SONY XZ1 COMPACT ▀ STRIPPING DOWN BLOATWARE + SOME PRIVACY TWEAKS
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UPDATED ON: 2023-02-06
v1.0b: please [contact me] if you find errors or inaccuracies.
In this guide i will quickly show my system configuration tweaked for privacy.
I’m using essential stuff like 3G/4G/WiFi & BT. Additional pleasantries are blocked.
█ ANDROID 8: OS WITH MINIMAL TELEMETRY
Operating System: Android 8.0 [Android 8.1 ain’t good, coz it brought support of neural networks to do effective data mining]
Security patch: 1st September 2018
FW Version: 47.1.A.16.20 [one of the latest 8.0 builds to date]
Supported features: 5Ghz WiFi, HiRes BT, Picture-in-Picture [what else do you need?]
Some facts about “obsolescence” of old versions of Android:
Android 4.4 ► 100% dead, unsafe to use [even by my standards]
Android 5.1 ► internet is still working without any restrictions
Android 8.0 ► considering above mentioned information looks like shiny new to me
▒ GENERIC RECOMMENDATIONS
At the very beginning to circumvent data mining I suggest you to change default launcher to [Nova Launcher] and default SwiftKeyboard to [Hacker’s Keyboard] . These applications were checked and proved to be spy-free. If you feel suspicious regarding advised software you can always block it via neat root-based firewall. I prefer to use [AFWall+] , which is based upon Linux ip-tables.
As a matter of fact i permit internet traffic only to browser, email client, yt client.
Moreover, i advice not to use google accounts, their browser and email service. And yeah, if you care about privacy disable auto-updates and background account sync also. Continue to read to perceive more and discover how to do this in a smart way.
▒ LIST OF ALL PRE-INSTALLED APPLICATIONS
Operating system: Android 8-9. Region: Russia.
com.android.apps.tag
com.android.backupconfirm
com.android.bluetooth
com.android.bluetoothmidiservice
com.android.bookmarkprovider
com.android.calculator2
com.android.calllogbackup
com.android.captiveportallogin
com.android.carrierconfig
com.android.certinstaller
com.android.chrome
com.android.cts.ctsshim
com.android.cts.priv.ctsshim
com.android.defcontainer
com.android.documentsui
com.android.dreams.basic
com.android.egg
com.android.emergency
com.android.externalstorage
com.android.facelock
com.android.frameworks.telresources
com.android.htmlviewer
com.android.inputdevices
com.android.keychain
com.android.location.fused
com.android.managedprovisioning
com.android.mms.service
com.android.mtp
com.android.musicfx
com.android.nfc
com.android.pacprocessor
com.android.partnerbrowsercustomizations.chromeHomepage
com.android.phone
com.android.printspooler
com.android.providers.blockednumber
com.android.providers.calendar
com.android.providers.contacts
com.android.providers.downloads
com.android.providers.downloads.ui
com.android.providers.media
com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
com.android.providers.settings
com.android.providers.telephony
com.android.providers.userdictionary
com.android.proxyhandler
com.android.server.telecom
com.android.settings
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.android.shell
com.android.smspush
com.android.statementservice
com.android.stk
com.android.storagemanager
com.android.systemui
com.android.vending
com.android.vpndialogs
com.android.wallpaper.livepicker
com.android.wallpaperbackup
com.android.wallpapercropper
com.facebook.appmanager
com.facebook.katana
com.facebook.system
com.fingerprints.fido.asm
com.fingerprints.serviceext
com.google.android.apps.docs
com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.docs
com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.sheets
com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.slides
com.google.android.apps.maps
com.google.android.apps.photos
com.google.android.backuptransport
com.google.android.calendar
com.google.android.configupdater
com.google.android.ext.services
com.google.android.ext.shared
com.google.android.feedback
com.google.android.gm
com.google.android.gms
