Related
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?
Update: It's been reported that the method works on FireOS up to and including 5.2.6.0, but does not work on 5.2.6.1
To catch a break, and avoid force fed OTA updates, run these commands from your ADB:
Code:
adb.exe uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.device.software.ota
adb.exe uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.device.software.ota.override
This will disable the OTA apps till the next factory reset. In case there is ever root, your system will be old enough to be rootable.
Once you do this, and go check for system updates, it'll generate a message "System update failed".
More details can be found in this thread.
this was patched on the tablets and if not already will likely be patched on the sticks soon as well.
krsmit0 said:
this was patched on the tablets and if not already will likely be patched on the sticks soon as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, nothing lasts forever ... But even more reason to do this NOW !!!
At the moment, I have this version : Fire OS 5.2.4.1, ro.build.date=Fri Jun 9 23:01:51 UTC 2017, so not patched yet.
@bibikalka is there a way to reinstall an uninstalled APK for user 0 ?
rainman74 said:
@bibikalka is there a way to reinstall an uninstalled APK for user 0 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know an easy one
But you can always do a factory reset! These operations don't actually delete anything, just flag it as unusable.
This should allow debloating the Fire TV sticks. Does anyone have a list with apps that you can safely remove? Maybe even replacing the stock launcher is possible. Although on the Fire HD 10 5th generation removing the stock launcher breaks the home button detection.
MWin123 said:
This should allow debloating the Fire TV sticks. Does anyone have a list with apps that you can safely remove? Maybe even replacing the stock launcher is possible. Although on the Fire HD 10 5th generation removing the stock launcher breaks the home button detection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can completely replace Fire Stick Launcher without root! But first ensure, that all settings are made, because you can not access certain settings anymore (again only after a factory reset).
And you must install another launcher first, e.g. AppStarter (https://github.com/sphinx02/AppStarter/releases)
1. Uninstall:
adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.device.software.ota
adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.device.software.ota.override
adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.tv.nimh
adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.tv.launcher
2. Access settings then via ADB without com.amazon.tv.launcher (Fire Stick "tank" on 5.2.4.1):
Controller:
Code:
adb shell am start -n com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.controllers_bluetooth_devices.ControllersAndBluetoothActivity
App-Menu:
Code:
adb shell am start -n com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.applications.ApplicationsActivity
Network:
Code:
adb shell am start -n com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.network.NetworkActivity
Factory Reset:
Code:
adb shell am start -n com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.FactoryResetActivity
rainman74 said:
But first ensure, that all settings are made, because you can not access certain settings anymore (again only after a factory reset).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Do you know what settings are affected?
I can recommend Activity Launcher to open settings, it also allows you to open some hidden settings. See NO ROOT: Use 'Activity Launcher' to remove accounts, grant/revoke usage access.
MWin123 said:
Thanks! Do you know what settings are affected?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, because of we can't grant com.amazon.tv.permission.LAUNCHER_SETTINGS to com.amazon.tv.settings (adb -d shell pm grant com.amazon.tv.settings com.amazon.tv.permission.LAUNCHER_SETTINGS), you can't access the following settings anymore:
Account (but you'll in no way ever change your Amazon Account)
Display & Sound (so set each setting there to "automatic" before you uninstall com.amazon.tv.launcher)
Info/About (you'll not need that anyway)
Childlock (no need for that anyway, because you will not have Amazon Launcher)
Debug/ADB (so set ADB/USB to "yes" before you uninstall com.amazon.tv.launcher and you'll be fine)
MWin123 said:
I can recommend Activity Launcher to open settings, it also allows you to open some hidden settings. See NO ROOT: Use 'Activity Launcher' to remove accounts, grant/revoke usage access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll try that...
After installing modified "Android TV Settings" (https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4255667&d=1503965469) with regular "adb install" you can access the following settings again if amazon.tv.launcher is disabled or uninstalled (non-root):
Sound (system sounds only)
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.device.sound.SoundActivity
Info/About
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.about.AboutActivity
Debug/ADB
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.system.DeveloperOptionsActivity
CEC/HDMI Control
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.system.InputsActivity
Bluetooth/Pairing
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.accessories.AddAccessoryActivity
Date/Time
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.system.DateTimeActivity
Device Name
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.name.DeviceNameSettingsActivity
Language
Code:
com.android.tv.settings.system.LanguageActivity
Do the ADB commands in post 1 work on the 2nd gen Amazon Fire TV please? (not the stick).
