Database Users

Go launcher working!!

New method.
I have figured out a safer way to install a custom launcher. Your device still needs to be rooted.
1- Download the launcher of your choice from the Play Store.
2- With a file manager of your choice navigate to data/app folder, this will have all the apk's you've downloaded from the Play Store. (the name of the apk will look different ie: nova launcher is named "com.teslacoilsw.launcher.apk" )
3- Move launcher apk to system/app folder install or reboot(the permissions should already be set to rw-r--r-- so no need to change them)
Personally I like using Rom Toolbox Pro/Lite(can be found in play store, i bought the pro version for more options), I have no affiliation but this app is great and you should check it out. It has every different tool for root users you can think of. In the App Manager section if you long press on any app there is an option to "convert to system app", no moving, cut/paste, or installing.
This should help avoid getting some screwed up apk file from an alternate source and messing up your device.
As always try at your own RISK.
I would recommend checking out this thread before messing around with your device:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1930656

Can you specify which version of Go Launcher you used and where you obtained the apk from?
After having a near-brick experience attempting to install Go Launcher on my original Kindle Fire last year, I'd like to try it with something known to work.
Thanks in advance.

WillysJeepMan said:
Can you specify which version of Go Launcher you used and where you obtained the apk from?
After having a near-brick experience attempting to install Go Launcher on my original Kindle Fire last year, I'd like to try it with something known to work.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just googled go launcher ex apk. Dont think its ok to specify exactly which site i used(3rd maybe..) but I downloaded v3.13.
I completely feel ya, try at your own risk but definitely worked with mine.

I didn't need to restart but I can confirm go launcher and Nova are working. I'm sure any launcher will

Well maybe some of these other launchers are better but all I want is the android look to tell the truth with icons so ADW Launcher EX without rooting is fine by me to get away from the carousel.

Works great. Thank you.

robertc88 said:
Well maybe some of these other launchers are better but all I want is the android look to tell the truth with icons so ADW Launcher EX without rooting is fine by me to get away from the carousel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me its not even about which launcher is better they all have pros and cons, but i personally like to use my home button. With this process you can set the launcher as default. Not be bounced back to the stock launcher every time you use the home button and have to reload a custom launcher. Too much of a hassle for me and takes away from the experience.

This method also worked with Go Launcher HD, it looks better then then regular Go Launcher imho.

migjr415 said:
This method also worked with Go Launcher HD, it looks better then then regular Go Launcher imho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does i agree, but is there a way to hide the notification bar and action bar on hd version?

I didn't find the way to hide NAV bar. All works perfect with Go launcher HD. I am sure that nobody want to try removing NAV bar, cause it is a high risk of breaking your KFHD. Auto-hide in this case would be great, but i can't understand when NAV bar hides. I suppose it hides when there is in exit button, or return button in running apk. IMHO.

How do you change permission on a non rooted device. I downloaded the go launcher hd all v1.17. I tried rebooting and nothing. Can I do this on a stock fire. If so can you provide a step by step. I tried moving the apk to system/apps but says the apk cannot be moved. Thanks
Sent from my Kindle Fire HD using Tapatalk.

Melodycd said:
I didn't find the way to hide NAV bar. All works perfect with Go launcher HD. I am sure that nobody want to try removing NAV bar, cause it is a high risk of breaking your KFHD. Auto-hide in this case would be great, but i can't understand when NAV bar hides. I suppose it hides when there is in exit button, or return button in running apk. IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a setting in go launcher ex that allows you to hide nav and notification bars, the little tab is still visible at the bottom or side of screen so you can open them with ease. Gives the tablet a full screen. I love the look of the hd version but would rather have the full screen, wish the would put this option on the hd version

petes67bird said:
How do you change permission on a non rooted device. I downloaded the go launcher hd all v1.17. I tried rebooting and nothing. Can I do this on a stock fire. If so can you provide a step by step. I tried moving the apk to system/apps but says the apk cannot be moved. Thanks
Sent from my Kindle Fire HD using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cannot change permissions of system files or anything about them unless the device is rooted. This keeps the average person from screwing up there device.

Lockscreen?
Guys, have any of you had luck with the lockscreen for GoLauncher? I tried GoLocker and i had to go through the original Amazon Kindle Fire HD lockscreen and then to the GoLauncher Lockscreen. SO, basically, i had two lockscreens going on at once. Is there a fix for this?

klass

caponea6 said:
Guys, have any of you had luck with the lockscreen for GoLauncher? I tried GoLocker and i had to go through the original Amazon Kindle Fire HD lockscreen and then to the GoLauncher Lockscreen. SO, basically, i had two lockscreens going on at once. Is there a fix for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happens with the KF 1st gen also but I never bothered with it. Might want to look into the KF 1st gen and see if anyone found a way around it.

onemeila said:
To get go launcher ex working on the KFHD I took these steps.(On rooted device)
1- download the Go launcher ex.apk from a third party (from play store will not work)
3- change permissions to rw-r--r--
2- using a file manager find the apk and move to system/app folder.
4- reboot the device.
When it reboots there should be a message saying "kindle is upgrading".
Then it should prompt you to pick which launcher you want to use.
If you did not get the latest version you can now go to play store and update.
I assume this will work for other launchers though i have not tried it.
Finally I feel like im using more of an android interface(at least until someone figures out this bootloader problem and i can flash cm10)
I just downloaded go launcher hd and did not change permissions, still worked. Could someone tell me if this is necessary. I just copied the permissions of the stock launcher when i loaded the ex version so i assumed it was necessary they were the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did step by step like you, but after restarted my KFHD freezing at KF logo, please help me to fix it.

