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Long time reader, first time posting.
Install requires root.
Squirrel LLC just released an android version of their app Reflector ($7). This app can be installed fairly simply on the FireTV, turning it into an airplay receiver for screen sharing and display extension, not just video or audio playing.
This requires root (instructions here) and the google play store (instructions here- they are for kindle, but work) before you can install this program.
Once you have the play store installed and you are signed in, you will be able to install apps remotely. This is much easier, as the play store is somewhat difficult to navigate on the Fire TV itself. However, Google will think the Fire TV is not compatible with Reflector.
To circumvent compatibility restrictions, download Market Helper and install on your FireTV (sideload instructions here). This will allow you to spoof your device type and install the app. I used the Nexus 7 as the device type. Make sure you've run google play services and signed into the play store before you run this, so it can read your id. The activate buttons are invisible until you are selecting them, so just press down and over until you find what you want.
After setting up your Fire TV to look like a Nexus 7, head back to the play store and set Reflector to install remotely.
From here, you can use any airplay device to broadcast to the Fire TV!
Couldn't you use snappea instead of google play?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I wasn't able to get this to work in Extend Desktop mode with my Mac. Since there's only a 15 minute refund period, I already got the refund, so it's possible I was doing something wrong, but the Play description didn't mention Extend Desktop mode. I don't see how I was doing anything wrong though, since the only settings in the app is the Name and the Password (and I didn't set a password). I did remember to turn off AirPlay in my other AirPlay app before trying Reflector.
Prior to this, I was already using AirReceiver to handle IOS mirroring. If all you want is IOS mirroring, I believe it was less expensive. Since it was bought through the Amazon store, it shows up with an icon on main screen (in my Apps and Recent sections). I don't recall if you can buy it on the FireTV or not, but I think so. A Voice search for Air Receiver brings it up.
Thanks!
Hey Guys,
Sid from Squirrels here!
Thanks for the walkthrough and the instructions. We're glad you got everything working!
We've actually submitted Reflector to the Amazon Fire TV store. The approval process is a bit more lengthy and involved than normal Google Play submissions.
As for extended desktop from a computer. It should work alright. I'de be interested in seeing logs from this to see why it didn't work for you. You can email our support team and they'll be happy to get it working!
Thanks again for the instructions.
So why root?? Why not just side load reflector??
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
1975jamie said:
So why root?? Why not just side load reflector??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflector is a paid app, and I have no experience sideloading paid apps / getting a signed apk out of one. I found it to be easier to root and install the play store than to bother with that. If you are aware of an easy method to get the APK out of a paid app, I'd love to hear it- I always pay for my apps, but sometimes I need to install them in a dev environment where the play store isn't available, and I'd like to know.
If you're concerned about rooting, I'd consider the advantages. Rooting is a piece of cake now thanks to Towelroot, and it gives you uped duper more functionality than you have without it, especially if you are using this device to run XBMC primarily.
sidneykeith said:
Hey Guys,
Sid from Squirrels here!
Thanks for the walkthrough and the instructions. We're glad you got everything working!
We've actually submitted Reflector to the Amazon Fire TV store. The approval process is a bit more lengthy and involved than normal Google Play submissions.
As for extended desktop from a computer. It should work alright. I'de be interested in seeing logs from this to see why it didn't work for you. You can email our support team and they'll be happy to get it working!
Thanks again for the instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the good customer support. I figured it was the Amazon store's lengthy submission process that was holding things up and not an actual compatibility issue, which is why I decided to hack this together.
I own no other Amazon devices (and probably won't), so it's to my advantage to keep all my purchases within one ecosystem. You may consider adding a little walkthrough on how to use the google play store to run your app on the firetv to your page, if you guys aren't fearful of the wrath of Bezos. I'm sure there are a lot of people like me who bought the firetv for the android, not the amazon.
