[App Idea] Plan B for data recovery on broken stock phones.

[shadowofdarkness]

I feel this idea could be useful for a lot of us, not on our phones since we are likely rooted but on our family members and non tech friends stock phones. Which we usually end up fixing.

My idea if it is possible would be be for a "Plan B" type app for use after a broken screen, were the completely stock phone without ADB enabled needs data extracted.

My hope is that someone could make a app that is remotely installed from play.google.com that automatically turns on ADB debugging (if possible without root)

After that most data can be extracted with "adb backup" or adb pulls.

I can't count how many times this would of helped me in the past if it existed. Any dev up for the job? I am sure it would be appreciated by people.

 

[shadowofdarkness]

Guess no one was interested in this idea.

 

[eversp01]

Guess no one was interested in this idea.

I think many of us are interested but one (so far) can help.

 

[Bitman64]

would be a good idea.... who ever was in need for something like that will be likely to pay for that... :laugh:

 

[SaskFellow]

I could see this being a massive security risk. Sure the app could be handy, but it would also make stealing info from a phone very very easy.

So on that note, I don't think it will ever make it through, though I am sure there are ways.

Just install something like SMSBackup+: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync

Set it to automatically back up to their gmail, every so often, and then when it comes time to have to do repairs, you can get all of their calling/sms stuff back, since Google automatically deals with the contact infos.

 

[shadowofdarkness]

it wouldn't be a security risk since the only way to install it would be from play.google.com which no one can do without your password. also pour planning with other software is not the point of this since I have been asked to recover data from devices by people that I honestly had no clue they owned the device before they broke it.usually family I don't see on s normal occurrence.

 

[SaskFellow]

I've always been taught to keep a back up of anything you consider important.

Either way...

There are ADB backup solutions out there, there are recovery apps in the Playstore that will scan for missing or deleted files.

If you have access to the Playstore you have access to all the already available recovery apps. Why the need for an app that will basically root and unlock the device from behind their 'lock screen'?

If you have no direct GUI access, you want an app that you run on your computer that forces the phone connected via USB, to unlock and let you access whatever you want before you restore the phone. This is a massive security problem, because anyone could download that app, and use it to break into phones.

Sound like the 'prior planning' apps, are the best way to go.

 

[shadowofdarkness]

I think you are missing my point. I know that prior planning is the best but it it not always possible when dealing with people so tech illiterate that even thought they own the device they barely understand it is not a iPhone because that is what a smartphone is to them.

My intended use is for physicaly broken phones (mainly screen) where I can't control any apps with the screen or turn on ADB from settings.

You thought on the security risk is wrong since out of the ways I can think of to install it via play store on the phone is would not be used since that would mean the attacker could just go into settings and do it the normal way. sideloading is impossible since it would be redundent due to that already needing ADB on.

The intended way via the web is safe enough since the attacker would need your email, password.

Do you hate the "Plan B" app that gps tracks your lost or stolen phone that is already in the play store and gave me this idea. It shows in the store as having between half a million and a million installs. Do you think those people should of went without such a app and lost their phone since they should of just pre planned since it is better.