First question, did you install this app in the /system/app folder, AFTER you placed it in there? You must install the launcher after it is placed and permissions are changed. It appears you may have a soft brick if that KFHD isnt booting at all.

caponea6 said:
First question, did you install this app in the /system/app folder, AFTER you placed it in there? You must install the launcher after it is placed and permissions are changed. It appears you may have a soft brick if that KFHD isnt booting at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, i copied it to /system/app folder,changed permission then installed from there,but when i restarted my KF, it just stop at logo kindle fire.so have any way to fix it?

probb said:
yup, i copied it to /system/app folder,changed permission then installed from there,but when i restarted my KF, it just stop at logo kindle fire.so have any way to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WELP! That doesn't seem like a great scenario to be in. If this was me, I would connect it to my PC and pray that while you're stuck in that logo limbo it would still give you connectivity. I would then go into the /system/app through your PC (on your KFHD directory) and physically remove the launcher files. Then try a restart.

Setting ADW Launcher EX as default Launcher KFHD 8.9

After some messing around, I was able to get ADW Launcher EX as my default Home button launcher on my rooted Kindle Fire HD 8.9. :victory:
As usual, the normal disclaimers of modifying your system and potentially bricking it apply.
Previously, I had been using GO Launcher HD as my default launcher to replace the Kindle carousel, using the method of moving the launcher APK to the /system/app directory and setting permissions of the APK using a file manager to User Read/Write/-, Group read/-/-, Others read/-/-, and then rebooting. Unfortunately, this method does not work for ADW Launcher EX. Using the GO Launcher method for ADW Launcher results in a boot loop where ADW immediately crashes with error messages that it has stopped.
If you do find yourself in this kind of boot loop, you can make your way out by navigating to the Search icon, which will bypass the launcher and open the Search application; search for your file manager, like ES File Explorer, and open it so you can get back into your root directory and uninstall the ADW launcher from /system/app. Once that's done, reboot and you'll be back to the regular launcher.
To use ADW Launcher EX as the default launcher, you will need:
Root
Titanium Backup Pro
1. Install ADW Launcher EX as you would any other app.
2. Launch ADW Launcher EX at least once
3. Go into Titanium Backup Pro, find ADW Launcher in the list, long press, and select "Covert to system app"
4. Pressing the Home button should immediately present you with the option to select a launcher. Select ADW and set is as default.
5. Test and reboot.
6. Enjoy your speedy new launcher
This method should work for other versions of ADW, but for all intents and purposes, I have only tried this on ADW Launcher EX. If others have tried with other versions or launchers, please do chime in.
One strange thing that I did notice after doing this was that Titanium Backup Pro, when relaunched, was hanging while "checking for root priveleges". To remedy, I had to go into SuperSU and "Forget" Titanium Backup Pro. After doing that, I rebooted, and granted Titanium Backup Pro root rights and was off on my merry way. I'm not too sure why it happened.
I'm also not entirely sure what Titanium Backup Pro does with "Covert to system app" that makes it work, vs the GO Launcher method of manually moving the apk and changing permissions. If someone can enlighten me on this, it can go a long way in providing modders way of doing this for free, without requiring Titanium Backup + Pro license key (albeit I strongly recommend it, as the Pro features are very useful).

Thank You!
Thank you so much! I have been searching the internet for the last several days trying to find a solution to this. Among a dozen other attempts, I also tried nearly exactly as you suggested, but with one difference. I used my .apk file that I backed up of the app on Titanium, sent to a folder on my computer, then loaded onto my Kindle HD. No go. I just deleted it, and loaded it back on a you suggested. Simply through the Google Play store. Voila! It worked loading it like a regular Google Play app! LOL!
THANK YOU!:good::good::good:

Thanks for the tip. Anyone figure out how to add widgets?

It's simply a matter of installing the widget apk into /system/app and setting permissions to user read/write/- and group and other to read/-/-
There is a thread in this forum with instructions and the apk but here is the one i have in my system/app directory

knucklelady said:
Thank you so much! I have been searching the internet for the last several days trying to find a solution to this. Among a dozen other attempts, I also tried nearly exactly as you suggested, but with one difference. I used my .apk file that I backed up of the app on Titanium, sent to a folder on my computer, then loaded onto my Kindle HD. No go. I just deleted it, and loaded it back on a you suggested. Simply through the Google Play store. Voila! It worked loading it like a regular Google Play app! LOL!
THANK YOU!:good::good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the solution was the wierdest thing. I think it has something to do with processes that happen on the initial run. I think between this method and the GO method, most launchers can be covered using either or

Thanks!
Thanks so much from me too. I've had my KFHD a couple of weeks. I liked ADW Launcher EX but it seemed a bit flaky falling back to the carousel each time you pressed the home button. Your method took about 2 minutes and makes my Fire look and feel like the real deal. I registered here just to share my thanks.

I also found that Titanium backup was the only method that worked. I tried this with Apex launcher myself and finally it worked with TB. I also made a video although the process is fairly simple. http://youtu.be/ebL6MOOzayk

Not sure what the OP did wrong, but I had no problem installing ADW Launcher EX as the default launcher by copying to /system/app as described here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2069668
I also installed Go Launcher HD and EX. I only used ES File Explorer. I have the HD 8.9 with 8.4.3 firmware.