Taige said:
I wasn't able to get this to work in Extend Desktop mode with my Mac. Since there's only a 15 minute refund period, I already got the refund, so it's possible I was doing something wrong, but the Play description didn't mention Extend Desktop mode. I don't see how I was doing anything wrong though, since the only settings in the app is the Name and the Password (and I didn't set a password). I did remember to turn off AirPlay in my other AirPlay app before trying Reflector.
Prior to this, I was already using AirReceiver to handle IOS mirroring. If all you want is IOS mirroring, I believe it was less expensive. Since it was bought through the Amazon store, it shows up with an icon on main screen (in my Apps and Recent sections). I don't recall if you can buy it on the FireTV or not, but I think so. A Voice search for Air Receiver brings it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what happened there for you. Extended display was the default for me. That being said, the other app could have interfered, or maybe your settings in OSX weren't correct. I wish I could help you more, but Airplay is finicky enough as it is, without adding third party software. Maybe get in touch with Sid about that.
If anyone else is interested in this, my brother managed to get airsquirrel to work with reflector on the firetv, but it seemed to be more laggy than with true airplay. I'm not sure if that was the fault of his laptop or the software, so that might be worth looking into if you're a diehard windows user like I used to be.
hotterpop said:
Reflector is a paid app, and I have no experience sideloading paid apps / getting a signed apk out of one. I found it to be easier to root and install the play store than to bother with that. If you are aware of an easy method to get the APK out of a paid app, I'd love to hear it- I always pay for my apps, but sometimes I need to install them in a dev environment where the play store isn't available, and I'd like to know.
If you're concerned about rooting, I'd consider the advantages. Rooting is a piece of cake now thanks to Towelroot, and it gives you uped duper more functionality than you have without it, especially if you are using this device to run XBMC primarily.
Thanks for the good customer support. I figured it was the Amazon store's lengthy submission process that was holding things up and not an actual compatibility issue, which is why I decided to hack this together.
I own no other Amazon devices (and probably won't), so it's to my advantage to keep all my purchases within one ecosystem. You may consider adding a little walkthrough on how to use the google play store to run your app on the firetv to your page, if you guys aren't fearful of the wrath of Bezos. I'm sure there are a lot of people like me who bought the firetv for the android, not the amazon.
I'm not sure what happened there for you. Extended display was the default for me. That being said, the other app could have interfered, or maybe your settings in OSX weren't correct. I wish I could help you more, but Airplay is finicky enough as it is, without adding third party software. Maybe get in touch with Sid about that.
If anyone else is interested in this, my brother managed to get airsquirrel to work with reflector on the firetv, but it seemed to be more laggy than with true airplay. I'm not sure if that was the fault of his laptop or the software, so that might be worth looking into if you're a diehard windows user like I used to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an android phone that I download the google play app to and then use Es file explorer to back up the app. Then sideload it to the firetv.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Here is how to fix an error similar to this: App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device" on Firestick 2.
There was an older thread here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/installing-google-play-service-rooted-t3574088 that updated info from here http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-inst...amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick-without-root/ but both are outdated at least for the apps I am using. Also, they did not list the source for their working version for when the tutorial gets dated.
Only two steps are required.
For now, https://www.apkmirror.com/ has the most up to date version and seems to update daily. You can use a sideloaded Google Browser or the AFTV browser in the Downloader App (enable JavaScript in settings) that is provided in the Amazon Firestick Store.
1. Go to source website (they do not have an app) and search Google Play Store for ANDROID TV. Ensure you download the version that explicitly states (Android TV) in the title. The ones that were not titled did not work even though the description said for Android TV.
2. On the same website search and download Google Play Services for Android TV
That is it. No need to download anything else, no need to log in, or even click the apps you downloaded. Since the website does not have an app, it won't auto update but hopefully, your apps do not require a constantly updated store.
I did this and the play store never loads. Advice?
total7kaos said:
I did this and the play store never loads. Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The play store does not need to load. This guide is not for getting a functioning play store but to allow apps that require Google Play Services to function.
