Database Users

[How-To] Block OTA Updates Without Root (or a router) on Fire OS 5

With the new Fire OS 5 update we can use the Debloater tool to disable APKs/services responsible for automatic updating. This was not previously possibly due to Fire OS 3 being built on Android 4.2.2 and the Debloater process needing Android 4.4.x+. No more worrying if your router is blocking everything properly. And of course... no root needed!
Disable Update w/o Root Steps:
1. Enable USB Debugging on your Fire TV (or TV Stick) (how-to here)
2. Setup adbFire on your computer and establish a connection to your Fire TV[Stick] (how-to here)
3. Setup Debloater tool (how-to here)
4A. In the Debloater tool, check off the APK below then hit the "Apply" button:
DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk (com.amazon.device.software.ota)
4B. Instead of using Debloater Tool you can just send the following ADB command:
Code:
adb shell pm hide com.amazon.device.software.ota
Unlike the pm disable command, hide disables the apk without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After hiding the apk your Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick will no longer get OTA updates.
If you go into Settings > System > About you can no longer check for updates... yay.
To undo the block you can simply "unhide" each apk using the Debloater tool or run:
Code:
adb shell pm unhide com.amazon.device.software.ota
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful if you try to disable other system apps. If you disable something important and the device won't start up.. you'll have to perform a factory reset to fix the issue (not sure if possible with stick?). Have more apks to disable to reduce unneeded system processes? please share.
TL;DR
You gotta update to Fire OS 5.x in order to block updates without root (or router).
I know this defeats the purpose of blocking updates since you want to stay on old fw/sw... but science!
This may not work on all future Fire OS 5.x+ builds. Tested on FireTV Stick with Early Developer 5.0.3 build.

Thank you for this info.

Can anybody confirm this is working ? I have not received my AFTV2 yet.

Does this survive reboot?

Received my Firetv 2 and I can confirm it works, it even survives a reboot. To me this is the best method of blocking the Amazon updates.
Thanks mister LakituLives for writing this up

Does this work on the Firetv 1? Or only on the 4K fire TV. When I try to run debloater on the firetv 1 it keep saying unsupported. Thanks.

I assume you´re not running Fire OS 5 on the aTV 1. With Fire OS 3 this can´t be done this way.

slybas said:
Received my Firetv 2 and I can confirm it works, it even survives a reboot. To me this is the best method of blocking the Amazon updates.
Thanks mister LakituLives for writing this up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you run "pm list packages -d" from adb shell and paste the output? Does it do what @LakituLives describes which is give an error or otherwise not function as normal when you check for updates on the AFTV2?

I have done this and when i check for updates i get an error, don't know if it is working correctly.

zeroepoch said:
Can you run "pm list packages -d" from adb shell and paste the output? Does it do what @LakituLives describes which is give an error or otherwise not function as normal when you check for updates on the AFTV2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help. The pm list packages -d (disabled packages) is empty because debloater hides the packages and not disables them.
Code:
[email protected]:/ $ pm list packages -d
pm list packages -d
[email protected]:/ $
There is nothing to see.
Code:
1|[email protected]:/ $ pm list packages | grep dcp
pm list packages | grep dcp
1|[email protected]:/ $ pm list packages | grep pico
pm list packages | grep pico
package:com.svox.pico
[email protected]:/ $
My version is now 5.0.3.1 because I unhid the packages and updated the machine, now the packages are hidden again and System --> About --> "installed Date" and "Last Checked" are both "Checking now......" and if I select Check for System Update I get an Update error. Perfect !

slybas said:
My version is now 5.0.3.1 because I unhide the packages and updated the machine, now the packages are hidden again and System --> About --> "installed Date" and "Last Checked" are both "Checking now......" and if I select Check for System Update I get an Update error. Perfect !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the same error now as well after running (as root):
Code:
pm disable com.amazon.device.software.ota
No idea if this actually blocks updates or just the checking. I guess we'll have to wait until the next update.

LakituLives said:
With the new Fire OS 5 update we can use the Debloater tool to disable APKs/services responsible for automatic updating. This was not previously possibly due to Fire OS 3 being built on Android 4.2.2 and the Debloater process needing Android 4.4.x+. No more worrying if your router is blocking everything properly. And of course... no root needed!
After hitting apply the Debloater tool should take a moment then show all apks "hidden" and your Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick will no longer get OTA updates.
If you go into Settings > System > About you can no longer check for updates... yay.
You can simply "unhide" each apk using the Debloater tool if you should ever want to reverse this process.
Be careful if you try to disable other system apps. If you disable something important and the device won't start up.. you'll have to perform a factory reset to fix the issue (not sure if possible with stick?). Have more apks to disable to reduce unneeded system processes? please share.
TL;DR
You gotta update to block updates (without router or root).
I know this defeats the purpose of blocking updates since you want to stay on old fw/sw... but science!
And yes, Fire OS 5 makes the possibility of root even harder now that selinux is enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi my firestick is running version 54.1.2.3_user_123067020 and it says it is not rooted and does not support block mode I have the latest version of deblocker and adbfire . windows 10

mifran said:
Hi my firestick is running version 54.1.2.3_user_123067020 and it says it is not rooted and does not support block mode I have the latest version of deblocker and adbfire . windows 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You haven't updated to FireOS 5 which is required to use this.

Hmm, so fire tv stick didn't seem to get any root love other than soldering and man that stick is tiny for soldering. I'm debating if I want to let an update to latest then block. Anyone have any thoughts on if fire TV stick will ever get a software root?

Ludacrisvp said:
You haven't updated to FireOS 5 which is required to use this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks I realised this now would updating to 5 mean re-installing kodi and firestarter and losing all the addons

Just chucked and there is no update for the UK version I have the latest installed
Sent from my Blade S6 using Tapatalk

mifran said:
OK thanks I realised this now would updating to 5 mean re-installing kodi and firestarter and losing all the addons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't lose anything in my update from FireOS 3. If you revert from 5 to 3 then you have to lose everything.
mifran said:
Just chucked and there is no update for the UK version I have the latest installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to opt-in for FireOS 5 from the Amazon developer account (free).

Thanks for the info will check it out
Sent from my Blade S6 using Tapatalk

I don't know if adbFire is connected, last night I was able to install FireStarter. This morning, I don't know if adbFire is connecting and Debloater isn't showing anything, or do I need to use USB to USB to do this?