[FireOS 5.x + ROOT] Quickly switch to Amazon UI and back:

Update2: Updated and tested under Lollipop (Sept 2015 FireOS 5.0.1 version for Fire HD 7 2014 [5.2.2u2], and should work with Fire 7 2015)
Given that a Fire tablet with Amazon experience is a terrible thing to waste, these are scripts to switch from and to Amazon launcher both under FireOS 4.5.x and Lollipop. Along with the launcher this disables a lot of battery sucking Amazon apps (the enabling script revives all of this goodness back).
The key stuff in scripts is the launcher block/unblock. I block other apps too because some of them seem to wake up a lot ("Wakelock detector" tells me this), so why not make them less obnoxious when you are not running Amazon experience ...
Naturally, you do need ROOT (how to root FireOS is a subject of other guides).
I assume you have Nova Launcher or free Google Now Launcher (on Lollipop installed as a system app in order to have Widgets working). If your Amazon launcher apk file is renamed, rename it back (verify that you do have the proper /system/priv-app/com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.apk ). Do make sure that you have an alternative launcher (besides the stock Amazon one !!!). Also, make sure that your adb is authorized in order to enable you to unblock the Amazon launcher in case you get the permanent Fire logo.
Go ahead install Gscript ( https://bitbucket.org/Equidamoid/gscript/downloads ). Copy either fire_on_off.zip (for FireOS 4.5.x), or fire_on_off_511b.zip (for FireOS 5.x - Lollipop) to /sdcard/gscript, and unzip scripts right in there. In "Gscript", tap the 3 dots at the bottom right corner, tap "Add script", tap "Load File", tap root required, first choose the disabling script, then repeat for the enabling script. All set.
In Nova, long tap on an empty area, it'll offer to create Shortcut. Choose Gscript/"Kindle block". Repeat for "Kindle unblock".
Then in "Nova", tap "Kindle unblock". It'll get you into Kindle Launcher, at which point you have 100% Amazon experience. Once you do your thing, and want to go back, launch/switch to "Nova", and tap "Kindle block". At this point you are back to more stock like Android.
To give proper credit, this approach was proposed by DoLooper ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61089153&postcount=29 , and some good suggestions in a reply to this post) .

bibikalka said:
So why not switch quickly to and away from stock Amazon UI ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the post and the scripts! The shortcut makes it so easy to switch between launchers, and blocking the other packages is a great idea.
In case it's not obvious to casual reader, this lets you run any adb shell command(s) from a homescreen shortcut (and scripts that do other things, too, of course). Here are a few related tips:
Launcher: This works with any launcher that allows shortcuts on the homescreen
Gscript: I suggest using this Gscript app instead of getting it from play store. Play store version is older and less stable, and I don't think it closes after running the shortcut.
Adding the scripts (alternate method): Create a folder named "gscript" in sdcard and put bibikalka's scripts in there. Then in Gscript app, tap (3-dot) menu button, "Add script," "Load file" and the scripts will be listed.
Edit scripts from Gscript: Long press on the script name and choose Edit.
People using Freetime should edit the scripts and delete lines for amazon.kindle.kso and Tahoe. Blocking these causes bootloop.

I'm on 4.5.3 root with Google play, does it Worth upgrading ?

This works with any Fire OS; don't need 4.5.4, just have to be rooted. If you use the Amazon launcher occasionally, try this.

DoLooper said:
This works with any Fire OS; don't need 4.5.4, just have to be rooted. If you use the Amazon launcher occasionally, try this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone made a version of this for Lollipop ???

bibikalka said:
Has anyone made a version of this for Lollipop ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not I. (Kinda puts the lie to that old post, eh?)
Commands for developers preview:
pm disable com.android.launcher
pm enable com.android.launcher
am start -n com.android.launcher/com.android.launcher2.Launcher
5.2.2u2 enable/disable = pm disable com.amazon.firelauncher
I can guess start is:
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.Launcher
. . . but I can't test cuz I don't have a custom launcher right now. Maybe someone else can test this ??? If not, I'll figure it out in next few days. (You're still on 4.5.5?!)

DoLooper said:
Not I. (Kinda puts the lie to that old post, eh?)
Commands for developers preview:
pm disable com.android.launcher
pm enable com.android.launcher
am start -n com.android.launcher/com.android.launcher2.Launcher
5.2.2u2 enable/disable = pm disable com.amazon.firelauncher
I can guess start is:
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.Launcher
. . . but I can't test cuz I don't have a custom launcher right now. Maybe someone else can test this ??? If not, I'll figure it out in next few days. (You're still on 4.5.5?!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, thanks! I just got a 5th gen Fire 7 for a present, and will play with it to see how this blocking works on Lollipop.

bibikalka said:
OK, thanks! I just got a 5th gen Fire 7 for a present, and will play with it to see how this blocking works on Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works "interestingly." Played with it today to update the block sys app post. Start command:
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/.Launcher
Couple interesting (to me) things:
Disable:
- If you only have one alternate launcher, disabling firelauncher immediately takes you to alternate. (But maybe it did this before. I've always had multi alt launchers.)
Enable:
- You stay on alt launcher, but tapping Home icon takes you to Fire launcher (even with multi alt launchers installed).
- Enable and switch = same as before: run enable and then run start

Updated and tested for Lollipop. Thanks to DoLooper for the suggestions!

bibikalka said:
Updated and tested for Lollipop. Thanks to DoLooper for the suggestions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to give this a try on my Fire HD7 and have only been using the Amazon launcher to this point. What is the preferred Android launcher most of you use and do you go with the free launcher or purchase a particular one? I see a couple varieties of Nova at the Play Store and have to assume the purchased one does not have ads, so thought I would ask your preferences before giving it a try. Thanks in advance for any advice you provide...