Thank you, bro. Last time I downloaded 4 files including a PlayStore, this is excellent.
velayo said:
Thank you, bro. Last time I downloaded 4 files including a PlayStore, this is excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome. I know, it was much simpler than the older tutorials made it out to be. Also by listing the source, hopefully, this tutorial can be relevant for a very long time.
What do you mean source web site?
Nm I got it thanks bunches
You rock, thank you!
Just to clarify as I got a bit confused at the beginning.
1. From APK mirror download 2 APKS with these names in the title, get the latest version.
-1. Google Play Store (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store-android-tv
- 2. Google Play services (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services-android-tv
2. They can be downloaded from the device via a browser (enable java)) or side loaded.
3. Once you have them on the device, install them but no need to launch them. I installed 1 and then 2.
4. Launch your app that threw the error before and now it should work.
melonboy666 said:
You rock, thank you!
Just to clarify as I got a bit confused at the beginning.
1. From APK mirror download 2 APKS with these names in the title, get the latest version.
-1. Google Play Store (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store-android-tv
- 2. Google Play services (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services-android-tv
2. They can be downloaded from the device via a browser (enable java)) or side loaded.
3. Once you have them on the device, install them but no need to launch them. I installed 1 and then 2.
4. Launch your app that threw the error before and now it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is all I did and it worked.
Side note. I personally use the https://apkpure.com/ because it has an actual app store. I could not find the correct version on there but once I used the APK mirror one, the Pure store was able to find and update it and it worked. Maybe it was a one time deal but thought I would mention it. That might make it easier than continuing to use a browser. However, apps don't seem to require the newest version of Play, so no big deal either way.
Didn't work for me
Did not work for me. Any chance to confirm the working versions?
I'm on:
Fire TV Gen2 / Fire OS 5.2.6.0 (FireTV Home version 6.0.0.0-264)
I used-
Google Play Store (Android TV) v. 8.0.2.8 ( 8.0.28.R-xhdpi (8) (PR) 163004339)
Google Play Services (Android TV) 11.7.46 (836-175121617) (11746836)
^^- There were newer versions, but the new versions were all betas and I didn't want to fool with that.
I get same errors as the OP- "App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device"
For what it's worth I'm trying to use my (paid for) version of realMyst.
Any help? Thanks!
Racer_X_ said:
Did not work for me. Any chance to confirm the working versions?
I'm on:
Fire TV Gen2 / Fire OS 5.2.6.0 (FireTV Home version 6.0.0.0-264)
I used-
Google Play Store (Android TV) v. 8.0.2.8 ( 8.0.28.R-xhdpi (8) (PR) 163004339)
Google Play Services (Android TV) 11.7.46 (836-175121617) (11746836)
^^- There were newer versions, but the new versions were all betas and I didn't want to fool with that.
I get same errors as the OP- "App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device"
For what it's worth I'm trying to use my (paid for) version of realMyst.
Any help? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
allusernamestaken said:
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for the quick reply... and for your help, generally. So- some slight progress, I guess.....
The app starts to load, but now I get the error- "This app requires the latest version of the Google Play Games app." with the option to cancel or install. Install leads to the error- This version of the app isn't compatible with your device. To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app."
I guess I could try installing that next. I see there are (Android TV) versions of that app. Any suggestions which one(s) might be confirmed working for my OS?
Also- Is there not some way to modify an app so that it plays but doesn't need to reach out to google play? But that method probably wouldn't be the same method for all apps then (so not useful to try and figure out b/c limited use). These google apps eat up a lot of space on the very limited Amazon internal storage. Haven't tried to move them to external yet.
Also also- How did you get brakets ( ][) in your post? The site won't let me put them in, saying bbcode is forbidden.
allusernamestaken said:
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I did go ahead and install a Google Play Games, just for fun. This one:
5.3.98 (174057789.174057789-046) (Not the most recent but only a couple weeks old)
Didn't work. Got a blank screen on loading realMyst. Then I tried something- I moved realMyst from the the SDdrive to internal storage. THAT seemed to help. For a bit.