Does this work on the Fire Stick? Also, what's the benefit of this method? I can't think of a reason to do this, unless you had a Fire TV on the old OS and hadn't a chance to root it yet?

[HOWTO] Replace Fire TV Launcher on a Fire TV Stick [ROOT REQUIRED]

This is just a simple howto to replace the Amazon Launcher on a rooted Fire TV Stick with a launcher of your choice.
Read ALL of this more than once, especially the notes at the end.
Requirements:
Fire TV Stick with a rooted firmware)
Launcher of your choice e.g. HALauncher APK from APK Mirror
How to:
Enable ADB Debugging
Block OTA Updates (Method 1)
Setup ADB on your PC
Sideload the Launcher of your choice
From a Command Prompt (assuming Windows) run the following commands ...
adb kill-server
adb start-server
adb connect [IP Address of Fire TV Stick]
adb shell
su
pm disable com.amazon.tv.launcher or pm disable com.amazon.tv.launcher/.ui.HomeActivity (this allows the OS Settings button to still function in HALauncher)
The Amazon TV Launcher will disappear and the launcher of your choice will appear.
NOTE: If you sideload more than one launcher the standard Android dialog to choose a launcher will appear.
Notes:
Pressing Home once will bring up the launcher or the Android selection dialog.
Double clicking Home will bring up "Your Apps Library" as before.
Most of the Setting apps won't work so configure the Fire TV Sticks network, pair the remote, etc before following this procedure.
To bring the Amazon TV Launcher back ...
From a Command Prompt (assuming Windows) run the following commands ...
adb kill-server
adb start-server
adb connect [IP Address of Fire TV Stick]
adb shell
su
pm enable com.amazon.tv.launcher or pm enable com.amazon.tv.launcher/.ui.HomeActivity (depending on which method of disabling was chosen above)
Hope this helps
FYI. On a clean boot SPMC under Settings -> System Information reports 250+ Mb Free RAM of 491Mb Total

UPDATE: maybe a bash script could work too but now sure if/how to launch it from the custom launcher.
The ideal should be an app to toggle the enable / disable launcher function. Since it's an app it should be present in the custom launcher too to be run.

If you want to automate it on the Fire TV, look through terminal emulator apps. The usual one (Terminal Emulator), has the ability to do what you want, but sadly not on the Fire TV.
It has realized the feature (store shell commands to one click items) via launcher shortcuts, but sadly neither Firestarter nor SPMC are able to bring up or even create Android application shortcuts. So either you find a launcher that van work with them, or you find a terminal emulator that stores shortcuts "in app".
edit: A play store search for terminal shortcuts brings up an app that might be able to do what you want.
---------- Post added at 08:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 PM ----------
One more thing - if you want to use your smartphone and the app "Remote ADB Shell" to do it, it works as well.
To make it a one line argument (which is necessary to use "Remote ADB Shell"s history feature) - you have to write it like this:
su -c 'pm disable com.amazon.tv.launcher && sleep 1' && exit
and
su -c 'pm enable com.amazon.tv.launcher && sleep 1' && exit
That way the argument gets executed as su - without needing to become su in an extra step beforehand.
The amazon TV launcher grabs about 120MB of ram in my case (just loading it in - not having navigated through it already) - so I'm fine with having it run in the background...
---------- Post added at 08:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
Make sure you install Wifi ADB (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.wifiadb) beforehand, so you have an ADB on/off toggle available on the device, even with the amazon launcher disabled.

EDIT: Could you please PM the name of that terminal app pls?
EDIT 2: I'd like to keep it in backgroud too but sometimes I could need to install other apps or most important change my wifi comnnection if I take my stick to friend's house. And there I could not be able to use adb from a PC. That's why I need this solution.
Thanks a lot for advices.
Tomorrow I'll check them out.
In other posts there are suggestions about other services which could be disabled to free even more memory in particural pointing to this script: https://github.com/esc0rtd3w/firestick-loader/tree/master/scripts/debloat so I look forward to see if those also make a difference.
Regards,

The app that came up when searching for "terminal shortcuts" was called "Terminal shortcut". It seemed to do what you need it to do, but I havent tested it. It is a paid app as well, so you'd have to install the play store on the fire tv, or find away around the drm (Im a big proponent of "paying for apps", so do that if you can.)
I know that you can set up oneclick items with Palevichs (author) Terminal emulator, but as said before, those can be saved only as app shortcuts, which afaik neither Kodi (/SPMC) nor Firestarter will display.
edit: Just noticed that the terminal shortcut app has german screenshots... So if its of any help, its published by a coder named ByteHamster.
---------- Post added at 12:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:58 AM ----------
edit: App is now free in the play store... Might have been mistaken thatvit was a paid app? Regardless, i now installed it, and it works.
Setup and navigation with the firetv remote works fine as well.
Ill now populate it with some of my automation scripts... So I'm benefiting from having found it as well.
If the app only has german text (which I dont assume, because the authors changelogs are written in english). Just use google translate on your phone to get the gist, the app is easy to understand and its functions are well laid out...
edit: Ah you need to buy the pro version for more than 2 shortcuts...
---------- Post added at 01:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------
App works great with my automation scripts as well.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I'll update my scripting posting with a link to it in just a minute.
So now - everyone can write shell scripts that can be executed on the fire tv from the smartphone -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cgutman.androidremotedebugger
or from the FireTV itself -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.hp.terminalshortcut
Yay!
edit: To write the scripts (to copy them letter by letter, basically) I use webkey ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.webkey ), with adaway blocking webkey.cc (because I don't need the cloud feature) - also, the webkey app tends to grab all remaining CPU power while you are watching movies - so I don't have its autostart enabled and kill the app regularly after using it - that said, its the most useful method to use a laptop to navigate the FIre TV I have come by - entering even long script with it, just takes seconds (depending on your type speed.. ).

what qualifies an app as being a launcher that could be used in place of the amazon launcher?
would it be possible on 5.0.5 to disable the amazon launcher and just launch firestarter?
if so, wouldn't you still have the ability to pull up firetv home and firetv settings through the icons on the apps screen within firestarter?
and if not, in its present state, is there a way to designate firestarter as a "launcher" which would start in place of the amazon launcher, as spmc launcher does in the original post?

works perfect for me on fire OS 5.0.5. Using Terminal Shortcut for switching Amazon launcher on and off. I also got Mouse toggle installed, you can access ADB settings from it or from firestarter when Amazon launcher is disabled. Fire OS settings don't work for me with the launcher disabled.