I enjoy the Nova Prime(paid app) no ads lots to customize

phfoneman said:
I want to give this a try on my Fire HD7 and have only been using the Amazon launcher to this point. What is the preferred Android launcher most of you use and do you go with the free launcher or purchase a particular one? I see a couple varieties of Nova at the Play Store and have to assume the purchased one does not have ads, so thought I would ask your preferences before giving it a try. Thanks in advance for any advice you provide...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What don't you try the free Google Now launcher ? Once you see how this works, perhaps you'll try Nova.
In case you overdo launcher switching and end up with no working launcher, just remember you can always save the day with these commands in adb (as long as keep the amazon launcher intact, and just block it via "pm disable" as the script above does it):
pm enable com.amazon.firelauncher
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.Launcher

Hi all, I have run kindle_block_5_1.sh and then reboot device. I am stack with "Fire" logo at the boot. I have access to ADB, but could not receive root access in adb shell. Can anyone advice me? How can I revert changes after that script back?
Thanks in advance

Yevgen.A said:
Hi all, I have run kindle_block_5_1.sh and then reboot device. I am stack with "Fire" logo at the boot. I have access to ADB, but could not receive root access in adb shell. Can anyone advice me? How can I revert changes after that script back?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to answer, easily fixed my problem by factory reset in recovery

Yevgen.A said:
Hi all, I have run kindle_block_5_1.sh and then reboot device. I am stack with "Fire" logo at the boot. I have access to ADB, but could not receive root access in adb shell. Can anyone advice me? How can I revert changes after that script back?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yevgen.A said:
No need to answer, easily fixed my problem by factory reset in recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rookie mistake No launcher present, no adb authorized ! But I've added some messages to the original post to mention this issue.

I can't get Nova to create a Gscript shortcut at all. I press the Gscript disable option and it dumps me back to the Amazon launcher.

