Root vs ADB Uninstall for Debloating
from GravityAce@lemmy.ca to degoogle@lemmy.ml on 26 Nov 2023 02:22
https://lemmy.ca/post/10064626

If I only wanted to degoogle and disable other manufacturer’s bloatware from my Android device, is using adb to “uninstall” the system apps from user 0 pretty much as effective as rooting and using something like debloat terminal while rooted or are there bypasses that make rooting the better option? I’m not concerned about reclaiming the space used by these disabled system apps in this case.

#degoogle

threaded - newest

Decentralizr@lemmy.world on 26 Nov 2023 02:39 next collapse

The first thing to consider is what you want to archive. Security and privacy are not the same thing, however go hand in hand. With rooting you can go deeply into your systems setup, however it also opens potential threats against you. Adb is more secure. When it comes to privacy consider also rethinkdns or any other firewall. You can block internet access to specific apps and even system apps.

GravityAce@lemmy.ca on 26 Nov 2023 03:08 collapse

Any response related to the very specific question I asked in this post?

muhyb@programming.dev on 26 Nov 2023 03:34 next collapse

adb uninstall will cover your needs and if you are using a banking app they won’t let you use them if you root the device. So even if you choose the root way, it’s recomended to relock root once you’re done.

Also not sure about stock ROMs but be careful with core apps. For example, in LineageOS if you remove file manager that way you bork the system because any other file manager use the initial file manager.

noodlejetski@lemm.ee on 26 Nov 2023 11:58 next collapse

the ADB method only removes the app for the current user. if for some reason you add another user on the device, all the apps will still be there for them.

caos@anonsys.net on 26 Nov 2023 14:38 next collapse
@GravityAce You can also use the #UniversalAndroidDebloater. This makes it easier to get rid of the bloatware: github.com/0x192/universal-and…
JerukPurut404@lemmy.my.id on 28 Nov 2023 08:17 collapse

Just beware to not delete every single thing on your phone. Learn from my mistake that I accidently uninstall google play services. 90% of my apps didnt work

caos@anonsys.net on 28 Nov 2023 10:24 collapse
@JerukPurut404 Yes, if you want to use Google apps, you should leave it on. With the #UniversalAndroidDebloater, there are different levels of how much you want to delete/deactivate. With the first two, it only affects apps that you can easily reinstall if necessary.
redditReallySucks@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 27 Nov 2023 09:51 collapse

Adb is just as effective as root for just disabling the apps for one user. As you said this won’t free the space fully. Keep in mind you might softbrick your phone by uninstalling something unsafe.