So I know that Hulu will be releasing a new version of their app for the Fire TV that supports live TV (looks like the private beta for it may be starting today), but I've been wanting to watch live shows on the television that I have my Fire TV (2nd gen) hooked up to. Originally, I was hoping that it would be as easy as hooking up a wireless mouse and then side loading the Hulu app from my phone. I had done this already with my Nexus Player using an OTG cable and a Logitech wireless mouse. After I side loaded the Hulu 3.2.0.240243 apk, it loaded fine and I signed into my account, but unfortunately, after about 5-10 second I received an error that my location could not be determined. After some searching, I realized this is because the Fire TV doesn't have Google Play Services and therefore location services cannot be detected by apps such as Hulu.
Assumptions:
Download the apps below to your phone to then transfer them to your Fire TV. If you want to download them directly to the Fire TV or a computer, that will work as well but you'll need to copy them over to your Fire TV on your own since my instructions only cover Phone to Fire TV using ES File Explorer and having it open on both while they are connected to the same network.
Some basic ADB commands are going to be necessary, I'll give the step by step, but you'll need to be familiar with ADB over WiFi to connect to your Fire TV with the correct IP address.
Although the risk of damaging/bricking your Fire TV should be nearly impossible based on the instructions below, I am not responsible for any issues that you may encounter. Please proceed at your own risk.
Here are the steps that I took to get everything working and I assume this would probably work for other apps that Google location services to work as well.
Go into the Settings -> Device -> Developer Options and enable both ADB Debugging and Installing from Unknown Sources
Download the following 5 files (to your phone if you want to follow my instructions below, but you could do them to your computer or direct to the Fire TV if you'd prefer), I got them all from ApkMirror - Note the Google apps are all for Android version 5.1 since Fire OS 5.2.4.1 is on my Fire TV.
com.google.android.gsf.login_5.1-1743759-22_minAPI21(nodpi)
com.google.android.gsf_5.1-1743759-22_minAPI22(nodpi)
com.google.android.gms_11.0.56_(238-156935310)-11056238_minAPI21(armeabi-v7a)(480dpi)
com.android.vending_7.8.74.P-all_0_FP_157113528-80787400_minAPI14(armeabi-v7a)(240,320,480dpi)
com.hulu.plus_3.2.0.230243-230243_minAPI21(armeabi,armeabi-v7a,x86)(nodpi)
Download ES File Explorer from the Amazon app store on your Fire TV.
I then used ES File Explorer on both my Fire TV and my phone to transfer those 5 files from my phone to the Fire TV. I found this to be a lot easier than trying to download the files directly onto the Fire TV itself.
Next I installed the 5 files through ES File Explorer in the order they are listed above. The order probably doesn't matter, but I didn't test them in another order.
(Maybe Optional?) I long pressed the home button and then went to my apps and tried to open the Play Store. After 20 seconds or so, it timed out and returned to the home screen. I tried opening it again and after another long delay, I received a message that the version wasn't compatible with my device. I just clicked ok to exit out of it and then left it alone.
Download Fake GPS (available in the play store, but since it won't open on the Fire TV, google search for com.fakegps.mock version 3.610). I downloaded it from ApkHere to my phone.
Again, I used ES File Explorer to transfer the apk from my phone to the Fire TV.
Install the Fake GPS apk file through ES File Explorer.
On your computer, open a command prompt window and type the following lines to enable mock locations on your Fire TV.
adb connect <Fire TV IP Address>
adb shell
settings get secure mock_location <-- verify that the response to this is 0 which will indicate that mock location services are currently turned off
settings put secure mock_location 1
settings get secure mock_location <-- verify that the response to this is now 1 which will indicate that mock location services are turned on
You can now close that command prompt and then launch the Fake GPS app on the Fire TV.
Using my wireless mouse, I clicked on the search button and entered my local zip code. Once the mapped zoomed and and I adjusted it a little bit, I then clicked the button to activate the fake GPS.
Open Hulu and enter your username and password. It should now detect the fake GPS location and load without issues.
Hopefully Hulu will release the Fire TV compatible apk soon, but in the mean time, if you are impatient like I am, this should get you up and running.
Great guide! I've been trying for awhile actually to get mock locations working on the firetv.
Related
This obviously isn't a problem for people who just use their fire for books, movies and music.
Those of us who for example would like to hook the device into a corporate email service (for example) would probably be turned off by the fact anyone with a USB cable can crack this puppy right open (using adb + zergRush or SuperOneClick).
The screen password obviously isn't enough on its own.
The fix for this is of course to disable adb on the device which makes your USB port a safe way to charge and load files versus a giant security hole.
Of course, its a PITA to turn adb on and off manually. There's no development menu to do so on the kindle fire like on most android devices. This leaves you with editing settings.db.
