• Re: Where are MMS-messages stored in Android 15 ?

    From Andrew@21:1/5 to Jesper on Fri Dec 13 14:31:32 2024
    Jesper wrote on Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:13:19 +0100 :

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
    are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    If you check the Android archives, it was discussed in the past.
    From my recollection, you need to be rooted, but check the threads.
    <https://tinyurl.com/nova-comp-mobile-android>

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Jesper Kaas@21:1/5 to All on Fri Dec 13 16:00:25 2024
    On Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:45:09 +0000, Andy Burns <[email protected]>
    wrote:

    Jesper wrote:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
    are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15.

    Are they stored on the phone, or are they just URLs pointing to your >operator's MMS server?

    A good question that I cannot answer. But being just URL's sounds
    probable.

    Best regards
    --
    Jesper Kaas - [email protected]

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  • From Andy Burns@21:1/5 to Jesper on Fri Dec 13 14:45:09 2024
    Jesper wrote:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
    are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15.

    Are they stored on the phone, or are they just URLs pointing to your
    operator's MMS server?

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    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From VanguardLH@21:1/5 to Jesper on Fri Dec 13 13:55:27 2024
    Jesper <[email protected]> wrote:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
    are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    https://www.google.com/search?q=android+where+mms+stored

    See the AI-generated response which may be sufficient for you to realize
    those are stored in a database file which means you won't be looking
    inside of them using just a file manager.

    https://www.magnetforensics.com/blog/android-messaging-forensics-sms-mms-and-beyond/

    Apparently mmssms.db is a SQLite database file, and is unlikely to be encrypted, so you could look into using SQL[ite] commands to interrogate
    the database. There are SQLite viewer apps for Android, or you could
    copy the .db file from Android phone to your PC; however, you probably
    still need to know something of the records and their structure to know
    on what to search. An SMS/MMS viewer app, or backup & restore app would
    likely know the structure in the database file to present you the
    messages stored there, but I've never used one to recommend any.

    Are you only looking for where is the database file, or how to peek
    inside of it?

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  • From VanguardLH@21:1/5 to Jesper on Fri Dec 13 16:05:09 2024
    Jesper <[email protected]> wrote:

    On 13.12.2024 20:55, VanguardLH wrote:
    Jesper <[email protected]> wrote:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
    suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    https://www.google.com/search?q=android+where+mms+stored

    See the AI-generated response which may be sufficient for you to realize
    those are stored in a database file which means you won't be looking
    inside of them using just a file manager.

    https://www.magnetforensics.com/blog/android-messaging-forensics-sms-mms-and-beyond/

    Apparently mmssms.db is a SQLite database file, and is unlikely to be
    encrypted, so you could look into using SQL[ite] commands to interrogate
    the database. There are SQLite viewer apps for Android, or you could
    copy the .db file from Android phone to your PC; however, you probably
    still need to know something of the records and their structure to know
    on what to search. An SMS/MMS viewer app, or backup & restore app would
    likely know the structure in the database file to present you the
    messages stored there, but I've never used one to recommend any.

    Are you only looking for where is the database file, or how to peek
    inside of it?

    I just wanted to get hold of a picture that was sent as MMS as a normal picture file, .jpg or whatever. I first tried a long tap on the picture
    in "Messages" , which did not bring up anything. Then my wife showed me
    to use a short tap on the picture, which brought up icons, one of which
    gave a "Share" menu. So simple. Embarrassed :-(

    I still get screwed by apps that require sliding left or right to commit
    an action. For one app, I contacted support to ask how to remove an
    item. Their app incorrectly sizes its window, so the bottom is
    truncated, and that's where they put the Remove button, so it is not
    visible. The rep said to slide the item to the left to see a Remove
    option. Simple, but I wouldn't have thought of that since it was a new
    feature in a recent version.

    "Where are my eyeglasses?"
    "On top of your head."

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  • From micky@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 03:00:44 2024
    In comp.mobile.android, on Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:13:19 +0100, Jesper <[email protected]> wrote:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
    are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of >suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    Best regards

    You can find where thigns were with lipstick, talcum powder, or smoke.

