Android Multiple Install and uninstall from PC and eWaste tips

[Glenn]

https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/#how-to-set-up-adb-on-your-computer

I found this gem while I was working on the old Android Tablets and Phones tonight., I hated the fact I had to install things by;
1.Copying the .apk games/apps to the Phone
2.Using the File Manager on Android I had to press on each apk file
3.Agree to each install.
4.Press OK after waiting for each item to install

Now I do it with the above tool in one line;

for %%f in (H:\1-Other_Consoles\Android2025\Games\mini\*.apk) do adb install "%%f"

for clarity you can install one item with

adb install "X:\Path To Apk\NameOf.apk"

You can also use the same trick to remove all the items;

First list all the installed items:

adb shell cmd package list packages

Then pick the packages to remove, leaving google and phone brand ones in place.

adb uninstall com.magmic.skipbo
adb uninstall com.gamevil.zenonia4.global
adb uninstall com.devilgame.trolllevel
rem cn.wps.xiaomi.abroad.lite
adb uninstall com.apkinstaller.ApkInstaller
adb uninstall com.RoyalArcade.BombMan
adb uninstall com.logisk.orixohex
adb uninstall com.mobirix.MultiplyWar
adb uninstall com.secretexit.dismount
adb uninstall com.milliongames.roadrashrider
adb uninstall com.lima.doodlejump
adb uninstall com.zeptolab.ctrexperiments.google.paid
adb uninstall com.sega.streetsofrage2

So now instead of it taking me AGES to add or remove items, it's WAY faster and automated - just like I like.

Quite handy as now I can build up automated packs that I can apply depending on the free space available on the devices and I don't have to manually do each one and take me ages.

 

[Glenn]

Just a small tip, get a list of installed packages for the device before you start working on it, that way you can easily remove extra added items by comparing the lists of before and after

Also Most Androids allow you to press power and volume up/down or both, or power and home button etc, to get to the Recovery menu on boot, this allows you to factory restore them as well as other things.

On top of this there is a tool called SamFW, it's all you need to unlock FRP (Factory Restore Protection), which is much like Apples iCloud locking, but done locally and can be removed with this tool on all phones prior to 2024 - so perfect for saving eWaste.

 

[Glenn]

Another tip for eWaste salvage is removing BIOS passwords on devices, you can go the hard way and replace/reprogram the BIOS chips, but it's easier to generate the master passcode:

https://www.biosbug.com/

https://bios-pw.org/

These 2 sites are invaluable to recovering locked machines where the owner has thrown it away, donated it or simply forgotten what their password was.


There are also tools that can remove the locked m.2 passcodes, but it only works on older devices and requires some fun with using the QR code/serial numbers off the drives.

 

[Trouba]

Yes, had to use one of those sites on an Acer laptop with locked bios.