Hi,
Just to confirm that using the enable / disable commands for launcher with Terminal Shortcut works flawlessly.
That's a really neat solution. Too bad Demo version of TS cant execute more that 2 scripts. That's good so far I just need 2 of them.
Of course I'd be more than happy to pay for the Pro version if I could install it on FTV Stick with no market.
Thanks for advices.
puppinoo.

I just did this on my Fire tv 2 and now i cannot access adb to bring it back. It seems to take a while for the network to come up after disabling the amazon launcher.
Is there another way i can get it back?

f1ux said:
I just did this on my Fire tv 2 and now i cannot access adb to bring it back. It seems to take a while for the network to come up after disabling the amazon launcher.
Is there another way i can get it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your using a fire TV 4k, download terminal apk transfer it to a USB stick, plug usb stick into fire tv copy it over to your internal memory with a file manager of your choice.
Plug a USB keyboard in install and launch terminal and type the command in but replace disable with enable.

5.2.9.3 ???????

[Release] OneClick Script for Amazon Fire v5.3.2.1...v5.4.0.0 (Fire 7 / 7th gen)

Based on @savvytechwinner's work, on Wicki's work (Mod Edit - NO links to competing Forums) and on some experimentation of my own, I put together a new script to further ease the setup of an out-of-the-package Amazon Fire 7 / 7th gen and to clean up more throughly. This is a derivative / remix / improvement rather than something new. Thanks go to all the people this work is based on.
I already announced this in savvytechwinner's thread, but I figured setting up it's own thread is warranted.
What it does:
OTA Updates are blocked
Lockscreen ads are removed
Functional Google Play Store and Google Go search are installed
Bloatware is removed from the tablet
Functional Nova Launcher, Adblocker (DNS66) and light Youtube Client (NewPipe) are installed
Out-of-the-package instructions:
Have adb and Amazon Fire USB drivers installed on your PC.
Power on your Fire tablet, do the initial setup. DO NOT CONNECT TO WIFI. Instead, select any password protected wifi, then cancel, and initial setup will let you continue without internet.
Enter Settings -> Device options -> click Serial 7 times. A new menu entrypoint called Developer options will pop up.
In Developer options, enable ADB, then connect your tablet to your computer. Confirm the fingerprint. If that didn't work, look here for troubleshooting.
Now, extract the contents of this package somewhere on your computer and double click FireOneClick.bat.
You can watch how Amazon's apps vanish, but it is recommended not to do anything else with your tablet while the script does its work.
After it's finished, enter Settings -> Accessibility -> "enable To detect home button press". Then, open the LauncherHijack app and select Nova Launcher.
Open the DNS66 app and start it. This will run in background (at low memory consumption) and block ads.
Download the One Click Script from here.
Full readme, including credits and more info is found in my GitHub repo.

Just a heads up, I used this script on a fire 7 I had literally just opened, and it was successful in loading GApps and Blocking ads, but it did not debloat the amazon apps and it also did not block OTA updates...I woke up to a fire 7 that auto updated to 5.6.0. I'm not complaining here, since Nova Launcher is still installed and ads are nonexistent, just letting you know!

hiphopsded said:
Just a heads up, I used this script on a fire 7 I had literally just opened, and it was successful in loading GApps and Blocking ads, but it did not debloat the amazon apps and it also did not block OTA updates...I woke up to a fire 7 that auto updated to 5.6.0. I'm not complaining here, since Nova Launcher is still installed and ads are nonexistent, just letting you know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dammit... what version did you start on? Assuming it was 5.4.0.1?

Hi my 7" is on 5.4.0.
Does this just block the download or the update itself? Because I accidentally downloaded the OTA update but the tablet doesn't updated jet.
Is there a way to delete the update without root?

VottelTheTroll said:
Hi my 7" is on 5.4.0.
Does this just block the download or the update itself? Because I accidentally downloaded the OTA update but the tablet doesn't updated jet.
Is there a way to delete the update without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It blocks the update itself by disabling all apps that would apply it. I still recommend turning Wifi off and doing a factory reset, so the update data is gone for sure.
Blocking the update / debloating most likely did not work for @hiphopsded cause he started from 5.4.0.1. Blocking updates / removing ads / debloating is onlypossible on v5.4.0.0 and below. I am somewhat surprised he doesn't have ads on the lockscreen, but I think that is due to the DNS66 adblocker doing it's work properly.
EDIT: @hiphopsded - maybe there is still hope, but you'll have to do the research yourself.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75167286&postcount=437

@k8500 I was on v5.4.0.0
I opened it brand new from sealed packaging, canceled connecting to a WiFi I did not have the password to, and was brought into the device home screen without ever connecting to WiFi to verify that I was on v5.4.0.0 and proceeded with installing the one click script.
Everything worked except debloating the tablet and OTA Updates being blocked. Not sure what went wrong. But having the launcher, google apps, and no ads is fine enough.

Another confirmation of this working on 5.4.0.0
Just received an Amazon Fire 7 - 7th gen. It ships with 5.4.0.1
I was able to downgrade from 5.4.0.1 to 5.4.0.0, then use this batch file to clean up the tablet.
Thanks!

already (well) used 7gen currently on 5.6.0.1
any idea when this will be updated to work on 5.6.0.1?
and next question does it actually root the tablet?
thanks in advance

markbnj said:
any idea when this will be updated to work on 5.6.0.1?
and next question does it actually root the tablet?
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not root and will not be updated for 5.6.x.x as Amazon disabled the underlying commands that perform the magic.

5.6.x.x update question
Davey126 said:
Does not root and will not be updated for 5.6.x.x as Amazon disabled the underlying commands that perform the magic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok. So, bottom line, I can either wipe the unit, and start over; or
try and root the fire tablet to get rid of ads, and install other stuff...)
any other ideas?
I've rooted lots of android, and would actually prefer a more android, rather then amazon centric tablet....
thanks in advance...

markbnj said:
ok. So, bottom line, I can either wipe the unit, and start over; or
try and root the fire tablet to get rid of ads, and install other stuff...)
any other ideas?
I've rooted lots of android, and would actually prefer a more android, rather then amazon centric tablet....
thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't root 7th gen Fire at present. Period. Can't load a different ROM w/o root. Try sketchy rollback/debloat techniques at your own peril. Contact Amazon to dump annoying lock screen ads. Install a VPN based firewall like AdGuard to dispense with in-app advertising. Possibly install a different launcher using non-root techniques. Pretty much it.