    Wait, wrong ng.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Arno Welzel@21:1/5 to All on Sat Dec 14 12:11:32 2024
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
    are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
    of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
    not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.


    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@21:1/5 to Chris Green on Sat Dec 14 13:43:15 2024
    On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
    suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
    system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
    readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
    able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
    should I be prevented from using it from another program?

    Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
    you think given the disaster prone Windows.


    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Chris Green@21:1/5 to Arno Welzel on Sat Dec 14 12:08:12 2024
    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
    system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
    **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
    readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
    able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
    should I be prevented from using it from another program?

    --
    Chris Green
    ·

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Arno Welzel on Sat Dec 14 15:59:18 2024
    On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
    are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
    suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
    of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
    not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.



    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
    just a few directories from the system that are not readable.


    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Chris Green@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 14:57:23 2024
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of >>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
    system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
    readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
    able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
    should I be prevented from using it from another program?

    Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
    you think given the disaster prone Windows.

    Windows? What's that?

    --
    Chris Green
    ·

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to Carlos E.R. on Sat Dec 14 15:50:19 2024
    Carlos E.R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
    suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
    of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
    not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.

    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
    just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

    Indeed. The same is the case if you connect the Android device [1] via
    a USB-cable to a Windows system. All normal folders and specifically
    \Android\* (data, media, obb , obj) are accessible in (Windows) File
    Explorer. Of course this isn't a scurity/privacy issue, because you need physical access to the device and the device must be unlocked.

    As Chris Green noted, the Android model, of not letting a user access
    their own data, is rather silly for users used to normal/real computers.
    But it's probably the result of the design choice to only have a normal
    user and not some kind of administrator/root. Whether that design choice
    is a reasonable/sane/etc. one, is left up to the reader. As Android is Linux-like under the hood, you probably can guess my position! :-)

    [1] Android device: smartphone, tablet, etc..

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  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@21:1/5 to Chris Green on Sat Dec 14 18:00:54 2024
    On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
    It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
    system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
    **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
    readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
    reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
    able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
    should I be prevented from using it from another program?

    Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
    you think given the disaster prone Windows.

    Windows? What's that?

    What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
    huge problems!


    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Chris Green@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 19:50:50 2024
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
    It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
    system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
    **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
    readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
    reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be >>> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
    should I be prevented from using it from another program?

    Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
    you think given the disaster prone Windows.

    Windows? What's that?

    What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
    huge problems!

    Well I'm a 70+ and I'm not using it! :-)

    --
    Chris Green
    ·

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From =?UTF-8?Q?J=C3=B6rg_Lorenz?=@21:1/5 to Chris Green on Sat Dec 14 22:49:22 2024
    On 14.12.24 20:50, Chris Green wrote:
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
    It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
    system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a >>>>> **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
    readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more >>>>> reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be >>>>> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why >>>>> should I be prevented from using it from another program?

    Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than >>>> you think given the disaster prone Windows.

    Windows? What's that?

    What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
    huge problems!

    Well I'm a 70+ and I'm not using it! :-)

    70%+ not 70plus ... :-D


    --
    "Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Chris Green@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sat Dec 14 22:10:00 2024
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 20:50, Chris Green wrote:
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
    Jörg Lorenz <[email protected]> wrote:
    On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
    It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange >>>>> system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a >>>>> **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is >>>>> readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more >>>>> reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be >>>>> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why >>>>> should I be prevented from using it from another program?

    Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than >>>> you think given the disaster prone Windows.

    Windows? What's that?

    What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
    huge problems!

    Well I'm a 70+ and I'm not using it! :-)

    70%+ not 70plus ... :-D

    Ah, OK, sorry! :-)

    --
    Chris Green
    ·

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Arno Welzel@21:1/5 to All on Sun Dec 15 23:33:00 2024
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-14 16:50:

    Carlos E.R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of >>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader >>> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
    not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.

