CS918s Android TV box - Android Stick & Console RockChip based Computers

This unit is quite widely sold but there doesn't seem to be much of a community supporting it. There was some stuff over on DragonDevs, in particular a custom ROM by dvalin21, who also hangs around here, but that forum seems to have died.
The manufacturer of this box isn't exactly supporting it with firmware updates, last official update is over a year old, Android 4.4.2, I have some problems and was hoping there was a community out there to help solve it:
- remote control stopped working - LED still blinks on the device, but most commands not carried out by the OS (other than Power Off I think) - I have factory reset but it hasn't fixed the problem, also tried programming a universal remote from the C918S remote and it receives input but doesn't work with the box still
- xpad.ko not present, the box doesn't support xbox 360 controller out of the box, it seems, and I was hoping someone would've come up with a module for that (dvalin21's custom rom may contain it, but I can't download it and anyway it's old now). Annoying, all of these Android TV boxes would make neat little games consoles if only they included this support.
Any other savvy users of the OTT CS918S out there?

Hello! I have a CS918S also more than four years, very good, I had some problems got around with some roms. Maybe I can help on something. What problems your presented? If you have any error in English is due to be using a translator ...

Related

Anyone with an HP iPAQ h561x/h565x (YES, the never-released early iPAQ phone model)?

(Sorry guys and gals for crossposting this here – this forum has much more visitors than the General forum.)
No, I haven’t messed up the numbers: there were models in the h5600. It’s just that they have been cancelled by HP (see for example this article).
There, however, are still floating devices around (see for example this eBay auction); I’ve also been offered one, which, being a die-hard gadget freak & collector, I'm really interested in. However, it just doesn’t see either the Wi-Fi, the BT or the phone unit at all – in Wireless Control, not even the icons of the first two show up as can be seen in here and enabling the phone results in a “a wireless radio must be attached to use the phone” message as can be seen in here.
The ROM version in the device I’ve been offered is 0.81.13 ENG, dated 08/13/02 (that is, pretty early, taken into account that it was only later that the first rumors on the h5600 series surfaced) as can be seen in here; the device has the GSM module, which has the version WGM_1310something as can be seen in here.
Therefore, if anyone has a h561x or a h565x, please PLEASE let me know I’d be REALLY grateful for any kind of help or information on this device. You’ll get LOADS of greetings and thanks in any “retro review”-kind of article I may publish on this rarity.
I’d really want to have this prototype as a working device in my huge collection of old PDA’s, but would not prefer paying big bucks for it if it is almost completely useless (currently, it is – it’s PPC2k2-based, which means almost no support for any recently released Pocket PC application or game and doesn't support any wireless either).
BTW, the device is legal, even if it’s just a beta one - also see the comments here.
(BTW, don’t be afraid: I’m OK, the reason for my not having published really big articles for a month is that I’ve had a lot of work and the current article I’ve been working on for three weeks also needed a LOT of work and research. However, I really think it was worth the time and effort – it’ll be THE definitive article on everything Pocket PC – to – desktop PC control and will contain a lot of not-just-Pocket-PC-related information on remote controlling issues in general. That is, it’ll be worth reading for anyone that is interested in remote desktop protocols in general, not only Pocket PC users.)