I have just acquired one which is non rooted and loaded with software v5.2.4.2 which I understand that I am unable to root.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
meohmy said:
Do the ADB commands in post 1 work on the 2nd gen Amazon Fire TV please? (not the stick).
I have just acquired one which is non rooted and loaded with software v5.2.4.2 which I understand that I am unable to root.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they do, I just tried it on mine and it worked flawlessly. Good luck!
Thanks for the prompt reply, I will have a go as soon as the wife goes out.
apologiez for hijacking your thread, these infors are very appreciated.
i 'accidently' uninstalled "com.amazon.tv.settings", any idea how i can force a factory reset? Installing the modfied "Android TV Settings" didnt help.
TV33 said:
apologiez for hijacking your thread, these infors are very appreciated.
i 'accidently' uninstalled "com.amazon.tv.settings", any idea how i can force a factory reset? Installing the modfied "Android TV Settings" didnt help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is probably not possible anymore then!
But you can try this method: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-unbrick-by-entering-recovery-mode-and-factory-reset-the-amazon-fire-tv/
Worked first time so thanks for all the info, now to get a vpn so I can start using it.
Hi, I need help
I have a Fire TV Stick2 (Tank), after trying Post #7 I have no choice to change the WIFI account.
Post #10 doesn't work.
Any Idea? Post #15 seems not possible for "tank"
Any advice greatly appreciated.
remoter3406 said:
Hi, I need help
I have a Fire TV Stick2 (Tank), after trying Post #7 I have no choice to change the WIFI account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have access to wifi on Fire TV Stick2 ("tank") with this cmd as stated in post #7:
Code:
adb shell am start -n com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.network.NetworkActivity
Post #10 doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did yo install the modified "Android TV Settings" first. The command definitely works then!
Any Idea? Post #15 seems not possible for "tank"
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible with an Micro USB OTA adapter: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00N2LSLKA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You will have access to wifi on Fire TV Stick2 ("tank") with this cmd as stated in post #7:
Code:
adb shell am start -n com.amazon.tv.settings/.tv.network.NetworkActivity
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, sorry for my english. I mean WIFI is working with my WIFI repeater, but I want change it to my main WIFI router. How?
Did yo install the modified "Android TV Settings" first. The command definitely works then!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I installed the "apk" and it apears on TV, but no reaction. Is a adb command needed for activating?
It's possible with an Micro USB OTA adapter:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, this is the last try if I coudn't change the WIFI
Many Thanks for your quick response
remoter3406 said:
First, sorry for my english. I mean WIFI is working with my WIFI repeater, but I want change it to my main WIFI router. How?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will show you a screenshot of that later this evening...
Yes, I installed the "apk" and it apears on TV, but no reaction. Is a adb command needed for activating?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't click the icon, you must access the settings of it via adb or the app "Activity Lauchner" mentioned in this thread:
Code:
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.about.AboutActivity
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.accessories.AddAccessoryActivity
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.device.sound.SoundActivity
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.name.DeviceNameSettingsActivity
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.system.DateTimeActivity
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.system.DeveloperOptionsActivity
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.system.InputsActivity
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings.system.LanguageActivity
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.
This is my first thread, so be kind with me
I just got my new Fire HD 8 (2018) and all old versions to remove the lockscreen ads didn't work, so I tried something I learned for my Pocophone. It worked for me with currently up to date software (FireOS 6.3.1).
THIS SHOULD WORK WITH ALL ANDROID 7 BASED FIRE TABLETS. BUT I ONLY TRIED IT ON MY FIRE HD 8 (2018) ON FIREOS 6.3.1
As always: Try at your own risk!
Requirements:
- Fire Tablet
- PC with ADB drivers installed
- USB cable
1. First you need to enable USB Debugging on your device and connect it with your PC
2. Open a command prompt and type:
Code:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso
3. If it says "Success" reboot the tablet by using the power button or typing
Code:
adb reboot
4. Enjoy your hopefully ad-free Fire-Tablet
IF IT WORKED PRESS THE THANKS! BUTTON!
If you have questions please comment!
This also works for debloating your device, but I get failure-messages for many apps, don't know why though.
If you have another Fire Tablet / FireOS-Version and this method does or does not work, please comment.
However this method does not remove the Special Offers Button:
{
"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"
}
Thanks a lot!
I tried your method and it worked...BUT...after 1 day the lock screen went back with ads and if I try the same process now I get:
Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]
My Fire HD8 8th gen is running Fire OS 6.3.0.1 and I disabled the auto-update from developers menu.
