Dear Lifehacker, I’ve having a bunch of small, yet annoying, problems with my LG Optimus One. Is there any way I can fix them easily without rooting my phone?
Firstly, the updating to the latest versions of the movies (by Flixster) and YouTube apps have given my phone double icons! I now have two YouTube app icons (one which is the actual latest update and another which, when pressed, gives the message “This app is currently not installed on your phone” or something to that effect) and two Movies app icons (same deal). I tried rebooting my phone, uninstalling and reinstalling the apps and still no solution. How can I fix this?
Secondly, although it doesn’t get in my way much, I’d like to remove the bunch of useless preinstalled Optus apps that can’t be deleted by conventional means. Is there any way to do this without rooting my phone (which I don’t particularly want to do)?
Thirdly, I need to get around to installing a security/tracking app. I was looking into Seek Droid for a while — is that an app you’d recommend? The only thing putting me off is that for these sort of apps to work you have to leave your 3G on all the time, don’t you? Are there any ways around this?
Speaking of which, when I do leave 3G on, something is constantly using it! The little upload/download arrows constantly turn on and off : is there any way for me to find out what’s causing this and stop it?
Oh and finally, is 2.3 available for Optimus One yet? If so, how do I update?
Thanks
Android Noob
Picture by John Karakatsanis
Dear Noob,
There’s a lot of questions there, but the best answer to many of them is the same: you really should root your phone and then think about installing your choice of Android custom ROM. Yes, I know you said you didn’t want to do that, but in practice rooting is likely the only way you’ll be able to get rid of the unwanted Optus apps. I also suspect it’s the only way you’ll effectively clean up what sounds like an unpleasant mess with your movie and YouTube apps, and it will provide you with an easy way of upgrading to newer versions without being stuck to local carrier timetables. Need more convincing? Check out our list of apps that make rooting worthwhile.
We’ve got a detailed guide to how to root your Android phone and advice on how to choose the best custom ROM for your needs. There’s also plenty of online advice specific to the Optimus One.
To cover off your other questions:
- Seek Droid ranked highly in our recent Hive Five listing of phone recovery solutions, so it’s definitely one to consider. You’re correct about 3G needing to be switched on in order for these kinds of apps to work effectively: it’s a bit much to expect your phone to communicate its location without using some kind of network!
- The person who is using your 3G connection is actually you. Even in its default state, your phone is checking for email; other apps you’re running will also make periodic use of the connection. This is normal behaviour for a smartphone, and shouldn’t cause you any concern unless your data usage ends up being ludicrously (and expensively) high.
- If you’re not going to reimage your device, the apps issue is a tricky one. All I can think to add is to very methodically uninstall movies, reboot, uninstall YouTube, reboot, and then download the newest versions from the Market.
- A 2.3 update for the Optimus One has appeared overseas, so will probably get rolled out here eventually. Again, though, if you take matters into your own hands, you won’t be forced to wait!
Cheers
Lifehacker
PS If anyone has specifically dealt with these issues and can offer additional perspectives, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
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