yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Essential Phone Accessories] xRenol:
Hi! Is there any matte privacy screen protector for Essential Phone PH-1 in the market currently?

I prefer matte over glossy because I do not like fingerprint magnet.
[Essential Phone Accessories] hs911:
yes, skinomi has one:

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Pr...786195&sr=8-3&keywords=skinomi+matteskin+ph-1

or

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Pr...786195&sr=8-1&keywords=skinomi+matteskin+ph-1
[Essential Phone Accessories] xRenol:
Thanks but both are matte screen protectors not matte privacy screen protector.
[Essential Phone Accessories] xRenol:
Any other recommendation?

Thanks.
[Moto G5 Plus Questions & Answers] Venomous Viper 119:
Hello!

I've the Indian variant of the Moto G5 Plus (XT1686), software channel: Retin. I have unlocked the device and flashed a custom ROM. I want to return to stock now but I have a few questions.

1) Where can I get the latest factory image for my XT1686?

2) Which one should I flash on my device amongst AMZ, RETLA & RETAIL?

3) I was on the November security patch before I unlocked and rooted. Should I flash stock, will my device continue receiving ota updates that are released for India?

4) If I flash the firmware that you guys will link me to here, will it hard brick my device when I try for ota update in the future? I read somewhere about mismatch in the partition table will lead to 9008/ some error and device won't go in bootloader mode and that you'll need blankfiles to revive your device and stuff.

Please tell me what to do to return to my complete stock image and to continue receiving ota updates safely on my XT1686, RETIN Software Channel?
[Moto G5 Plus Questions & Answers] echo92:
1) To the best of my knowledge, this NPN25.137-92, Nov 2017 stock Motorola firmware, is the latest for retIN (retail India) devices, amongst other regions. https://xdaforums.com/g5-plus/how-to/moto-g5-plus-patch-november-npn25-137-92-t3718976 It's been received by OTA to users, indicating it's been formally deployed in India and other regions too. Please verify this before flashing

Flash using the flashing instructions provided in this post: https://xdaforums.com/g5-plus/how-to/solution-to-flash-stock-romfactory-t3691396 but using the above NPN25.137-92 ROM - the flashing instructions should apply to this ROM.

2)As you're on retail India, you want retail stock ROMs. AMZ are only for Amazon Prime devices (bootloader locked to Amazon, adverts on the lockscreen) and whilst you could flash retla (retail Latin America), it may cause problems for your device later down the line.

3)Provided you flash the correct stock firmware for your region, you should continue to receive OTA updates.

4)As this should be the same firmware as you had previously, you should not hard brick when receiving OTA updates in the future. Users appeared to commonly hard brick when they attempted to flash stock Motorola firmware older than the stock firmware they had (custom ROMs don't appear to matter here), then attempted to use OTA updates. You cannot downgrade bootloaders, thus you have a mismatched bootloader and system - your new bootloader and your downgraded system - so using an OTA update would flash older bootloader files. As OTA updates do not have the same checks as fastboot for bootloaders, that would corrupt your newer bootloader and hard brick your device. The OTA updates don't appear designed to consider downgraded devices, i.e. newer bootloaders but older stock systems, hence why Motorola likely warns you that whatever happens when unlocking the bootloader is the user's responsibility. If you were in that situation, then flashing fastboot ROMs would be the safest way to update.

However, as you're being conscientious enough to flash the same or latest firmware, then this should not occur. To summarise, hard bricks only appear to occur when downgrading/cross flashing stock firmware and then taking OTA updates when you previously had newer/different stock firmware on your device.

If you want to be truly sure this is the right firmware to revert back to stock to, then I would like to see your getvar info before proceeding:

1)Boot your device to the bootloader, connect to your computer via USB.

2)In the ADB terminal, type 'fastboot getvar all' without quotes and press Enter.