I also noticed that although I get the "Success" message with some apps (Silk browser and Amazon app store) the apps are still there even after reboot.with
I might have found a way by mixing the above method and the one from this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/root-remove-forever-lockscreen-ads-t3824551
So to recap the whole process:
1 - Enable Developer Options by clicking 8 times on Serial Number in Settings -> Device Options -> About Fire Tablet
2 - Go back and open Developer Options
3 - Enable USB Debugging
4 - Connect the tablet to a laptop (with ADB installed)
5 - Run a command prompt in the ADB folder
6 - Launch the command
Code:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso
7 - If the terminal returns "Success" the package has been uninstalled
8 - Launch the commands
Code:
adb shell settings put global LOCKSCREEN_AD_ENABLED 0
adb shell settings put global ksoHash 0
9 - Reboot tablet (either manually or typing "adb reboot")
I got no ads for the whole day so I'll keep you posted if they come back again.
I tried this method at night and the ads came back next morning. What about you?
Elekon_28 said:
Thanks a lot!
I tried your method and it worked...BUT...after 1 day the lock screen went back with ads and if I try the same process now I get:
Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]
My Fire HD8 8th gen is running Fire OS 6.3.0.1 and I disabled the auto-update from developers menu.
I also noticed that although I get the "Success" message with some apps (Silk browser and Amazon app store) the apps are still there even after reboot.with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Elekon_28 said:
I might have found a way by mixing the above method and the one from this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/root-remove-forever-lockscreen-ads-t3824551
So to recap the whole process:
1 - Enable Developer Options by clicking 8 times on Serial Number in Settings -> Device Options -> About Fire Tablet
2 - Go back and open Developer Options
3 - Enable USB Debugging
4 - Connect the tablet to a laptop (with ADB installed)
5 - Run a command prompt in the ADB folder
6 - Launch the command
Code:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso
7 - If the terminal returns "Success" the package has been uninstalled
8 - Launch the commands
Code:
adb shell settings put global LOCKSCREEN_AD_ENABLED 0
adb shell settings put global ksoHash 0
9 - Reboot tablet (either manually or typing "adb reboot")
I got no ads for the whole day so I'll keep you posted if they come back again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jojo_fries said:
I tried this method at night and the ads came back next morning. What about you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies. Sorry for the delay, but the Fire Tablet was back in its package, because my gf got it for her bday yesterday.
And yes. Sadly the ads were back. I now tried Elekons way. Let's see if it is working. I will keep you updated.
the ads popped up again after I started reading books on kindle
taku24722 said:
the ads popped up again after I started reading books on kindle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep - the method outlined in this thread is only durable on older FireOS builds that permit disabling OTA updates or taking other steps to freeze operational tweaks. In absence of the latter FireOS will 'self heal' during normal maintenance.
It works for my brand new Fire 8 HD 6.3.0.1 :good:
Many Thanks !
Failure when an new version is pending for install
Hello all,
Thanks for this very useful thread, I would not have bought 2x Fire Hd8 2018 if not reading this one and few others.
I tried the command line "adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso" and it failed.
Then I noticed I had downloaded the upgrade to Fire OS 6.3.0.1 but it was not yet installed, installation was pending.
So I thought I might try on my second HD 8 on which the 6.3.0.1.
On the tablet already running on 6.3.0.1, the command line "adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso" was a success, so were the two other line commands by Elekon_28 on December 1st.
Now I see no ads any longer.
I will update if the ads come back.
Thanks
OPol said:
Hello all,
Thanks for this very useful thread, I would not have bought 2x Fire Hd8 2018 if not reading this one and few others.
I tried the command line "adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso" and it failed.
Then I noticed I had downloaded the upgrade to Fire OS 6.3.0.1 but it was not yet installed, installation was pending.
So I thought I might try on my second HD 8 on which the 6.3.0.1.
On the tablet already running on 6.3.0.1, the command line "adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso" was a success, so t the two other line commands by Elekon_28 on December 1st.
Now I see no ads any longer.
I will update if the ads come back.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are ads back or not?
Yeah, interested to know since I am getting my tab in January.
tnsmani said:
Yeah, interested to know since I am getting my tab in January.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's trivial to block lock screen ads and other Amazon service downloads via VPN based firewall without downgrading FireOS or jumping through other silly hoops. The trick to retaining responsiveness on these low-end Amazon gizmos is to limit outreach for services you don't need. Trying to transform them into a generic Android tablet is a bit of a fool's errand given limited resources and locked down OS. Securing root on any 5th-8th gen Fire 7/8 is unlikely given platform maturity despite continued activity of several hopeful individuals. I allow my 8th gen HD 8 to (more or less) behave like a normal Amazon device, sideloading key apps from trusted sources and/or securing apks from other devices. The Nougat base (Android 7.1.2) base makes a big difference in compatibility/usability. Good luck.
