Unlock ANY blocked Pixel device permanently! (it appears upgrading to latest Android 15 update breaks this fix… 🙁

On your PC – Download https://github.com/netpatch/groups_for_netpatch_firewall

1 – Remove Sim Card and LEAVE IT OUT

2 – Factory Reset Phone

3 – Do not connect to Wi-Fi when setting up phone

4 – Go to settings and select Google Play Services and disable the app

5 – Connect to PC and copy apk file to phone

6 – Install app (enable install from unknown sources)

7 – Open Netpatch app and under apps search for:

a. search for ‘setup’ – select Device Setup and disable all 4 connection methods

b. search for ‘lock’ – select Device Lock Controller and disable all 4

c. re-enable Google play services

8 – Connect to wi-fi network

9 – Activate your e-sim or insert sim card and activate phone

10 – Celebrate!!

At this point you are good as long as you keep Netpatch installed and running at all times.

After a few weeks, many phones will forget that they are supposed to be locked and it won’t matter.

You can go further and uninstall [Device Setup] and [Device Lock Controller] like this:

1 – Settings > About Phone > Build Number – Tap until developer mode

2 – Install Shizuku apk – this lets you install elevated apps – Shizuku

3 – Settings > Developer settings > Enable USB debugging and wireless debugging

4 – Tap wireless debugging and use pairing code to connect to Shizuku

5 – Download and install Canta – This one allows you to uninstall system apps

6 – Open Canta and allow connection to Shizuku

7 – Uninstall Device Setup and Device Lock Controller

Shizuku allows normal apps to use system APIs directly with elevated privileges using ADB on non-rooted devices.

More details: https://shizuku.rikka.app/ https://github.com/timschneeb/awesome-shizuku

This list compiles a few apps that are known to make use of Shizuku’s capabilities. All links will take you straight to GitHub pages.

Table of contents

Audio

  • RootlessJamesDSP – An implementation of the system-wide JamesDSP audio processing engine for non-rooted Android devices GPL-3.0 (Source code)

Automation

  • AutoJs6 – JavaScript-based automation tool MPL-2.0
  • PhoneProfilesPlus – Allows automatic or one-click configuration of your device for specific life situations Apache-2.0
  • MacroDroid Ads IAP 💰 – Automation app for Android devices. Version 5.46 and later introduces Shizuku support. Proprietary
  • UbikiTouch IAP 💰 – Add functions to your favourite applications, accessible with a single gesture. Swipe one edge of your screen to reveal a customisable menu displaying your favourite actions. Proprietary

Communication

Customization

  • AAAD IAP 💰 – Downloads popular Android Auto 3rd party apps and installs on Android Auto Proprietary
  • AlwaysOnDisplayToggle – An Android quick setting to toggle Always on Display MIT (Source code)
  • AmbientMusicMod – Port of Now Playing from Pixels to other Android devices GPL-3.0
  • AutoDark – A small Android app to let you schedule dark mode On/Off MIT (Source code)
  • AutoDND – A simple tool to toggle DND automatically when using specified apps AGPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • Better Internet Tiles – Bring back Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles on Android 12 or higher + a better-unified internet tile GPL-3.0(Source code)
  • CarrierVanityName – Carrier Vanity Name is a very simple app to change the carrier names on unrooted Android devices GPL-3.0
  • ColorBlendr – An application to modify Material You colors of your device GPL-3.0
  • DarQ – DarQ provides a per-app selectable force dark option for Android 10 and above Apache-2.0
  • Dawn-Desktop-Addons – Some Android app widgets and live wallpapers GPL-3.0
  • Extendroid – Adds desktop-like multi-window support, on android os for smartphones. No license
  • GrooveLauncher – Windows 8 Metro-styled launcher that can uninstall apps using Shizuku
  • Language-Selector – Allows users to select individual app languages (Android 13+) Apache-2.0
  • LinkSheet – Restore the Android <12 Url-App-Link-Chooser with Material3 Modified MPL-2.0
  • Lockscreen Widgets IAP 💰 – Display widgets on the lockscreen. Shizuku is only required on Android 13 and later MIT (Source code)
  • MultiLocale – A simple app that enables you to add additional (or “unsupported”) languages to your device’s locale settings, if the OEM (Xiaomi) doesn’t let you MIT
  • Repainter IAP 💰 – Install custom Material You designs on your device Proprietary
  • ShizuTools – Contains some easy-to-use tools to go beyond the level of control allowed by Android System GPL-3.0
  • SmartspacerPlugins – Plugins for Smartspacer GPL-3.0
  • System UI Tuner – View and modify hidden settings on Android devices MIT
  • TapTap – Port of the double tap on the back of the device feature from Android 12 to any Android 7.0+ device GPL-3.0
  • Taskbar – Use a start menu to access apps. Shizuku can unlock additional features Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • zFont 3 Ads IAP 💰 – Emoji & Font Changer Proprietary