With rM on internal storage, google play games started up. But it wanted me to log in:
x'ing out - went to a black screen permanently
choosing 'use an account' or 'login with account' somthing like that- went to a black screen permanently
choosing 'use google play services' - went to a black screen permanently.
I'm getting tired of that having to be on internal storage issue... The Fire TV has so little internal memory... what a hassle. Unless maybe if I move all 4 services out the sd drive......
And anyway it still doesn't work.
Any suggestions, generally, on google play games version, internal/sd location, etc. would be appreciated. But I'm coming up to my wall, at least for this round....
I bought this thing, secondarily, for the game capability. But their game selection stinks. (Chose this over shield b/c I only really want app games on tv, and I use it for tv/media as well. Seemed more solid. And less expensive.)
Anyway... les sigh.
The app starts to load, but now I get the error- "This app requires the latest version of the Google Play Games app." with the option to cancel or install. Install leads to the error- This version of the app isn't compatible with your device. To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it just start to work or did you wind up changing the versions? This would help future users. Slight progress but another snag for your issue I see.
Also- Is there not some way to modify an app so that it plays but doesn't neDidn't work. Got a blank screen on loading realMyst. Then I tried something- I moved realMyst from the the SDdrive to internal storage. THAT seemed to help. For a bit.ed to reach out to google play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way above my layman knowledge to answer that. It is stupid that apps even require Google Play unless needed to function.. There are many devices and stores that are not Google.
Now this method is really to fool apps that don’t really even need to use Google Play but for some reason require it. I am not familiar with Google Play Games but does your app actually need a FUNCTIONING Google service to work? If so than......
EDIT:
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
Also also- How did you get brakets ( ][) in your post? The site won't let me put them in, saying bbcode is forbidden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just used the iPad and [][]
allusernamestaken said:
Did it just start to work or did you wind up changing the versions? Slight progress but another snag I see.
Now this method is really to fool apps that don’t really even need to use Google Play but for some reason require it. I am not familiar with Google Play Games but does your app actually need a FUNCTIONING Google service to work? If so than......
I just used the iPad and [][]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh no, I should have specified- I installed the versions you suggested. Restarted, and open rM (realMyst). That's when I got to the Google Play Games requirement. Looking back, other versions I tried may have said that (Need-Games) and I didn't notice the difference. Moot point, we're on this path now.
So that's when I installed the above version of Google Games. Restarted. Started rM. Got to the 'choose a way to log in' errors, above.
To the best of my knowledge, rM doesn't need google play store or games. I'm not sure why it ever would, actually.. But it's single player, I think it's 'coninuous save', but you don't have multiple save games/points. There is no multiplayer, and no in-app purchases (that I recall). realMyst is a port of an old pc game, called Myst. They had a sequel, called Riven. This is just an android version of that old game. It's a first person explore and puzzle-solve game. Had great graphics for back then. Same kinda deal as like Out of This World (which will run on my Fire.)
And ur lucky with the brackets, I had to edit all the file names to remove then. And also just figure out that it was the brackets that were the problem. I have no idea what bbcode is, lol...
Racer_X_ said:
Oh no, I should have specified- I installed the versions you suggested. Restarted, and open rM (realMyst). That's when I got to the Google Play Games requirement. Looking back, other versions I tried may have said that (Need-Games) and I didn't notice the difference. Moot point, we're on this path now.
in-app purchases (that I recall). a...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, I don’t see how an updated version of the correct file would error. Moot for you but not future users:angel:
I was editing my previous comment while you were apparently still here.
I added
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
allusernamestaken said:
Probably, I don’t see how an updated version of the correct file would error. Moot for you but not future users:angel:
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My assumption was that newer versions would be better programmed to figure out that they were on a Fire and to stop working. Just like any kind of copy-protection. So that only older or 'adjusted' versions would work.
So I just loaded it up on my phone. First screen- permissions. Asks for camera, mic, other stuff, I forget what exactly. But I clicked 'don't ask again' and "Deny". The app says something about 'won't be able to save games without storage permissions'. Ok, fine for now, whatever.
