Convert to system app using Link2SD doesn't work on CM11

Question

I am using Galaxy Y (S5360) with CyanogenMod 11 build date Feb 2015. Previously on stock ROM, I was using Link2SD to move apps to system/app. Trying to do the same now is giving the following error.

sh: cannot create /system/priv-app/name.apk .t:read only filesystem.

Why is it trying to move to /priv-app instead of /app? What are the possible solutions.

1. Change permissions?
2. Use some other tool or do it manually? (Looking for simplicity).

Things I've tried so far:

• ES File Explorer: change permissions, gives "Operation Failed". "Mount as rw" option does not show up.
• Terminal: mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock8 /system & then cp /data/app/fooBarApp-1.apk /system/app/fooBarApp.apk gives error "Can't create foobar.apk. read only".

Any help is appreciated. Thank You.

Answer 1

Just change the permission to be set on /system/app & /system/priv-app by the gapps updater. Following are steps for same:

1. Open gapps archive

2. Go into Meta-inf\com\google\android. Open updater-script with notepad.

3. Change the permission from 0*** to 0777 for /system/app & /system/priv-app

   e.g. the line will be like set_perm_recursive(0, 0, 0755, 0644, "/system/app"); So change both 0755 & 0644 to 0777.

4. Save and update archive. Install from cwm-recovery.

Answer 2

1. Download Titanium Backup from the Play Store
2. Open the app, provide root permission
3. You will see all of your apps inside the TB app
4. Select the app which you want to convert to a system app
   E.g.: if your app name is xyz which you want to convert
5. Click on your app, i.e xyz. You will see a list of all operations you can do with the TB app
6. Select "Convert to system app" and you are done