Maybe I'm a little late in opening this thread up again, but let me ask this:
I just got a Kindle 7 (7th generation) in the mail, to replace our son's old one (5th generation, though unfortunately never rooted) that started messing up (so presumably the new one is refurbished). We don't like all the amazon bloat, etc., and would prefer the different launcher or anything more android-like we can get. I would love to block the OTA updates. So your tool sounds great.
I opened it and turned it on but haven't set up the device yet. I see it's version 5.3.3.0 Does this one click script of yours work on the 5.3.3.0 ? Are there any other suggestions on the best way to use my new device (taking out amazon bloat and more like google) considering it's *not* the newest OS that Amazon makes? I.e. are there any options I have available to me currently that I want to be sure I don't lose out on by accidentally updating or something? Thanks for any help you can provide!

madagascaradam said:
Maybe I'm a little late in opening this thread up again, but let me ask this:
I just got a Kindle 7 (7th generation) in the mail, to replace our son's old one (5th generation, though unfortunately never rooted) that started messing up (so presumably the new one is refurbished). We don't like all the amazon bloat, etc., and would prefer the different launcher or anything more android-like we can get. I would love to block the OTA updates. So your tool sounds great.
I opened it and turned it on but haven't set up the device yet. I see it's version 5.3.3.0 Does this one click script of yours work on the 5.3.3.0 ? Are there any other suggestions on the best way to use my new device (taking out amazon bloat and more like google) considering it's *not* the newest OS that Amazon makes? I.e. are there any options I have available to me currently that I want to be sure I don't lose out on by accidentally updating or something? Thanks for any help you can provide!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it works with fire OS 5.3.3.0

Rortiz2 said:
Yes, it works with fire OS 5.3.3.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for letting me know, but maybe I'm doing something wrong because I can't get it to work at all. To start with, I had already opened my fire tablet but skipped setup (also skipped signing into wifi because I knew that could give me an auto-update). So maybe that's what screwed it up? Maybe I should reset to factory and try again?
I had installed the fire drivers too but my fire never showed up in "portable devices" in device manager (in fact, I never saw such a category - but it did show up in devices as "MTP device").
The adb worked fine as I was able to get it to "show devices". However, the one-click never did anything. Usually I use powershell, but then I tried running through normal command prompt, but still no luck. I tried putting it in my adb fastboot folder (is that my problem? does it need the full adb and adb fastboot isn't enough?) and it still didn't work. So, maybe my first step was the problem or maybe a subsequent one, I don't know, but I couldn't get any of it to work.

uninstall apps
cannot uninstall applications , i downgrade to 5.4.0 but applications are only hiding , they are still in the system .
PROOF : you can check your free space before and after uninstalling, you will gain nothing important.
but for removing ads or blocking update , its working for 5.4.0 !!!
---------- Post added at 12:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 AM ----------
avatarma said:
cannot uninstall applications , i downgrade to 5.4.0 but applications are only hiding , they are still in the system .
PROOF : you can check your free space before and after uninstalling, you will gain nothing important.
but for removing ads or blocking update , its working for 5.4.0 !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but for rooted devices we can uninstall applications with root uninstaller pro or similare application.

[GUIDE][NO ROOT][STICK 2] Playing With Matches v1

I thought I'd share my relatively less dangerous methods to turn a Fire TV Stick 2 into an Android TV clone.
First up follow my GApps/Google Services installation guide. This will provide the necessary backbone to install every other application.
You can either install Backdrop as below or ignore those instructions and use my newly ported Android TV settings app to select your screensaver! (no root required!).
Get it here: https://github.com/rockon999/TvSettingsOnFire/releases
Note this settings app requires addition permissions that must be granted via adb. They are listed on the releases page.
First let's install Backdrop (this provides a chromecast-like screen saver for your Fire TV).
Here is the APK link.
adb connect [IP of FTV]
adb install [APK PATH]
adb shell
settings put secure screensaver_components com.google.android.backdrop/.Backdrop
Now you have the Android TV screensaver! Look here for how to configure the timing of the screensaver/sleep.
Now let's install the Leanback launcher. Unfortunately the only Leanback launcher that will load on the Fire TV (without root) is one circa ~2015 and it is *buggy*. To aid this guide (and my sanity) I've taken the decompiled sources of LeanbackLauncher, stripped them of Google services, added features, improved stability, and added Fire TV specific features. You can find that here.
Now let's install Google's TV search app. I've found a working 2.x series version that is better looking, more stable, and much faster. You can get the APK here. Unfortunately the latest version is incompatible but an older version works surprisingly well. I've found version 1.0.6.2108324 to be the most stable. You can download the APK here.
UPDATE: I've figured out how to get Google's voice search working! (this only works w/ voice remotes not apps)
Running this command will disable global Alexa and allow Google to work (if you're on an old enough firmware): adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.vizzini
And there you go! Your Fire TV Stick is an almost-Android TV stick.
Stay tuned because this guide and Leanback on Fire is being continuously updated!

Very good work!