com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
com.google.android.gsf
com.google.android.gsf.login
com.google.android.marvin.talkback
com.google.android.music
com.google.android.onetimeinitializer
com.google.android.packageinstaller
com.google.android.partnersetup
com.google.android.printservice.recommendation
com.google.android.setupwizard
com.google.android.syncadapters.contacts
com.google.android.talk
com.google.android.tts
com.google.android.videos
com.google.android.webview
com.google.android.youtube
com.gsma.rcs
com.noknok.android.mfac.service
com.qapp.secprotect
com.qti.dpmserviceapp
com.qti.xdivert
com.qualcomm.cabl
com.qualcomm.fastdormancy
com.qualcomm.location
com.qualcomm.qcrilmsgtunnel
com.qualcomm.qti.auth.fidocryptoservice
com.qualcomm.qti.simsettings
com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice
com.qualcomm.qti.tetherservice
com.qualcomm.shutdownlistner
com.qualcomm.svi
com.qualcomm.timeservice
com.qualcomm.wfd.service
com.quicinc.cne.CNEService
com.realvnc.android.remote
com.s.antivirus
com.scee.psxandroid
com.sony.nfx.app.sfrc
com.sony.tvsideview.phone
com.sony.tvsideview.videoph
com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.clock
com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.photo
com.sonyericsson.album
com.sonyericsson.android.addoncamera.artfilter
com.sonyericsson.android.bootinfo
com.sonyericsson.android.camera
com.sonyericsson.android.camera3d
com.sonyericsson.android.omacp
com.sonyericsson.android.servicemenu
com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook
com.sonyericsson.autopoweroffservice
com.sonyericsson.cameraextension.permission
com.sonyericsson.conversations
com.sonyericsson.crashmonitor
com.sonyericsson.credentialmanagerservice
com.sonyericsson.customizedsettings
com.sonyericsson.devicemonitor
com.sonyericsson.fmradio
com.sonyericsson.home
com.sonyericsson.idd.agent
com.sonyericsson.lockscreen.uxpnxt
com.sonyericsson.mtp
com.sonyericsson.mtp.extension.backuprestore
com.sonyericsson.mtp.extension.factoryreset
com.sonyericsson.mtp.extension.update
com.sonyericsson.music
com.sonyericsson.omadl
com.sonyericsson.organizer
com.sonyericsson.photoeditor
com.sonyericsson.providers.cnap
com.sonyericsson.psm.sysmonservice
com.sonyericsson.settings
com.sonyericsson.settings.wifi
com.sonyericsson.setupwizard
com.sonyericsson.simdetection
com.sonyericsson.soundenhancement
com.sonyericsson.startupflagservice
com.sonyericsson.suquashi.soundpicker
com.sonyericsson.tetherentitlementcheck
com.sonyericsson.unsupportedheadsetnotifier
com.sonyericsson.updatecenter
com.sonyericsson.usbux
com.sonyericsson.usm
com.sonyericsson.wallpaperpicker
com.sonyericsson.wappush
com.sonyericsson.warrantytime
com.sonyericsson.xhs
com.sonymobile.advancedlogging
com.sonymobile.advancedwidget.topcontacts
com.sonymobile.advancedwidget.worldclock
com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.soundphoto
com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.styleportrait
com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.supervideo
com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.timeshift
com.sonymobile.android.contacts
com.sonymobile.android.contacts.settingsutil
com.sonymobile.android.dialer
com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboard
com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboardjp
com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.areffect
com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.stickercreator
com.sonymobile.anondata
com.sonymobile.apnupdater
com.sonymobile.aptx.notifier
com.sonymobile.camera.addon.permission
com.sonymobile.cameracommon
com.sonymobile.cameracommon.permission
com.sonymobile.cameracommon.wearablebridge
com.sonymobile.chargingsupport
com.sonymobile.coresettings
com.sonymobile.coverapp2
com.sonymobile.crashmonitor.system
com.sonymobile.customizationselector
com.sonymobile.demoappchecker
com.sonymobile.deqp
com.sonymobile.deviceconfigtool
com.sonymobile.devicesecurity.service
com.sonymobile.dlna
com.sonymobile.dualshockmanager
com.sonymobile.email
com.sonymobile.emergencysms