    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
    just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

    Indeed. The same is the case if you connect the Android device [1] via
    a USB-cable to a Windows system. All normal folders and specifically \Android\* (data, media, obb , obj) are accessible in (Windows) File Explorer. Of course this isn't a scurity/privacy issue, because you need physical access to the device and the device must be unlocked.

    And "normal folders" are *not* private app storage folders. For example
    you can *not* read the contact database this way.

    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Arno Welzel@21:1/5 to All on Sun Dec 15 23:32:07 2024
    Carlos E.R., 2024-12-14 15:59:

    On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
    suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
    of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
    not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.



    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
    just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

    Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file
    manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.


    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Arno Welzel on Mon Dec 16 00:47:19 2024
    On 2024-12-15 23:32, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Carlos E.R., 2024-12-14 15:59:

    On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of >>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader >>> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
    not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.



    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
    just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

    Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

    I seem to recall that filemanagers in Android need a special permission
    to be able to see "everything". Or most things, anyhow.

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From R.Wieser@21:1/5 to All on Mon Dec 16 10:08:52 2024
    Arno,

    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
    just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

    Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

    Has the OP mentioned anywhere a restriction to any method for accessing that data ? If not, don't complain that someone suggested a viable one you
    didn't think of.

    Also, your compaint that "not all apps allow" ... well, not what the OP
    asked for is only good as a "it might not work" remark, but certainly not as rejection of what Carlos suggested. And no, he wasn't suggesting that the
    OP should make a backup. But you already knew that.

    IOW, you would throw a perfectly good suggestion (solution?) away because
    you think that there "is a chance" that it would not work ? Thats
    downright stupid.

    OP:
    Follow Carlos suggestion, connect your smartphone to a PC and see what its filebrowser* allows you to access. :-)

    * or perhaps a specialized browser for your smartphone.

    Regards,
    Rudy Wieser

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to Arno Welzel on Mon Dec 16 14:33:06 2024
    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-14 16:50:

    Carlos E.R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of >>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you >>> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which >>> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including >>> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader >>> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often >>> not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.

    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
    just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

    Indeed. The same is the case if you connect the Android device [1] via
    a USB-cable to a Windows system. All normal folders and specifically \Android\* (data, media, obb , obj) are accessible in (Windows) File Explorer. Of course this isn't a scurity/privacy issue, because you need physical access to the device and the device must be unlocked.

    And "normal folders" are *not* private app storage folders. For example
    you can *not* read the contact database this way.

    True, you probably need 'adb pull' to access those. Anyway, as has
    been said, things like contacts, (SMS/MMS) messages, etc. are the easy
    bit, because there are lots of apps wich can can backup/export those.
    The critical/difficult ones are the app-private folders and - as said - a
    USB connection can access those.

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  • From R.Wieser@21:1/5 to All on Mon Dec 16 16:08:00 2024
    Jesper,

    When this Android 15 smartphone is connected to my Windows11 PC via USB,
    it does not show up in Windows Explorer at all. And no message on the
    phone about allowing access.

    It might be that you first need to allow possible access to your phone,
    after which you, on connection, get such a "are you sure" confirmation
    dialog.

    IOW, look in your phones settings.

    Therefore I use an app, Cx File Explorer, for transfering files between
    Phone and PC

    An app on your phone to talk with the PC ? That should mean that there is nothing wrong with the connection/cable itself.

    Regards,
    Rudy Wieser

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  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to Arno Welzel on Mon Dec 16 14:49:13 2024
    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Carlos E.R., 2024-12-14 15:59:

    On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
    Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

    I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages >>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of >>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
    Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
    It can't be that difficult, can it?

    For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
    storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
    don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
    have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
    all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

    Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader >> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
    not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
    custom ROM.

    I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
    cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

    Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

    As Rudy mentioned, I don't think the OP (Jesper) said that the information/file(s) should be accessible by a file manager *on the
    (Android) device*. That's your restriction, not his.

    Most, if not all, posters here have a computer. Jesper posted with
    Mozilla Thunderbird, so he has a Windows or Linux (or mac?) computer
    which he can use with a USB connection to his phone.

    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
    connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of restriction you're not divulging.