Been looking for a fix for this too, been searching around how to remove the ads on lockscreen, I can confirm the method of removal works as described in this post - however - as noted there appears to be a mechanism that resets any such "tampering" when not carried out through the official channels by Aamazon, for now.
I'm not into deep hacking/rooting the tablet as I still want to use various things like Prime video and music.
What I am trying to remove - unsuccessfully it turns out due to a range of various errors - are the processes that call back to base, most recently discovered something called tachyon, can't get rid of it.
The developers have closed a loophole in the 8th gen fire 8 tablets it seems. If I were able to source an older version would this be resolved or is it mainly a software thing?
CpnBarnacles said:
Been looking for a fix for this too, been searching around how to remove the ads on lockscreen, I can confirm the method of removal works as described in this post - however - as noted there appears to be a mechanism that resets any such "tampering" when not carried out through the official channels by Aamazon, for now.
I'm not into deep hacking/rooting the tablet as I still want to use various things like Prime video and music.
What I am trying to remove - unsuccessfully it turns out due to a range of various errors - are the processes that call back to base, most recently discovered something called tachyon, can't get rid of it.
The developers have closed a loophole in the 8th gen fire 8 tablets it seems. If I were able to source an older version would this be resolved or is it mainly a software thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think one has to accept a certain amount of back channel communication if remaining on FireOS. The effort to cauterize everything while maintaining functionality (and sanity) far outweighs the benefit IMO. Privacy wonks should consider a fully unlocked device or use one of emerging custom custom ROMs. Rolling back a 7th gen HD 8 puts you on FireOS v5 which is based on Android 5.1 (Lollipop) which is 4+ years old. Ugh.
Davey126 said:
I think one has to accept a certain amount of back channel communication if remaining on FireOS. The effort to cauterize everything while maintaining functionality (and sanity) far outweighs the benefit IMO. Privacy wonks should consider a fully unlocked device or use one of emerging custom custom ROMs. Rolling back a 7th gen HD 8 puts you on FireOS v5 which is based on Android 5.1 (Lollipop) which is 4+ years old. Ugh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think it's a case of just trying to hold back some of the processes that appear to hog resources on a platform/hardware combo that could do without anything too intensive. It's actually a great little tablet and perfect for watching stuff and the occasional email etc, if only I could clear the stuff that causes it to stutter sometimes, had it freeze on me a few times and only had it a couple of days... For actually doing anything more involved I do have an ipad mini which is pretty robust if less flexible in its software hacking but then it doesn't suffer from call-backs to refresh what you might disable
,,,
Tried this method out on my Fire HD 8 on 6.3.0.1, and did a few extra modifications which removed the offers icon from the lockscreen, and I now have wallpapers changing (meaning ads should be disabled). Will report back if the ads stay away for more than a few days.
If you want to give it a shot here's how I did it:
Follow the instructions on the first post
Disable the modify system settings permission for Special Offers (Settings -> Apps -> Special App Access -> Modify system settings).
Back in ADB, change system settings to disable lock screen ads as seen in the Fire OS 5 Unified Share Facebook method:
Code:
adb shell settings put global LOCKSCREEN_AD_ENABLED 0
adb shell settings put global ksoHash 0
adb reboot
It doesn't remove the Offers app from the home screen but in theory this should work since Special Offers can't touch the system settings. Also make sure that you never open the Offers app, if you end up doing that you'll need to rerun the adb commands.
Using VPN firewall to block Amazon ads
Davey126 said:
It's trivial to block lock screen ads and other Amazon service downloads via VPN based firewall without downgrading FireOS or jumping through other silly hoops. The trick to retaining responsiveness on these low-end Amazon gizmos is to limit outreach for services you don't need. Trying to transform them into a generic Android tablet is a bit of a fool's errand given limited resources and locked down OS. Securing root on any 5th-8th gen Fire 7/8 is unlikely given platform maturity despite continued activity of several hopeful individuals. I allow my 8th gen HD 8 to (more or less) behave like a normal Amazon device, sideloading key apps from trusted sources and/or securing apks from other devices. The Nougat base (Android 7.1.2) base makes a big difference in compatibility/usability. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate if anyone could suggest how to do this: use VPN based firewall to block ads and other Amazon service downloads
o355 said:
Tried this method out on my Fire HD 8 on 6.3.0.1, and did a few extra modifications which removed the offers icon from the lockscreen, and I now have wallpapers changing (meaning ads should be disabled). Will report back if the ads stay away for more than a few days.