Then, yes, Google Play does prompt me to create a Gamer ID (A google play account, I suppose.) My options are 'learn more' and 'Next'. This I've seen other apps do, sometime pretty insistently. But this time I can simply back out of it (The android back button on the phone). And this sends me straight to the game. The game opens, etc.
It does look like there are saved games (bookmarks). I can go back and play with the storage permissions (on my phone, at least.)
Many games will prompt to create a gamer ID. Some can be quite naggy. But at some point I can always back out and continue without.
Does that help at all? I kinda get that we're coming to the end of the road...
Racer_X_ said:
My assumption was that newer versions would be better programmed to figure out that they were on a Fire and to stop working. Just like any kind of copy-protection. So that only older or 'adjusted' versions would work.
So I just loaded it up on my phone. First screen- permissions. Asks for camera, mic, other stuff, I forget what exactly. But I clicked 'don't ask again' and "Deny". The app says something about 'won't be able to save games without storage permissions'. Ok, fine for now, whatever.
Then, yes, Google Play does prompt me to create a Gamer ID (A google play account, I suppose.) My options are 'learn more' and 'Next'. This I've seen other apps do, sometime pretty insistently. But this time I can simply back out of it (The android back button on the phone). And this sends me straight to the game. The game opens, etc.
It does look like there are saved games (bookmarks). I can go back and play with the storage permissions (on my phone, at least.)
Many games will prompt to create a gamer ID. Some can be quite naggy. But at some point I can always back out and continue without.
Does that help at all? I kinda get that we're coming to the end of the road...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to start a separate thread asking about the Google Play Games error. I am not that technically savvy but I decided to create an account and pay it forward since the other outdated thread which showed how to install Google Play Music pointed me in the right direction. I noticed that most people just needed the Play Store, so I basically cut the steps to make it easier and showed them where to always get the most up to date version.
This thread almost got you there, so maybe like Google Play Music, someone will be able to chime in.
THIS MIGHT HELP but again I am no expert and just speculating.
The Google Play Music Tutorial which I linked to on my first post had two extra steps which allowed you to log in with your Google Account credentials.
Maybe that login is what you need here to fool it and bypass the error.
So maybe try on the same APK site installing Google Services Framework and Google Account Manager
allusernamestaken said:
You might want to start a separate thread asking about the Google Play Games error....So maybe try on the same APK site installing Google Services Framework and Google Account Manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that sounds like a plan. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!
Rx
it works but not 100% - teamviewer but not youtube.tv --- really need a solution swtched from directvnow to youtube.tv and it only works on chromecast and phones.
Got it working
Success after some trial and error: My intention was to get Minecraft working on the FireStick since the Amazon version has no joystick support. So I bought version 1.2.8.0 from Google Play Store for $7 (downloaded and installed to Android compatible device), used SDMaid to backup the .apk file and then sideloaded it to the Firestick using ESExplorer over my network (there are dozens of ways to get the .apk file and sideload it to the FireStick). I then dowloaded the exact versions of Google packages from this tutorial https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/
*I tried the newest versions and they do not work (as has been experienced in this thread), it has to be the older packages, regardless if the minimum API matches the Fire OS SDK 22 or whatever.
Again, there are dozens of ways to download the Google packages from apkmirror.com and install them to your Fire TV (no mystery).
Google Play version of MincraftPE 1.2.8.0 working with generic PS3 style bluetooth controller on Fire TV Stick 2 FireOS 5.2.6.1:fingers-crossed:
I'm trying to build a phone that has no Google hooks in it at all. No tracking, no storing of my data, etc...
I've taken my old Nexus 4, installed the TeamWin recovery tool, and got it setup with LineageOS "Mako" 14.(whatever was the latest available last night). My phone "should be" rooted, I installed the "superuser mode" called out at the end of the LineageOS install instructions... but I'm not sure how to test that to find out.
No issues with install or use. Seems to work well so far.
However, what is the best way to get apps installed on the phone, now? I've found a few available via .apk download, but it seems I have to download the .apk file to my PC and then adb push it across. The native web browser and Firefox both seem to choke on the download link... and most apps don't seem available this way.
