
hey, this sounds like a cool task. I can help with the SPL modification.
I think it might be just enough for now If we could password protect our systems from being wiped/flashed, but as I read, this wasn't possible. I'm not sure if times changed, but with android and win7 becoming popular, I doubt that anyone will take an effort and I don't know enough to make it by myself...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this can be done in several different ways by changing SPL...if you're interested PM me and I can sort something for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will be cool app .
I think what cmonex said may help by securing SPL itself, to start with.
Thanks.
Disable Hard Reset?
I think someone has already done that - and sent it to me in a virus in an MMS. My phone keeps wanting to "Power Off". If I respond "Yes", it immediately restarts. If I respond "No", it wants to "Power Off" again after a couple of minutes. The phone doesn't respond to the power button. I can't perform a hard reset.
I've been trying to find a copy of the shipped ROM to try reflashing it, but none of the links to the Australian Telstra ROM (2.31.841.6) seem to work. Can't seem to find one ANYWHERE?
This is driving me CRAZY.
Is there any OTHER way of doing a hard reset (eg while connected to PC?)
PS Oddly enough, it seems that while the phone is connected to the usb port of the PC, it DOESN'T try to power off! - Whoops, cancel that... "Power Off" dialog just came up!
Hey all, I recently got my nexus 6, and out of the box it worked fine. I started trying it out, and realized things were crashing quite often, like google play, and gmail. Then it prompted me to install the Android 5.1 update, which is when all this started.
Upon finishing the upgrade my nexus 6 cannot get past the Optimizing Apps screen, as soon as it gets onto the "Starting Apps" state, it will simply crash, and start over, booting again. This has been very frustrating since I just got this device and want to enjoy it. I have not rooted it, I have not tampered with it and the bootloader is locked. I tried cleaning the cache partition but that didn't help. So is anyone else experiencing this with their nexus 6? I really need a way to fix this, and if I have to flash the stock image onto it, then I will. But since the bootloader is locked is that even possible?
Please help me, I don't want to send it back in and wait another eternity.
Yes it's possible. However. Try a factory reset from recovery first.
graydiggy said:
Yes it's possible. However. Try a factory reset from recovery first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done that a zillion times. It's not working, my phone refuses to get past the "Android starting..." screen. So if you could walk me through how to flash, since I couldn't find a guide online.
I called google support, and they want to replace it. So I'm gonna do exactly that.
I'm now on my third phone from google and they all do this. easily the worst customer service experience I've ever had in my entire life.
[email protected] said:
I'm now on my third phone from google and they all do this. easily the worst customer service experience I've ever had in my entire life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
third? that makes it seem as you are the one thats not doing something right. just saying. one, ok, it happens. two, chances are very slim, but it can happen, mist likely wont. three, you are doung something wrong. if you factory reset, then it boots without android is upgrading. when you add apps, change apps, or change things in your system, or wipe dalvik, then android is upgrading happens.
[email protected] said:
I'm now on my third phone from google and they all do this. easily the worst customer service experience I've ever had in my entire life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DEFINATELY operator error...
they don't "all do this", otherwise the THOUSANDS of us here on XDA who flash things constantly without issue every day would be experiencing the same thing..
So I noticed on Friday every app (Discord/Signal/Twitter/etc) that used WebViewer was crashing and wouldn't open. I traced it down to the Chrome app and disabled the Chrome app on the phone and everything worked. However, I wasn't able to uninstall or install the latest version of Chrome on the phone, even after re-enabling the app. Not a problem I thought, I'll just Restore from a Titanium backup. However when I did it put the phone into a boot loop. Crap, I'll restore from a Nandroid backup. Nope same thing. So I wiped the System/Dalvik/cache and downloaded the full Rom from OnePlus's website and did a fresh Flash. Same thing. If I try to Format the phone all way it freezes on the data and then goes into a dead android state.
Does anyone have any ideas? Preferably I would like to avoid wiping the phone to zero, but if I have to I have to. If it comes to that, does anyone have a good Rom recommendation for just playing games and taking calls?
DarqAnshin said:
If I try to Format the phone all way it freezes on the data and then goes into a dead android state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RIP UFS memory
przemcio510 said:
RIP UFS memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... I'm really hoping this is not the case. Do you have any suggestions?
DarqAnshin said:
Hmm... I'm really hoping this is not the case. Do you have any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suggestions for what?