3)Copy the output to a post here. This output contains device variables including what the last stock firmware was on your device, which will be helpful in verifying the correct firmware for you. You may wish to remove IMEI from the output before posting.
[Moto G5 Plus Questions & Answers] Stifmeister11:
Guys i unlocked the bootloader of NPN 25.137-92 indian retin variant with nov 1 patch. I unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone with SU, only problem is that cam stops working. Then i installed Elemental X kernel 2.02 as a workround to get the cam working which went ok . But i want to go back to the stock kernel, i dont want to flash whole rom . Is their a way i get info or download link for the stock kernel, please reply. Is it possible that i can just flash the kernel.
[Moto G5 Plus Questions & Answers] psychopac:
Answered on your post, please check
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] qoosha:
Hi All

last day I have spend searching for info how to use an android smartphone as a signal extender which seems to be (almost) impossible

Is there any way to use 2 smartphones, connected by cable or BT, to make the 1st as signal receiver and the 2nd as a repeater? Any thoughts about this? any custom apps?

Lukasz
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Aurora Store

Unofficial Google Play client

Disclaimer :

Using Aurora Store with your own Google account may cause your account

to be blacklisted, use at your own risk.

Aurora Store is an unofficial, FOSS client to Google Play with bare minimum features. Aurora Store allows users to download, update, and search for apps like the Play Store. It works perfectly fine with or without Google Play Services or MicroG.

Aurora Store is derived from the following projects, special thanks to the devs

YalpStore | AppCrawler | SAI | Raccoon

Important Links

GitLab | Telegram Support Group | Telegram Channel

Downloads

Stable | Nightlies

Special Thanks for Help & Inspiration

Sergey Yeriomin | Nick Kountouriotis | Krzysztof Szczepański | Andreas Itzchak Rehberg (IzzySoft)

Core Developers

Rahul Kumar Patel

Designers

Iacob Ionut | Radek Błędowski | Lumiq Creative

Aurora Community Members

Anunay | Snoop | Sicarious | My Translators | BadAss Bug Reporters | Alpha Testers & Khaleesi

Version Information

4.5.1

XDA:DevDB Information

Aurora Store, App for all devices (see above for details)

Contributors

WhyOrean

Source Code: https://gitlab.com/AuroraOSS/AuroraStore

Version Information

Status: Stable

Created 2018-01-24

Last Updated 2024-06-12​
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Spoiler content hidden.
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please find a list of frequently asked questions on our wiki here
[Android Apps and Games] maxriter:
Works well. Can you add signature spoofing and change package name to use as a replacement app store for MicroG?
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
1. Signature spoofing is ROM specific .

2. I can do that, but would it make a difference ?

Anyway main goal of the project is to support MicroG, I will do the required changes. ThankYou
[Android Apps and Games] m0d:
Screenshots?

And, since you are using github, why not attach apk automatically to release section? Instead of having separate AFH

Travis and gradle can do it for you
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Will do it for stable builds.

Screenshots here

Checkout out beta build 2, uploaded just now!
[Android Apps and Games] maxriter:
You can check BlankStore from MicroG. It fakes the Google Play Store. So yes signature spoofing is required from custom rom end. And only if its not too much trouble for you. Good app Material UI still only around 4MB! :D
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Sure will look unto it..
[Android Apps and Games] maxriter:
Can you move "Developer:" below App name, like

Pixel Launcher

By

Google

"Depends On:" on the same line as "No ads", and "Updated:" in "Changelog" section? This way all info can be viewed in single screen.
[Android Apps and Games] esgie:
Nice one. I was using YalpStore along with the PlayStore mainly to check for the updates of the apps which didn't show up in the genuine PlayStore for me due to SafetyNet fail (coz of rooting+xposed...) like Netflix or Super Mario Run. The one thing that was pissing me off was the Eclair-like UI. It is nice to see such a kind remix.

I'd like to ask if the app contains or is planned to contain any self-update mechanism? How do I know if the new version is released? Did you consider adding id to xda labs?

Thanks for a great job!
[Android Apps and Games] stylemessiah:
Is anyone going to mention getting you *may* (remote chance) have your google account blacklisted by using this? Same as the app from which its derived and all other fake stores...

Should be in the OP as a disclaimer....irresponsible to not make people aware of this
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Sure, will look unto it
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Yess !

Would implement the auto-update mechanism the github way
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
Well yess ! This should be mention, a moment plz !
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
#Update : New beta build is up !