com.sonymobile.enterprise.service
com.sonymobile.entrance
com.sonymobile.exchange
com.sonymobile.experienceflow2
com.sonymobile.fota.service
com.sonymobile.getmore
com.sonymobile.getmore.client
com.sonymobile.getset
com.sonymobile.getset.priv
com.sonymobile.gettoknowit
com.sonymobile.glovemode
com.sonymobile.googleanalyticsproxy
com.sonymobile.idd.permission.application_certificate
com.sonymobile.imageenhancer
com.sonymobile.imageprocessor.permission
com.sonymobile.intelligent.backlight
com.sonymobile.intelligent.gesture
com.sonymobile.intelligent.iengine
com.sonymobile.intelligent.observer
com.sonymobile.lifelog
com.sonymobile.lockscreen.otp
com.sonymobile.moviecreator
com.sonymobile.moviecreator.rmm
com.sonymobile.mtp.extension.fotaupdate
com.sonymobile.music.googlelyricsplugin
com.sonymobile.music.wikipediaplugin
com.sonymobile.music.youtubekaraokeplugin
com.sonymobile.music.youtubeplugin
com.sonymobile.mwutil
com.sonymobile.mx.android
com.sonymobile.phoneusage
com.sonymobile.pip
com.sonymobile.psrvc
com.sonymobile.rcahandler
com.sonymobile.rcs.settings
com.sonymobile.rcs.startup
com.sonymobile.rcsvideoprovider
com.sonymobile.retaildemo
com.sonymobile.runtimeskinning.core
com.sonymobile.runtimeskinning.picker
com.sonymobile.sdcardtransfer
com.sonymobile.secureclockservice
com.sonymobile.simlock.service
com.sonymobile.simlockunlockapp
com.sonymobile.sketch
com.sonymobile.slideshow
com.sonymobile.smartcharger
com.sonymobile.smartcleaner
com.sonymobile.smtofrgbc
com.sonymobile.sso
com.sonymobile.storagechecker
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.blue
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.bubble
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.daily
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.paint
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.red
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.star
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.sunshine
com.sonymobile.styleportrait.addon.suntan
com.sonymobile.superstamina
com.sonymobile.support
com.sonymobile.susrescheck
com.sonymobile.synchub
com.sonymobile.telephony.extension
com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid14.black
com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid15.white
com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid16.blue
com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid17.pink
com.sonymobile.transmitpower
com.sonymobile.tvout.wifidisplay
com.sonymobile.whitebalance
com.sonymobile.wifi com.sonymobile.wifi
com.sonymobile.xperialounge.services
com.sonymobile.xperiaservices
com.sonymobile.xperiatransfermobile
com.sonymobile.xperiaweather
com.swiftkey.swiftkeyconfigurator
com.touchtype.swiftkey
org.codeaurora.ims org.codeaurora.ims
org.simalliance.openmobileapi.service
org.simalliance.openmobileapi.uiccterminal
ru.sony.store.sonyxperiashop
▒ LIST OF UNNEEDED BLOATWARE
List is based upon latest version of Android 8.0 [kernel v4.4.78].
Candidates for termination:
- Shops/stores
- Ecosystems of invasive big corps
- Telemetry daemons
- Update services
- Useless applications
Removing appointed services will considerably increase performance and runnning time of smartphone.
com.amazon.kindle
com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping
com.android.bookmarkprovider
com.android.egg
com.android.emergency
com.android.facelock
com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle
com.android.nfc
com.android.partnerbrowsercustomizations.chromeHomepage
com.android.printspooler
com.android.providers.userdictionary
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.android.vending
com.facebook.appmanager
com.facebook.katana
com.facebook.services
com.facebook.system
com.fingerprints.serviceext
com.google.android.apps.docs
com.google.android.apps.maps
com.google.android.apps.photos
com.google.android.apps.tachyon
com.google.android.apps.turbo
com.google.android.apps.work.oobconfig
com.google.android.backuptransport
com.google.android.calendar
com.google.android.configupdater
com.google.android.feedback
com.google.android.gm