Unfortunately these signs you described are leading to memory chip failure (sudden death, hang on formatting data).
If you could boot into TWRP, I'd suggest backing data up to your PC, as much as possbile.
You may try your luck with an unbrick tutorial (without or with data wipe).
przemcio510 said:
Suggestions for what?
Unfortunately these signs you described are leading to memory chip failure (sudden death, hang on formatting data).
If you could boot into TWRP, I'd suggest backing data up to your PC, as much as possbile.
You may try your luck with an unbrick tutorial (without or with data wipe).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah TWRP isn't an issue. That I can get into and it is my fault that I should have mentioned that I have already tried the unbrick methods.
I guess I was hoping that it really hadn't fallen to a hardware failure and more along the lines of something I did. I'll be honest in saying that I was really hoping there was a bit of knowldege that I was missing or that somebody would just be like "Nope, I've run into this before. Go in and change this flag from 1 to 0 and do this step you overlooked.".
Either way thank you for your time and responses and many thanks for taking time out to respond back to me.
DarqAnshin said:
Yeah TWRP isn't an issue. That I can get into and it is my fault that I should have mentioned that I have already tried the unbrick methods.
I guess I was hoping that it really hadn't fallen to a hardware failure and more along the lines of something I did. I'll be honest in saying that I was really hoping there was a bit of knowldege that I was missing or that somebody would just be like "Nope, I've run into this before. Go in and change this flag from 1 to 0 and do this step you overlooked.".
Either way thank you for your time and responses and many thanks for taking time out to respond back to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem; sorry for your loss, but you know, that's perversity of inanimate objects. I had similar case with my laptop, when SSD died - poof and data is gone
I had the same on my old phone I just got a new sd 32GB and that was all of my extra Money and less than 2 weeks it broke and had to go back to 8gb
Sent from my A460T using XDA Free mobile app
A few days ago, some of my lights, plugged into smart outlets, stopped responding. I couldn't get them to turn off or on via my phone or my Hub.
I tried clearing my app data. No go.
So then I got the bright idea to delete my home entirely. Didn't work, either. Then I realized they had another app of their own I had forgotten I had installed, so I went into that, removed all three, and set them up again. So now those work.
But the one "smart" bulb I have installed, can't be re-added, and I can't seem to add my Hub 2 to the speaker group (my gen1 Hub and Home mini show up, though). The bulb is one of those "C by GE" ones, and I tried resetting it by following the video tutorial. Neither "wax on/wax off" method worked (basically entails turning it off and on repeatedly, counting up to 8 seconds each time). I dunno if it's on an older firmware, or a 2.8+ one, but I didn't get the "3 blinks" reaction it was supposed to elicit, either way.
So, the short of it is, even with the C by GE app, I can no longer control that light bulb or even add it. The Home app, when I choose to add a light bulb, just kicks me back to the main dashboard with all the controls. Even after clearing the app data and storage. And no matter how many times I create and delete a speaker group, I can't add my gen2 Hub to it. It doesn't show as up there, but I can otherwise control it. Wtf.
Any ideas?
Try clearing the system cache.
Try a network reset.
Check settings and permissions of all associated apks. Clear data of the same.
Is all needed hardware enabled and working?
Any new apps, firmware, updates of any kind?
Set updated apps back to factory loads.
Changes you made?
Goggle search for similar reported problems in same make and expand the search if nothing is found.
Play with it... probably something simple*.
*once you find it
Yup, tried all those options and more.
GuyInDogSuit said:
Yup, tried all those options and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something changed.
Forgive my ignorance as I like my devices dumb as rain stupid but how are you communicating with them, blue tooth?
I don't reccomend a factory reset as the issue would likely reoccur if you don't find the root cause even if it fixed it initially.
A factory reset would help to determine if a hardware failure had occurred though.
I don't know what changed, as I hadn't added anything to this setup.
GuyInDogSuit said:
I don't know what changed, as I hadn't added anything to this setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Auto updates, destroyer of worlds...
Perhaps something in the environment has changed ie RF interference.
blackhawk said:
Auto updates, destroyer of worlds...
Perhaps something in the environment has changed ie RF interference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh.... No idea, really.
GuyInDogSuit said:
Huh.... No idea, really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well something changed, either settings, software, firmware or hardware.
Were any apps uninstalled recently?