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  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to Jesper on Mon Dec 16 15:15:52 2024
    Jesper <[email protected]> wrote:
    [...]

    When this Android 15 smartphone is connected to my Windows11 PC via USB,
    it does not show up in Windows Explorer at all. And no message on the
    phone about allowing access.

    Does it not show up at all or does it not show any folders/files?
    Normally, there should be an icon with a picture of a phone and the
    name of the phone. Mine shows a smartphone, i.e. just a screen. and
    "Frank's Galaxy A51".

    If you *do* see the icon+name, but no folders/files, that's probably
    because your phone is (screen) locked. If so, just unlock the phone and
    follow the prompts, if any.

    Therefore I use an app, Cx File Explorer,
    for transfering files between Phone and PC. I have tried different
    cables: one with USB-A in one end and USB-C in the other, and one with
    USB-C in both ends.

    Use the cable which came with the phone! That cable should allow
    charging and data transfer.

    My old Android 4 phone is visible in Windows Explorer on PC when
    connected via USB, and files can be transferred.

    If the cable is the right one and not defective, it's probably a
    matter of installing the right USB driver on your computer. The website/documentation of the phone should be able to help you with that.
    It may be as simple as installing the needed devices/drivers with Device Manager. You should have a phone device under 'Portable Devices' and a
    USB device under 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers' (mine is called
    'SAMSUNG Mobile USB Composite Device').

    As your old Android 4 phone works, you can use that to compare which
    devices should be visible in Device Manager, i.e. connect *both* phones,
    unlock them and compare.

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  • From croy@21:1/5 to All on Mon Dec 16 08:40:21 2024
    On Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:21:23 +0100, Jesper <[email protected]>
    wrote:

    When this Android 15 smartphone is connected to my Windows11 PC via USB,
    it does not show up in Windows Explorer at all. And no message on the
    phone about allowing access. Therefore I use an app, Cx File Explorer,
    for transfering files between Phone and PC. I have tried different
    cables: one with USB-A in one end and USB-C in the other, and one with
    USB-C in both ends.
    My old Android 4 phone is visible in Windows Explorer on PC when
    connected via USB, and files can be transferred.

    With respect to my Moto G5 Plus (circa 2017), when I connect it to my
    Windows 10 PC, I have to go to Settings on the phone and tell it that I
    want to allow file transfers (I can't remember just now what the exact
    wording is). Then, on the PC, I have to tell Explorer to "Refresh", and
    then the phone shows up. Explorer acts a little odd, when a device like a phone or eReader is plugged in, in that when I click on the phone, any
    other directory that was open, immediately collapses, and if I go back to
    that directory, the phone directory collapses--weird. It took me qhhuite a while to figure all this out, when I was recently given this phone (my
    first cell phone). Anroid phones are incrdible devices, but for this old DOS/Windows guy, the Android file system is still a mystery.

    --
    croy

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  • From VanguardLH@21:1/5 to Frank Slootweg on Mon Dec 16 11:51:24 2024
    Frank Slootweg <[email protected]d> wrote:

    As Rudy mentioned, I don't think the OP (Jesper) said that the information/file(s) should be accessible by a file manager *on the
    (Android) device*. That's your restriction, not his.

    Most, if not all, posters here have a computer. Jesper posted with
    Mozilla Thunderbird, so he has a Windows or Linux (or mac?) computer
    which he can use with a USB connection to his phone.

    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
    connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of restriction you're not divulging.

    And shall we delve into encrypted files? A file may get backed up, but
    that doesn't mean you can get inside it. Also, just because you know
    where is a file, and can access or copy it, doesn't mean you can
    casually view it. On Android, SMS messages are stored in an SQLite
    database, so you need an SQLite viewer, editor, or extractor. You need
    to know which record to extract, and perhaps the structure of those
    records. Repetitive inspection might lead to which record and which
    field. There are SQLite apps for Android, but I haven't used any there.