Anyone know of a simple app to turn adb on and off? A widget would work, or other tool.
EDIT:
Answered my own question, but I'm sure you'd all like the tip.
Install this as a system app:
HTTP code.google.com / p / secure-settings-widget
ADBWidget-0.2-alpha.apk
I've installed google play services ( sideload without root based on this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-3SWSD232U ).
And Fake Location 3.27 apk (com.fakegps.mock), tried a few others that failed to install but this one installed and seems to work.
You will need to use the ADB shell to enable mock locations as well. I also installed a rotation app to force landscape on apps that seem to think its portrait.
I have my location set by ZIP code in FireOS settings however it seems that all apps don't use it.
Installed (sideloaded) all of these to get this working (I'm not certain if GP services are needed for fake location to work or not, but I think they are):
Google Account Manager_4.0.3-239410.apk
Google Play Store_4.6.17.apk
Google Play services_4.4.52 (1174655-036).apk
Google Services Framework 4.0.4-338691.apk
com.google.android.gms-8.1.14_(2244331-030)-8114030-minAPI9.apk
com.estrongs.android.pop-v4.0.2.8-242-Android-2.2.apk (ES File Explorer)
RotateScreenOrientation.apk - Free for XDA people
Fake gps - fake location_3.27.com.apk
Watch TNT_3.1.20151105.com.apk - Wanted to be able to Watch TNT on FireTV Stick (requires Cable sub) - doesn't work perfectly, can't "full screen" so there is a red banner at the top of the screen. have to use a mouse too
Enable Mock Locations (since they don't show in the settings app in Fire OS):
Code:
[email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location
0
[email protected]:/ $ settings put secure mock_location 1
[email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location
1
Then I opened Fake Location and set my location (accurately, as it placed me in the middle of the ocean) and started the fake location then switched apps over to Watch TNT and now I am able to stream Live TV.
Does anyone have a full list of settings that we can change via the shell access?
Edit:
Also working
Watch ABC Family (better than TNT works too)
Watch ABC - Live TV not available in my area though (but it was for ABC Family??)
I will admit that none of these are HD quality streams, 480p at best after it has buffered a bit.
Thanks for posting this tip. Followed these steps to get WatchTNT to load live streams using the latest version of Fake Location. Full-screen works on a FireTV2 -- but I can't seem to get rid of the red banner on the top of the screen. Tried disabling screen locker, but no change.
Have you come across any work-arounds? I'll try my luck on a few other app forums to see if others have had any success.
the fact that the red banner is there is why i say it doesn't work in full screen, it may take up 95% of the screen but that banner is an issue.
Not sure what can be done about it either.
horrorschow1986 said:
Use TorGuard! Works Perfect for me!
Yes it costs something but there is a Spezial offer 29,90$ /year! I'm on aftv 1. gen without Root!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why we would need a VPN service. FireOS 5 doesn't appear to be able to report any location data to the non Amazon apps. That's the whole point of us faking location in this instance. Our IPs are already USA based so that eliminates 95% of the need for the VPN when someone is trying to fake a location.
Old thread i know , but has anyone got fake location working with the latest fireos?
moontan33 said:
Old thread i know , but has anyone got fake location working with the latest fireos?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too would love an answer to that question. I've done all the installations of APK's that are called for, and everything seems poised to work, but [email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location returns a no such file or directory error.
pryingeyes said:
I too would love an answer to that question. I've done all the installations of APK's that are called for, and everything seems poised to work, but [email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location returns a no such file or directory error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to use such apps you would need to be rooted as the app needs to be in system/priv-app for most GPS faking to work
You could use a vpn if it's just an ip based location check
TheFixItMan said:
If you want to use such apps you would need to be rooted as the app needs to be in system/priv-app for most GPS faking to work
You could use a vpn if it's just an ip based location check
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that doesn't solve it. My IP address, if that was all that was required, is just fine for the purpose and would not need to be revised through a vpn. I'm trying to get my local stations via the DirecTV tablet app. It requires a GPS reading that simply shows you're somewhere in your service area, and specifically prompts you to turn on GPS locations in settings.. The Firestick doesn't provide one, but in the past people have had success by installing the various Google apps and an Android settings app, allowing mock, and then using apps like fake GPS to create a GPS reading and satisfy DirecTV that they really are sitting in their own living rooms. Fake GPS would be the simple answer except that when you open it, it prompts you to go into settings and allow mock. But because that's under Android developer options (not firestick developer options), it can't be accessed. There's no way to repeatedly click on About Phone in the newly-installed settings app to open up D.O., as you normally would on an actual phone.
In the past, installing everything in the OP and then entering that adb command was the solution, but that command no longer works. Just looking for an alternate.
Did you ever resolve this with the newer fire sticks?
