[Miscellaneous Android Development] tusch00101:
additional apps save to delete + some experiences

[MENTION=4750423]adtbm[/MENTION]:

if you put that list in Post #1 you need to warn the user about some things. Some people don't use Titanium backup but just delete apks in the recovery (like me). Even if you disable some of the basic google apps they are still a bit "active in the background". I know thanks to my firewall. So deleting them is one way to get rid of google and people who root their phone tend to be aggressive in this aspect (like me:))

Last year I was playing around with deleting apks in the recovery and encountered some unexpected behaviour.

First a bug in the SetupWizard for the first start:

The normal first start setup expects some files. If they are not there you get stuck in a bootloop. If you delete the SetupWizard.apk itself you can skip the setup program but then the top bar won't work (Notifications, drop down, access to settings) and left and right hardware keys are not functioning. This is a bug in Android 6 and is also experienced on the old CyanogenMod 13, but they have the option to edit some files. This didn't work with our stock rom.

So if you want to keep the ability to reset / wipe your entire phone with the entry in settings you need to be able to get through the setup again (unless you keep a backup of the system partition from twrp recovery). For that you need a minimum of Google Service Framework.

Files to keep for the OneTime-Setup:

- in /system/app:

At least one Google-signed keyboard (used for validating the phone ?!) - I keep GoogleTTS and have my own keyboard-App,

ERB_UI.apk is the default crappy launcher, make sure you have at least one launcher present at setup.

- in /system/priv-app:

SetupWizard.apk

GmsCore.apk, GoogleLoginService.apk, GoogleServicesFramework.apk (Core Apps for Google Services, after installation they get slightly different names).

GoogleOneTimeInitializer.apk

All other Google-related apps are not necessary for the Google Service Framework during the setup procedure.

It's recommended to have at least one file explorer app present (the original third-party app is in /system/etc but I don't recommend copying this app to /system/app. I use the OLD version of ES file explorer - version 3.2.5.5 - without all the crap of the new version)

Second:

For OTA-Updates you need Google Services working, too. Otherwise the entry in the settings menu is gone.

Third:

Even if you don't use the google contacts (contacts.apk in /system/priv-app) and calendars (CalendarGoogle.apk in /system/app), don't delete or deactivate them. Even if you keep the syncing (provider) apks, some third party calendars and contacts won't work or Android "forgets them" after reboot (my experience syncing caldav calendars). Also don't deny them permissions to use the phone or contacts or calendars. They are not happy with that either and keep third party apps from working properly.

So my suggestion: Keep everything that is related to phone / calendar / messaging.

4. Keep GooglePackageInstaller (needed for installation of APKs)

------------ In addition to Mr Thumbs suggestions I got rid of even more apps ---------------------

DataCust.apk in in system-app and CustSetupWizard in system-priv-apps (the annoying Cat-phone instructions how to use the phone in the SetupWizard)

support.apk (Caterpillar-Support doesn't want us to root the phone anyway)

velvet.apk (Google Search)

Phonesky.apk (Google Play Store).

GoogleHome.apk

ERB_UI.apk (the launcher, I use Nova Launcher instead)

talkback.apk (screenreader for visually impaired)

Wallpaper: HoloSpiralWallpaper.apk, Galaxy4.apk, LiveWallpapers.apk, LiveWallpapersPicker.apk, NoiseField.apk, PhaseBeam.apk,

If you don't sync with google, you dont need GoogleBackupTransport.apk, BackupRestoreConfirmation.apk or GoogleSyncContacts.apk. And most certainly you can get rid of GoogleFeedback.apk

------------------ in /system/etc -----------------

Here are backups of apps from different telecom providers (Vodafone, ...). I don't use them in my non-branded phone.

Also copies of the preinstalled third-party apps (AVG.apk, DeezerMusic.apk, Hike.apk, the browser ...). They can also safely be deleted.

--- Does anyone know, what these apks are for? -----

xtra_t_app.apk (in /system/priv-app)?

PartnerRes.apk (in /system/app)?

(I have deleted both apps and am not missing them)

Have fun