Thank you, this is what I've been looking for.

rockon999 said:
I thought I'd share my relatively less dangerous methods to turn a Fire TV Stick 2 into an Android TV clone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you also include that activities in your launcher-mod ?
Code:
com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.applications.ApplicationsActivity
And for a rooted version of your launcher (just as an idea):
Code:
com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings
For com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings you need to simply install TvSettings.apk with root and you will get almost all functions of the standard Android TV settings menu!
Code:
adb push TvSettings.apk /sdcard/
adb shell su -c mkdir /system/priv-app/TvSettings
adb shell su -c chmod 755 /system/priv-app/TvSettings
adb shell su -c cp /sdcard/TvSettings.apk /system/priv-app/TvSettings/TvSettings.apk
adb shell su -c chmod 644 /system/priv-app/TvSettings/TvSettings.apk
adb shell su -c chown root:root /system/priv-app/TvSettings/TvSettings.apk
adb shell su -c rm /sdcard/TvSettings.apk

rainman74 said:
Could you also include that activities in your launcher-mod ?
Code:
com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.applications.ApplicationsActivity
And for a rooted version of your launcher (just as an idea):
Code:
com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings
For com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings you need to simply install TvSettings.apk with root and you will get almost all functions of the standard Android TV settings menu!
Code:
adb push TvSettings.apk /sdcard/
adb shell su -c mkdir /system/priv-app/TvSettings
adb shell su -c chmod 755 /system/priv-app/TvSettings
adb shell su -c cp /sdcard/TvSettings.apk /system/priv-app/TvSettings/TvSettings.apk
adb shell su -c chmod 644 /system/priv-app/TvSettings/TvSettings.apk
adb shell su -c chown root:root /system/priv-app/TvSettings/TvSettings.apk
adb shell su -c rm /sdcard/TvSettings.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the first suggestion app settings are accessible by pressing menu while on a specific application and selecting "App Settings". I think that's what you're after, but if not correct me. The issue with launching the settings activity itself is that it will crash (at least on my FTV Stick 2). I have solved crashes before, though, so I'll look into it. As for your second suggestion I can simply look into re-adding the default ATV settings code (which should interface with this app well). Unfortunately, I'll have no way to test this (I only have an un-rootable FTV sticks) so it may take longer.

rockon999 said:
For the first suggestion app settings are accessible by pressing menu while on a specific application and selecting "App Settings". I think that's what you're after, but if not correct me. The issue with launching the settings activity itself is that it will crash (at least on my FTV Stick 2). I have solved crashes before, though, so I'll look into it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I actually meant the global app menu. With me this doesn't crash when I start it directly via adb, but via Confireator I get a crash.
So it works without crash:
adb shell at the start -n com. amazon. tv. settings/. tv. applications. ApplicationsActivity
As for your second suggestion I can simply look into re-adding the default ATV settings code (which should interface with this app well). Unfortunately, I'll have no way to test this (I only have an un-rootable FTV sticks) so it may take longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be great!

I tried the microphone. I held the microphone button on my remote and talked. it worked. I don't think you intended it to work at all. So you should probably update about that. And it feels good to have leanback. Also is the recommendations thing impossible?

Pix12 said:
I tried the microphone. I held the microphone button on my remote and talked. it worked. I don't think you intended it to work at all. So you should probably update about that. And it feels good to have leanback. Also is the recommendations thing impossible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The normal leanback recommendations system will either 1) crash or 2) display recommendations w/o their images (neither of those things are particularly pleasant). Together they mean you end up with a bunch of giant grey blocks (that never update) on your screen. So, essentially, the best way forward (I think) is to attempt to completely rewrite the recommendations code from scratch so that it can function in the user space. There is maybe a 50/50 chance that it will actually work though as recommendations operate over the notifications system and with Amazon's notification systems and Google's recommendations setup on the same machine they don't like to get along.
Side note, I'm surprised the microphone worked as Amazon coded it to always go to Alexa. I have some questions
1) Have you debloated? If so, what?
2) Are you rooted?
3) Any special mods?
Thanks!

rockon999 said:
Side note, I'm surprised the microphone worked as Amazon coded it to always go to Alexa. I have some questions
1) Have you debloated? If so, what?
2) Are you rooted?
3) Any special mods?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I debloated the FireTV, it's not rooted and I used Launcher Hijacker 3 to use as home screen. It might've been me using the
Code:
adb shell pm grant com.google.android.katniss android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO
command for the Google app to allow the microphone.

Pix12 said:
I debloated the FireTV, it's not rooted and I used Launcher Hijacker 3 to use as home screen. It might've been me using the
Code:
adb shell pm grant com.google.android.katniss android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO
command for the Google app to allow the microphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing it's because your debloat removed the package that forces Alexa. Similar to how removing the launcher allows other launchers to work without modification apps. I'll poke around and see if I can replicate/find the package.

rockon999 said:
I'm guessing it's because your debloat removed the package that forces Alexa. Similar to how removing the launcher allows other launchers to work without modification apps. I'll poke around and see if I can replicate/find the package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I removed really everything Amazon. It showed the launcher menu.

Pix12 said:
Yeah, I removed really everything Amazon. It showed the launcher menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which is the package that forces Alexa?

is a new version of LeanbackLauncher coming soon?

rainman74 said:
is a new version of LeanbackLauncher coming soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm completely rewriting a lot of the database storage code (there are a lot of broken/missing database calls) and am close to done. I'm just trying to fix the favorites row at this point but moving apps elsewhere is working. I've also re-added the code to link to the native android tv settings app and I also ported the native android tv settings app to Fire TV (without root required!). In addition, I've gotten the leanback keyboard fully working! I'd say a day or two and I'll update the guide

rockon999 said:
I'm completely rewriting a lot of the database storage code (there are a lot of broken/missing database calls) and am close to done. I'm just trying to fix the favorites row at this point but moving apps elsewhere is working. I've also re-added the code to link to the native android tv settings app and I also ported the native android tv settings app to Fire TV (without root required!). In addition, I've gotten the leanback keyboard fully working! I'd say a day or two and I'll update the guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! :good::good::good:

rockon999 said:
I'm completely rewriting a lot of the database storage code (there are a lot of broken/missing database calls) and am close to done. I'm just trying to fix the favorites row at this point but moving apps elsewhere is working. I've also re-added the code to link to the native android tv settings app and I also ported the native android tv settings app to Fire TV (without root required!). In addition, I've gotten the leanback keyboard fully working! I'd say a day or two and I'll update the guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome work!

rockon999 said:
I'm completely rewriting a lot of the database storage code (there are a lot of broken/missing database calls) and am close to done. I'm just trying to fix the favorites row at this point but moving apps elsewhere is working. I've also re-added the code to link to the native android tv settings app and I also ported the native android tv settings app to Fire TV (without root required!). In addition, I've gotten the leanback keyboard fully working! I'd say a day or two and I'll update the guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesomeeeee!!!!!!!!!:laugh::laugh::laugh:

UPDATE: I've figured out how to get Google's voice search working! (this only works w/ voice remotes not apps)
Running this command will disable global Alexa and allow Google to work (if you're on an old enough firmware): adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.vizzini

rockon999 said:
UPDATE: I've figured out how to get Google's voice search working! (this only works w/ voice remotes not apps)
Running this command will disable global Alexa and allow Google to work (if you're on an old enough firmware): adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.vizzini
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
working perfectly with the newer apk from OP

ALPHA 2 OF LEANBACK IS OUT AND ATV SETTINGS APP PORTED
https://github.com/rockon999/Leanbac...leases/tag/0.2
NOTE: You must completely remove Alpha 1 (and clear its storage - instructions on the release page) as Alpha 1 had database storage bugs that make Alpha 2 inoperable.
The first alpha of my port of Android TV's settings app, TvSettingsOnFire, is also available (note the permission requirements)! https://github.com/rockon999/TvSettingsOnFire/releases
Also, if you've ever actually wanted to see what your were editing while you were typing Leanback Keyboard works perfectly in conjunction with my TvSettings port! You can grab it here.

[FIX] [All Amazon tablets] Enable/Fix Google Location Services [MARCH 2019]

****UPDATE MARCH 7, 2019:****
If the guide below doesn't work for you, see additional instructions at the end.
This seems to be a huge problem for many users...location services not working when the Google Play store is installed. I have found a way to install the Play Store without breaking location services. NOTE: You don't need to install these Google APKs as system applications, but it does help a lot. So if you own an HD 8, you can perform all of the steps below by installing the four APKs as regular applications. Just follow the same steps without using any root applications.
WHAT:
When you go to settings > wireless > location services and toggle it on, you are using Amazon's location services. When the Play Store is installed on the HD 10, sometimes Google's location services doesn't kick on. The reality is, the services DO turn on, but when doing so, creates a conflict in the system. This is due in part to Amazon redirecting fragments of the internal settings. Since installing the Play Store disables Amazon's services, if Google's doesn't take over when you install the Play Store, you don't have any location services period. Although my rewrite of the settings fragment in FireTabletSettings.apk redirects the setting back to AOSP, the toggle is useless if Google never asks you to use their location services.
HOW:
For the past week, I have tested this method over and over and over, as wells as others, and the fix method I will be guiding you through, has worked every single time. WARNING: You will need to start from a freshly installed version of FireOS. Make sure you have rooted your tablet so you can DISABLE OTA
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. On your PC download these four Google Play APKs from this thread. (NOTE: Download the APKs as they are. Do NOT download any newer versions of the APKs. When they are installed and working they will update themselves.)
2. Making sure you have ADB enabled in developer options (settings > device options > tap serial number 7 times then enable ADB in developer options). Plug your tablet into your PC. Place the four APKs into your tablet's internal storage.
3. On your tablet, go to settings > wireless > Connect to Wifi (REMEMBER TO DISABLE OTA UPDATES FIRST! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT BEFORE CONNECTING TO WIFI!)
4. Then go to settings > wireless > location based services > make sure services are turned ON.
5. Download and install a file manager like Total Commander. In Total Commander, from the home screen, tap on Internal storage. Install the Google APKs by tapping them, IN THIS ORDER SPECIFICALLY:
1. com.google.android.gsf.login_5.1-1743759-22_minAPI21(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk
2. com.google.android.gsf_5.1-1743759-22_minAPI22(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk
3. com.google.android.gms_11.5.09_(230-164803921)-11509230_minAPI21(armeabi-v7a)(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk
4. com.android.vending_8.3.41.U-all_0_FP_170066753-80834100_minAPI14(armeabi-v7a)(240,320,480dpi)_apkmirror.com.apk
6. Once all the APKs are installed, open the Play Store and sign into your account and IMMEDIATELY go to settings and TURN OFF auto-updates then close the Play Store and reboot your tablet. Once rebooted, if needed, the APKs will start to update.
7. When the tablet boots, tap on settings > wireless > location based services. If you followed instructions earlier and toggled this setting on, good job. Now turn it off and wait about 15 seconds and turn it back on.
8. You may get a pop-up window asking you to agree to the use of Google Location Accuracy/Services. YOU MUST TAP AGREE.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
8. From your home screen, tap the Google Settings icon then Location. You MIGHT get a pop up saying something like: "In a previous version of Google, you turned off location history. Do you want to turn it back on?" YOU MUST TAP YES.
9. Download and install Settings Database Editor. Then open a terminal app, or plug the tablet into the PC and open an ADB window and type the following commands, hitting enter after each one:
Code:
adb shell
su
pm grant by4a.setedit22 android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
10. Open Settings Database Editor and tap on the drop down menu on the right and select the 'secure' tab. Scroll down until you see 'location_providers_allowed'. The value should say:
Code:
network
11. Tap the 'location_providers_allowed' setting then tap 'edit value' and in front of 'network' add the text 'gps' (without the ') and separate the two with a comma, but no spaces and tap save. The value should now look like this:
Code:
gps,network
12. Reboot. Google location services should now work. Download a weather app like Weather Underground and set the location up for GPS. If it detects location, you're good to go. If not, you missed a step and have to start over.
ALTERNATIVE:
1. Turn off location services.
2. Install Google maps and open it. Or download and install chrome.
3. Maps: A box will pop up asking to enable location services. Tap yes/ok. Chrome: scroll to bottom of page and tap 'update location' or 'use exact/precise location'.
4. Maps: Tap on the blue or gray dot representing your location.
5. Tap on 'pick a place' and pick your location.

I had to do a non-root rewrite after running into some issues. This should work on the HD 8 as well.