I'm also wondering the same my mock locations say on withing adb however I'm getting nothing out of the firetv
man i dont like that sound of install that google play services.....if you would have asked me few months back because thats how i bricked my first firstick then went on a full on 4 days research marathon AFTER is came back up from a restart loop ON 7th DAY ._.
My Fire Stick arrived today (3/27/2018), and after getting Kodi installed, the next thing on my To Do list was getting PIA working. First I tried getting it setup through my router, but the speed was incredibly slow through the OpenVPN configuration on my router.
After reading on a rather old thread that someone got PIA working, I decided to give it a shot, and with a little tweaking, I got it working.
1. You need to have Downloader installed for the first step. I've uploaded the PIA apk to my private server. Here's the link:
Code:
http://bit.ly/2Gd1DIB
2. After Downloader does its thing, install the apk. Just a note, the first time I tried to install, it failed. After the second time, it successfully installed.
3. PIA won't show up on your list of installed applications, but it's there, and there's a way to open it. You'll need to download ES File Explorer, which will let you open 3rd party apps that have been installed, but don't appear in the Fire TV GUI.
4. For configuring PIA properly, at the very least you'll need a mouse connected to your Fire Stick. For the record, USB will work, provided you have a USB OTG adapter like this one. I'm sure bluetooth works too. Based on my personal testing with the various PIA servers, the Midwest and Western servers seemed to be the quickest.
5. Using the mouse to navigate the PIA app, you'll need to enter your login information. After that, select your preferred region, and in the settings, enable the "connect on boot" option.
That's it!
pastorbennett said:
My Fire Stick arrived today (3/27/2018), and after getting Kodi installed, the next thing on my To Do list was getting PIA working. First I tried getting it setup through my router, but the speed was incredibly slow through the OpenVPN configuration on my router.
After reading on a rather old thread that someone got PIA working, I decided to give it a shot, and with a little tweaking, I got it working.
1. You need to have Downloader installed for the first step. I've uploaded the PIA apk to my private server. Here's the link:
Code:
http://bit.ly/2Gd1DIB
2. After Downloader does its thing, install the apk. Just a note, the first time I tried to install, it failed. After the second time, it successfully installed.
3. PIA won't show up on your list of installed applications, but it's there, and there's a way to open it. You'll need to download ES File Explorer, which will let you open 3rd party apps that have been installed, but don't appear in the Fire TV GUI.
4. For configuring PIA properly, at the very least you'll need a mouse connected to your Fire Stick. For the record, USB will work, provided you have a USB OTG adapter like this one. I'm sure bluetooth works too. Based on my personal testing with the various PIA servers, the Midwest and Western servers seemed to be the quickest.
5. Using the mouse to navigate the PIA app, you'll need to enter your login information. After that, select your preferred region, and in the settings, enable the "connect on boot" option.
That's it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking of getting PIA VPN. have you noticed any slowdown in internet speed or bandwith when streaming?
thanks for the info
dk1keith said:
My Fire Stick arrived today (3/27/2018), and after getting Kodi installed, the next thing on my To Do list was getting PIA working. First I tried getting it setup through my router, but the speed was incredibly slow through the OpenVPN configuration on my router.
After reading on a rather old thread that someone got PIA working, I decided to give it a shot, and with a little tweaking, I got it working.
1. You need to have Downloader installed for the first step. I've uploaded the PIA apk to my private server. Here's the link:
I was thinking of getting PIA VPN. have you noticed any slowdown in internet speed or bandwith when streaming?
thanks for the info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been running pia vpn since I got my Firestick a couple years ago and have not noticed any streaming issues. I dump out on a Swiss server because streaming and downloading of copyrighted material is fine as long as it is personal use for now but the Netherlands was good but they are cracking down. Gave up on Kodi and run Terriaum tv as the addons are useless. Working on setting up a Nuc i3 with Debian os and doing a split tunnel vpn and reverse proxy for a Usenet/Torrent downloader as they are really cracking down on these streaming APKs. So far it has been a pain due to learning Linux, setting up a headless server, screwing with iptables, router and revere proxy bs.
dk1keith said:
I was thinking of getting PIA VPN. have you noticed any slowdown in internet speed or bandwith when streaming?
thanks for the info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be slightly slower than your ISP's normal bandwidth speed, but that's true of every VPN. Using the PIA app on my MacBook, I've had speeds up to 40 Mbps, which is more than adequate for streaming.
Having used PIA now for going on a third year, it's been very reliable, and the cost is very reasonable.
Hey yall!..im very new to this whole vpn thing and really kind of computer stupid..lol...but i read all the time about getting a vpn to protect your privacy and all..so i purchasd PIA for my firestick..my question is how do i know if its working?.any help at at all would bd greatly appreciated..ty in advance!
Easy PIA fire stick installation.
I read the instructions for the previous installation of PIA on the fire stick and feel those are a bit cumbersome. The process from my perspective also adds unnecessary
applications to the fire stick.