If you want to give it a shot here's how I did it:
Follow the instructions on the first post
Disable the modify system settings permission for Special Offers (Settings -> Apps -> Special App Access -> Modify system settings).
Back in ADB, change system settings to disable lock screen ads as seen in the Fire OS 5 Unified Share Facebook method:
Code:
adb shell settings put global LOCKSCREEN_AD_ENABLED 0
adb shell settings put global ksoHash 0
adb reboot
It doesn't remove the Offers app from the home screen but in theory this should work since Special Offers can't touch the system settings. Also make sure that you never open the Offers app, if you end up doing that you'll need to rerun the adb commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Do let us know how you get on. After my previous effort and ads coming back would be good to know how this method stacks up.
You can completely remove the Lock Screen Ads like an Adware
1. Download Settings Database Editor on Google Play, after installed, DO NOT OPEN, THE SECURE SETTINGS PERMISSION ISN'T GRANTED
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=by4a.setedit22
2. Go to Settings -> Device Options -> About Fire tablet -> Serial Number and tap the several times and navigate back
3. After the option appears, Go to Developer Options -> USB debugging and enable it
4. Connect your device to your PC, open Command Prompt in your PC and approve the USB device
5. Verify the attached devices
Code:
adb devices
6. Grant Settings Database Editor secure settings permission
Code:
adb shell pm grant by4a.setedit android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
7. Open Settings Database Editor and select in the spinner, Global
8. Replace 1 with 0 to
Code:
LOCKSCREEN_AD_ENABLED
and another setting table
Code:
ksoHash
9. Reboot your device by Long-press the power button or reboot via ADB
Code:
adb reboot
Only shortly working for me
As I did more testings on my Fire TV Stick 4K within TWRP, most of the issues usually occur while backing up the system and vendor. In the past, I thought I was doomed because of a bricked Fire TV Stick 4K for backing those two partitions. Yesterday, I finally discovered the true fix with backing up and restoring. You need to only backup the system image, vendor image, data, and boot to get your Fire TV Stick 4K working again WITHOUT flashing a prerooted or stock image. Let me know if this works for you and I'll be glad to respond back. I also have my version of a debloated rom for the Fire TV Stick 4K which may be available in the near future and is safely able to factory reset successfully along with the setup wizard going through without issues.
Skel40 said:
As I did more testings on my Fire TV Stick 4K within TWRP, most of the issues usually occur while backing up the system and vendor. In the past, I thought I was doomed because of a bricked Fire TV Stick 4K for backing those two partitions. Yesterday, I finally discovered the true fix with backing up and restoring. You need to only backup the system image, vendor image, data, and boot to get your Fire TV Stick 4K working again WITHOUT flashing a prerooted or stock image. Let me know if this works for you and I'll be glad to respond back. I also have my version of a debloated rom for the Fire TV Stick 4K which may be available in the near future and is safely able to factory reset successfully along with the setup wizard going through without issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Version 1.0 of my debloated rom will be posted here shortly! Its a backup without my account obviously, and has a few tweaks done so far. ONLY works for Fire TV Stick 4K.
Looking forward it Skel40!
Keep up the good work....
Awesome can't wait to try it
Question
Hello. Any update on this? Ive been trying to find a way to do this but have had no luck on my 4k sticks. Please share
Headstrongrc said:
Hello. Any update on this? Ive been trying to find a way to do this but have had no luck on my 4k sticks. Please share
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no new update on this. It still works. What did you backup? Backing up the system, and vendor only bricks the device. Its always important to backup only the system image, vendor image, data and boot.
Thank you for the reply
I understand that appdata is stored in the root folders. Im just looking for a simple way to copy that data from one stick to another. I guess i didnt understand exactly what you meant. Im really just wanting to save my atv launcher setup and if possible my logins and passwords to my premium app subscriptions. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks
You can do this with
Busybox and
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/dk.jens.backup/
I also use this for ATV and Youtube without Problems.
And...
I am not familiar with TWRP or know how a debloated rom works. Im not a total noob or anything but im not anywhere on your level. Please leave some details.
