Vodafone Start updating without permisson

[Clayurr]

Hi All,

Wondering if anyone can help.

Previously I had disabled all of Vodafone bloatware. I updated my S6 Edge to the latest Samsung update and now Vodafone Start keeps installing itself and does not have a option to disable.

I uninstall updates and revert back to factory setting for it. Which I then ensure is disabled with no permission to access anything on my handset.

Then this crap installs itself again.

How do I get rid of this useless piece of crap taking up memory and data!!!

[hrym]

If you buy a network-supplied device, it'll normally come with the network's own utulities.   If the update is Marshmallow, have a look at the detailed permissions as there's quite a lot you can revoke.   There should also be an option at the bottom of the relevant page to restrict background data to wifi only.  I must say I'm surprised the disable option isn't there (I assume you're looking in Settings|Apps and not the app itself?).  My phone is SIM-free, so I only have manufacturer software, but all of that can be disabled.

[Clayurr]

Thanks Hyrm.
Yes Marshmallow I've removed all the permissions I can. I currently have it disabled but when I go home and connect back to wifi it'll install this unwanted software again...

[hrym]

Sorry, to clarify, what I meant was to allow it to update, but then check for a "disable" tick box in the apps list in the main Settings menu.  I have disabled apps that still update.

[Clayurr]

The option to Disable has been greyed out.

[hrym]

I'm not really sure what else to suggest, unless clearing the app's cache and data gets you the disable option back?   You could also look in the settings for the app itself, and also Vodafone Updates, which I assume you also have and may be where the updates are coming from (rather than Google Play).

[tinycat]

Hi,  I have the same problem.   Vodafone Start suddenly appeared on my phone and has hijacked the "internet" app as well as the older "myweb" app, both of which enabled me to browse the internet easily.  In order to get rid of this unwanted intrusion I looked for advice online  etc but nothing will prevent it coming back once you switch wireless back on.  I went to Voda LiveChat, completely useless. They kept passing me on to different "advisors" including a so-called tech specialist who asked if I'd tried to uninstall it. Well yes, that was the first thing I tried.  Over an hour later, and they pronounced themselves unable to solve it and would pass me to some sort of enhanced support team, who would contact me sometime in the future.   I'm not holding my breath.  Meanwhile I'm using google to browse but that's not the point.   If I get an answer I'll come back here and post it.

[hrym]

I have a SIM-free device and periodically get offers of a suite of apps that'll "help me use my phone".   I refuse.   If you have a network-branded device, that may not be possible and the update may be pushed as part of the operating system.   However, I thought the idea of Vodafone Start was to help you ... get started, not take everything over.  Have you gone into the app to see whether there are any options there?   Also, when you say it's hijacked the internet, how has it done this?   Also, have you tried using a different browser, rather than the baked-in one: Chrome or Firefox, say?

[tinycat]

Hi, thanks for your response.   It's odd because Vodofone Start doesn't actually show up in my apps, it justs kind of takes over if you select MyWeb. The address bar starts with vodafone/myweb (or such) then rapidly changes to Vodafone Start. Same happens if you selected internet.  I can browse using Google, but I prefered MyWeb because it also included BBC news etc.  and was somehow an simpler browing experience.

In the Vodafone apps that do show there are a few options, such as change home page. You can do that, but it straighaway changes back to Vodafone Start!       I just want rid of the bluddy thing.

[User1303]

When did you get Marshmallow???