Help with bluetooth! hci_get_route returns ERNODEV

Hi!
I am developing an application which connects a Wiimote to a bluetooth enabled android phone/device.
I did this by interfacing with the native bluez bluetooth library directly, rather than via the Android API. The reason for this is that Android API doesn't support HID devices, which a Wiimote is.
A problem now is that on some devices, mostly those sold by HTC, my app simply doesn't work. After calling the hci_get_route(NULL), this function should return an id of the first bluetooth device available (most likely 0), but instead returns ERNODEV (-1) as if no bluetooth device is available.
I suspect it has something to do with our beloved HTC grossly modifying something in the libbluetooth library to make this fail to work.
Has anyone ever done this kind of bluetooth interfacing?
How could I make this work?
Rooting the phone and replacing a library or two would be fine too.
For a list of working and non-working devices, check out the 2nd post of this thread.
HTC support
I just sent a customer service message to HTC about this issue. I hope they can get back to me with a "we'll work on it" message, or something. I really want this on my incredible. I'm new to coding like this, but could you disguise the Wiimote as another kind of device?
Just a response from someone equally interested in a solution. I'm trying to set up a bluetooth keyboard (Freedom Pro) with my gsm Hero running the 1.5 based MCR 3.2. Available drivers (Freedom's own, BlueInput & KeyPro) should work with 1.5, but HTC devices, especially the Hero, seem to be lacking something that is present in most 1.5 builds.
Investigating, I find the same issue of no route to device, because there is no known device. AIUI when bluetooth is turned on hciattach is used to establish a link to the hardware. At that point an hciconfig should list the hci0 device as present but down. However I find this list remains empty at all times.
I found this for keyboards.
Since I can't post the link, it's called "KeyPro for Android"
Google "keypro android" and click the first link.
Maybe that could help. It says it works with any android device above 1.5, however, I did read that some keyboards use a different type of bluetooth profile, SPP rather than HID.
I haven't heard back form HTC yet either.
EDIT: Upon reading your post again, you have tried this. Sorry, my bad.
Thanks for looking though The Freedom Pro is switchable between spp & hid profiles, so I figured I was safe, lol. Not with HTC's butchered 1.5 bt it seems.
Did you ever try to use the most likely id 0 on an HTC device? Even though the call to get the id fails?
Maybe you could use also the Android API to synchronize if a device is present and then use the id that Android API gives you?
Just some thoughts since I would love to see that App running on my Desire with Snesoid
Edit: Double post
tobren said:
Did you ever try to use the most likely id 0 on an HTC device? Even though the call to get the id fails?
Maybe you could use also the Android API to synchronize if a device is present and then use the id that Android API gives you?
Just some thoughts since I would love to see that App running on my Desire with Snesoid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe it or not, I actually tried this. Unfortunately, the next command (to bind the bluetooth adapter) also fails, and of course every command after that one because the adapter is not bound.
Thanks for the idea anyway.
usb
does the wii remote have usb connectivity? could it be possible to have the communication pass through that connection rather than bluetooth? one advantage of this would be increased battery life and probably better compatibility across models.
i'm sure some people would prefer bluetooth, but i figure i'll always be using it very close to my phone so i can see the screen, so the wired option is actually a bit more attractive (considering battery performance).
i know ps3 has usb connectivity as well, you just might need an adapter (mini to micro).
rubber soul said:
does the wii remote have usb connectivity? could it be possible to have the communication pass through that connection rather than bluetooth?
[snip]
i know ps3 has usb connectivity as well, you just might need an adapter (mini to micro).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the first answer is no - our wii is round at a friend's atm. However even if it was yes, you'd need more than an adapter. USB operates with one device as master & the other as slave. To allow you to connect slave devices to your phone it would need to be in host mode. Some mobile phone hardware implementations support this, however I don't know of any mainstream Android kernels which do. Even if you workaround that, you're left with the huge issue that slave devices can assume it's safe to draw power from the USB bus which could do nasty things (tm) to a lower power device like a mobile. This can be worked around via a powered hub, but it all gets very messy.
I looked into this a few months ago, hoping I'd be able to use a usb keyboard with my Hero. I ended up with a BT keyboard instead. Of course that doesn't work either but for completely different reasons, as hinted at by this thread. Hopefully a 2.1 ROM will solve that, but that's the subject of numerous other threads.
Uh, just throwing stuff out, what if you have a pc with two bluetooth adapters, it connects to the wii mote, and then broadcasts that in someway the android api can understand?
Also please actually try working on something with a rooted phone, the HTC EVO 4g is rootable, and I will make man love(no homo) if you get it working.
Either one works lol.
Using a PC as a proxy is kind of useless. If you have a wiimote connected to a PC, you might as well play games on the PC itself (there are nes/snes/sega/etc emulators for PCs too).
At this moment, rooting doesn't help with the problem either.
@1 True
@2 That sucks.
Do we think that this will/could be fixed in HTC's Froyo update for 2010 devices? Not looking for definite answers, just a ponderin'.
well if you send the null pairing code to the wiimote from the default bluetooth pairing screen.. it will fail to communicate with the wiimote too
waffles004 said:
Do we think that this will/could be fixed in HTC's Froyo update for 2010 devices? Not looking for definite answers, just a ponderin'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't it work in stock/vanilla Eclair? I thought the main problem was with Cupcake, though HTC seem to have done weird things to every stock firmware. I read that removing Sense from a 2.1 HTC ROM breaks bluetooth. Go figure. And there was I thinking Sense was a gui enhancement
I contacted HTC about their bluetooth issues and just received this response
My name is Courtney, and I would be glad to assist you today. I understand that you are unhappy with the Bluetooth connectivity on your HTC EVO. HTC is aware of the problems occurring with the EVO and Bluetooth. We are currently investigating this issue and are working on a solution. As soon as we have an update, we will inform our customers. Thank you for contacting HTC America Technical Support. If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us via email or at 1-866-449-8358. We are open 7 days a week from 6 a.m.-1 a.m. EST. You can also check out our Community and Support pages at htc.com/us and our pages on Facebook and Twitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted HTC about this issue with my incredible and I basically got the same answer except the guy was more knowledgeable and said that other people were complaining about certain bluetooth issues. I think they know what they did and are waiting to fix it in Froyo to be easy for them. No worries though, should be comin' in a few weeks. I can't freakin' wait. I have soooooooooo much Pokemon and Mario to play.
does anyone know if this works on samsung galaxy s, i dont have my phone yet to test, but as soon as it arrives (sometime next week) i will test this.
All I can say is that my wii controller is working really well on cyanogen on my evolution now!