I currently use es to backup all apps. Ftp & filezilla and use adb commands to install apps. I move over my custom codecs and kodi data etc. I do not know how to copy the appdata on 4k stick.
---------- Post added at 09:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 PM ----------
Big thanks to 0815hoffi. That looks like a winner. Im cant wait to try it. Im way excited! I will let you know how it goes.
So i move my backup to the other stick.
adb shell mkdir /sdcard/oandbackups
adb push oandbackups /sdcard/oandbackups/
adb install dk.jens.backup_305.apk
And make a reboot after restore to Apply the changes.
Sweet
Got it. Suprisingly I havent been able to find this info anywhere else. Thank You!!!
Question
0815hoffi said:
So i move my backup to the other stick.
adb shell mkdir /sdcard/oandbackups
adb push oandbackups /sdcard/oandbackups/
adb install dk.jens.backup_305.apk
And make a reboot after restore to Apply the changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this method work only on a rooted device? I have busybox installed and oandbackup. The app wont let me backup app data without SU permissions. Is there a command I need to enter in terminal or something? Also regarding twrp, is that able to backup the whole device? (Testing this on my android phone btw)
Yes you need root for this.
What root method do you reccomend for firestick? Also just wanting to know if there is any downside to rooting? Ive never rooted one just because ive never really needed to.
just catching up stick 4k root, have 4 tv sticks, rooted the first one using kamakiri and mantis 6.2.6.8_r1, in process of setting up stick 1 with apps. Once finished want to copy the same configuration over to the other sticks. Once i use kamakiri to unlock the other sticks, do i need to bother with installing mantis pre-rooted image or i can use use this backup method :
Skel40 said:
As I did more testings on my Fire TV Stick 4K within TWRP, most of the issues usually occur while backing up the system and vendor. In the past, I thought I was doomed because of a bricked Fire TV Stick 4K for backing those two partitions. Yesterday, I finally discovered the true fix with backing up and restoring. You need to only backup the system image, vendor image, data, and boot to get your Fire TV Stick 4K working again WITHOUT flashing a prerooted or stock image. Let me know if this works for you and I'll be glad to respond back. I also have my version of a debloated rom for the Fire TV Stick 4K which may be available in the near future and is safely able to factory reset successfully along with the setup wizard going through without issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from stick 1 and apply it to the other 4k sticks, and i shouldnt have enter the logins into the apps again ?
Headstrongrc said:
What root method do you reccomend for firestick? Also just wanting to know if there is any downside to rooting? Ive never rooted one just because ive never really needed to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See these guides for rooting the 4k firestick.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/orig-development/unlock-fire-tv-stick-4k-mantis-t3978459
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fi...ewbie-guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-t4015273
The downside is you can destroy the firestick if you break any components trying to short the DAT0 or CLK points.
Thanks for all the great info. Idk if im ready to take the stick apart. Im going to watch a couple videos and see how comfortable i feel about doing this. Im sure its probably not that hard but a little unnerving for me not having done it before. I was really hoping there was an adb trick to backup this data.
---------- Post added at 05:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:51 PM ----------
Can anyone tell me if something like this (please see link below) that can work on the firestick 4k? Everything else ive found without root requires plugging the device into a computer via usb like helium backup. https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/28296/how-to-fully-backup-non-rooted-devices
Headstrongrc said:
What root method do you reccomend for firestick? Also just wanting to know if there is any downside to rooting? Ive never rooted one just because ive never really needed to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without root.
adb backup -f myapp.ab -apk com.myapp
# backup on one device
adb restore myapp.ab
adb shell pm list packages -f
# to get the appname com.******
Having Trouble
0815hoffi said:
Without root.
adb backup -f myapp.ab -apk com.myapp
# backup on one device
adb restore myapp.ab
adb shell pm list packages -f
# to get the appname com.******
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I tried this command adb backup -f myapp.ab -apk com.myapp
CMD says: unlock your device and confirm the backup operation. Any ideas?
also once i get this to work am i supposed to just input # or # backup on one device?
I also tried the command with adding " " & ' ' around the command and got the same message both times.
Headstrongrc said:
So I tried this command adb backup -f myapp.ab -apk com.myapp
CMD says: unlock your device and confirm the backup operation. Any ideas?
also once i get this to work am i supposed to just input # or # backup on one device?
I also tried the command with adding " " & ' ' around the command and got the same message both times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "unlock your device" means you have to accept the adb connection on your firestick. There should be a message displayed on your TV screen. Use the remote to accept the connection.
# means that line is a comment. It is for your information, not to be executed.