Development utilities

  • AIDE-Plus – Android IDE for phones AGPL-3.0
  • android_airplane_mode – Sample app that can switch airplane mode No license
  • AndroidAccounts – Dump package names of apps that have registered an account for a user. No license
  • AndroidLowLevelDetector – Detect Treble, GSI, Mainline, APEX, system-as-root(SAR), A/B, etc. Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • Cosmic-IDE IDE for JVM development. Uses Shizuku for an embedded shell – GPL-3.0
  • CurrentActivity – A current activity monitor GPL-3.0
  • get_event – Read /dev/input/event* No license
  • Geto – Apply device settings to your apps. GPL-3.0
  • LibChecker – An app to view libraries used in apps on your device. Uses Shizuku to determine the install source of other apps. Apache-2.0
  • LogFox – Yet another logcat reader for Android GPL-3.0
  • Logra – Material You logcat viewer for Android GPL-2.0
  • PyDroid 3 Ads IAP 💰 – IDE for Python 3 Proprietary
  • RootActivityLauncher Paid 💰 – Launch/interact with (un)exported activities, services, and receivers. Supports Shizuku alongside root. Proprietary (Source code)
  • SensorsOff – Enable/Disable device sensors via quick settings Apache-2.0
  • TakoStats IAP 💰 – FPS and performance overlay with detailed real-time system information Proprietary
  • wireless-adb-switch Widgets & quick settings tile to toggle wireless debugging (with KDE Connect integration) – GPL-3.0

Device owner – DPM

  • Dhizuku – Shizuku-inspired app that allows sharing DeviceOwner permissions to third-party apps GPL-3.0
  • OwnDroid – Manage your device with Device owner privileges GPL-3.0

Display management

  • AG Displays Ads – Launch other apps on external displays (TV/Monitor) or desktop mode on virtual displays while the phone screen can be used for other purposes or turned off Proprietary
  • Android-Screener – A tool for easily adjusting screen resolution and frame rate MIT
  • ConnectScreen – Launch single apps to display in fullscreen on external displays, supporting both USB 2.0 (via DisplayLink dock) and USB 3.0 mobile phones. Can control the external display with a touch screen, USB devices or Bluetooth controller (even if you are USB 2.0 and using a DisplayLink dock). Can use the primary screen of the mobile as a virtual touchpad to control external display. Can rotate the screen for applications like TikTok GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • Fold_Switcher – Switch between various display folding states on foldable devices Apache-2.0
  • SecondScreen – Better screen mirroring for Android devices Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • pixelify – Fast and simple display resolution changer MIT

Entertainment

  • Aniyomi – Tachiyomi fork with anime support and plugin management using Shizuku. Apache-2.0
  • BilibiliCacheVideoMerge – Export BiliBili video cache files to MP4 Apache-2.0
  • Mihon – Manga reader using Shizuku plugin management. Independent successor of Tachiyomi. Apache-2.0