It's rare on Android but uninstalls can changed buried normally untouchable settings and cause hell.
Most times the operator is the prime suspect... as I've found from experience
blackhawk said:
Well something changed, either settings, software, firmware or hardware.
Were any apps uninstalled recently?
It's rare on Android but uninstalls can changed buried normally untouchable settings and cause hell.
Most times the operator is the prime suspect... as I've found from experience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my phone? How would that affect a smart home hub?
GuyInDogSuit said:
On my phone? How would that affect a smart home hub?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You never did say how they link up?
If the hub has internet access that opens a new can of worms. Malware is omnipresent at this point with technology.
blackhawk said:
You never did say how they link up?
If the hub has internet access that opens a new can of worms. Malware is omnipresent at this point with technology.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're all connected to my Nest Hub.
GuyInDogSuit said:
They're all connected to my Nest Hub.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never was even aware of that... so the issue may be on the hub side.
Have/can you do a network reset on the hub?
Sometimes, surprisingly, Google will support their products free of charge. Worth a shot.
I can now see why you're learning new curse words
blackhawk said:
Never was even aware of that... so the issue may be on the hub side.
Have/can you do a network reset on the hub?
Sometimes, surprisingly, Google will support their products free of charge. Worth a shot.
I can now see why you're learning new curse words
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had considered contacting Google but I thought I'd ask here first since it's visible to more people who might have knowledge about it. /shrug
I'll try the reset option.
Any ideas about that bulb? Or do you think the network reset could help with this?
GuyInDogSuit said:
I'll try the reset option.
Any ideas about that bulb? Or do you think the network reset could help with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A network reset is easy and pretty painless.
Try pulling the power and battery to force it to reset.
A factory reset is the last resort. If it had any major firmware updates this becomes more likely to fix the issue.
I couldn't find any option to clear the system cache like on most Androids
blackhawk said:
A network reset is easy and pretty painless.
Try pulling the power and battery to force it to reset.
A factory reset is the last resort. If it had any major firmware updates this becomes more likely to fix the issue.
I couldn't find any option to clear the system cache like on most Androids
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has... a battery??
GuyInDogSuit said:
This has... a battery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so but it's just what I saw online.
It may not be easily accessible if so it's not a good option.
A Google search for this issue might net you a solution. Probably more common than you think.
I got the three Google devices added to a speaker group finally, somehow.
The light bulb, though, just ain't showing up. It's no longer kicking me out from the light adding process, though. It just isn't detecting it.
GuyInDogSuit said:
I got the three Google devices added to a speaker group finally, somehow.
The light bulb, though, just ain't showing up. It's no longer kicking me out from the light adding process, though. It just isn't detecting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, sort of funny... I hope the light bulb lights up for you soon
Try a reboot. Cycle the slave device by disconnecting it from the power perhaps?
blackhawk said:
Lol, sort of funny... I hope the light bulb lights up for you soon
Try a reboot. Cycle the slave device by disconnecting it from the power perhaps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgot to update on this.
I did get the GE bulb working. I attempted the factory reset thing again, and seems the third time was the charm. Might have helped that I unplugged the light fixture for a few minutes first.
So I have some malware on my S21 ultra reinstalled the factory operating system and this thing whatever it is is still taking screenshots and just doing weird things. Like what is the next step here thanks in advance
MECHMILLER said:
So I have some malware on my S21 ultra reinstalled the factory operating system and this thing whatever it is is still taking screenshots and just doing weird things. Like what is the next step here thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to give more details bud. We are not mediums here.
Which version of the phone do you have? Where did you buy it? Rooted, non-rooted? What weird things, other than taking screenshots? How exactly do you understand that it is taking screenshots, does it give you a notification or do they just appear in the gallery? How often does it happen, is it random or does it also happen when you do certain tasks?
If you need help with such a potentially complicated issue, you need to give as many details as possible so people can help you without guessing everything.
On Android 9 and above it's almost impossible to have an embedded rootkit that a factory reset won't kill. On 8 and below it is.
So it's something you installed (including updates), or that's living in your data or one of the factory installed apps. Fun times
MECHMILLER said:
So I have some malware on my S21 ultra reinstalled the factory operating system and this thing whatever it is is still taking screenshots and just doing weird things. Like what is the next step here thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best solution for this is to ODIN reset.