[TOOLS Fire HD 6&7 ] Rooting, Gapps, Launchers, Block OTA & Ads + More

Download the latest tools from the AFH link near end of post. It includes the changes in the attached "jobs" zip. You only need "jobs" if you downloaded the tools before May 11
EDIT May 29: Playstore is currently unreliable. Until updated, use the workaround here.
UPDATE May 17: Install Other Launcher and Install Kingroot tools may not complete if Windows username has spaces. I'll fix in next update. Until then, if your username has spaces, use this fix.
Here are tools for the 2014 Fire HD 6 and 7. A little late, I know, but some of you who still troll the forums may find them handy. Download the tools from AFH link, extract and run RUNME.bat.
IF YOU PLAN TO ROOT, TURN OFF WIFI NOW!
Tested working on OS 5.1.2.1 and below, except:
- Current Kingroot can't root 5.1.2.1. You need to downgrade. See "ROOT OS 5.1.2", below.
- OS 4: Only OTA blocking is implemented in the Block/Unblock jobs. [5/13/16 UPDATE: Also, Play Store isn't working on OS 4.
.. I probably won't fix it unless there's some demand. Try the video guide here. OS 4 users, also see post #11 for useful info about custom launchers.]
THE TOOLS
Install Play Store
Install Nova Launcher to /priv-app [root]
Install Other Launcher to /priv-app [root]
Uninstall priv-app Launchers [root]
Install Apps
Block/Unblock: OTA, ADS, AMAZON LAUNCHER, APPSTORE, AMAZON SEARCH [root]
Root Checker
Device Info
Root Tools
Install Kingroot ~ Root ~ Block OTA
Replace Kingroot with SuperSU [root]
DESCRIPTIONS
Before running a job, look here for any tips and instructions. This info is also in the readme.txt in the zip​
INSTALL PLAY STORE - Like it says. Works on both rooted and unrooted OS 5. Not for OS 4. EDIT May 29: Playstore is currently unreliable. Until updated, use the workaround here.
INSTALL NOVA LAUNCHER - Installs Nova to /system/priv-app so widgets work. If you just rooted, make this your first custom launcher. You can replace it or add a different one later.
INSTALL OTHER LAUNCHER Installs the launcher app in user_launcher folder to priv-app. Get the apk for the launcher you want (from apkmirror.com for example) and put it into the folder and run the job. EDIT 5/16/2016: Filenames must end with ".apk" No spaces allowed; replace with "_". (The tool will find spaces and pause while while you fix.)
HOW TO INSTALL GOOGLE NOW (also in Readme.txt):
It's much easier to install Google Now if Amazon is blocked, and you need a custom launcher to do that.
1. If you don't have a custom launcher installed, use Install Nova tool (installs Nova and blocks Amazon)
If you have a custom launcher, block Amazon so your custom launcher is running.
2. Get Google Now (small) from apkmirror.com, e.g., put into user_launcher folder and run Install Other Launcher job.
You'll boot to your "other" launcher
3. Run Google Now in app drawer and:
If prompted to Update Google App (Get it from Google Play), do it.
If prompted that other launcher is default, tap link to go to Amazon Settings. In Apps & Games>Manage all Applications: Swipe to All, scroll to your other launcher, tap it and see if "Launch by Default" is on. If yes, Clear Defaults. If no, go to your launcher settings and see if you can turn off default there.
Some launchers don't give up their default easily. If pressing home key doesn't show "Select Home App" after doing the above, run Block/Unblock tool and switch to Amazon. Then block Amazon again. After restart, press home key and you'll get "Select Home App" and be able to choose Google Now.
UNINSTALL LAUNCHERS - Uninstalls and deletes everything associated with a launcher installed to /priv-app. If multiple, prompts you to choose the one to uninstall.
INSTALL APPS - Installs all the apps in the user_apps folder. Put the apks into the folder and run the job. Filenames must end with ".apk" No spaces allowed; replace with "_". (The tool will find spaces and pause while while you fix.) Don't install a launcher with this; use one of the launcher tools.
BLOCK/UNBLOCK - OTA, ADS, AMAZON LAUNCHER, APPSTORE, AMAZON SEARCH
Except for OTA, these work only on rooted OS 5. OTA does a soft block on unrooted OS 4, hard block on rooted.
OTA: Disables update packages and renames DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk for a "hard" block. Unblock reverses it.
ADS: Blocks/unblocks the lockscreen ads.
AMAZON LAUNCHER: Block disables the stock launcher (Amazon UI) and the Appstore, which forces the home key to use your custom launcher. Unblock switches you to Amazon. Checks for custom launcher before disabling Amazon. Black screen with multiple custom launchers: If you haven't set a default launcher, disabling Amazon will boot to black screen. (System doesn't know which launcher to use.) Press home key (circle at bottom) for launcher choices. TIP: To easily switch between your launcher and Amazon, use @bibikalka's guide here to set up "one-tap switching" from launcher home screen.
APPSTORE: Blocks the appstore so in-app links take you to the Play Store (instead of throwing that stupid Appstore prompt). Amazon complains bitterly if you run this from Amazon UI, so use it at your custom launcher or just use the Amazon launcher block.
AMAZON SEARCH: If you have Google Search installed, blocking Amazon Search makes your launcher search bar use Google instead of Amazon shopping.
DEVICE INFO - Just some specs that I find interesting. Lazy man's way to find out which tablet is plugged in, OS it's running, whether rooted . . .
INSTALL KINGROOT, ROOT, BLOCK OTA - Installs Kingroot, prompts you through rooting and blocks OTA updates.
- Installs kingroot v.4.8.5 by default.
- You can skip installation if Kingroot already installed
- You can install a later version if available: Check for new versions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
ROOTING AND UPDATES: An update file can download while you're rooting. The Kingroot tool prevents it from installing as soon as you press Enter to tell the tool you're rooted. Then it looks for any downloaded file and if it finds one it tells you where it is and prompts you to delete.
Amazon says that updates install when the the device is not being used, but be aware that on OS 5 there's some risk. To minimize the risk, never leave the tablet idle while rooting. Just keep running Kingroot until root is successful and then press Enter to block installation of any download. (These instructions are in the tool.) To eliminate all risk, you can downgrade and root OS 4.5.3. On OS 4 the tool blocks update installation before rooting. (There's no way to do this on OS 5.) From OS 4.5.3, you upgrade with root in TWRP per bibikalka's root Tut.
True story: Kingroot once rebooted 5 times and told me "Root Failed" 3 times before finally succeeding. An update had downloaded to /cache, but the kingroot tool successfully blocked installation and found the file, which I deleted. So, although it's possible you could get upgraded, as long as you keep the tablet busy trying to root and then press Enter as soon as you're rooted, it's very unlikely.
REPLACE KINGROOT WITH SUPERSU - Installs W0lfDroid's sh script and prompts you through using it to replace Kingroot.
I reviewed and tested the script and it does (only) what it says: Removes all Kingroot (except Purify app, which tool uninstalls) and installs SuperSU. The tool uses SuperSU v. 2.4.6 for OS 5 (known working on OS 5.1.2) and SuperSU v. 2.4.9 for OS 4 (because 2.4.6 didn't seem to work).
FULL DISCLOSURE: I lost root one time after running this on OS 4. I think the problem was SuperSU 2.4.6 and that's why I changed it. I've tested many times and this only happened once, but you should know it happened. AFAIK W0lfDroid script is still the best free tool for the job.
ERRORS: Script was written to remove Kingroot from multiple android versions, so it tries to remove Kingroot files that don't exist on Lollipop. THIS PRODUCES LOTS OF ERRORS. THAT'S OK. I left in all commands so it will work on OS 4, too.
USE THIS SOON AFTER ROOTING. W0lfDroid's script should work fine even with root apps installed, but all I know for sure is it runs quick and easy on a "fresh" system.
ADB Sideload
There's an adb-sideload job in the jobs folder. I didn't put it on the menu because it uses commands that may not run on some systems. Also, if you know what you're doing, it's probably faster to manually sideload an update. If someone wants to try it, put the update bin file into adb_sideload folder and run sideload.bat.​WINDOWS TESTING: Script was tested on English-language versions of Win 7 Pro and Home. Some testing on Win 10. (Thanks @SpaceBananas!) There's nothing that can hurt your tablet, but there may be kinks to work out based on Windows version. Hope a tester will work with me to help make the tools accessible to everyone. Thanks!
ADB DRIVERS REQUIRED: Try the guide in first link below. If problems, try the second.
Guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fir...ivers-fire-t3189000/post62561840#post62561840
Other options: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63072252&postcount=2
ROOT OS 5.1.2
IF YOU PLAN TO ROOT, TURN OFF WIFI NOW!
ROOT GUIDE: Follow this guide to use Kingroot and the root tools to set up your tablet.
At this time, Kingroot can only root OS 5.1.2 (February 2016) and below.
You can downgrade OS 5.1.2.1 (March 2016) to 5.1.2 and root, as explained in Root Guide, but this is an exception!
In general, never downgrade in order to use Kingroot. It's the fastest way to a brick!
You may be able to safely downgrade a higher OS to OS 4.5.3, root, and then upgrade in TWRP per @bibikalka's root Tut. Before trying this on an OS later than 5.1.2.1, make sure the tutorial says it's safe.
DOWNLOAD THE TOOLS FROM AFH ➔ . FireHD_TOOLS v 1.2
Update as of 5/11/16
➔ If you got the tools before the update, just replace the jobs folder in FIREHD_TOOLS with the one in attached "jobs_v1.x.zip"
Change Log
5/11/2016 - v1.2: Updated sideload.bat. (Missed the Find/Findstr fixes.)
5/10/2016 - v1.1: Fixed "No such file or directory" and "Permission denied" errors for users with *nix Find command installed
.

Nice Work!

@DoLooper - Magnum Opus, no less !
Why version 0.1 ??? The first release - solid 1.0 !!!