File management

  • AirData UAV – Drone flight analysis and fleet management platform with access to /Android/Data Proprietary
  • Amarok-Hider – Amarok: Hide your private Files and Android APPs with just one click. Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • EDS Full – Encrypted Data Store FullPaid 💰 – Virtual disk encryption software for Android, which allows you to store your files in an encrypted container. Wide, rich range of features for root and non-root, too many to list here (see site). Shizuku control via Android intents (see FAQ). Proprietary
  • FV File Manager – File manager to access Android/data and Android/obb Proprietary
  • MiXplorer – File manager that can batch install APKs and access Android/data and obb using Shizuku Proprietary
  • MT Manager – Split-screen file manager. Can install APKs and access Android/data and Android/obb using Shizuku Proprietary
  • NMM File Manager / Text Edit – File manager & built-in text editor Proprietary
  • SDMaid-SE – SD Maid 2/SE is Android’s most thorough cleaning tool GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • SwiftBackup IAP 💰 – Can backup external app files under Android/data and obb using Shizuku. Root required for full functionality Proprietary
  • X-Plore Ads IAP 💰 – File manager that can access Android/data and obb using Shizuku Proprietary
  • ZArchiver – Archive management program. Supports editing files using Root/Shizuku. Proprietary

Games

Input methods

  • Android-Show-Taps – Show customized taps upon touches GPL-3.0
  • Auto Cursor IAP 💰 – Makes it easy to use large smartphones with just one hand, thanks to a pointer accessible from the edges of the screen. Proprietary
  • KeyMapper – An Android app that changes what the buttons do on your devices! GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • Panda Gamepad Pro Paid IAP 💰 – Keymapper for games Proprietary
  • RealMouse – Control the mouse using a virtual touchpad. Designed for secondary displays. Proprietary
  • XtMapper – Keymapper for Android x86 GPL-3.0

Installer & app stores

  • AuroraStore – An open-source alternative to Google Play Store with privacy and modern design GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • BHub – Download, install and share mods easily No license
  • Droid-ify – Material F-Droid client GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • fdroid_shizuku_privileged_extension – F-Droid Privilege Extension that works with Shizuku Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • ffupdater – FFUpdater: Updater for privacy-friendly browser GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • glassdown – Client for APKMirror GPL-3.0
  • InstallWithOptions – Simple-ish app using Shizuku to install APKs on-device with advanced options MIT
  • IzzyOnDroid – An unofficial client for IzzyOnDroid F-Droid Repository GPL-3.0
  • Obtainium – Get Android App Updates Directly From the Source GPL-3.0
  • PI – Package installer that allows overwriting the package requester and executor MIT
  • SAI – Android split APKs installer GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • skydroid – A decentralized domain-based App Store for Android GPL-3.0

Miscellaneous

  • Anywhere – An activity and shell shortcut folder Apache-2.0
  • DSU-Sideloader – A simple app made to help users easily install GSIs via DSU’s Android feature. Apache-2.0
  • dualapp-mediastore-compatibility – Fixes MediaStore & File IO compatibility issues between HostProfile App and WorkProfile/DualApp/MultiApp. No license
  • LSPatch – A non-root Xposed framework extending from LSPosed GPL-3.0
  • SimpleWear – A simple app for controlling your Android devices from your WearOS watch Apache-2.0 (Source code)

Network

  • CellReader Paid 💰 – Can read cell tower info on Android MIT (Source code)
  • FindMyDevice – Secure & open-source alternative to Google’s FindMyDevice service. GPL-3.0
  • Hostman Root – Preview & edit the /etc/hosts file MIT
  • NaiveproxyForAndroid – A simple application to run Naiveproxy on Android MIT
  • PrivateDNSAndroid – Quick settings tile to switch active private DNS server MIT
  • WiFiList Paid 💰 – View your saved WiFi passwords on Android 11 and later without root Proprietary (Source code)
  • WiFiList (FOSS) – FOSS fork of ‘WiFiList’ Missing license

Power management

  • Batt – A simple app that shows battery status information on Android 14 and later. GPL-3.0
  • Extinguish – Extinguish turn your screen off but keep your device wake Proprietary
  • rebootmenu – Lock the screen or open the power menu using shortcuts. Useful, if your power button is broken. MIT
  • ScreenOff – Turn off your Android’s screen without entering standby/sleep mode Proprietary