Awesome...!
Love your work, long time reader but never really needed to post as I've generally read out of interest and my old trusty Samsung tablet has been serving it's purpose. As my Samsung tablet has now aged and I'm putting it to rest (R.I.P.), I've acquired a few Fire HD 10 tablets (one for me and one each for my parents). Problem is that after installing Google Play, am not able to use it with GPS software (like Sygic). I've tried the process listed here on a fresh tablet and also by reflashing to stock my tablet, but does not seem to get working.
Following your process step-by-step, there is no indication that the Play Store files gets updated and no pop-ups like the ones shown at step 8 and onwards...
Questions:
1. Is there an indicator to show that the Play Store files are being updated?
2. Is the pop-up window (indicated at step 8) always suppose to occur when we complete this step?
3. Do we need to install your APK's for the updated framework and the systemconfig updates from you before this will work?
Finally... Thanks for your great work and you're definitely a very large contributor to this community. Thank you.

niz180sx said:
Awesome...!
Love your work, long time reader but never really needed to post as I've generally read out of interest and my old trusty Samsung tablet has been serving it's purpose. As my Samsung tablet has now aged and I'm putting it to rest (R.I.P.), I've acquired a few Fire HD 10 tablets (one for me and one each for my parents). Problem is that after installing Google Play, am not able to use it with GPS software (like Sygic). I've tried the process listed here on a fresh tablet and also by reflashing to stock my tablet, but does not seem to get working.
Following your process step-by-step, there is no indication that the Play Store files gets updated and no pop-ups like the ones shown at step 8 and onwards...
Questions:
1. Is there an indicator to show that the Play Store files are being updated?
2. Is the pop-up window (indicated at step 8) always suppose to occur when we complete this step?
3. Do we need to install your APK's for the updated framework and the systemconfig updates from you before this will work?
Finally... Thanks for your great work and you're definitely a very large contributor to this community. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There may not be an indicator.
2. If you turned location services on prior to installing the 4 apks , it should show up every time when you toggle it off then back on. I've done this more times than I care to admit and in each case the fort box pops up every time. The second one may only pop up when you've previously turned off location history. Also make sure to sign into play store wait a few minutes then toggle location off then on. Might need to clear data of 4 apks and try again though. I don't know what Amazon made this such a pain.
.
3. No. This guide it not related to any of my mods and housing need any other special APPs for this particular guide.
Side note: the GPS chip in these devices is not active. It does exist, but according to the .mk file, was deactivated in the kernel. That's why Android OS has AGPS integrated into their framework (in case a device doesn't fully support gps).

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful...
Anyways, I did another reflash to stock and reinstalled the Play Store APK's and monitored the versions. The updates never happened and I tried to force an update by pressing on the version number (in settings) a few times. But after a few hours of still not updating, the Play Store never updates and hence I tried a clear cache and clear data for the Play Store apps. This then actually allowed for the update to progress after logging in again next. Hopefully this helps anyone else that gets stuck with the same.
DragonFire1024 - One more favour, can you try and install Sygic and see if the GPS locks or not? I've tried on the 3 devices here and I'm not sure if I've just done something wrong and hence the GPS is not locking or if Sygic just isn't able to use AGPS as the GPS source and isn't able to lock since the other parts of the GPS modules are not active? Thanks in advance.
Also, if you have any GPS apps that you could recommend with on device maps, that's the only criteria I have left that I need to get working for my parents.
Thanking you.

No Root required now?
DragonFire1024 said:
I had to do a non-root rewrite after running into some issues. This should work on the HD 8 as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if I understand correctly, we can follow the instructions without a rooted device?
Also, you indicated that we have to start with a fresh install of Fire OS. This is no longer the case with my device, and I'm just trying to fix the location services. I can find instructions on rooting the device (which I don't want to do unless necessary) and I can find copies of the Fire OS images, but I've failed at finding instructions on how to install the stock FireOS image. My device is a Fire HD 8 (2017). If you can point me towards a thread with what I need, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

WCE68 said:
So, if I understand correctly, we can follow the instructions without a rooted device?
Also, you indicated that we have to start with a fresh install of Fire OS. This is no longer the case with my device, and I'm just trying to fix the location services. I can find instructions on rooting the device (which I don't want to do unless necessary) and I can find copies of the Fire OS images, but I've failed at finding instructions on how to install the stock FireOS image. My device is a Fire HD 8 (2017). If you can point me towards a thread with what I need, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot help with location services but as far as I know you CANNOT root an hd8, its not possible with locked bootloader. Only hd10 can gain root, so perhaps the better question is to ask if this can be done on an hd8

WCE68 said:
So, if I understand correctly, we can follow the instructions without a rooted device?
Also, you indicated that we have to start with a fresh install of Fire OS. This is no longer the case with my device, and I'm just trying to fix the location services. I can find instructions on rooting the device (which I don't want to do unless necessary) and I can find copies of the Fire OS images, but I've failed at finding instructions on how to install the stock FireOS image. My device is a Fire HD 8 (2017). If you can point me towards a thread with what I need, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory reset for an HD 8 then follow this guide. This should work on all Amazon tablets. I have a Fire 7, HD 8 and 10. Works on all three, rooted or not.

I have a new Fire HD 10 (2017). I installed Google Play Store before seeing this thread. I want to use YoutubeTV but when it launches it says it can't determine my location. Which is what brought me to this thread I have the latest HD 10 OS loaded (5.6.2.0?). If I do a factory reset, will I still have that version and will it work with the process you have? Thanks, Frank

fclifton said:
I have a new Fire HD 10 (2017). I installed Google Play Store before seeing this thread. I want to use YoutubeTV but when it launches it says it can't determine my location. Which is what brought me to this thread I have the latest HD 10 OS loaded (5.6.2.0?). If I do a factory reset, will I still have that version and will it work with the process you have? Thanks, Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will still have 5.6.2.0. Before a reset, clear the data of and uninstall the 4 APKs then reset. Install the APKs from the guide linked in my OP. Install them as is and do not download the updated versions. Make sure location services are on before installation.