Updated. See OP.
Guys, I could use some feedback. Tools are getting downloaded a lot. Anybody using them? Are they helpful? Problems? Wishes? Anything? Thanks!
.

Updated again <sigh>. Sideload tool didn't get updated in v1.1. Apologies to those who downloaded the jobs zip.

DoLooper said:
Updated. See OP.
Guys, I could use some feedback. Tools are getting downloaded a lot. Anybody using them? Are they helpful? Problems? Wishes? Anything? Thanks!
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks DoLooper.
I tried these tools on my Fire HD 7 running 4.5.5.1 rooted with KingRoot.
I was able to use the script to successfully switch from KingRoot to SuperSU as well as to install Nova Launcher.
However, I had issues with the script elsewhere.
The play store seemed to install okay and it let me put in my google account info. After that, things went down hill. I was able to open the Play Store app without it crashing, but I just kept getting the "Error retrieving information from server. [RH-01]" message . I tried numerous things to correct this, but nothing seemed to work. In the end, I downgraded to 4.5.5, wiped data, cache and dalvik, and then flashed gapps via TWRP. This worked out, so all is good now.
I also had trouble with blocking the default launcher. Nova seemed to install okay, but the default launcher still worked and was a constant nag with each press of the home button. I fixed this by freezing the default launcher via Titanium Backup.
I don't know if these issues are particular to 4.5.5.1, or if I'm just unlucky. Regardless, I still appreciate your effort for putting this together. :good:
I'm currently trying to get wallpapers and widgets to work on the Nova launcher with no success. I tried the fixes intended for earlier Kindle models and (not surprisingly), they didn't work. Specifically, I tried Stunt's Wallpaper Fix and Kindlefree from the app store.
Any ideas where I should look for guidance on making Wallpapers and Widgets work?
Thanks again!

notorious.dds said:
Thanks DoLooper.
I tried these tools on my Fire HD 7 running 4.5.5.1 rooted with KingRoot.
I was able to use the script to successfully switch from KingRoot to SuperSU as well as to install Nova Launcher.
However, I had issues with the script elsewhere.
The play store seemed to install okay and it let me put in my google account info. After that, things went down hill. I was able to open the Play Store app without it crashing, but I just kept getting the "Error retrieving information from server. [RH-01]" message . I tried numerous things to correct this, but nothing seemed to work. In the end, I downgraded to 4.5.5, wiped data, cache and dalvik, and then flashed gapps via TWRP. This worked out, so all is good now.
I also had trouble with blocking the default launcher. Nova seemed to install okay, but the default launcher still worked and was a constant nag with each press of the home button. I fixed this by freezing the default launcher via Titanium Backup.
I don't know if these issues are particular to 4.5.5.1, or if I'm just unlucky. Regardless, I still appreciate your effort for putting this together. :good:
I'm currently trying to get wallpapers and widgets to work on the Nova launcher with no success. I tried the fixes intended for earlier Kindle models and (not surprisingly), they didn't work. Specifically, I tried Stunt's Wallpaper Fix and Kindlefree from the app store.
Any ideas where I should look for guidance on making Wallpapers and Widgets work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for feedback. Tools apparently need work for OS 4.5.5.1. I tested pretty well on 4.5.3 and 4.5.5, but not 4.5.5.1. There may be some peculiarity there.
- The play store error has been reported on some 2015 Fires (using a different tool, but same method to install). It's unclear why it happens on some devices and not others, and they haven't found a fix, but it may be an OS 4 issue on the Fire HDs. I'll look into it.
- Nova & stock launchers: The block on stock launcher didn't work because it isn't implemented for OS 4. As mentioned at top of OP, only OTA block is available for OS 4. I'll need to add it in an update. Hadn't thought about need for it when using the Nova tool.
Would you please look in /system/priv-app folder and see if com.teslacoil.launcher.apk is at the bottom of directory? If so, are perms set to rw- r-- r--? Let me know and we'll proceed from there to get you widgets. Thanks.

DoLooper said:
Thanks for feedback. Tools apparently need work for OS 4.5.5.1. I tested pretty well on 4.5.3 and 4.5.5, but not 4.5.5.1. There may be some peculiarity there.
- The play store error has been reported on some 2015 Fires (using a different tool, but same method to install). It's unclear why it happens on some devices and not others, and they haven't found a fix, but it may be an OS 4 issue on the Fire HDs. I'll look into it.
- Nova & stock launchers: The block on stock launcher didn't work because it isn't implemented for OS 4. As mentioned at top of OP, only OTA block is available for OS 4. I'll need to add it in an update. Hadn't thought about need for it when using the Nova tool.
Would you please look in /system/priv-app folder and see if com.teslacoil.launcher.apk is at the bottom of directory? If so, are perms set to rw- r-- r--? Let me know and we'll proceed from there to get you widgets. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help!
I found the com.teslacoilsw.launcher-1.apk file, but it's in my /data/app folder... and it is chmod'ed to 644.
Also, I did successfully install the AppWidgetPicker.apk and LiveWallpapersPicker.apk files to /system/app using the "kindlefree" app, but I think that about all the app did. These files are also chmod'ed to 644.

notorious.dds said:
Thanks for the help!
I found the com.teslacoilsw.launcher-1.apk file, but it's in my /data/app folder... and it is chmod'ed to 644.
Also, I did successfully install the AppWidgetPicker.apk and LiveWallpapersPicker.apk files to /system/app using the "kindlefree" app, but I think that about all the app did. These files are also chmod'ed to 644.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using OS 5 for too long! Forgot you can't get wallpaper on OS 4 without fussing. It's unclear from your post: Did the pickers get wallpaper to work? This is the way we did it back when we always booted twrp and installed xposed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-hd/general/how-to-wallpaper-custom-launcher-t3123009
As to widgets: What I meant is, you should have /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk. Do you? I just retested this on 4.5.3. Nova (com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk) got copied there and chmod'ed to 644 as it should and widgets are working fine.
No wallpaper is a bad problem, though, and no tool can fix it--unless that LiveWallpapersPicker DID work. Let me know. And let me know about /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk.
BTW, how come you want to stay on OS 4?