Software management

  • AppDash 7-day trial Paid 💰 – An app manager that makes it easy to manage APKs and apps installed on your device Proprietary
  • App Ops Ads IAP 💰 – Manage application permissions without root Proprietary
  • Blocker – Enable/disable Android components such as activities, services, receivers, and providers Apache-2.0
  • Canta – Uninstall any app without root LGPL-3.0
  • DisabledLauncher – Android app that disables unused apps while still allowing convenient access to them MIT
  • FreezeYou – Improve your device’s speed and battery life by freezing crappy software manually or semi-automatically Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • Hail Freeze, hide or disable any app. Create and organize app groups that can be frozen with one click. – GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • Ice Box IAP 💰 – Freeze or hide apps using Shizuku Proprietary
  • Inure App Manager 15-day trial IAP 💰 – Android app manager for both rooted and non-rooted devices GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • Insular – Complete FLOSS fork of Island Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • Island – Isolate and clone apps for privacy protection and parallel running Apache-2.0 (Source code)
  • krude – All-in-one app and workflow launcher MIT
  • MMRL Root – Manage your Magisk module repository GPL-3.0
  • Package Manager – A highly powerful app to manage both system and user apps GPL-3.0 (Source code)
  • UpgradeAll – Check updates for Android apps, Magisk modules and more! GPL-3.0 (Source code)

Terminals

  • aShell – A local ADB shell for Shizuku powered android devices GPL-3.0
    • aShell You – Material You Redesign of aShell app. GPL-3.0
  • ShizuShell – ADB shell using Shizuku Proprietary

Note

Using rish, you can create a local ADB shell with any terminal emulator, such as Termux.

Vendor-specific

Google Pixel

  • pixel-volte-patch – Enable VoLTE on Pixel 6 & 7 with LG U+ GPL-3.0
  • Smartspacer – Customizable widget, can upgrade the built-in ‘At a glance’ widget on Pixel devices using Shizuku GPL-3.0

Samsung OneUI

  • Hex Installer: OneUI themes IAP 💰 – Custom system-wide theming engine for Samsung OneUI devices Proprietary
  • SBatteryTweaks – Enable or disable fast charging mode on Samsung devices when the battery temperature reaches a certain point No license
  • SMTShell – Privilege escalation exploit (CVE-2019-16253) to system user access (UID 1000) on non-rooted devices running up to OneUI 5. Uses Shizuku for automation LGPL-2.1

MIUI

  • FiveGSwitcher – 5G shortcut switch for MIUI GPL-3.0 – (Source code)
  • FxxkMIUIAd – Turn off MIUI ads with minimal cost Apache-2.0
  • MixFlipTool – One-click configuration for Mix Flip’s outer screen: Use any apps and restore system apps to default style GPL-3.0
  • Mi-FreeForm – Display most apps in the form of freeform on MIUI GPL-3.0
  • NavigationSwitcher – Enable 3-button navigation in rhythm games for MIUI / HyperOS No license

Unlisted apps

To keep the main list clean, all apps that do not meet certain requirements are stored on a separate page: UNLISTED.md

I’m also using an automated crawler that searches for new projects, making use of Shizuku across GitHub and several F-Droid repos. You can view the current auto-generated crawl report here: TODO.md.

Development libraries

Core

  • Shizuku – Shizuku system server, API, and app Apache-2.0
  • Shizuku-API – Developer documentation for Shizuku and Sui, including examples Apache-2.0

Filesystem

  • LintFile – A file operation library with Shizuku, root, and regular filesystem backends LGPL-2.1
  • nextgenfs – Shizuku compatible android/data access from Xamarin – AIDL library MIT
  • shizuku_apk_installer – Flutter plugin for installing Android APKs using Shizuku API MIT

System

Power

  • PowerAct – An Android library that can manipulate power-related actions with just a few lines of code Apache-2.0

Rish shell

rish is an Android executable (not an app) for interacting with a shell that runs on a high-elevated daemon process. For example, if Shizuku was launched using ADB privileges, then rish will also provide a shell that maintains ADB privileges.

To set up rish, open Shizuku, navigate to ‘Use Shizuku in terminal apps’, and follow the setup instructions. Please note that you need a basic understanding of shells, terminals, and essential commands to use this efficiently.

After rish is set up, you can use it together with any apps that support calling any shell script or executable, even if the app doesn’t support Shizuku itself.

Note

Because rish‘s location is not in $PATH, you may need to specify the path to the executable to launch it manually. If it is located in your current working directory, use ./rish to launch it.