New MOJO owner. My issues + YouTube Video.

Hello All.
I'm new to the forum and I've been messing around with my MOJO for about a week now since I received it in the mail. I have been plagued with a couple issues, but the experience has been overall positive. I updated the firmware and rooted it using Mad Catz's tutorial. And recently I noticed the new OS upgrade by Unjustified Dev. I haven't decided whether I want to move forward with it yet, because it does void the warranty after all.
I downloaded a boatload of apps and games to play around with. So far no issues until 2 days ago when the MOJO started freezing. It would sometimes get stuck and then eventually respond, but other times it would freeze entirely. It froze 3 times yesterday and 2 times today before I gave up with it. Not sure what to do. Should I upgrade to the new unofficial OS, or should I just return the MOJO?
I also made a quick review of the MOJO a couple days ago before the freezing began happening. See it at /watch?v=MjALrGzpQ4A
The video shows the PSX to USB adapter I tested with much success! As well as a webcam that works with video AND microphone audio. I just can't figure out how to get it to work with Skype and Messenger, as if it were a built-in camera like any other smartphone.
I had constant freezes too using the official software. I upgraded to CyanogenMod 12.1 and it has never frozen since.
Edit: I moved this post over to the CM12.1 thead instead because it was more relevant.
UPDATE: I upgraded to CM12.1 by Unjustified Dev and it works great. Unfortunately I had some trouble getting it to work in the beginning but it seems to function perfect now. It still works with the PSX to USB adapter, but I have yet to try it with a webcam.
Hi all,
I've only had my MOJO for a week or two at this point, but I wanted to throw my two cents in since I had the freezing and didn't end up updating to one of unjustified's roms yet (although I did root with towelroot).
I noticed the freezing occasionally when I had the MOJO multitasking quite a bit.
Restarting the MOJO once a day or so seems to have kept the freezing at bay. I have limitless remote service installed so I can control the MOJO with my phone to save controller battery, so I just use that to restart the thing if I remember or if I feel like it needs it. Being an "always on device" I'm not sure if the caches being cleared etc. is what the issue was, but since I've been restarting the MOJO on a regular basis (much the way I do with my phone) it hasn't really been an issue.
Sent from my C6730 using Tapatalk
krikit said:
Hi all,
I've only had my MOJO for a week or two at this point, but I wanted to throw my two cents in since I had the freezing and didn't end up updating to one of unjustified's roms yet (although I did root with towelroot).
I noticed the freezing occasionally when I had the MOJO multitasking quite a bit.
Restarting the MOJO once a day or so seems to have kept the freezing at bay. I have limitless remote service installed so I can control the MOJO with my phone to save controller battery, so I just use that to restart the thing if I remember or if I feel like it needs it. Being an "always on device" I'm not sure if the caches being cleared etc. is what the issue was, but since I've been restarting the MOJO on a regular basis (much the way I do with my phone) it hasn't really been an issue.
Sent from my C6730 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The freezing only started for me about the same time (after 2 weeks from purchase). But after upgrading to CM12, I can confidently say that it is far superior to the Mad Catz stock version of Android, and its totally reversible. If you need any further assistance on how to get it installed, I can help. However, I didn't do the towelroot way, I used USB-USB.
I actually didn't even know that Remix 2.0 was a thing. And now that I know, I may try installing it on my old Dell netbook. Windows Starter ran like crap, but Ubuntu worked better. I can only hope that Remix 2.0 will run even more smoothly.
TwistyTravster said:
I also made a quick review of the MOJO a couple days ago before the freezing began happening. See it at /watch?v=MjALrGzpQ4A
The video shows the PSX to USB adapter I tested with much success! As well as a webcam that works with video AND microphone audio. I just can't figure out how to get it to work with Skype and Messenger, as if it were a built-in camera like any other smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for talking about the peripherals here and in your video. I went ahead and got the playstation to usb adapter. I just need to keymap the dual-shock 2's, and 4-player games can be a thing without having to buy more controllers.
