Easy De-bloat = more battery/less clutter

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John W 4sba

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Aug 1, 2022, 8:08:57 PM8/1/22
to Apps4Av Forum
I recently did the USB "ADB debloat" process on my Samsung phones and
tablets. It doesn't requite "rooting" so it's safe, easy, and
reversible. I of course backed up the devices first, and by exercising
a little caution haven't needed those backups.

I've gained a fair bit of battery life and available memory on my
devices by doing this USB "debloat" operation. It may also reduce the
chance of an app conflicting with others I use, including Avare of
course. I like that it's easy, fairly quick, tames some of the stuff I
never use (like "Bixby"), and turns off some background spyware. Since
the procedure only turns those apps off for you ("user 0" unless you
share the device), it's easy enough to turn them back on. The only
"danger" is that you can turn off something that's actually needed for
normal operation of the device (like the user interface), but the well
documented lists that do so include warnings, and simply requires a
Factory Reset and restoring your backup.

Basically, you tap an Android setting several times to activate
"Developer Mode" (which you can then turn off afterward), connect the
device to any computer via USB, install the "ADB" app on the computer
and open a "Terminal," launch ADB, and copy/paste in a command like:
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent
for each app to turn off. I made up a list of apps and paste the whole
thing in at once. Since I use my tablet almost solely for Avare, it's
great for me. If you use lots of apps, it will help by having the ones
you don't use not taking up Android resources. You can also turn stuff
on/off easily if desired.

There are good descriptions of this simple ADB procedure in these posts:
https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/how-to-debloat-adb-the-ultimate-adb-debloating-thread-for-the-s20-u-series.4089089/

You can find detailed directions by searching for debloat lists
specifically for your Android on the XDA site:
https://forum.xda-developers.com

Some of the posts briefly describe what each bit of bloatware does, and
I favored those.

For my tablet, I combined several lists offered by others and tailored
them to my preferences. I also scoured the web looking for more to
consider, and looked up a few of the apps nobody else mentioned to see
what they do.

If you do this ADB procedure, please post a reply here about it. If
you'd like a list of what's now turned off on my devices, just ask.

John Wiley

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Aug 18, 2022, 12:11:00 AM8/18/22
to Apps4Av Forum
Way back on Sat, Aug 6, a subscriber wrote:
Thanks for the debloating instructions.
I'd be very interested in the list of packages that you've removed.

I've recently returned from our SBA<->RNT AA5B flight with Avare, and also just did another round of fine tuning the Debloat List for my new Tab A7 Lite.  Most fun for me is that I've managed to turn off the Samsung keyboard app that has mysteriously jumped in line ahead of the much preferred gBoard (tho of course Big G then knows my every keystroke, but I figure they own my soul by now anyway and Samsung has probably sold me to China).  Blah blah...

So if you've explored the links I already shared, you'll note many use a "script" to send the list of pm commands.  On my Ubuntu Linux PC it seems just copy/paste of the whole list works, with the caveat that the resulting display is jumbled.  If I paste in three or four commands at a time, it's pretty clear.  The commands that aren't on the target Android device return a "Failed" result, simply meaning that app's probably not on the device or possibly can't be turned off with this method.  Nearly all return a "Success" result on the devices I've tried thus far.

Anyway, here's my list to date with many commands commented.
As you'll see below: To disable a command while keeping it on the list for future reference, just put a hastag # at the start of the line.  To add a comment, put a hashtag # after the command.  I've inserted "pacing breaks" to aid readability, but pretty much just paste and forget lately since it seems to work perfectly at least on my PC.  The first item turns the Samsung keyboard off, but before you remove the two hashtags at the start of that line be sure to first install gBoard or some other keyboard and make sure it's working so you have a way of using the device w/o Factory Reset.  Also be sure to check the text and ensure your email app hasn't inserted line breaks.  As a hedge against that, you'd be safer to use the attached file instead or at least trim the long lines so they're not line-wrapped by whatever app you're copy/pasting into the Terminal window from.

#---Debloat List---
## COPY AND PASTE EVERYTHING BELOW INTO THE ADB SHELL PROMPT ##
#RANDOM STUFF
## pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.honeyboard # Samsung keyboard - install gBoard, then kill this one!
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.smartswitchassistant # For moving to new phone
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.spp.push # Nagware to add/update Samsung apps.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.SMT # Text to Speech engine w/language files (was hacked, now patched, not needed).
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon # Google DUO video calling app.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.turbo # Device Health Services (battery saver), phones home using batt.& data.
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.backuptransport # Google cloud backup.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.allshare.service.mediashare # MediaShare Screen Mirroring & online  server.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.tapack.authfw # Authentication framework, Samsung Account. Uninst.may add batt.drain?
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.authfw # Authentication framework, Samsung Account. Uninst.may add batt.drain?

## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.tadownloader # Gets updates for the biometric scanner.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.wellbeing # Digital Wellbeing - Shows time & details on apps used w/nag options.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.forest # Samsung Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.quicktool # Samsung quicktools (edgescreen)
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.ardrawing # Samsung AR Doodle
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#BIXBY
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup # Bixby service
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.spage # Bixby page
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.routines # Bixby Routines
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.service # Bixby service
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.visionintelligence

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy # Bixby service
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#GENERAL SYSTEM & MISC
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.apps.tag # Related to NFC
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.sample.acquirechannels # Ant is for NFC?Text
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.service.socket
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.server
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplus
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.mateagent
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.easyMover.Agent
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub # Watch manager

## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.daemonapp # Samsung Weather
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.social # Social hub
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.egg # Easter egg - not needed.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 android.autoinstalls.config.samsung # Installs Samsung bundled apps

## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.dreams.basic # Screensaver while charging
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.dreams.phototable # Photo screensaver while charging
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle # Screen-off wake up for Ok Google
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.hotwordenrollment.xgoogle # Screen-off wake up for Ok Google
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks # Sponsored bookmarks
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.docs # Google Docs
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.feedback # Related to Play Store
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gm # Google Mail

## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox # Launcher screen search bar
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.music # Google Music
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.onetimeinitializer # Android first set up
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.partnersetup # Presumably for sponsored apps
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.setupwizard # Android first set up
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.videos # Google Videos
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube # Youtube
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.hiya.star # 3rd party call blocker

## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.linkedin.android # LinkedIn
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.microsoft.office.officehubrow # Microsoft Office
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.microsoft.skydrive # Onedrive
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.osp.app.signin # Samsung account related
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.camera.sticker.stamp.preload # Stamps for camera
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.camera.sticker.facearframe.preload # AR Finds face outline for camera stickers?
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.smartface # Face recognition service
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.faceservice # Face recognition service

## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.clipboardedge # Edge panel clipboard history (system clipboard works without)
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.mirrorlink # Related to car link
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.simplesharing # Simple share
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.taskedge # Edge panel task mamager
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bio.face.service # Face recognition service
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.calendar # Default calendar
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.dsms # Dual Messenger related
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.easysetup # Easy Mode set up

## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.scloud # Samsung Cloud
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.billing # Samsung Billing
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.easyonehand # One handed mode
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.service.health # S Health
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.widgetapp.easymodecontactswidget # Easy Mode widget
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.widgetapp.samsungapps # Samsung Apps widget
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.widgetapp.webmanual # Web Manual widget
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.automation # Bixby Routines

## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation # Knox - Has been hacked, used for encryption and device protection.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.enterprise.knox.cloudmdm.smdms # Knox related
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.enterprise.knox.shareddevice.keyguard # Knox related
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.analytics.uploader # Knox
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.containeragent # Knox
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.containercore # Knox
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.containerdesktop # Knox
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.skms.android.agent # Protocol-specific NFC related
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#SAMSUNG PASS # PAY
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.samsungpassautofill
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.samsungpass
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.spay # Samsung Pay
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.spayfw
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#GIMMICKY APPS
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.aremoji # Emoji for camera
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.ar.core
pm uninstall -k --user 0 flipboard.boxer.app
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.da.daagent # Dual Messenger related
## Pacing Break
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pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.service.livedrawing
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.mimage.avatarstickers # Face stickers for camera
## Pacing Break
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#FACEBOOK
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.katana
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.system
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.appmanager
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.services
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#CAR MODE
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.drivelink.stub # Car Mode

#PRINTING
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.bips  # Related to printing
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.printservice.recommendation
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.printspooler
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#SAMSUNG EMAIL
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.email.provider
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.wsomacp # Samsung Configuration Message
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#SAMSUNG GAME STUFF
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.game.gamehome # Gaming mode
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.game.gametools # Gaming mode
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.game.gos # Throttles all apps, will simply re-activate w/NO WAY TO STOP IT.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.enhance.gameservice
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.gametuner.thin
## Pacing Break
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#BROWSERS
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.sbrowser
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.sbrowseredge
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#GEAR VR
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc # VR related
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.vrsetupwizardstub
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.hmt.vrshell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.vr.vrcore
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break

#SAMSUNG KIDS
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.kidsinstaller # Kids mode
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.camera.sticker.facearavatar.preload # Face stickers for camera
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.camera.sticker.facear.preload # Face stickers for camera
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.camera.sticker.facearexpression.preload # Detects facial expressions for camera

#SAMSUNG LED COVER
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.ledbackcover
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.cover.ledcover

#EDGE
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.service.peoplestripe

#SAMSUNG DEX
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.desktopmode.uiservice
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.desktopsystemui
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.desktoplauncher
## Pacing Break
## Pacing Break
Apps4AvForum~SamsungDebloatList.txt
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