Syntax:

  • rish: Launch the default interactive shell (uses /system/bin/sh)
  • rish exec /path/to/custom/shell: Launch custom/alternative interactive shell
  • rish -c 'whoami': Execute shell command and exit once completed
  • echo 'whoami' | rish: Read shell command from stdin, execute it, and exit once completed

Note

whoami is used as an example command and would return the name of the current shell user.

Usage examples:

  • Open an interactive ADB shell using a terminal emulator like Termux directly on your device
  • Trigger high-privilege ADB shell commands using automation apps like Tasker automatically in the background
    • Example: Command rish -c 'reboot' would reboot the device using Shizuku via the shell

The official rish documentation is available here: https://github.com/RikkaApps/Shizuku-API/blob/master/rish/README.md

Annotations

  • Paid 💰 – Paid application
  • IAP 💰 – Contains in-app-purchases
  • Ads – Contains ads
  • Proprietary – Missing license or closed-source software
  • n-day trial – Payment required after n days
  • Root – Requires Shizuku to run in Root mode

License

This list is under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

If you want to remove all Google services from a Pixel 8a, you can take several steps to “de-Google” your device. However, this process requires a combination of disabling pre-installed apps, uninstalling system apps where possible, and potentially installing alternative software. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Removing or Disabling Google Apps

By default, many Google apps are pre-installed on the Pixel 8a. While some can be uninstalled or disabled, others require advanced methods.

Steps to Disable System Apps:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps.
  2. Tap the app you want to disable.
  3. If the “Disable” option is available, select it. This prevents the app from running but doesn’t remove it entirely ..1....19...

Apps You Can Disable Without Root:

  • Google Assistant
  • Google Play Services (may cause issues with other apps)
  • Google Maps
  • YouTube
  • Google Photos
  • Google Drive
  • Gmail
  • Chrome ..8...

For apps that cannot be disabled directly (e.g., critical system apps like Google Play Services), you may need to use ADB commands (explained below).

2. Using ADB Commands for Deeper Removal

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to uninstall or disable system apps without rooting your device.

Steps:

  1. Enable Developer Options:
    • Go to Settings > About Phone.
    • Tap “Build Number” seven times to unlock Developer Options.
  2. Enable USB Debugging:
    • Go to Settings > System > Developer Options.
    • Turn on USB Debugging.
  3. Install ADB on your computer and connect your phone via USB.
  4. Run the following commands in a terminal:- List installed packages:bash ```bash adb shell pm list packages ```
    • Uninstall specific apps for the current user:bash adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package_name> Replace <package_name> with the package name of the app (e.g., com.google.android.gms for Google Play Services)..8..
    Note_: Be cautious when uninstalling system apps, as removing critical components can cause instability.

3. Installing Alternative Software

To fully avoid Google services, consider replacing stock Android with a custom ROM that removes Google’s proprietary components.

Custom ROMs:

  • CalyxOS or GrapheneOS: Privacy-focused ROMs that exclude Google services by default but allow optional microG installation for apps requiring Google APIs..26..
  • LineageOS: A widely supported custom ROM that can run without Google services.

Replacing Google Play Services:

If some apps require Google APIs, use alternatives like:

  • microG: A lightweight reimplementation of Google Play Services..4...
  • Use app stores like F-Droid or Aurora Store instead of the Play Store for app downloads..9...

4. Alternatives to Common Google Apps

Replace Google’s ecosystem with open-source or privacy-respecting alternatives:

  • Search: DuckDuckGo, Startpage, or Kagi..7.. ..22...
  • Maps: OsmAnd or Magic Earth..9...
  • Cloud Storage: Nextcloud or Syncthing..7.. ..22...
  • Email: ProtonMail or Tutanota.
  • Browser: Mozilla Firefox or Brave..7...

5. Rooting for Full Control

For complete removal of all traces of Google services, rooting your device is necessary. Rooting allows you to modify system files directly but comes with risks such as voiding warranties and potential security vulnerabilities.

6. Considerations and Risks

  1. Disabling core services like Google Play Services may break functionality in many third-party apps that rely on it.
  2. Removing system apps does not free up storage space as they reside in the system partition..5..
  3. Custom ROM installation requires unlocking the bootloader, which erases all data on your phone.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce or eliminate reliance on Google’s ecosystem on your Pixel 8a while maintaining basic functionality through alternative tools and software.

Leave a Reply