Database Users

[Q] Kindle Fire Newbie Question

So I have been looking for a way to root my kindle, get the normal android layout and functionality, but be able to switch back to my kindle mode without going through a long process. What should I do to be able to switch between the normal android mode to the kindle mode and vice versa?

What you want to do is Root, install FireFireFire and TWRP recovery. Then install Android Market. You can then install Go Launcher EX and Voodoo OTARootkeeper. You can then switch between the Kindle Fire Launcher and Go Launcher EX(Basic Android style Launcher) and use OTARootkeeper to easily switch temporarily between Root and unRoot to use all of Amazon's services.
This thread seems to be working well to help people from Root through getting the Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1417234
After that you can look around if you need any help with Go Launcher and OTARootkeeper.
Good Luck!

I confirm with the thread recommended. I did the root video and installing the Android Market to work perfectly. Haven't gone beyond that yet as I personally don't need to.

You don't actually have to root your Kindle to do this. Just download and install GoLauncher EX (You will have to sideload it - I downloaded it to my HTC Inspire, backed it up, synced with my Dell Inspiron, then sideloaded it to the Kindle). Then add a shortcut to the "Launcher" app already on the Kindle so that you can access the Carousel and the other Amazon apps (such as the Bookshelf). Changing the Home option to GoLauncher EX will allow you to switch back and forth between the two launchers. I've been doing this for a couple of weeks with no problem, and can STILL access the original Kindle layout. Alternately, you can add the Kindle Android app as a application on GoLauncher's desktop and it will open the book you are reading with the exact same functionality.
Also, I recommend installing the Dolphin browser to replace Silk. With Dolphin, you can easily access the Android Market without having to root.

Go launcher working!!

New method.
I have figured out a safer way to install a custom launcher. Your device still needs to be rooted.
1- Download the launcher of your choice from the Play Store.
2- With a file manager of your choice navigate to data/app folder, this will have all the apk's you've downloaded from the Play Store. (the name of the apk will look different ie: nova launcher is named "com.teslacoilsw.launcher.apk" )
3- Move launcher apk to system/app folder install or reboot(the permissions should already be set to rw-r--r-- so no need to change them)
Personally I like using Rom Toolbox Pro/Lite(can be found in play store, i bought the pro version for more options), I have no affiliation but this app is great and you should check it out. It has every different tool for root users you can think of. In the App Manager section if you long press on any app there is an option to "convert to system app", no moving, cut/paste, or installing.
This should help avoid getting some screwed up apk file from an alternate source and messing up your device.
As always try at your own RISK.
I would recommend checking out this thread before messing around with your device:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1930656

Can you specify which version of Go Launcher you used and where you obtained the apk from?
After having a near-brick experience attempting to install Go Launcher on my original Kindle Fire last year, I'd like to try it with something known to work.
Thanks in advance.

WillysJeepMan said:
Can you specify which version of Go Launcher you used and where you obtained the apk from?
After having a near-brick experience attempting to install Go Launcher on my original Kindle Fire last year, I'd like to try it with something known to work.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just googled go launcher ex apk. Dont think its ok to specify exactly which site i used(3rd maybe..) but I downloaded v3.13.
I completely feel ya, try at your own risk but definitely worked with mine.

I didn't need to restart but I can confirm go launcher and Nova are working. I'm sure any launcher will

Well maybe some of these other launchers are better but all I want is the android look to tell the truth with icons so ADW Launcher EX without rooting is fine by me to get away from the carousel.

Works great. Thank you.

robertc88 said:
Well maybe some of these other launchers are better but all I want is the android look to tell the truth with icons so ADW Launcher EX without rooting is fine by me to get away from the carousel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me its not even about which launcher is better they all have pros and cons, but i personally like to use my home button. With this process you can set the launcher as default. Not be bounced back to the stock launcher every time you use the home button and have to reload a custom launcher. Too much of a hassle for me and takes away from the experience.

This method also worked with Go Launcher HD, it looks better then then regular Go Launcher imho.

migjr415 said:
This method also worked with Go Launcher HD, it looks better then then regular Go Launcher imho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does i agree, but is there a way to hide the notification bar and action bar on hd version?

I didn't find the way to hide NAV bar. All works perfect with Go launcher HD. I am sure that nobody want to try removing NAV bar, cause it is a high risk of breaking your KFHD. Auto-hide in this case would be great, but i can't understand when NAV bar hides. I suppose it hides when there is in exit button, or return button in running apk. IMHO.