    All of this is now somewhat moot as of 3 days ago after Jesper noted he
    managed to get at the picture inside an MMS that he wanted to share.
    However, that doesn't bar wandering off onto tangents discussing the
    trials and tribulations of using an over-wresting OS.

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  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to croy on Mon Dec 16 18:50:44 2024
    croy <[email protected]> wrote:
    [...]

    With respect to my Moto G5 Plus (circa 2017), when I connect it to my
    Windows 10 PC, I have to go to Settings on the phone and tell it that I
    want to allow file transfers (I can't remember just now what the exact wording is). Then, on the PC, I have to tell Explorer to "Refresh", and
    then the phone shows up. ...

    Good point (for Jesper)!

    When you connect the phone, drag down the notification area from the
    top of your screen. There you should see a notification mentioning
    'USB'. Tap the down arrow. It should be set to 'USB for file transfer'.
    If not, tap on 'Tap for other USB options' and correct the setting. Do
    *not* use the 'Transferring images' setting. With 'USB for file
    transfer' you can transfer images *and* other files. With 'Transferring
    images' you can only transfer images and probably not from/to all
    places.

    [...]

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  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to VanguardLH on Mon Dec 16 18:38:25 2024
    VanguardLH <[email protected]> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg <[email protected]d> wrote:

    As Rudy mentioned, I don't think the OP (Jesper) said that the information/file(s) should be accessible by a file manager *on the (Android) device*. That's your restriction, not his.

    Most, if not all, posters here have a computer. Jesper posted with
    Mozilla Thunderbird, so he has a Windows or Linux (or mac?) computer
    which he can use with a USB connection to his phone.

    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
    connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of restriction you're not divulging.

    And shall we delve into encrypted files? A file may get backed up, but
    that doesn't mean you can get inside it.

    Yes, put this part of the thread *is* about backup, not about getting
    inside the information/file(s).

    Also, just because you know
    where is a file, and can access or copy it, doesn't mean you can
    casually view it. On Android, SMS messages are stored in an SQLite
    database, so you need an SQLite viewer, editor, or extractor. You need
    to know which record to extract, and perhaps the structure of those
    records. Repetitive inspection might lead to which record and which
    field. There are SQLite apps for Android, but I haven't used any there.

    As I mentioned elsewhere [1] in the (sub-)thread, both backing up and exporting SMS/MMS messages and contacts is *not* a problem on Android.
    There are umpteen apps that do that kind of thing.

    All of this is now somewhat moot as of 3 days ago after Jesper noted he managed to get at the picture inside an MMS that he wanted to share.
    However, that doesn't bar wandering off onto tangents discussing the
    trials and tribulations of using an over-wresting OS.

    What!? Thread drift!? On *Usenet*!? Can't be!

    [1] Message-ID: <[email protected]>

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  • From Jesper Kaas@21:1/5 to All on Mon Dec 16 21:08:34 2024
    On 16 Dec 2024 18:38:25 GMT, Frank Slootweg <[email protected]d>
    wrote:

    VanguardLH <[email protected]> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg <[email protected]d> wrote:

    As Rudy mentioned, I don't think the OP (Jesper) said that the
    information/file(s) should be accessible by a file manager *on the
    (Android) device*. That's your restriction, not his.

    Most, if not all, posters here have a computer. Jesper posted with
    Mozilla Thunderbird, so he has a Windows or Linux (or mac?) computer
    which he can use with a USB connection to his phone.

    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
    connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of
    restriction you're not divulging.

    And shall we delve into encrypted files? A file may get backed up, but
    that doesn't mean you can get inside it.

    Yes, put this part of the thread *is* about backup, not about getting
    inside the information/file(s).

    Also, just because you know
    where is a file, and can access or copy it, doesn't mean you can
    casually view it. On Android, SMS messages are stored in an SQLite
    database, so you need an SQLite viewer, editor, or extractor. You need
    to know which record to extract, and perhaps the structure of those
    records. Repetitive inspection might lead to which record and which
    field. There are SQLite apps for Android, but I haven't used any there.