Amazon's app store sucks so bad it doesn't even have Amazon's Shopping app for phones (just for tablets).
I've found a few third-party type app stores (APKpure, being one), but I have no idea if they are trustworthy, and the apps all seem several versions behind Google's app store. Also, they don't seem to support paid apps, so you can't buy the Pro features of apps you like.
Any advice? Thanks in advance!
bigfatguy said:
I'm trying to build a phone that has no Google hooks in it at all. No tracking, no storing of my data, etc...
I've taken my old Nexus 4, installed the TeamWin recovery tool, and got it setup with LineageOS "Mako" 14.(whatever was the latest available last night). My phone "should be" rooted, I installed the "superuser mode" called out at the end of the LineageOS install instructions... but I'm not sure how to test that to find out.
No issues with install or use. Seems to work well so far.
However, what is the best way to get apps installed on the phone, now? I've found a few available via .apk download, but it seems I have to download the .apk file to my PC and then adb push it across. The native web browser and Firefox both seem to choke on the download link... and most apps don't seem available this way.
Amazon's app store sucks so bad it doesn't even have Amazon's Shopping app for phones (just for tablets).
I've found a few third-party type app stores (APKpure, being one), but I have no idea if they are trustworthy, and the apps all seem several versions behind Google's app store. Also, they don't seem to support paid apps, so you can't buy the Pro features of apps you like.
Any advice? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect the reason why you can't find paid apps on these stores is because most devs rely on the play store's license verification mechanisms to manage these transactions. If that's what you want, you'll have to give in to Big Brother. Well, Big Brother Google anyway, since I guess you have no problem with Big Brother Amazon except for its poor app selection. F-Droid probably has the best reputation among alternative app stores but again, you'll only find free versions there.
I'm not sure why you're having trouble downloading apks directly to your phone. I do it with Firefox all the time. Make sure your browser app has permission to access your phone's storage.
As for how to test root access, download a root checker app. You'll find them in pretty much any store or app source you decide to use.
This might help you: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-app-stores/2/
ApkMirror is also a reputable site: https://www.apkmirror.com/
TheSt33v said:
I suspect the reason why you can't find paid apps on these stores is because most devs rely on the play store's license verification mechanisms to manage these transactions. If that's what you want, you'll have to give in to Big Brother. Well, Big Brother Google anyway, since I guess you have no problem with Big Brother Amazon except for its poor app selection. F-Droid probably has the best reputation among alternative app stores but again, you'll only find free versions there.
I'm not sure why you're having trouble downloading apks directly to your phone. I do it with Firefox all the time. Make sure your browser app has permission to access your phone's storage.
As for how to test root access, download a root checker app. You'll find them in pretty much any store or app source you decide to use.
This might help you: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-app-stores/2/
ApkMirror is also a reputable site: https://www.apkmirror.com/
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F-Droid
F-Droid for open source apps and than Yalp-Store for "standard" apps. Using MicroG LineageOS 14.1 on a Moto Z Play.
albatros_1994 said:
F-Droid for open source apps and than Yalp-Store for "standard" apps. Using MicroG LineageOS 14.1 on a Moto Z Play.
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+1
Using F-Droid and Yalp Store on my LG G6 running LineageOS 14.1 microG without problems. You can use Aurora Store too (Yalp Store fork with Material UI).
Hi, I am looking to move away from Google and Gapps and trying to work out what is the best way to do it on a Redmi Note 7.
I have already install OrangeFox recovery and have been reading about LineageOS+MicroG for this purpose. Would like to hear comments/suggestions from anyone who has gone down this path.
Many thanks.