DoLooper said:
I've been using OS 5 for too long! Forgot you can't get wallpaper on OS 4 without fussing. It's unclear from your post: Did the pickers get wallpaper to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
DoLooper said:
This is the way we did it back when we always booted twrp and installed xposed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-hd/general/how-to-wallpaper-custom-launcher-t3123009
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I tried that to no avail, but I can't remember exactly which module I used.
DoLooper said:
As to widgets: What I meant is, you should have /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk. Do you? I just retested this on 4.5.3. Nova (com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk) got copied there and chmod'ed to 644 as it should and widgets are working fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I ended up installing Nova via the app store so that's why it wasn't on the system partition. However, my widgets seemed to work when I checked again. I have no idea why they wouldn't work when I first tried them. I did end up creating two simple scripts via the "Scripter" app that would enable and disable the stock launcher. I put them as widgets on the nova desktop allowing for single click toggling of the stock launcher.
DoLooper said:
No wallpaper is a bad problem, though, and no tool can fix it--unless that LiveWallpapersPicker DID work. Let me know. And let me know about /system/priv-app/com.teslacoil.launcher_4.2.2.apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, nothing seemed to fix the wallpaper... always black. Am understanding this correctly that the wallpaper works on this thing if I load Lollipop?
DoLooper said:
BTW, how come you want to stay on OS 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't want to fiddle around with change the bootloaders every time I wanted into TWRP. At this point, it doesn't matter anyway... I hard bricked the device by flashing the 5.2.0 stock recovery last night
The post about using this to revert to stock should be edited or removed. It's bad.
The only reason I was trying to revert to stock was that I ended up getting into a situation where the stock launcher would continue looping back to the Welcome/select language screen. I wiped cache, data, and dalvik and reflashed the 4.5.5 rom which didn't fix it. I even tried that same approach including a wipe of system... same result. I was quite surprised to see the problem continue even after wiping everything. At that point I figured I go back to full stock and start over... BAD IDEA.
Anyway, I ordered a new one and it should be here tomorrow. I'm now curious if it's possible to recover the bricked device via the UART port on the motherboard. We'll see.:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:

notorious.dds said:
. . .
I think I ended up installing Nova via the app store so that's why it wasn't on the system partition. However, my widgets seemed to work when I checked again. I have no idea why they wouldn't work when I first tried them. I did end up creating two simple scripts via the "Scripter" app that would enable and disable the stock launcher. I put them as widgets on the nova desktop allowing for single click toggling of the stock launcher.
No, nothing seemed to fix the wallpaper... always black. Am understanding this correctly that the wallpaper works on this thing if I load Lollipop?
I didn't want to fiddle around with change the bootloaders every time I wanted into TWRP. At this point, it doesn't matter anyway... I hard bricked the device by flashing the 5.2.0 stock recovery last night
The post about using this to revert to stock should be edited or removed. It's bad.
The only reason I was trying to revert to stock was that I ended up getting into a situation where the stock launcher would continue looping back to the Welcome/select language screen. I wiped cache, data, and dalvik and reflashed the 4.5.5 rom which didn't fix it. I even tried that same approach including a wipe of system... same result. I was quite surprised to see the problem continue even after wiping everything. At that point I figured I go back to full stock and start over... BAD IDEA.
Anyway, I ordered a new one and it should be here tomorrow. I'm now curious if it's possible to recover the bricked device via the UART port on the motherboard. We'll see.:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear about the brick. Good thing Amazon is patient with us.
Yes, wallpaper works fine on OS 5. [For others who read this, on OS 4 the only way to get wallpaper is with Xposed (installed in TWRP) and the kindleBG module in the link I posted above. And BTW, although the tools don't block OS 4 Amazon launcher ATM, it can be done manually. Commands are here.]
Thanks for your input. Play store didn't work for me either this time, despite earlier success. Everything else except the launcher block (and other non-OTA blocks) does work, so for now I'm just going to edit post and see if there's any other interest in play store on OS 4. (I trust you'll get OS 5 on replacement or will want to update to it.)
As to TWRP: Once tablet is set up, booting TWRP isn't needed much except for upgrading. and bibikalka gives us lots of options for doing it.
Let us know if anything comes of UART port tests. You'd be the hero of the community!

Workaround for Windows username with spaces
The Install Other Launcher and Install Kingroot jobs may not complete if your Windows username has spaces in it. I'll fix this in next update. Meanwhile here's the workaround:
1. Right-click RUNME.bat and choose Edit. [file opens in Notepad]
2. Add a blank line under :: Set paths and run menu.
3. Type: SET "username=abc"
4. Make sure this section of RUNME looks like below and then save and close Notepad
Code:
:: Set paths and run menu.
SET "username=abc"
SET "main=%CD%\"
SET "jobsdir=%main%jobs\"
[remaining code]
This changes the username only for the tools. The rest of Windows continues to use the real username.

I'm getting ready to update. Please let me know if you found any problems.

Used the tool on my Fire HD 6 (4th Gen) running a Rooted OS 5.1.2.1 to install a new launcher and block OTA's, ads, fire launcher, appstore, and Amazon search. Everything worked without issue! Thanks for the awesome and simple to use tool! Tablet is now almost pure Android. Great work!!!
Sidenote: Used bibikalka's TUT (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-hd/general/how-to-upgrade-to-lollipop-root-gapps-t3163950) on my Fire HD 6 that was currently running Fire OS 4.5.3 with TWRP Recovery to obtain a Rooted Fire OS 5.1.2.1..