    As I mentioned elsewhere [1] in the (sub-)thread, both backing up and
    exporting SMS/MMS messages and contacts is *not* a problem on Android.
    There are umpteen apps that do that kind of thing.

    All of this is now somewhat moot as of 3 days ago after Jesper noted he
    managed to get at the picture inside an MMS that he wanted to share.
    However, that doesn't bar wandering off onto tangents discussing the
    trials and tribulations of using an over-wresting OS.

    What!? Thread drift!? On *Usenet*!? Can't be!

    There are spin-offs in thread-drifting, so it sure can be a good
    thing. To sum up: I was hoping to dig a picture in a MMS-message out
    as a separate file, but quite early in this thread I learnt from wise
    people, that most apps in Android store their data in a restricted
    restricted area you can only see if the phone is rooted (or something
    like that).
    Then in the part about getting access to the the phones storage from
    windows I learnt something: All my prior phones popped up a message
    asking why to do, as soon as a USB-connection to a PC was established.
    Not with this new one. It did not cross my mind to drag down to see
    the information area. But drag down and there it is, asking what to
    do.
    Anyway, it is easier to connect to PC via wifi and use a file explorer
    on the phone.

    Best regards
    --
    Jesper Kaas - [email protected]

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  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Frank Slootweg on Tue Dec 17 00:04:53 2024
    On 2024-12-16 16:15, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    As your old Android 4 phone works, you can use that to compare which devices should be visible in Device Manager, i.e. connect*both* phones, unlock them and compare.

    No, modern phones use MTP (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Transfer_Protocol), while old
    phones actually mounted the phones similar as an USB stick.

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

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  • From Andrew@21:1/5 to Frank Slootweg on Tue Dec 17 03:25:19 2024
    Frank Slootweg wrote on 16 Dec 2024 14:33:06 GMT :

    And "normal folders" are *not* private app storage folders. For example
    you can *not* read the contact database this way.

    True, you probably need 'adb pull' to access those. Anyway, as has
    been said, things like contacts, (SMS/MMS) messages, etc. are the easy
    bit, because there are lots of apps wich can can backup/export those.
    The critical/difficult ones are the app-private folders and - as said - a
    USB connection can access those.

    Unrooted...

    Frank is completely correct that Windows adb (& Android WebDAV servers)
    allow my Windows PC almost complete read-only access to many of the Android "system" files & folders over USB cable (which are not available otherwise)
    <https://i.postimg.cc/Zngy0SGT/filesys03.jpg>

    As Frank noted, these folders that are accessible to Windows adb (& to
    WebDav servers) are NOT generally accessible to Android file managers.

    Specifically for the one-and-only Android contacts sqlite database, in the
    past I had tried to access the contacts folders with adb and, as I recall,
    I failed - but if it's possible - I'd love to know how it can be done!

    Why is it that any app can access the default Android contacts sqlite
    database & the default Android SMS/MMS sqlite database, but I can't access
    it?
    <https://xdaforums.com/t/why-is-it-that-any-app-can-access-the-default-android-contacts-sqlite-database-the-default-android-sms-mms-sqlite-database-but-i-cant-access-it.4679128/>

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  • From Andrew@21:1/5 to Jesper on Tue Dec 17 03:26:30 2024
    Jesper wrote on Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:20:09 +0100 :

    I just wanted to get hold of a picture that was sent as MMS as a normal picture file, .jpg or whatever. I first tried a long tap on the picture
    in "Messages" , which did not bring up anything. Then my wife showed me
    to use a short tap on the picture, which brought up icons, one of which
    gave a "Share" menu. So simple.

    Glad you figured out where media is stored for your messaging app.

    As far as I'm aware, each messenger can save the photos to sd0 storage.

    Mine, for example, are auto-stored in /sd0/Pictures/Pulse/{image.jpg}

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  • From Andrew@21:1/5 to Jesper Kaas on Tue Dec 17 03:37:03 2024
    Jesper Kaas wrote on Mon, 16 Dec 2024 21:08:34 +0100 :

    I was hoping to dig a picture in a MMS-message out
    as a separate file, but quite early in this thread I learnt from wise
    people, that most apps in Android store their data in a restricted
    restricted area you can only see if the phone is rooted (or something
    like that).