Another side-note: I believe you were speculating in your video about if an optical drive would work with the MOJO? I tested mine out (LG GP50NB40) , but couldn't get it to work with or without extra external power. I did find out that Samsung makes one specifically meant to mount on Android devices that's supposed to work on the Nvidia Shield, so I imagine that one works.
krikit said:
Hey, thanks for talking about the peripherals here and in your video. I went ahead and got the playstation to usb adapter. I just need to keymap the dual-shock 2's, and 4-player games can be a thing without having to buy more controllers.
Another side-note: I believe you were speculating in your video about if an optical drive would work with the MOJO? I tested mine out (LG GP50NB40) , but couldn't get it to work with or without extra external power. I did find out that Samsung makes one specifically meant to mount on Android devices that's supposed to work on the Nvidia Shield, so I imagine that one works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw, somewhere on the TransformerForums, a post about that--some optical drives can be set to work with Android. (Asus Transformers, at least the older ones, are Tegra-powered Droids). If I get time I'll try to find the post, not right now for sure. Google is a good friend of mine...
krikit said:
Hey, thanks for talking about the peripherals here and in your video. I went ahead and got the playstation to usb adapter. I just need to keymap the dual-shock 2's, and 4-player games can be a thing without having to buy more controllers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was extremely surprised that the PSX to USB adapter worked so perfectly. I do wonder if you could get 2 of them and connect them to powered USB hub and get all 4 wired controllers to be registered.
FYI, I found out recently that you can actually stream ROM files through ES File Explorer using any of Robert Broglia's emulators on a DLNA/uPnP server, which is AWESOME! That means you could have multiple Android devices streaming games to multiple emulators all from one place, without needing to be directly connected.
krikit said:
Another side-note: I believe you were speculating in your video about if an optical drive would work with the MOJO? I tested mine out (LG GP50NB40) , but couldn't get it to work with or without extra external power. I did find out that Samsung makes one specifically meant to mount on Android devices that's supposed to work on the Nvidia Shield, so I imagine that one works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the video I saw regarding the external optical drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvoyab75QgQ
It may be a FAT32 format issue.
What I found on transformerforums.com was a link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2402880
I checked Amazon, it's available in black or white, a bit over US$100.
kevinthefixer said:
What I found on transformerforums.com was a link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2402880
I checked Amazon, it's available in black or white, a bit over US$100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting this, that's a good find. I guess it's just a question of if a person's needs justify paying a bit more for a bluray drive that won't let them watch bluray's on the MOJO legally. Even if that's not a consideration, it's a clear case of proprietary garbage rearing it's self-eating head again. I digress.
It almost seems just a matter of time before Google builds this into a future version of Android (unless physical media sales continue to be replaced by digital).
Here's the Samsung DVD drive demo'd on the Shield TV that I was mentioning above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnwynmT8GVI
Apparently, Samsung has been quick to make Android compatible optical drives to enhance their Galaxy brand: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2406001,00.asp
krikit said:
Thanks for posting this, that's a good find. I guess it's just a question of if a person's needs justify paying a bit more for a bluray drive that won't let them watch bluray's on the MOJO legally. Even if that's not a consideration, it's a clear case of proprietary garbage rearing it's self-eating head again. I digress.
It almost seems just a matter of time before Google builds this into a future version of Android (unless physical media sales continue to be replaced by digital).