MECHMILLER said:
So I have some malware on my S21 ultra reinstalled the factory operating system and this thing whatever it is is still taking screenshots and just doing weird things. Like what is the next step here thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not enough information to offer any intelligent solution. Please elaborate further. With every single, minute detail. We'd all be happy to help.
Download your factory ROM and flash the phone using Odin
Download Odin 3.13.1 - Samsung Odin download with ROM Flashing Tool
Odin download. Download Samsung odin 3.13.1, latest Samsung ROM Flashing Tool for android - Samsung odin download
odindownload.com
arf8 said:
Download your factory ROM and flash the phone using Odin
Download Odin 3.13.1 - Samsung Odin download with ROM Flashing Tool
Odin download. Download Samsung odin 3.13.1, latest Samsung ROM Flashing Tool for android - Samsung odin download
odindownload.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's complete overkill. More than likely a factory reset is all that's needed... and greater care when downloading.
Pre-Pie OS's are susceptible to rootkits that can breached protected partitions but not the more modern Android versions if I remember correctly.
This is an example of one that requires a reflash to totally wipe it from the phone:
Redirect Notice
I disagree, tot overkill at all if its a persistent malware. Plus if you want peace of mind it is about as simple of a process as loading the factory ROM. Why take a risk?
OP hasn't checked into this thread after the initial message. Maybe the issue has been solved.
I think we can stop trying to break our heads until he/she reappears and joins the conversation.
enigmaamit said:
OP hasn't checked into this thread after the initial message. Maybe the issue has been solved.
I think we can stop trying to break our heads until he/she reappears and joins the conversation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or the rootkit has infiltrated all the OP's devices and data drives
Be prepared and never sync all your backup copies at the same time, stagger the syncing to help avoid the possibility of all copies being compromised.
This unlikely but it's a wild, wild world.
blackhawk said:
That's complete overkill. More than likely a factory reset is all that's needed... and greater care when downloading.
Pre-Pie OS's are susceptible to rootkits that can breached protected partitions but not the more modern Android versions if I remember correctly.
This is an example of one that requires a reflash to totally wipe it from the phone:
Redirect Notice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I typed that original post I was using the phone and the keyboard kept screwing up and I was exhausted. I have factory reset the phone. The strange things that were happening like when I'd hit my recent apps tab at the bottom, if open say Ebay app then Chrome. I'd hit the recent and it would show gallery and settings. Since the factory reset it has still been taking screenshots. I've only had this phone about 20 days and got it at bestbuy. It's over the 15 day period to just take it back but hadn't been incredibly long so I guess we will see what they say. I dont do alot of app downloading or visit a bunch of websites and so on so I have no clue how this happened. Here's the real kicker, this stuff is also happening on my wife's phone (a11) I am honestly thinking about throwing the a11 in the trash and trying to get this one replaced. It's so damn frustrating it's caused arguments because I'm the one who will spend time learning how to do stuff with this. Like how to use everything the phone is capable of and can look in the settings and see that the "tracking device" in the settings that can UNLOCK YOUR PHONE, ACCESS YOUR CONTACTS" is the find my phone app that you installed from Samsung. So of course I am a "hacker" and really know nothing about this crap. And she's the person who will download every survey and shopping app she can find. So this is where I am with it idk what else to do.
MECHMILLER said:
When I typed that original post I was using the phone and the keyboard kept screwing up and I was exhausted. I have factory reset the phone. The strange things that were happening like when I'd hit my recent apps tab at the bottom, if open say Ebay app then Chrome. I'd hit the recent and it would show gallery and settings. Since the factory reset it has still been taking screenshots. I've only had this phone about 20 days and got it at bestbuy. It's over the 15 day period to just take it back but hadn't been incredibly long so I guess we will see what they say. I dont do alot of app downloading or visit a bunch of websites and so on so I have no clue how this happened. Here's the real kicker, this stuff is also happening on my wife's phone (a11) I am honestly thinking about throwing the a11 in the trash and trying to get this one replaced. It's so damn frustrating it's caused arguments because I'm the one who will spend time learning how to do stuff with this. Like how to use everything the phone is capable of and can look in the settings and see that the "tracking device" in the settings that can UNLOCK YOUR PHONE, ACCESS YOUR CONTACTS" is the find my phone app that you installed from Samsung. So of course I am a "hacker" and really know nothing about this crap. And she's the person who will download every survey and shopping app she can find. So this is where I am with it idk what else to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try something bud, in the settings there is the palm swipe capture option. When you find it try and disable it and see if the issue persists. If your phone has no virus, it might have some issue with the gestures or the screen and it might be getting mistaken that you are trying to make a screenshot.