    I want to clarify that statement above because, as I understand the
    situation, originally you asked a completely *different* question than what
    you found as your solution.

    What you found as your solution is that every text messenger app seems to
    have an option for automatically (or manually) saving incoming media to a location on your Android file system that the file manager can access.

    But what you originally asked, as I understand it, is where is the original messaging data (including all the text messages) stored.

    Those are two completely different questions.
    Therefore, the answers are completely different.

    One is stored in a plaintext file out in the open for all to see.
    The other is stored in an XML database only accessible to text messengers.

    In summary, if all you wanted was a copy of the incoming media (not the originals, mind you), then that is what you found was very easy to access.

    Getting a hold of the original database is what is hard to do without
    rooting.

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  • From Arno Welzel@21:1/5 to All on Tue Dec 17 11:41:02 2024
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-16 19:38:

    [...]
    As I mentioned elsewhere [1] in the (sub-)thread, both backing up and exporting SMS/MMS messages and contacts is *not* a problem on Android.
    There are umpteen apps that do that kind of thing.

    Yes - because "read SMS" is a permission which can be granted to apps
    and not because messages received via SMS is just lying around somewhere
    and every app can read it.

    Also see:

    <https://developer.android.com/reference/android/Manifest.permission#READ_SMS>


    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de

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  • From Arno Welzel@21:1/5 to All on Tue Dec 17 11:36:32 2024
    Carlos E.R., 2024-12-16 00:47:

    On 2024-12-15 23:32, Arno Welzel wrote:
    [...]
    Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file
    manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

    I seem to recall that filemanagers in Android need a special permission
    to be able to see "everything". Or most things, anyhow.

    Yes, they need to be a "system" app provided by the manufacturer so they
    can more or less act the same way as if they got root access.


    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de

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  • From Arno Welzel@21:1/5 to All on Tue Dec 17 11:38:23 2024
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-16 15:49:

    [...]
    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
    connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of restriction you're not divulging.

    At least many Banking apps usually do not allow to backup their data.
    And it does not matter, if the backup is done via ADB or as part of the
    Google app backup.


    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de

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  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Andrew on Tue Dec 17 15:11:01 2024
    On 2024-12-17 04:25, Andrew wrote:
    Why is it that any app can access the default Android contacts sqlite database & the default Android SMS/MMS sqlite database, but I can't access it?

    Probably because they are using an API, not trying to open the sqlite
    files themselves.

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

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  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to Carlos E.R. on Tue Dec 17 16:27:13 2024
    Carlos E.R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    On 2024-12-16 16:15, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    As your old Android 4 phone works, you can use that to compare which devices should be visible in Device Manager, i.e. connect*both* phones, unlock them and compare.

    No, modern phones use MTP (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Transfer_Protocol), while old
    phones actually mounted the phones similar as an USB stick.

    As quoted above, Jesper's phone is Android 4. My Huawei Ascend Y300
    phone came with Android 4.1.1 and that already had MTP (and PTP) and -
    as you mentioned - 'USB mass storage'. I bought that phone in September
    2013.

    That's why I assumed Jesper can compare his old and new phone setups.

    Anyway, this is all moot, because Jesper has reported that the
    'problem' with the new phone was that he hadn't looked in the drag down
    the notification area. Once he did, he saw the USB connection options.

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  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to Arno Welzel on Tue Dec 17 18:16:44 2024
    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-16 15:49:

    [...]
    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of restriction you're not divulging.

    At least many Banking apps usually do not allow to backup their data.
    And it does not matter, if the backup is done via ADB or as part of the Google app backup.

    And *how* can those banking apps "not allow to backup their data"!? Especially for the ADB case.

    Remember I said "Unless there's some other kind of restriction you're
    not divulging.".

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  • From Arno Welzel@21:1/5 to All on Wed Dec 18 00:30:55 2024
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-17 19:16:

    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-16 15:49:

    [...]
    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
    connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of
    restriction you're not divulging.