Even I am also looking forward on doing the same, just did in my galaxy note 3 where I installed lineage OS 16 and MicroG for the essential google services required by apps to run properly, I use only web applications except for WhatsApp, shifted to signal as my primary messenger application, F-Droid is my source of open-source apps. I guess privacy is your concern, right? Developers kindly assist on the same
SunilNair2020 said:
I installed lineage OS 16 and MicroG for the essential google services required by apps to run properly
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I did a bit a research on this and found that installing MicroG requires signature spoofing be enabled on the ROM which I understand is a major security issue - this is supposed to be the reason why LineageOS do not include MicroG in their builds.
I'm using an old Zenfone 2 Laser (snapdragon 410 version) with an old LAOS MicroG 14.1 (Android 7), without those massive Google Services the phone seems to be faster than my Redmi Note 7 (no joke, it's incredible), it has f-droid preinstalled as main store and MicroG Manager, all apps works fine, the only problem is Gmail (need to use the browser version, i don't know how to set the stock email app), i really need a Google free rom on this Note 7 too
N1ck474 said:
I'm using an old Zenfone 2 Laser (snapdragon 410 version) with an old LAOS MicroG 14.1 (Android 7), without those massive Google Services the phone seems to be faster than my Redmi Note 7 (no joke, it's incredible), it has f-droid preinstalled as main store and MicroG Manager, all apps works fine, the only problem is Gmail (need to use the browser version, i don't know how to set the stock email app), i really need a Google free rom on this Note 7 too
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According to the previous comment, upon doing some research app signatures are important for apps to work safely and without malicious code being embedded, so is there any option for using lineage OS without neither Gapps nor MicroG? Also is there any option to backup contacts in the absence of google services? Thanks again !
SunilNair2020 said:
According to the previous comment, upon doing some research app signatures are important for apps to work safely and without malicious code being embedded, so is there any option for using lineage OS without neither Gapps nor MicroG? Also is there any option to backup contacts in the absence of google services? Thanks again !
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I don't know about contacts, with MicroG they syncs normally like a Google enabled phone, i don't actually know what this problem with signatures is (i use the Zefone as secodary phone without a SIM or important personal data), i think you need to upload all of your contacts on a Cloud (OneDrive, Drive etc) then redownload them as ICS or Calendar data on your Google-Free ROM, if you have less than 200 contacts and a modern SIM you save all of them on the SIM Card without problems.
N1ck474 said:
I don't know about contacts, with MicroG they syncs normally like a Google enabled phone, i don't actually know what this problem with signatures is (i use the Zefone as secodary phone without a SIM or important personal data), i think you need to upload all of your contacts on a Cloud (OneDrive, Drive etc) then redownload them as ICS or Calendar data on your Google-Free ROM, if you have less than 200 contacts and a modern SIM you save all of them on the SIM Card without problems.
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I don't prefer using cloud storage as it involves storing data somewhere we don't have access to...any other alternatives? Thanks again ?
SunilNair2020 said:
I don't prefer using cloud storage as it involves storing data somewhere we don't have access to...any other alternatives? Thanks again ?
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I don't know, you can actually export your contacts locally as ICS/Calendar file on an SD Card or locally (on a PC or Hard Disk), at least, i think so, never done that
SunilNair2020 said:
According to the previous comment, upon doing some research app signatures are important for apps to work safely and without malicious code being embedded, so is there any option for using lineage OS without neither Gapps nor MicroG? Also is there any option to backup contacts in the absence of google services? Thanks again !
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I am not 100% sure about this but I feel if the app is widely used and no security issues have been uncovered then using it via MicroG might not be a major issue. Perhaps, someone with more experience can comment on this?
I once went on a full on no google mission.
- Lineage, no gapps, not even micro g
- apps were mostly, if not all, from fdroid
- colud (storage, backup, notes) I used nextcloud, also used mega
- davx for contacts
- search engine - startpage or sometimes DDG
- email from proton
- youtube, which unfortunately doesn't have any alternative, I used newpipe.
I'm pretty sure here I forgot a thing or two, but this was mostly it.
I was happy with my privacy though, peace of mind you know. But the experience was horrible for me, a lot of time needs to be invested for maintenance, you'll see. I was still okay with it, because I had the time for all that. But I had to sacrifice, due to lack of time to handle and keeping track of every single thing, wheather it was working or not as per my needs!!