Here's the Samsung DVD drive demo'd on the Shield TV that I was mentioning above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnwynmT8GVI
Apparently, Samsung has been quick to make Android compatible optical drives to enhance their Galaxy brand: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2406001,00.asp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking the question is why Google hasn't added the few necessary drivers & codecs to Android to support optical drives natively--maybe just to support Samsung's market corner? Or simply not enough interest? It's not a big deal for me, I'd as soon rip a dvd and watch the resulting mp4, store the source dvd for backup purposes. But that's not quite so easy for Windows users, they must pay for an effective dvd ripper, while Linux has several open-source ones. I like Handbrake.
krikit said:
Thanks for posting this, that's a good find. I guess it's just a question of if a person's needs justify paying a bit more for a bluray drive that won't let them watch bluray's on the MOJO legally. Even if that's not a consideration, it's a clear case of proprietary garbage rearing it's self-eating head again. I digress.
It almost seems just a matter of time before Google builds this into a future version of Android (unless physical media sales continue to be replaced by digital).
Here's the Samsung DVD drive demo'd on the Shield TV that I was mentioning above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnwynmT8GVI
Apparently, Samsung has been quick to make Android compatible optical drives to enhance their Galaxy brand: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2406001,00.asp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was gonna start a new thread to post about this but I searched DVD and this active thread will do as well as any, I suppose. Hopefully this interests someone!
Earlier today I figured out how to watch encrypted (DRM) retail DVD movies by sharing my PC's DVD drive on my SMB network. My PC is wired via ethernet but the MOJO is fully wifi. The same trick should work for a lot of Blu-Ray and all HD-DVD discs.
First off, I tried just sharing the optical drive on the network. Sorta worked, I could view the files but I couldn't play the movie. So I did a bit more research and figured out that Android doesn't have anything to decrypt your DVD's DRM (as some of you have noted) so I went back to the drawing board. Eventually I came across a Windows program called AnyDVD HD that decrypts DVDs, Blu-Rays, and HD-DVDs on the fly, seconds after you pop them into the drive. I downloaded and installed version 7.3.0.0 from a certain torrent site, you know the one. Don't worry, AnyDVD is no longer in business because they weren't allowed to be making the program in the first place, so you couldn't buy the program if you tried. Installed and patched AnyDVD HD, popped in my retail Scarface anniversary edition DVD and voila! Starts up and plays in seconds via Kodi. Even gets rid of those pesky trailers and FBI warnings. Like I said, this should work with most if not all DVDs and HD-DVDs. Blu-Rays are a little more hit or miss because as I understand it, with each new release they tweak the DRM a bit making it hard for programs like this to keep up.
It might not be as streamlined as having an external plugged directly into it, but for as often as I watch physical media I don't mind walking 20 ft over to my PC and popping the disc in the drive. Hopefully this is useful to everyone! If anyone has questions, feel free to ask!
EDIT: I'm thinking about maybe starting a YouTube channel for MOJO/possibly just general Android Box discoveries, and tips and tricks I've learned. Is this interesting to anyone/would anyone want to contribute?
tideee88 said:
...
Earlier today I figured out how to watch encrypted (DRM) retail DVD movies by sharing my PC's DVD drive on my SMB network. My PC is wired via ethernet but the MOJO is fully wifi. The same trick should work for a lot of Blu-Ray and all HD-DVD discs.
...
EDIT: I'm thinking about maybe starting a YouTube channel for MOJO/possibly just general Android Box discoveries, and tips and tricks I've learned. Is this interesting to anyone/would anyone want to contribute?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent work! If I thought I got surprised finding out about streaming shared ROM files, through ES File Explorer, directly to any of Robert Broglia's emulators. That totally blows my mind. But streaming DVD's wirelessly from one device to another? LOL Hot damn.
Technology... you scare me sometimes.