com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
com.google.android.marvin.talkback
com.google.android.music
com.google.android.onetimeinitializer
com.google.android.partnersetup
com.google.android.printservice.recommendation
com.google.android.syncadapters.contacts
com.google.android.tts
com.google.android.videos
com.google.android.youtube
com.google.ar.core
com.noknok.android.mfac.service
com.qualcomm.qti.auth.fidocryptoservice
com.s.antivirus
com.scee.psxandroid
com.sony.nfx.app.sfrc
com.sony.tvsideview.phone
com.sony.tvsideview.videoph
com.sonyericsson.album
com.sonyericsson.crashmonitor
com.sonyericsson.devicemonitor
com.sonyericsson.idd.agent
com.sonyericsson.mtp.extension.update
com.sonyericsson.music
com.sonyericsson.photoeditor
com.sonyericsson.textinput.chinese
com.sonyericsson.updatecenter
com.sonyericsson.warrantytime
com.sonyericsson.xhs Xperia Lounge [deprecated]
com.sonymobile.advancedlogging
com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.soundphoto
com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboard
com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboardjp
com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.stickercreator
com.sonymobile.anondata
com.sonymobile.crashmonitor.system
com.sonymobile.demoappchecker
com.sonymobile.deqp
com.sonymobile.deviceconfigtool
com.sonymobile.dualshockmanager
com.sonymobile.email
com.sonymobile.emergencysms
com.sonymobile.enterprise
com.sonymobile.enterprise.service
com.sonymobile.entrance
com.sonymobile.exchange
com.sonymobile.fota.service
com.sonymobile.getmore
com.sonymobile.getmore.client
com.sonymobile.getset Xperia Actions
com.sonymobile.getset.priv Xperia Actions
com.sonymobile.googleanalyticsproxy
com.sonymobile.home Launcher
com.sonymobile.lifelog
com.sonymobile.moviecreator
com.sonymobile.moviecreator.rmm
com.sonymobile.mtp.extension.fotaupdate
com.sonymobile.music.googlelyricsplugin
com.sonymobile.music.wikipediaplugin
com.sonymobile.music.youtubekaraokeplugin
com.sonymobile.music.youtubeplugin
com.sonymobile.mwutil
com.sonymobile.mx.android
com.sonymobile.phoneusage
com.sonymobile.pip
com.sonymobile.pobox Part of Xperia keyboard
com.sonymobile.retaildemo
com.sonymobile.scan3d
com.sonymobile.sso
com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid19.silver
com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid20.blue
com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid21.pink
com.sonymobile.themes.xperialoops2
com.sonymobile.tvout.wifidisplay
com.sonymobile.usm
com.sonymobile.xperialounge.services
com.sonymobile.xperiatransfermobile
com.sonymobile.xperiaweather
com.sonymobile.xperiaxlivewallpaper
com.swiftkey.swiftkeyconfigurator
com.touchtype.swiftkey
org.simalliance.openmobileapi.service
ru.sony.store.sonyxperiashop Sony Shop [Russian]
▒ SETTING OPTIMIZED PERMISSIONS
Settings ► Apps & Notifications ► App info
Don’t forget about ≡ to show SYSTEM APPLICATIONS
Tap on desired app in app info list.
- Storage ► Clear Cache
- Storage ► Clear Data
- App notifications ► OFF
- Permission ► Turn off unneeded permissions
- Data Usage ► Background data ► OFF
- Data Usage ► Unrestricted data usage ► OFF
- Battery Usage ► Power-saving feature ► ON
- Battery Usage ► Manage battery usage ► Background Activity ► OFF
Also you can Disable unneeded app. In stock firmware not all applications could be disabled. If you want to overcome this restriction see console method .
Optional settings [not always available]:
- Display over other apps ► OFF
- Modify system settings ► OFF
- Install unknown apps ► OFF
To get rid of google’s stranglehold terminate any google related application except:
google play services
google services framework
These services are needed for compatibility and reliable workflow, because too many applications depend on google’s framework. Note that internet traffic can be safely blocked via firewall, you just need to keep services running.
As for the rest: wipe out cache/data, remove all permissions and notifications, block internet activity, limit g-apps as much as possible.
More stuff to tweak.