Changelog :

1. Added Download Progressbar
2. Moved MyApps and Updates to NavDrawer
3. Minor bug fixes & improvements
[Android Apps and Games] GreatGodvin:
Awewome work!! But is it possible to have an option to pretend to be in another country?(using vpn or something?)
[Android Apps and Games] GreatGodvin:
Video's ratio is not correct
[Android Apps and Games] JBolho:
Yes, because everyone knows exactly what apps they want (and their package names), they don't need to compare similar apps when searching, and like to blindly install them all without looking at screenshots and reviews from various users. (Yes, i'm being sarcastic)

You are not making any sense.
[Android Apps and Games] dwi336:
First, I would like to thank you for your great app. I like it and it fulfills my needs.

Currenty I use the f-droid build 2.0.3beta of the app. I have noticed that you upload version 2.0.4beta to androidfilehost. Do you plan to update the f-droid build as well or should I switch to the androidfilehost build?

Thank you.
[Android Apps and Games] TiTiB:
Ever heard of "ApkUpdater"? I think it is exactly what you are looking for. It is available here:

https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/com.apkupdater
[Android Apps and Games] Dante Enoshima:
Uhh... this app is an alternative to Play Store, not just an app updater. The post above me is your answer. You picked the wrong thread for your wish
[Android Apps and Games] CountKrzysztof:
Many thanks, I really like Aurora Store! I find it much more enjoyable to use than the Google Play Store.

In the most recent update, when I click on an app I'd like to update, the app page no longer shows the currently installed version. It now only shows the new version available for download. Is there any chance you'd consider bringing this back, perhaps as a toggle in the settings? I found it quite useful for keeping track of updates, especially as they relate to substratum theming.

Either way, keep up the good work!
[Android Apps and Games] Jay0r:
I love the Aurora Store. But why isn't the latest version on F-Droid?
[Android Apps and Games] SkywalkerFR:
Hi,

I really like this alternative to playstore, but I noticed that once the apk (downloaded either in delta or in full apk with each update) the apk is not deleted while the switch is on, is it a bug or a problem coming from my phone? (it is obviously rooted)

Tanks a lot, Sky'
[Android Apps and Games] WhyOrean:
#New Beta Build v2.0.5 is up !
[Android Apps and Games] dwi336:
Thank you very mich for your work. I really like Aurora Store and use it on my kids phones as a daily driver.

Do YouTube still maintain the f-droid build or do YouTube recommend switching to AFH?

Thank you.:)
[Android Apps and Games] Stonecaper:
Bug report - app subcategory change does not do anything
[Android Apps and Games] ralaud:
We all know that the auto corrector can be annoying and funny at the same time #YouTube :D :highfive:

Sorry, I had to say that :) :angel:
[Android Apps and Games] TiTiB:
Last few days getting "No network connection." error when trying to open app. A BALD FACED LIE I TELLS YA!! ?

I had been successfully using the Aurora credentials and using the app, then about 4 days ago I started getting the error. After successfully logging on with my own credentials, then switching back, things are well again.

Odd behavior feedback of Aurora Store 2.0.4-β.210020004 for devs

Huawei Mediapad M5

SHT-W09 (C567)

EMUI/Android 8.0
[Android Apps and Games] DoR3M3:
First let me say thanks for this great app!

What's the microG part going to do here?

Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] friwave:
Wahou ! It's really an awesome app, beautiful design (in my opinion better than GooglePlay), easy to use... Congratulations dev ! Hope Google will not ask you to delete it because rights violations or other thing...
[Android Apps and Games] DoR3M3:
[MENTION=5678465]WhyOrean[/MENTION] every time I open Aurora, under the "My Apps & Games" and "Keep Your Apps up to date", I always am presented with it saying;

Something went wrong

Retry

Will a logcat help, as to why these sections don't work and I have to constantly press "Retry"?

Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] Corro:
One question : where can I find the v2.0.5-β build ? I only found v2.0.4-β so far.
[Android Apps and Games] joeo10:
Go to their Telegram group https://t.me/AuroraSupport
[Android Apps and Games] drnightshadow:
On post 1 OP, read it 1st than before you ask read again and if you still have questions read again,etc :cyclops: ... and if we have thread on XDA we don't care about telegram all links should be in this thread. End of story, simple :p

And this is the 2nd best app just after yalp store :D:D:D

(A little joke)...

well anyway again well done.. don't stop developing , ever :D, please ! :highfive:

Every new versions are getting better and better :highfive:
[Android Apps and Games] DoR3M3:
No kidding on Telegram, I get sick of listening to it too! Telegram is a joke for people that take their SECURITY SERIOUS!