    At least many Banking apps usually do not allow to backup their data.
    And it does not matter, if the backup is done via ADB or as part of the
    Google app backup.

    And *how* can those banking apps "not allow to backup their data"!? Especially for the ADB case.

    Their app manifest forbids it. This can be achieved like this:

    <?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
    <manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    xmlns:tools="http://schemas.android.com/tools"
    tools:replace="allowBackup"
    android:allowBackup="false" />

    The entry tools:replace="allowBackup" makes sure, that any libaries used
    by the app which have their own manifest, do not allow backup accidentally.

    And ADB will obey that and won't pull lany backups for those apps.



    --
    Arno Welzel
    https://arnowelzel.de

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  • From Andrew@21:1/5 to Frank Slootweg on Wed Dec 18 02:18:21 2024
    Frank Slootweg wrote on 17 Dec 2024 16:27:13 GMT :

    Anyway, this is all moot, because Jesper has reported that the
    'problem' with the new phone was that he hadn't looked in the drag down
    the notification area. Once he did, he saw the USB connection options.

    <https://i.postimg.cc/JnDTWH9M/usb01.jpg> USB default settings

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  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to Arno Welzel on Wed Dec 18 10:27:04 2024
    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-17 19:16:

    Arno Welzel <[email protected]> wrote:
    Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-16 15:49:

    [...]
    As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
    connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
    *can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of
    restriction you're not divulging.

    At least many Banking apps usually do not allow to backup their data.
    And it does not matter, if the backup is done via ADB or as part of the
    Google app backup.

    And *how* can those banking apps "not allow to backup their data"!? Especially for the ADB case.

    Their app manifest forbids it. This can be achieved like this:

    <?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
    <manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    xmlns:tools="http://schemas.android.com/tools"
    tools:replace="allowBackup"
    android:allowBackup="false" />

    The entry tools:replace="allowBackup" makes sure, that any libaries used
    by the app which have their own manifest, do not allow backup accidentally.

    And ADB will obey that and won't pull lany backups for those apps.

    Thanks for your information. It might come in handy if I ever
    encounter any such apps.

    FWIW, I'm not worried about my banking apps not being allowed/able to
    backup their data, because any relevant data can most likely be
    recovered from my accounts on the banks servers. I.e. if lost, the
    on-device data is recoverable.

    N.B. It would be interesting to know if other computer programs - such
    as Samsung's 'Smart Switch' - also honor the manifest settings, but
    given my above mentioned low interest, I don't think I will try.

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  • From Andrew@21:1/5 to Frank Slootweg on Wed Dec 18 19:15:38 2024
    Frank Slootweg wrote on 18 Dec 2024 10:27:04 GMT :

    And ADB will obey that and won't pull lany backups for those apps.

    Thanks for your information. It might come in handy if I ever
    encounter any such apps.

    FWIW, I'm not worried about my banking apps not being allowed/able to backup their data, because any relevant data can most likely be
    recovered from my accounts on the banks servers. I.e. if lost, the
    on-device data is recoverable.

    N.B. It would be interesting to know if other computer programs - such
    as Samsung's 'Smart Switch' - also honor the manifest settings, but
    given my above mentioned low interest, I don't think I will try.

    I also very much echo Frank's sentiment to Arno thanking him for edifying
    us as to why some apps can be backed up and others can't (unrooted).

    I, like Frank, am not all that interested in the gory details; but it has always confused me why some apps and file managers can see the system directories on Android while other apps and file managers can't see them.

    Specifically I've wondered why I can see a lot of the root system folders
    when I use adb and webdav servers with Windows File Explorer over USB.

    If anyone cares, one file manager which *does* seem to see (read only)
    system folders on Android appears to be ZArchiver archival program.
    <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.zdevs.zarchiver>

    It's not supposed to be only a file manager - but it shows the root
    partition.

    Maybe Arno can explain why that one archiver shows the file system so well? Muntashirakon App Manager shows me it has some of the following permissions android.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
    android.permission.ACCESS_SUPERUSER
    etc.

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