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Android Tweaks, Tips, and Tricks

·467 words·3 mins

A note containing all I know to make your phone a less bloated, more awesome, mini computer.*

* (Get an Android tablet with good specs, and you might not need an actual laptop. A laptop remains unmatched, but I guess it’s worth the try. 😅)

Termux
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Remove Termux Files
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Source: Clean Termux Storage

# cd into the main termux files
cd /data/data/com.termux/files

# sort files in order of size
du -ha | sort -k1hr | head -n 10

# remove unwanted files
rm -rf /path/to/file

Install Linux Distros on Android
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Check out Layar Geser’s channel. There’s more than enough on there.

Extras
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Since Android is based on Linux, Termux gives you the ability to interact with the Linux side, and rooting your phone (if you’re willing to go that far) essentially gives you ‘superuser’ access.

Android Debugging Bridge (ADB)
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Delete Any Android Package
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Source: How to Uninstall a System App Using Adb Uninstall Command

Detailed guide: How to Remove/Uninstall Any Android App With ADB?

adb shell

pm list packages # lists all packages

pm list packages -3 # lists all user-installed (external) packages

pm list packages -s # lists all system packages

pm list packages |grep <query> # find a specific app/program

pm uninstall --user 0 <id> # forcefully uninstall ANY program
Tip: You can use Playstore (web version) to find app IDs. Check the URL for the ID.

Reinstall System Packages
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adb shell cmd package install-existing <package_name>

Change Screen Resolution
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For scrcpy (screencopy) or if you feel like breaking something on your phone. You’re welcome.

adb shell dumpsys display # dumps all info about your phone's display

# take note of your current DPI and screen resolution 

adb shell wm size 1080x1920 ## changes resolution to 1080p

Free and Open Source Apps, Tools, and Services
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  • PocketMode (Anti-inadvertent mode on steroids)
  • Aurora Store (Best alternative to Playstore)
  • F-droid (Another really cool store to find open source Android apps and tools)
  • Termux (Your very own console, connect an external keyboard and watch yourself do amazing things)
  • Material Files (Minimalist file manager, does it’s job and does it well)
  • True PDF Reader (Lightweight Adobe killer PDF reader (: )
  • LibreTube, NewPipe, PipePipe (YouTube alternatives #best_investment_ever)
  • Spotube, Podbean (Best Spotify alternatives for podcasts)
  • SystemUITuner, Shizuku (For enabling and overriding hidden Android preferences & settings)
  • Syncthing-fork (Best Syncthing, well.. fork. Used with Synctrayzor on Windows and Syncthing on Linux)
  • Obsidian (Hehe, you already know)
  • Windscribe VPN (THE BEST VPN, no questions asked)
  • TunnelBear (Another good VPN choice)
  • SD Maid 1 & 2 (Best system cleaner without a doubt)
  • ReadEra (Best Ebook [and PDF] reader, trust me on this one)
  • Kiwi Browser (Honestly might be the best browser on Android due to it’s extensions support)
  • Spacedesk (Use your phone/tablet as a second screen)