What I've done as an alternative is install apps2fire on my phone and then any application I want installed on the fire stick can be installed.
1) Application gets installed on my phone. (TEA tv, PIA...)
2) Open up Apps2fire and put in the IP of the fire stick.
3) In Apps2Fire select the application you want installed on the fire stick.
4) Select install and give it a few minutes
5) Go to applications in the Fire Stick menu and open up the app and configure.
Have fun
PIA for fire.
Much easier way to install PIA on a fire device. Use the Downloader App, and use bit.ly/Piafire, and your done. It doesn’t work on fire sticks.
PIA
dk1keith said:
I was thinking of getting PIA VPN. have you noticed any slowdown in internet speed or bandwith when streaming?
thanks for the info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using PIA on my home PC for a while and it works great, but on the FireTV, I have major issues with streaming for some reason. Apps like popcorn time and such will pull a fast streaming speed the first min or two but then it will literally drop to 0kb/sec and continue to yoyo up and down, making any streaming unwatchable. I have no such issues using it on my PC.
This is on a 2nd gen fire stick and 2nd gen FireTV (Gaming edition)
And there's a much easier way to install it on your fire TV. Just download the Apps2Fire app to you phone or tablet and it will push any app installed on that device to your fire TV. I've installed a ton of apps this way to my FireTV's and it takes like 2 mins without wasting time with that crappy downloader app.
han
I am trying to get all4 on my shield, I've tried many things but failing to do it lol.
OK so I've tried installing the apk I got from someone who backed it up for me from a fire tv but it seems like the apk was just a wrapper so it didnt work.
I have the amazon appstore installed but it recognises my device is not a fire TV device and won't let me install.
Is there a way we could spoof the amazon appstore to see the device as a fire tv or maybe spoof the device so apps think its a fire TV (if that makes sense).
So spoofing the amazon appstore I have an idea -
Using "app cloner" it has a build prop option to where you can modify the apk to see the device as what you wish by filling in the right build prop details for the device you want to spoof to.
Only thing is - I don't have a fire TV device to get the details so I can't try this yet. (If anyone had the details please let me know so I can try - just need to install app cloner and it will show you the info)
Can anyone help with this?
I also have a second problem I've been trying to deal with for years now lol.
There is an app called "notifications for android TV", what it does, is it send notifications from apps on your phone and displays them on the TV in a way where when you install the app on android TV the app auto installs as a server, when you install the same app on phone it asks you if you want to set up this phone as a server or client.
I used to run full android custom ROM on my shield TV, when I did I used app cloner to install 2 versions of this app and installed one as server and one as client so all the notifications were handled by my shield TV and I did not need a phone connected to send notifications - this is ideal. I'm love look ing to try do the same thing on stock nvidia firmware but every time it detects the app as android TV and doesn't you the option to install as a client.
I just need a way to spoof/mod the app to think its installing on a phone instead of android TV.
Can anyone help with this stuff, been bugging me for soo long now lol.
I just side loaded the mobile all4 application from apkpure.
Sure, you need to use a mouse to navigate it, but it works fine for me.
I should have mentioned I am looking for the fire TV version specifically as it is remote friendly. I have the version you are using already.
I just bought this tablet on a whim, just to try it out. I figured I could install Google Play Store and turn off most of the Amazon bloat. But when I searched here, I didn't find much for this generation tablet. But I was able to find the instruction elsewhere and thought I'd post them here.
#1 The first thing to do is turn on the Developer mode. On regular Android tablets, you do this by tapping the build number 7 times, but on this tablet, you instead do the tapping on the serial number in /Settings/Device Options/About Fire Tablet. Then go to there and turn them on and turn on USB debugging.
#2 Go to /Settings/Security & Privacy/Apps from Unkown Sources and enable the Silk browser. Open the Silk browser and enter https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/07/11/install-play-store-amazon-fire-tablet/ in the address bar. Follow the instructions to install the Google Account Manager, Google Services Framework, Google Play Services and Google Play Store. When done, you should now have a Play Store icon on your home page. (Along with a lot of unwanted icons.)
#3 If you try to disable any of the Amazon apps, you'll find most of them can't be disabled. To get around this, you need to install the Amazon Fire Toolbox V8.1 on a PC. You can find it here https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/development/official-amazon-fire-toolbox-v1-0-t3889604 Once its installed, use your USB cable to connect your Fire HD to the PC and launch the Toolbox. (This is why USB debuuging needed to be enabled.) Click on Manage Everything Amazon and disable as many Amazon apps as you desire.
note: None of this is my doing. I'm just showing the links to other people's work. Be sure to thank them for it.
Thanks for the write up, this got me started. However I think you can skip step #2 because the Fire Toolbox can setup all the Google services for you instead.