If you have that much time, and a will to do a thing or two manually than you should go for it.
Well, imho the best way to keep your privacy AND to be able to receive push notifications and download apps from google app store (via aurora store) without the need of a google account is to install an rom which supports signature spoofing (for example crDroid, AICP, ...) or a rom that already has microg included (https://download.lineage.microg.org/lavender/ )
LOS for microg purely supports signature spoofing for the MicroG components/apps (gmscore, fakestore, ..), so imho there isn't any security issue
ssaikia3 said:
I once went on a full on no google mission.
.
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Thanks very much for sharing your experience - this is exactly the sort of information I was after.
Currently, I use NoRootFirewall to block all traffic generated by Playstore Services which helps me stop Playstore Services updates. The downside is it affects apps reliant on Playstore Services such as Gmail etc. This is not a problem as I switched to my phones native email client which handles mail without any issues. Skype complained and wanted me to update Playstore Services but I continued on and was able to make a call without obvious problems. If I have to install an app, obviously I need to enable Playstore Services but once I install the app I could block Playstore Services once again. In a sense, this gives me the option of continuing on like this but was thinking of LineageOS for MicroG may be a better alternative. Would like to hear your views on this.
Many thanks
2faraway2 said:
Well, imho the best way to keep your privacy AND to be able to receive push notifications and download apps from google app store (via aurora store) without the need of a google account is to install an rom which supports signature spoofing (for example crDroid, AICP, ...) or a rom that already has microg included (https://download.lineage.microg.org/lavender/ )
LOS for microg purely supports signature spoofing for the MicroG components/apps (gmscore, fakestore, ..), so imho there isn't any security issue
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I did more reading about LOS for MicroG last night, in particular this one https://blogs.fsfe.org/larma/2016/microg-signature-spoofing-security/ - while I still haven't got my head around all the security issues, I feel a lot more comfortable about them now.
Many thanks for your comment.
E.g., I want them to be able to use Disney+, and I want to be able to install new apps from Google Play, but I don't want THEM to install new apps or use a web browser.
All my kids are under 10 years old. They can figure out basic settings, usually. I can just hide certain apps but they tend to find them while messing around.
Google allows you to create child accounts, which can be controlled by parent accounts. However, it doesn't seem possible to sign into a child account on a Fire (I seem to recall that this has always been a limitation).
Amazon provides some sort of kid account mode but it doesn't work with Google stuff.
I can just not give them the Wi-Fi password, but that's the nuclear option.
I might be able to install LineageOS and do something with that, but I'd prefer not to go to so much trouble. Using the Fire Toolbox is much less time-consuming.
My best bet at the moment seems to be NetGuard, which can disallow certain apps from accessing the internet. It seems to work pretty well, but there's no way to password guard it, so they'd probably eventually disable it by accident or while trying things out.
Any methods I haven't thought of?
Sadly the only way you could do this is install lineage os
MiskerHotck said:
E.g., I want them to be able to use Disney+, and I want to be able to install new apps from Google Play, but I don't want THEM to install new apps or use a web browser.
All my kids are under 10 years old. They can figure out basic settings, usually. I can just hide certain apps but they tend to find them while messing around.
Google allows you to create child accounts, which can be controlled by parent accounts. However, it doesn't seem possible to sign into a child account on a Fire (I seem to recall that this has always been a limitation).
Amazon provides some sort of kid account mode but it doesn't work with Google stuff.
I can just not give them the Wi-Fi password, but that's the nuclear option.
I might be able to install LineageOS and do something with that, but I'd prefer not to go to so much trouble. Using the Fire Toolbox is much less time-consuming.
My best bet at the moment seems to be NetGuard, which can disallow certain apps from accessing the internet. It seems to work pretty well, but there's no way to password guard it, so they'd probably eventually disable it by accident or while trying things out.
Any methods I haven't thought of?
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What fire os version are you on? If you're below 6.3.x.x you don't have to open the device up