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Root Stock Apps You Can Safely Remove

903Tex

Android Enthusiast
I have a strong feeling that somebody going to mess around and delete something that shouldn't be deleted and basically be stuck til there's a way to revert back to stock. So maybe we can sticky this thread, and have a list of what to delete and not to delete. So those "Thrill seekers" won't be making threads on "how my phone force close since i deleted etc..."
 
I claim no responsibility if you run into issues.

I generated a system app + data backup with Titanium Backup (free) and then used a program called System Toolbox (free) to remove:
airG Chat
Downloads (Virgin Mobile)
Poynt
SCVNGR
TalkBack
TouchPal
Twidroyd
Virgin Mobile Live
Where

I would consider this the 'safe' list. Keep them if you use them (obviously). There are a few others from VM which I didn't list because I felt they may be useful (Activation, My Account, etc). None of the apps in the list above are part of the Android stock build.


After I uninstalled these apps I rebooted my phone, and it asked me to reactivate using the built in Activate app, so I did. Phone rebooted again and everything was fine. I haven't had any problems.
 
I claim no responsibility if you run into issues.

I generated a system app + data backup with Titanium Backup (free) and then used a program called System Toolbox (free) to remove:
airG Chat
Downloads (Virgin Mobile)
Poynt
SCVNGR
TalkBack
TouchPal
Twidroyd
Virgin Mobile Live
Where

I would consider this the 'safe' list. Keep them if you use them (obviously). There are a few others from VM which I didn't list because I felt they may be useful (Activation, My Account, etc). None of the apps in the list above are part of the Android stock build.


After I uninstalled these apps I rebooted my phone, and it asked me to reactivate using the built in Activate app, so I did. Phone rebooted again and everything was fine. I haven't had any problems.
u should of just froze them
 
I don't know what that means.

If you use titanium backup, you can "freeze" apps. It basically prevents them from running/disables them without removing them. This way you don't run the risk of messing up your phone by uninstalling important files inadvertently.

EDIT:
And for what it's worth, if you're using titanium backup, it has the options in it to remove apps without needing additional apps like you used (System Toolbox)
 
If you use titanium backup, you can "freeze" apps. It basically prevents them from running/disables them without removing them. This way you don't run the risk of messing up your phone by uninstalling important files inadvertently.

EDIT:
And for what it's worth, if you're using titanium backup, it has the options in it to remove apps without needing additional apps like you used (System Toolbox)

I was unaware of that, thanks for the info.
 
I claim no responsibility if you run into issues.

I generated a system app + data backup with Titanium Backup (free) and then used a program called System Toolbox (free) to remove:
airG Chat
Downloads (Virgin Mobile)
Poynt
SCVNGR
TalkBack
TouchPal
Twidroyd
Virgin Mobile Live
Where

I would consider this the 'safe' list. Keep them if you use them (obviously). There are a few others from VM which I didn't list because I felt they may be useful (Activation, My Account, etc). None of the apps in the list above are part of the Android stock build.


After I uninstalled these apps I rebooted my phone, and it asked me to reactivate using the built in Activate app, so I did. Phone rebooted again and everything was fine. I haven't had any problems.


I removed all these as well with no ill effect. I moved the apk files to a new folder I made, /system/app.disabled
 
Another option is to hide them in the settings. I use launcher pro and i go within the preferences and you can hide apps there. I have been doing that for years. Hope that helps!

Edit: I forgot to mention that when you hide the programs in Launcher Pro, basically it just hides it from the list of programs within the menu. It also blocks the services and anything that has to do with the programs from running. As Ziddey said, space isn't really an issue so "freezing" or hiding them should be sufficient and it would eliminate the issues you could possibly have if you remove them entirely. Good luck!
 
you can make a backup and then uninstall it. figure that's fairly close to freezing. not like space is really an issue with the triumph; more just the clutter aspect
 
My account and stuff like that can be removed. I came from making ROM's for the intercept(bROM at SDX-Developers) and the only vm app i left on my ROMs is the activate app. You can leave it off, but if you ever need to reactivate your phone you'll need to add it back!
 
If you use titanium backup, you can "freeze" apps. It basically prevents them from running/disables them without removing them. This way you don't run the risk of messing up your phone by uninstalling important files inadvertently.

EDIT:
And for what it's worth, if you're using titanium backup, it has the options in it to remove apps without needing additional apps like you used (System Toolbox)

Thanks for the info. In the past I've manual removed pre-installed apps from other phones because I didn't know TB could do it.

It's annoying having the talkback and other keyboard listed in my input methods. Time to kill them!
 
It's always wise to do a Nandroid backup from clockwork before removing (OR FREEZING) apps in the system folder. While the ones you listed won't screw you up, it's possible in some cases to wind up with an unbootable device, which is a real hassle if you don't have a Nandroid you can restore.
 
Would some kind soul be able to upload a copy of the unmodified hidden folder.
I deleted mine by accident lol before I realized that nandroid dose not back it up

I'm getting a couple errors and I think this mite be the cause
 
I was messing around on the stupid phone today,... selected and ID and all my stuff has disappeared... I want old stuff back and not the ID. I am a newbie to this phone..... any suggestions?
 
I wanted to bump this because I saw someone asking about it. I will probably link it for them as well.
 
I froze those apps using Titanium backup pro and it didnt really do anything... The apps still show up in the "my apps" section in the market place and they still show up when I go to applications --> manage applications. The only place they dont show up is in the app tray. Isnt freezing supposed to be like they were uninstalled? help please.

I also have a backup of the apps on the sd card, could that be why? Maybe the system is seeing the apk still.
 
Getting rid of Google maps was the best thing I ever did... I only use it once every couple of months.. The battery life savings alone is soo worth it.. And if I need it I just reinstall it
 
Freezing just prevents them from turning on by themselves without your permission, it makes your phone somewhat faster if you don't use the frozen apps; it doesn't uninstall the apps in anyway.
 
Freezing just prevents them from turning on by themselves without your permission, it makes your phone somewhat faster if you don't use the frozen apps; it doesn't uninstall the apps in anyway.

Right but I read on the titanium wiki that it is also supposed to remove it from your applications list and remove the market link. Yet when I go to the market I still see the above apps in the market. I think virgin mobile is stubborn.
 
Okay so after some googling I found out that since the android market got updated to Google play they've made it so that you CAN NOT detach apps from the market place anymore. Bummer :(
 
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