Settings ► Apps & Notifications ► Advanced ► Special app access
- Clear all Device admin apps [AFWall+] should be untouched]
- Clear unneeded Display over other apps [NewPipe] , yt client is untouched]
- Clear unneeded Modify system settings [Applications which turn on/ff Wifi/BT should be untouched]
- Clear unneeded Picture-in-Picture
- Clear unneeded Unrestricted data access [All google should be restricted. Permitted apps: Carrier Services, Downloads, Download Manager, Media Storage, MTP Host]
- Clear unneeded Usage access [I prefer to disable all, but for more compatibility you can leave Sony system services: Assist, Memory, SmartCleaner, Stamina Mode, Storage Manager]
- Clear all Install unknown apps [File manager should have permission]
▒ SYSTEM TWEAKS VIA GUI
Settings ► Device connection ► Bluetooth ► ≡ ► rename this device to smth like "localhost"
Settings ► Device connection ► NFC ► OFF
Settings ► Device connection ► NFC Beam ► OFF
Settings ► Device connection ► Printer ► Printing ► OFF
Settings ► Apps & Notifications ► App permissions
Make sure that no unneeded apps have access to the following categories:
- Camera
- Location
- Microphone
Don’t forget about ≡ to show SYSTEM APPLICATIONS
Settings ► Battery ► Battery Care ► ON
Settings ► Battery ► ≡ ► Power-saving exceptions ► include needed apps to exceptions, like keyboard, browser or smth like that
Settings ► Sound ► Audio settings ► DSEE HX ► ON [pretty neat audio enhancer]
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► google play protect ► OFF
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► google play protect ► Scan device for security threats ► OFF
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► google play protect ► Improve harmful app detection ► OFF
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► Find My Device ► OFF
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► Security update ► ≡ ► Settings ► Auto download system updates ► OFF
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► Security update ► ≡ ► Settings ► Auto-update apps ► OFF
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► Privacy ► Location ► Mode ► Device only
Settings ► Lock screen & security ► Privacy ► Apps with usage access ► Turn off everything [for more compatibility you can leave Sony system services like Assist,Memory, SmartCleaner, Stamina Mode, Storage Manager]
Settings ► Users & accounts ► Automatically sync data ► OFF
Settings ► google ► ≡ ► Usage & diagnostics ► OFF
Settings ► google ► ads ► Reset advertising ID ► Ok
Settings ► google ► ads Opt out of ads personalisation ► ON
Settings ► google ► Backup ► Backup to google cloud ► OFF
Settings ► google ► Cast media controls ► Media controls for cast devices ► OFF
Settings ► google ► Developer ► Firebase App Indexing ► Capture Actions and Errors ► OFF
Settings ► google ► Backup ► OFF
There is one more hidden setting, which should be disabled also.
ENABLE DEVELOPER MODE:
Settings ► System ► About phone ► Build number [Do multiple taps]
Developer options will appear. Disable automatic system updates.
Settings ► Developer options ► Automatic system updates ► OFF
Oh, and one more can be useful. Show on-screen visual spot for finger taps.
Settings ► System ► Developer options ► Input ► Show taps ► ON
▒ TUNE EMBEDDED CHROME
[I prefer not to use chrome at all]
, but nevertheless keeping it and WebView for compatibility reasons.
Because large amount of modern software relies on these two services.
Despite the fact that browser will not be used directly it should be fine-tuned.
≡ ► Settings ► Basics ► Autofill and payments ► Auto-fill forms ► OFF
≡ ► Settings ► Basics ► Passwords ► Save passwords ► OFF [saves passcodes to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Basics ► Passwords ► Auto Sign-in ► OFF [saves passcodes to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Notifications ► OFF
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Navigation error suggestions ► OFF [dial back to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Search and site suggestions ► OFF [dial back to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Security Reports ► OFF [dial back to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Safe Browsing ► OFF [dial back to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Use page predictions ► OFF [dial back to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Usage and crash reports ► OFF [dial back to google]
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Do Not Track ► ON
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Clear browsing data ► Advanced ► Time Range ► All time ► Check all marks ► Clear Data
≡ ► Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Site Settings
Location ► Blocked
Camera ► Blocked
Microphone ► Blocked
Notifications ► Blocked [also wipe out google from exceptions]
Pop-ups ► Blocked
Ads ► Blocked
Background Sync ► OFF
Media ► Protected Content ► Ask First
Media ► Autoplay ► Blocked
Sound ► Muted
Clipboard ► Blocked
Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Languages ► Offer to translate pages in other languages ► OFF [dial back to google]
Settings ► Advanced ► Privacy ► Data Saver ► OFF [dial back to google]
▒ REMOVE SOFTWARE VIA ADB CONSOLE
Application removal can be done from command line via adb, with less restrictions and irksomeness comparing to GUI method.
- Grab [ADB tools]
- Enable USB debugging in Developer’s settings
- Use provided console commands to do stuff
START ADB DAEMON
adb start-server
LIST OF CONNECTED DEVICES
adb devices
LIST OF INSTALLED APPLICATIONS
adb shell pm list packages
UNINSTALL APPLICATION
adb shell pm uninstall APPLICATION NAME
DISABLE APPLICATION
adb shell pm disable-user APPLICATION NAME
ENABLE APPLICATION
adb shell pm enable --user 0 APPLICATION NAME
SHOW DISABLED APPLICATIONS
adb shell pm list packages -d
Materials of [Semen] & [Soulrevival] from [4pda forum] were used.