I'm also really shocked that a DEVELOPMENT forum would even support such rubbish! :(
[Android Apps and Games] TiTiB:
Just look at the permissions requested for Telegram—pretty much *all* of them.
[Android Apps and Games] dope77:
You still don't understand what I'm reporting. If i want to install beta apps, I can simply log in to my gmail that's enrolled in beta program then install from there. What I'm reporting is, after logging out of my gmail and logging in anonymously, Aurora store shows an update for some beta apps, which in fact is a downgrade to stable version when it shouldn't be showing anything.

What i was initially asking for (in previous page of replies) if there's a potential fix or workaround for this behavior (like using version number instead of build number), not how to install beta apps
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Is everyone still being 'rate limited'?

I haven't been able to search in the store for 2? 3? weeks.
[Android Apps and Games] kwallet:
you can search for the app on the internet then open the link with aurora. better than no search at all.
[Android Apps and Games] dope77:
Login with your Google accounts and you won't face this issue
[Android Apps and Games] heinhuiz:
I can't find out how to do this. If I open an app page in my browser and try to share the link, the Aurora Store is not in the list.
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Ummmm............seriously?
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Yeah, same here. Perhaps this a feature that we can request to be added to the app.
[Android Apps and Games] don_dolarson:
Open Link With... in f-droid store might be your solution/workaround.
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
What do you mean? If the app is not in the F-droid store, how does this help?
[Android Apps and Games] nishweb:
I am having issues with Aurora Store.

Login not working! I know this was mentioned before by others but here it is again. When logging in via Google (on the start page of the app) using two different google accounts, after i give my password and stuff, it just shows a loading pinwheel beside the text "Google" forever.

Using android 6.0.1 and 4.4.4 does this error, while when using 9.0 it loads perfectly and I can use the app.
[Android Apps and Games] theimpulson:
Try nightly people, which has an in-app web view that might help a little.

Nightly: https://files.auroraoss.com/?folder=AuroraStore/Nightly
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Thanks @theimpulson

I've tried it but I still get 'rate limited' when I search in the store.
[Android Apps and Games] heinhuiz:
It is, thank you!

Check this:

Open Link With... | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

Open links in native apps when you're stuck in the browser! 🚀

www.f-droid.org
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Ooohhhh. The app's name is 'Open link with'.

In thought you were telling me to do open link with....

Excellent, thanks for that. I got the app and it does the job 🙂🙂👍
[Android Apps and Games] kwallet:
search the app name on duckduckgo, click on the playstore link then the phone ask you what to open with: browser, playstore, aurorastore, select the latter.
[Android Apps and Games] don_dolarson:
I

Cool it worked =) I haven't posted a direct link to the app in store because I didn't knew it's allowed to do it here on xda.
[Android Apps and Games] theimpulson:
We allow direct links as long as they don't violate forum rules.
[Android Apps and Games] joshbdoc:
Appears to be an open issue on Gitlab for this - https://gitlab.com/AuroraOSS/AuroraStore/-/issues/878

and on Github - https://github.com/whyorean/AuroraStore/issues/39
[Android Apps and Games] dope77:
Why are you surprised? Your question was literally answered like 5-6 times in the previous 2 pages by the project maintainers and other members.

You're being rate limited because there are thousands of users logged in to the gmails provided by aurora (anonymous logins), and google is rate limiting those accounts due to the extremely large and unusual number of requests from those accounts.
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Yes I know, but as far as I'm concerned, logging into Google is NOT the answer. That's the whole point of using Aurora in the first place. This is by far the preferable solution >
[Android Apps and Games] dope77:
Do you even understand how aurora store works? Did you read the privacy policy of aurora store? Minor information will be added to your requests when logged in with your personal account

POLICY.md · master · Aurora OSS / AuroraStore · GitLab

An unofficial FOSS client to Google Play.

gitlab.com

# Aurora Store Privacy Policy

Last Updated: **01.03.2021**

## User data sent to Google by default

The following data is mandatory to make the Service function, all of which Google needs for **Aurora Store** to be able to receive required data:

- **IP Address** which is bound to network request

- **Timezone, MCC & MNC*** are stripped & replaced with a random constant

- **BUILD_CONFIG** includes the app details - package name,

version-name, version-code

- **BUILD** includes your device details, see for more info

If you choose to use your own account, the following are added to the above:

- **Account details** for Google sign-in verification

We do not store, process or sell any of the collected data above. The data is sent to and processed by Google's servers directly untouched.