Dualshock 4 issue

Hello everyone. I tried to pair my dualshock 4 via bluetooth to my s10+ and i had no luck making it work. Then i tried with cabel and it worked but there is a mapping issue. Pressing O is recognized as X. X as Square and square as L1. Does antone have an idea how to fix it without root?
Need root to change key bindings. You can change the buttons within some apps, but many still won't work well.
Thank you Ace. Do you think this is a problem from googles end given the fact they just included the files with pie. Or it might be a wrong implementation from samsung? I dont have another pie device to test. If its samsung i can try reporting the bug and hopefully have it fixed with future updates
peshetoman said:
Thank you Ace. Do you think this is a problem from googles end given the fact they just included the files with pie. Or it might be a wrong implementation from samsung? I dont have another pie device to test. If its samsung i can try reporting the bug and hopefully have it fixed with future updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two PS4 controllers. V1 and V2. The former relies on x input, whereas Android seems to side with d input (XB1 controller) like Windows.
With the controller and OS supporting different APIs natively, key presses aren't interpreted well on every phone. Some devices have everything assigned correctly, but the S10 isn't one of em. I'm not sure Samsung is concerned with compatibility. Ofc feel free to submit feedback or email them.
For what it's worth, this is the only Pie phone I've had luck with. Neither my Pro 3 nor z2F acknowledge the DS4 over OTG. Haven't tried it on my Note yet.
Thank you very much. I hope they do, as i got dex station as well with the hope of playing some games on the screen(rayman!) ))

T95Z Plus TV BOX Android 12 Allwinner H618 - Not able to open any VPN Android 12 Allwinner H618 - Not able to open any VPN