DragonFire1024 said:
Yes you will still have 5.6.2.0. Before a reset, clear the data of and uninstall the 4 APKs then reset. Install the APKs from the guide linked in my OP. Install them as is and do not download the updated versions. Make sure location services are on before installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I tried to follow your instructions, but I was not able to get Google location services working. At least I don't think so. I never saw any pop ups asking me to agree to the use of Google Location services. It is probably operator error on my part. Here is what I did by the steps you have:
I first cleared data from and uninstalled the 4 APKs. Then I set the tablet back to factory default. I am attempting this without rooting.
1. The thread you linked to said that newer versions of Silk could be used to install the APKs, so I didn't download them to my PC. I used Silk in step 5.
2. I enabled developer options and enabled ADB. Did not move APKs because they are not on my PC as stated in step 1.
3. So here is the first place I wasn't sure exactly what to do. Your instructions are to go to Settings | Wireless | Connect to Wifi. However, since I reset my tablet back to Factory Defaults, the first screen is to set language and then the next is to setup Wifi. I had to connect to Wifi to proceed, so I did. The next screen says it found like 11 system updates. Wasn't sure what to do with them, so I let them be installed. The next screen wanted me to register, so I did that. The next screen has to do with restoring a backup which I skipped. The next screen has 4 options, one of which is Enable Location Services. I unchecked that (but checked it again later in Step 4). The next two screens had to do with suggested apps which I skipped. The one after that introduces Show Mode, a demo that I had to let run. After that is a Fire tutorial which I skipped. Next was an intro to Alexa hands free, which I was not able to skip.. I allowed Alexa hands free. Finally after all that I was at the home desktop screen! From there I launched the Appstore app and disabled automatic updates. Whew! And not exactly what was in your Step 3.
4. Did Settings | Wireless | Location based services and enabled it
5. Used Silk to download and install each APK in the order listed. (Downloaded one, installed, went to the next)
6. Launched Play Store, which did start ok, and after signing in turned off automatic updates. Could not tell if the 4 APKs updated.
7. Did Settings | Wireless | Location based services disabled it, counted to 20 and enabled it.
No pop up
8. From Home Screen launched Google Settings. One time I got the pop up. Another time I did not.
At this point I installed Youtube TV and it still said unable to determine location. Other apps like weather and maps did find my location so I assume some kind of location services is running. I disabled location services for weather, then launched weather again and got a dialog saying it needed location services. It did not look like the Google popup so I guess it was still the Amazon service.
So, my experience didn't quite match up with your instructions. I can see in a couple places where I could make it match more closely, but there were a lot of things in Step 3 that I wasn't clear about. Any ideas?
Thanks, Frank

fclifton said:
I have a new Fire HD 10 (2017). I installed Google Play Store before seeing this thread. I want to use YoutubeTV but when it launches it says it can't determine my location. Which is what brought me to this thread I have the latest HD 10 OS loaded (5.6.2.0?). If I do a factory reset, will I still have that version and will it work with the process you have? Thanks, Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to have luck with this for Youtube TV?
I'm still unable to get past the location prompt.
DragonFire1024 said:
Yes you will still have 5.6.2.0. Before a reset, clear the data of and uninstall the 4 APKs then reset. Install the APKs from the guide linked in my OP. Install them as is and do not download the updated versions. Make sure location services are on before installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked for getting my location on other apps. Thanks

pc747 said:
Were you able to have luck with this for Youtube TV?
I'm still unable to get past the location prompt.
Worked for getting my location on other apps. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I don't have YouTube Tv working yet. I haven't given up on it yet.
I also got some other apps to work, but I think they were using Amazon location services, not Google.

Must be off and on
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Youtube TV is working for now for me. But I am betting it is going to be inconsistent.

fclifton said:
I have a new Fire HD 10 (2017). I installed Google Play Store before seeing this thread. I want to use YoutubeTV but when it launches it says it can't determine my location. Which is what brought me to this thread I have the latest HD 10 OS loaded (5.6.2.0?). If I do a factory reset, will I still have that version and will it work with the process you have? Thanks, Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also just got a Fire HD 10 and installed the 4 google apks before seeing this thread. I'm also not rooted. However, all I needed to do to get GPS to work was to turn the Fire OS Location Based Services toggle off. (Settings-Wireless-Location Based Services). Upon opening Google Maps it asked me to use GPS and it just worked.

DoughMucker said:
I also just got a Fire HD 10 and installed the 4 google apks before seeing this thread. I'm also not rooted. However, all I needed to do to get GPS to work was to turn the Fire OS Location Based Services toggle off. (Settings-Wireless-Location Based Services). Upon opening Google Maps it asked me to use GPS and it just worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! Did the same and now it appears that Google location is being used. Thanks!

Reset my Fire HD 10 (7th generation) 5.6.2.0 back to factory and rooted it without any issues following this offline root method.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/hd-10-2017-offline-rooting-t3734860
Disabled OTA using commands from here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd...7-fire-os-5-6-uninstall-t3709437/post77437463
All the files downloaded and installed from internal storage.
6, 7, 8(part 1) executed as per instructions.
8(part 2) didnt get asked.
Everything went real smooth so no issues to report. My Fire HD 10 (7th generation) 5.6.2.0 fully compatible with all of it
How do I know OTA really disabled?
How do I know the 4 apk are updating and when they are done updating or it doesnt matter if I evoke an error trying to open Playstore?
@DragonFire1024 your work help and support is truly appreciated.

MutantWizard said:
Reset my Fire HD 10 (7th generation) 5.6.2.0 back to factory and rooted it without any issues following this offline root method.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/hd-10-2017-offline-rooting-t3734860
Disabled OTA using commands from here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd...7-fire-os-5-6-uninstall-t3709437/post77437463
All the files downloaded and installed from internal storage.
6, 7, 8(part 1) executed as per instructions.
8(part 2) didnt get asked.
Everything went real smooth so no issues to report. My Fire HD 10 (7th generation) 5.6.2.0 fully compatible with all of it
How do I know OTA really disabled?
How do I know the 4 apk are updating and when they are done updating or it doesnt matter if I evoke an error trying to open Playstore?
@DragonFire1024 your work help and support is truly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get an error or force close as the apks update. Check apk mirror for the latest versions. Play store is 11.6.18. I'll enable my OTA apk later and grab a screen shot for everyone to see. It's very fast and will start downloading the second it's activated and WiFi is on. It's the only apk responsible for downloading and installing system updates sent by Amazon only.

MutantWizard said:
Reset my Fire HD 10 (7th generation) 5.6.2.0 back to factory and rooted it without any issues following this offline root method.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/hd-10-2017-offline-rooting-t3734860
Disabled OTA using commands from here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd...7-fire-os-5-6-uninstall-t3709437/post77437463
All the files downloaded and installed from internal storage.
6, 7, 8(part 1) executed as per instructions.
8(part 2) didnt get asked.
Everything went real smooth so no issues to report. My Fire HD 10 (7th generation) 5.6.2.0 fully compatible with all of it
How do I know OTA really disabled?
How do I know the 4 apk are updating and when they are done updating or it doesnt matter if I evoke an error trying to open Playstore?
@DragonFire1024 your work help and support is truly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go. Luckily I was able to circumvent the update before anything could install.