All accounts being used within **Aurora Store** are saved onto the device as AAS Tokens & email pair for account verification. **No passwords** are saved to Aurora Store.
[Android Apps and Games] dope77:
And the whole point of using aurora is not to have a gmail on your device that can collect a lot of data and having to rely on google play services and olay store.

And you're still logging in with a Gmail when you're logged in anonymously, it's just not yours
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Yes. This. Lucky I don't have personal Gmail account.

And this. Exactly. It's not mine.
[Android Apps and Games] ghosty999:
Opened the app today to spinny bois on all options + the old "rate limited" error on the home page.

Sending the the devs my praise for avoiding the rate limit issue for such a long time! Hopefully a workaround can be sorted. I'd be happy even to just get access to the update tab for now.
[Android Apps and Games] theimpulson:
We are attempting to fix the Rate Limited issue, but the token dispenser needs to be taken offline for a while. This may take a few days and a week (or more), but please be assured that we are working to solve this problem as soon as possible. ⏳

As the token dispenser has gone offline, you can only log in with a personal account.
[Android Apps and Games] temporarium:
Thanks for letting us know... Better than silence 👍🏻
[Android Apps and Games] theimpulson:
It should be back up
[Android Apps and Games] ghosty999:
You are a hero! Logged back in and updating apps :)
[Android Apps and Games] don_dolarson:
If you use Firefox or it's forks, I suggest you to search for the desired app on Play Store and then click on the three dots in right corner and "open in app". On my phone, it automatically opens in Aurora 4.2.2 and log in anonymously. Works all the time.
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Do you have Google play services installed?

I think this only works if you don't have Play services installed.
[Android Apps and Games] theimpulson:
As announced on other channels:

Hey all,

Bit unfortunate but Aurora Accounts are aggressively block by Google, which makes sense as we are growing in numbers. Yayy!!

However we have to take down Dispenser (Anonymous Login Provider) in order safeguard our account.

We're going to take a step back & figure out smarter way to do things.

Will bounce back soon!

Thanks ❤️
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Understood!! Thank you for your efforts! 😊
[Android Apps and Games] don_dolarson:
Nope. On this device, GPlay is installed. OOS 8.1 stock + root.
[Android Apps and Games] KemikalElite:
Is there a consistent reliable way to make new google accounts for the aurora store without giving a phone number?

I already have multiple accounts potentially associated with my phone number and don't want to risk hitting some unknown limit where i cannot make accounts.
[Android Apps and Games] xdabushrang3r:
Doesn't work for me with Fennec or Iceraven. It just tries to open the play store 😑

Oops. Ignore that. Misread your message.
[Android Apps and Games] zurpher:
So, basically, I could open a Google dummy account to get Aurora working again, right?

ps. First, I thought Aurora wouldn't work as I have installed Pi-hole + Unbound on my network and force all clients to use it as the DNS server. I somewhere read that Aurora requires access to Cloudflare DNS for access.
[Android Apps and Games] dope77:
If you have an old android device running old android version (preferably <=6.0) you can create gmails from that android device without any phone numbers. Works each time
[Android Apps and Games] dope77:
Idk about this, but i use Quad9 dns and it works without problems
[Android Apps and Games] aamadorj:
Thanks for the heads up and your work!!

Is it safe to use a personal Google account with Aurora Store in a device without access to Google Play or the account can also be blocked or blacklisted by Google?
[Android Apps and Games] heinhuiz:
In theory, there is a risk to be blocked or blacklisted. In practice, no blocks or reports of blacklisted accounts are known.
[Android Apps and Games] theimpulson:
Someone shared this so thought to share here to keep people in loop:

https://www.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/13td3iq
[Android Apps and Games] theimpulson:
What's the image for?
[Android Apps and Games] temporarium:
Just tried on a lollipop vm. Doesn't work. It still requires a number. The number doesn't have to be on the device, but some number in any case. 🫤