And regarding your wife, you gotta sit her down, smash on the table with your hand so you can get her attention for a bit, and show her some videos about security and the risks involved with ignorant behaviors in the digital world.
Good luck.
babyboy3265 said:
Try something bud, in the settings there is the palm swipe capture option. When you find it try and disable it and see if the issue persists. If your phone has no virus, it might have some issue with the gestures or the screen and it might be getting mistaken that you are trying to make a screenshot.
And regarding your wife, you gotta sit her down, smash on the table with your hand so you can get her attention for a bit, and show her some videos about security and the risks involved with ignorant behaviors in the digital world.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the palm swipe off. She reset hers and says it's still doing "weird stuff" but this has been such an extreme issue with us that I can't and won't touch her phone. Because even with her sitting there watching me if I'm going through **** too fast for her to see exactly what's happening it's like I'm asked to slow down and I try to... Then she's will be like well what's this and start touching **** on the screen and u lost where I was in the first place because I then have to explain something that was just there.. Like if I'm in running processes and it's like WHATS THAT. And it will be a system operation that she read somewhere is "a concern for vulnerability" and doesn't understand that it doesn't mean that because that's there that it's a problem.. It's there normally and it is possible that's a way for security to be compromised.. Hopefully you can see the pattern I'm going in..... I am pretty good with this stuff for a power user. I know what oden is.. I know what a ROM is and stuff but I have never actually loaded my own ROM on a phone. And the fact that I sort of understand some of this is working to a huge disadvantage because it's like.. Well you know how to do this stuff so no wonder she's concerned.. When in fact I don't know how to do this stuff.. I made (foolishly) the comment when I was showing a process used by find my phone to her and my sister... The fact that I just showed you this process running that your asking me about you're just viewing it in a different place shows that if I wanted to track you I'd do it and you'd be too stupid to ever find out... And it was just frustration.. I meant Id just look at your Google history or something along that mannor.. Anyways I'm gonna be heading to bestbuy to see what they say.. As far as her phone is concerned I'd rather just spend the 200 bucks and throw it in the trash. I can't do that with the s21 so this is where I am with all this. I wad actually told by my family not to worry about it.. So what if someone steals your bank info it will be fraud and you won't be responsible for it anyway.. So just forget about it and use it....and here I am
This isn't rocket science... or a soap opera
Do a factory reset then change your Google account password.
Don't load anything until it's verified to be functioning ok*.
Then be careful what you load.
*If that fails reflash the firmware.
arf8 said:
I disagree, tot overkill at all if its a persistent malware. Plus if you want peace of mind it is about as simple of a process as loading the factory ROM. Why take a risk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am ready to do this if needed. I know this isn't a major thing to do but I've never actually done it and don't know where to get my factory ROM for this on my carrier and all of that good stuff. And do I need a computer to do this with oden or can that be done completely on the phone. I am not worried about anything on here I CA. Re-download apps and photos and stuff are backed up ill just start over
blackhawk said:
Or the rootkit has infiltrated all the OP's devices and data drives
Be prepared and never sync all your backup copies at the same time, stagger the syncing to help avoid the possibility of all copies being compromised.
This unlikely but it's a wild, wild world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plot twist: the malware actually created the OP
SomeXGhost said:
Plot twist: the malware actually created the OP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's sounds about right... we're getting played.
SomeXGhost said:
Plot twist: the malware actually created the OP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same way.
blackhawk said:
Yeah that's sounds about right... we're getting played.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I feel like I've been created by malware with all the problems this had actually caused me.
MECHMILLER said:
Here's the real kicker, this stuff is also happening on my wife's phone (a11) I am honestly thinking about throwing the a11 in the trash and trying to get this one replaced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if this is for real I'd say your problems are far bigger than just yours and your wife's phones. I'd be looking at everything in your house, computers, routers, your amazon Alexa and every cloud drive you own.
3mel said:
if this is for real I'd say your problems are far bigger than just yours and your wife's phones. I'd be looking at everything in your house, computers, routers, your amazon Alexa and every cloud drive you own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the smart appliances.
My bets on the fridge... you know the cold, silent type.