I adb'd the 5.1.2 upgrade to my slab this way.
$ adb push update-kindle-20.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin /sdcard/
3047 KB/s (663908627 bytes in 212.722s)
My OS is FIRE OS 5.1.2 Build Date March 31, 2016 1:37 AM.
I tried and got an error to the effect, "cannot upgrade because the upgrade you are trying is older than the one you have".
So I'm probably running an even later version of 5.1.2 where they blocked that loophole.
I'm just going to by a cheap Chinese slab and root that.

wallywallywally said:
I adb'd the 5.1.2 upgrade to my slab this way.
$ adb push update-kindle-20.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin /sdcard/
3047 KB/s (663908627 bytes in 212.722s)
My OS is FIRE OS 5.1.2 Build Date March 31, 2016 1:37 AM.
I tried and got an error to the effect, "cannot upgrade because the upgrade you are trying is older than the one you have".
So I'm probably running an even later version of 5.1.2 where they blocked that loophole.
I'm just going to by a cheap Chinese slab and root that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use adb sideload in Stock recovery
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs

sd_shadow said:
use adb sideload in Stock recovery
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yuh, I used sideload AND IT WORKED!!
I also have a fire 5th generation. Does the same procedure work for that, assuming I use the proper 5.1.2 for that device: https://kindle-fire-updates.s3.amaz...ate-kindle-global-37.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin

wallywallywally said:
Yuh, I used sideload AND IT WORKED!!
I also have a fire 5th generation. Does the same procedure work for that, assuming I use the proper 5.1.2 for that device: https://kindle-fire-updates.s3.amaz...ate-kindle-global-37.5.4.2_user_542168620.bin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs

Confirmed, this procedure worked for Fire (5th generation), however the amazon update file is different (see a few posts back)

I just got a fire HD 6 (4th Gen) with the 4.5.2 OS.
Everything I see talks about 4.5.3 and later. I have not turned on wifi, so basically in a holding pattern for now. I want to root/twrp and maybe a custom rom.
Can some give me advice on the best path to take? Should I upgrade then root? Or root then upgrade? Any advice is appreciated.

FireTV-Settings 3.0 Mod Root works on Tank and Mantis without Amazon Launcher

!! deprecated !!

0815hoffi said:
FireTV-Settings 3.0 Mod Root works on Tank and Mantis without Amazon Launcher
based on https://github.com/rainman74/FireTV-Settings/releases
install as normal APK.
Root is needed.
NewSettingsGerRoot.apk = German
NewSettingsEngRoot.apk = English
FireTV-SettingsGer.zip = Android Studio Zip German
FireTV-SettingsEng.zip = Android Studio Zip English
Feel free to customize it for whatever works best for you! ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so the apk file is unnecessary with root since the zip is in charge of that correct? This is actually interesting considering that the Amazon Launcher being disabled with root therefore losing functionality to accessing settings unless you were to use adb commands.
Edit: the apk was supposed to be installed, works 100%

Skel40 said:
Ok so the apk file is unnecessary with root since the zip is in charge of that correct? This is actually interesting considering that the Amazon Launcher being disabled with root therefore losing functionality to accessing settings unless you were to use adb commands.
Edit: the apk was supposed to be installed, works 100%
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Questions...
So does the Zip need to be flashed?
Then install the APK?
Is the Amazon launcher disable by doing this, or do I have to disable that myself?
Can you easily remove it?

The Zip file is for customize.
SourceCode for Android Studio.
You must disable it .

OK so disable
com.amazon.tv.launcher
?
1. install APK
2. Flash zip ( for customize if you want)
3. disable launcher
The zip, what does it modify and how do you go back?
Sorry for the questions, just want to know what to expect if i have an issue...

Install other Launcher.
For mantis maybe you need FTVLaunchX to start the alternate Launcher.
#adb shell pm disable com.amazon.tv.launcher
Install apk to access the settings without amazon Launcher.
The Zip the SourceCode to build apk.
I hope it is understandable now

Thanks bro, this works perfect with ATV Launcher 0.1.2 now i can access amazon built-in apps on 4k stick.

Thanks for this.
Couple of queries:
Lots of icons on my custom launcher. But all start off at sleep. Is this normal? If so why so many icons?
The command to disable the amazon launcher is not working and I do have root. Any ideas?
Edit: Not to worry about the above. I found a new version that gives me just the one icon
Also found the instructions to delete the amazon launcher so that is good.
Only problem that some might have is installing new apps from the amazon marketplace (or whatever they call it).
Any ideas about how to do this?

Use this Version.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82368799&postcount=1
Amazon Market is not working.
You must sideload the apps.
Also you can push the apps over the Amazon Website to your Stick.
App Updates should be installed automatic.

0815hoffi said:
Use this Version.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82368799&postcount=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that.
I manage a lot of these sticks. Most I know the Amazon accounts for so will use the web site to push to them if they request new apps.
I will ask for the other account details but if they wont provide them I will send them to the website to install themselves if they want new apps.
It seems Amazon pushed out a new prime Video app today (or I was told about it today) that asks it you want to install it.
Was told it no longer works with this setup if it is installed. Was fine yesterday and no prompt to update then.
Might be a problem with the Prime Video app in general and not this setup, but all my sticks are running these fixes now.
Just tested on one and it is true. Trying to open Prime Video does nothing. Tried both the icons for it (one never worked but now both do not).
Will see if I can roll it back (once I find the original apk).
Thanks for this. So nice not to see the Amazon Launcher at all now.