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Root [MetroPCS] Optimus F6 preinstalled app removal

Masterchief87

Masterchief87

Android Expert
I am looking for information on how to safely remove preinstalled apps(bloatware) from my Metropcs Optimus F6 and make back-up copies in case i need to reinstall them later.
 
I just installed cwm on my f6 from the link on your android creations site. Thanks for that by the way. Is there anywhere I can find detailed instructions how to back up my stock rom & apps? Im very new at this its the first time ive done any more than simply rooting my phone and installing wifi tether for free hotspot.
 
GameTheory said:
To backup go into recovery and select the option "backup and restore" then "backup to /external_sd". This will backup your rom, all apps, and settings to your external sd card.

If you're not sure how to get into recovery just use my app from the play store to get to recovery...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gt.recovery.reboot
Click to expand...
Ok I just backed up everything to my external sd card. Does your bloatware remover automatically remove all the apps on the list or can I pick & choose which ones to get rid of? Also, android wifi tether wont work on my f6 right now & im wondering if flashing a custom rom would fix that problem. I can use my hotspot for most things using Foxfi but im trying to use it for xbox live and foxfi wont work for that.
 
Masterchief said:
Ok I just backed up everything to my external sd card. Does your bloatware remover automatically remove all the apps on the list or can I pick & choose which ones to get rid of? Also, android wifi tether wont work on my f6 right now & im wondering if flashing a custom rom would fix that problem. I can use my hotspot for most things using Foxfi but im trying to use it for xbox live and foxfi wont work for that.
Click to expand...

My bloatware tool removes everything on the list, can't pick and choose. You can also debloat yourself manually with a root file explorer. A rom isn't gonna make a difference with tether. Tether just needs to be set up properly to work with everything.
 
If I created a backup with cwm from a device with kitkat could I copy it to my SD card and flash it onto my f6? I would start a new thread for this question but I can't seem to find the link for making a new thread.
 
Masterchief said:
If I created a backup with cwm from a device with kitkat could I copy it to my SD card and flash it onto my f6? I would start a new thread for this question but I can't seem to find the link for making a new thread.
Click to expand...

No. It's not that simple. If it were we would have kitkat a long time ago.
 
I tried to install the bloatware removal zip file but there is an error..."failed to mmap aboot...error loki-ifying the boot image." What does that mean?
 
Seriously?!! You were my only hope! I was using Titanium Backup until I heard from you. I was looking at your list of apps and trying to manually delete that way but it was too complicated so I just wanted to do it all at once. Now what? Ugh! I just want someone to tell me which ones I can delete! Your list wasn't matching up exactly with what I was seeing on Titanium Backup and that's what has been so frustrating! Is there a list out there of apps shown in Titanium Backup that can be deleted? Help! You're the expert!!!
 
It's not like he's getting paid for his work. Besides you can still download the latest version from his website. I don't know how long the link will be there but I just downloaded it about 5 minutes ago.
 
mdemetrius said:
Seriously?!! You were my only hope! I was using Titanium Backup until I heard from you. I was looking at your list of apps and trying to manually delete that way but it was too complicated so I just wanted to do it all at once. Now what? Ugh! I just want someone to tell me which ones I can delete! Your list wasn't matching up exactly with what I was seeing on Titanium Backup and that's what has been so frustrating! Is there a list out there of apps shown in Titanium Backup that can be deleted? Help! You're the expert!!!
Click to expand...

And it's really easy doing it manually, get a root browser and feel free to delete the apps listed on GT's site here
 
I did download the link but if you read above you'll see the error message I received. I know that no one is getting paid to give advice. I'm not mad at anyone I'm just frustrated that I'm not savvy enough to figure out this simple process. Everything was going smoothly till halfway through the "Wipeout." Any ideas?
 
A lot of us that aren't testing the kitkat ROM are using GameTheory's Xperion ROM, which is based off the stock ROM. It's slim as it is, but running the setup after installation removes all of the bull they had installed on the stock ROM.

I know you said you're not tech savvy, but its actually quite easy. I followed the directions on the site where it's hosted. I had 1.1 gb free after the install and set up of the ROM, which was plenty for me.

That and the guiding words of Trevor along with his verification that I had the right order of things.. :)
 
Give a man a fish and hell eat for one day, teach him how to fish and hell eat the rest of his life

You can debloat yourself just root, download titaniumbackup and erase anything thay you dont like as long as ot doesnt gave a fishy name lime search.google.xxxx.xxx.xx cuz those in my experience are necessary lol

Trust me it might be overwealming but trial and error works lol i learned when i was 15 android development basics.

A zip is cool whem available but when not then you can always do it yourself (:
 
I figured it out! I was determined to use Gametheory's bloatware removal tool!

Original problem- I was trying to install the bloatware removal zip file using the Recovery Reboot app but I kept getting the error message, "failed to mmap aboot...error loki-ifying the boot image."

Solution- Enable Loki support. You have to go into the advanced menu in the app and change the Loki support setting.

Final thoughts- I have no idea what Loki means, and I could care less. All I know is that I am so proud of myself I don't what to do! Thank you Gametheory and everyone else for helping! Please pass this solution on to anyone else who's struggling with this issue!
 
Short guide on removing system files:

1. Find a file explorer that has root access (e.g. ES File Explorer)
2. Enable root capabilities and change /system permissions to R/W--from RO.
3. Select apk/odex of program to be removed and delete files--located in system/apps.
4. Change permissions back to RO.
5. Reboot

Short guide on installing apps to /system:

1. Find a file explorer that has root access (e.g. ES File Explorer)
2. Enable root capabilities and change /system permissions to R/W--from RO.
3. Select apk/odex of program to be installed and copy/move to /system/apps.
4. Change permissions of apk to match those of other files in folder (e.g. -rw-r--r--)
5. Reboot

ES File explorer has a handy system app uninstall feature, too. It does all the work above and just requires you to select which app to remove.
 
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