Hi all, hopefully I am posting in the right place for this query.
So I bought a T95Z Plus TV BOX Android 12 Allwinner H618 and I thought I was making a decent upgrade from my old R10 box which still works despite being Android 7.1!!! However upon arrival and setup of the T95Z Plus I came unstuck when I could not open PIA VPN app. When I attempt to open the app, it literally tries to open then stops and nothing happens. All this in the blink of an eye. No splash screen, nothing. Just double click the app, brief spin as though it were loading then nothing.
I obviously went into overdrive to find a fix and basically came up with very little to try believing it was PIA app. Initially I read it was some kind of problem with Android 12 and all VPNs however has since been patched. But from what I can see it seems to be the T95plus is the issue.
The advice I have read and tried so far is:
to uninstall the app, reinstall the app.
Try the apk install that can be obtained directly from the PIA website rather than googleplay store
Turn of battery saver mode
Clear Cache of the app
I also tried another VPN, this time a free VPN, however this app opens but just sits trying to connect for ever.
So I am wondering has anyone with the same experience as me, or the knowledge got something for m to try in order to rectify the problem? I would return the box however it took so long to arrive to the UK that I don't think I can return it as it's past 14 days. Stupidly did not anticipate such a problem
If anyone can help I would be very grateful, thank you in advance.
I am compelled to write this before I give a real answer. Allwinner chips are utter garbage and avoid them. The H616 boxes were total garbage and riddle with spyware. You would do well to run a PCAP and see if its calling home like the H616 was.
First off download the APK directly from PIA. Once you have it just click on it. If prompted about install from unknown sources click ok. This will install the app. Don't do anything yet. Go to Settings and just search VPN. It needs to be there because the PIA app requires it to run. It's standard in Android and it should be there. But if the firmware was modified it could disable the feature or remove it as it could prevent the box from calling home.
Here is PIA's own guide on how to do all this.
Basically if its hanging it's because the PIA App isn't seeing the VPN service. I speak from experience since I disabled it once when I didn't haven't clue what the hell I was doing. Since you said a free VPN was having the same issue my suspicion would be the box itself. You can install one of the hidden settings apps and see if you can get to the VPN Setting. If you cannot then you need to just return the box and get a Amlogic or a decent Rockchip. For TV Boxes Allwinner chips are dumpster fires.
I blew my first Amlogic box a few years back before I knew that destroying them is near impossible and I recovered it later. I bought a T95 because it looked great, price was great, and I was clueless. I had nothing but trouble with it for the week or so I fought with it. The nail in the coffin was watching network traffic flowing when none should have been. That's when I ran my own PCAP and saw it was talking to Chinese servers for services I knew weren't in use. This isn't an indictment on Chinese boxes as I have a plethora of them. It's an indictment on the crap quality any of these boxes have. You get what you pay for. I'm a firm believer in cheap and cheerful. Just with AllWinner their reputation is utter garbage in the TV Box market. Most go with Amlogic because you have the most flexibility with them since Amlogic tools are readily available and custom firmware is easily obtained. Rockchip is the next up but the tools are much more limited and there is less options for custom firmware.
My real suggestion is RMA the box if you can. If you can't, eat the loss and buy a Amlogic. You can always look at getting *Elec projects or Armbian or something for the H618 but don't hold your breath as AllWinner isn't wildly supported. Their lack of tools for their chips means no one is inclined to deal with the pain involved for developing for their chips. Plus their habit of gimping chips due to heat throttling means it's inferior in the long run because you will constantly be running throttled as AllWinner chips run hot.
TV Boxes aren't known for their quality cooling already. If you are heavy user you get creative in providing cooling. The easiest is a USB powered fan. Not the best solution since thermal dynamics clearly operate in a parallel dimension in the factories where cheap Android boxes are made. Heat does not rise in that dimension. It sinks. This is why the majority of boxes have holes for heat dissipation at the bottom of the box. So while a USB fan does help, if you want to get wild and crazy check out what some the kids at 4PDA come up with. The easiest option is pop the box, take the board out and go nuts with a drill and a whatever sized bit you feel comfy using. Which means, use common sense. If you want to use a hole saw bit I'm not going to say no. Live your truth and don't let anyone stop you.
Hope this helps you.
PS - I'm far from a new member. Just a serial lurker. I figured consumed enough that I might as well return some of the knowledge I have gathered here and a plethora of other sites. Plus I felt bad for you. I was you with an AllWinner TV Box. I know how frustrating it was.
Hi Spudzz. First off thanks for the reply. Just a little additional info regarding this, but basically last night before your reply I had upgraded the firmware to a more recent version, if not the most recent version and despite install PIA again I got a little further as in the app will open, but it will not allow me to sign into my account.
So yeah, there is definitely something up with these boxes. I tried a free one VPNfast or something and this also failed to connect to a server.
What amazes me with these T95Z plus boxes is they seem very popular. There is a whole other thread on here regarding them indeed that is where I learnt about the different firmware img's. One single post has a guy asking them same thing as me saying he can't open his vpn. But no one replied to him.
Unfortunately I cannot return this box, I don't think I can anyways because it has been past 2 weeks since I got it. I will however lookout now for Amlogic box as you recommend. Do you know if there are Android 12 versions of these kicking around or does it matter if I bought one that is Android 11?
I am coming from using an old S10 Android Tv box that still works to this day. It's Android 7.1 would you believe. The reason I want to switch if every so often I get an app that wont work properly regarding the progress bar. Videos will play but you can't rewind,fastforward, click on the timeline anywhere in the video. The latest app to go was youtube and since I use YouTube a lot I thought I was making a good choice getting a more up to date Android Box with Android 12 installed. So many good reviews on Amazon regarding this box as well. It's crazy. I didn't buy my box from Amazon but I just use that as an example of where some good reviews are.
***edit*** by the way the VPN settings on the T95 I could find, but there weren't many options and I didn't know what to do with those that were there.

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