How do you change permission on a non rooted device. I downloaded the go launcher hd all v1.17. I tried rebooting and nothing. Can I do this on a stock fire. If so can you provide a step by step. I tried moving the apk to system/apps but says the apk cannot be moved. Thanks
Sent from my Kindle Fire HD using Tapatalk.

Melodycd said:
I didn't find the way to hide NAV bar. All works perfect with Go launcher HD. I am sure that nobody want to try removing NAV bar, cause it is a high risk of breaking your KFHD. Auto-hide in this case would be great, but i can't understand when NAV bar hides. I suppose it hides when there is in exit button, or return button in running apk. IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a setting in go launcher ex that allows you to hide nav and notification bars, the little tab is still visible at the bottom or side of screen so you can open them with ease. Gives the tablet a full screen. I love the look of the hd version but would rather have the full screen, wish the would put this option on the hd version

petes67bird said:
How do you change permission on a non rooted device. I downloaded the go launcher hd all v1.17. I tried rebooting and nothing. Can I do this on a stock fire. If so can you provide a step by step. I tried moving the apk to system/apps but says the apk cannot be moved. Thanks
Sent from my Kindle Fire HD using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cannot change permissions of system files or anything about them unless the device is rooted. This keeps the average person from screwing up there device.

Lockscreen?
Guys, have any of you had luck with the lockscreen for GoLauncher? I tried GoLocker and i had to go through the original Amazon Kindle Fire HD lockscreen and then to the GoLauncher Lockscreen. SO, basically, i had two lockscreens going on at once. Is there a fix for this?

klass

caponea6 said:
Guys, have any of you had luck with the lockscreen for GoLauncher? I tried GoLocker and i had to go through the original Amazon Kindle Fire HD lockscreen and then to the GoLauncher Lockscreen. SO, basically, i had two lockscreens going on at once. Is there a fix for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happens with the KF 1st gen also but I never bothered with it. Might want to look into the KF 1st gen and see if anyone found a way around it.

onemeila said:
To get go launcher ex working on the KFHD I took these steps.(On rooted device)
1- download the Go launcher ex.apk from a third party (from play store will not work)
3- change permissions to rw-r--r--
2- using a file manager find the apk and move to system/app folder.
4- reboot the device.
When it reboots there should be a message saying "kindle is upgrading".
Then it should prompt you to pick which launcher you want to use.
If you did not get the latest version you can now go to play store and update.
I assume this will work for other launchers though i have not tried it.
Finally I feel like im using more of an android interface(at least until someone figures out this bootloader problem and i can flash cm10)
I just downloaded go launcher hd and did not change permissions, still worked. Could someone tell me if this is necessary. I just copied the permissions of the stock launcher when i loaded the ex version so i assumed it was necessary they were the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did step by step like you, but after restarted my KFHD freezing at KF logo, please help me to fix it.

First question, did you install this app in the /system/app folder, AFTER you placed it in there? You must install the launcher after it is placed and permissions are changed. It appears you may have a soft brick if that KFHD isnt booting at all.

caponea6 said:
First question, did you install this app in the /system/app folder, AFTER you placed it in there? You must install the launcher after it is placed and permissions are changed. It appears you may have a soft brick if that KFHD isnt booting at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, i copied it to /system/app folder,changed permission then installed from there,but when i restarted my KF, it just stop at logo kindle fire.so have any way to fix it?

probb said:
yup, i copied it to /system/app folder,changed permission then installed from there,but when i restarted my KF, it just stop at logo kindle fire.so have any way to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WELP! That doesn't seem like a great scenario to be in. If this was me, I would connect it to my PC and pray that while you're stuck in that logo limbo it would still give you connectivity. I would then go into the /system/app through your PC (on your KFHD directory) and physically remove the launcher files. Then try a restart.

[FireOS 5.x + ROOT] Quickly switch to Amazon UI and back:

Update2: Updated and tested under Lollipop (Sept 2015 FireOS 5.0.1 version for Fire HD 7 2014 [5.2.2u2], and should work with Fire 7 2015)
Given that a Fire tablet with Amazon experience is a terrible thing to waste, these are scripts to switch from and to Amazon launcher both under FireOS 4.5.x and Lollipop. Along with the launcher this disables a lot of battery sucking Amazon apps (the enabling script revives all of this goodness back).
The key stuff in scripts is the launcher block/unblock. I block other apps too because some of them seem to wake up a lot ("Wakelock detector" tells me this), so why not make them less obnoxious when you are not running Amazon experience ...
Naturally, you do need ROOT (how to root FireOS is a subject of other guides).
I assume you have Nova Launcher or free Google Now Launcher (on Lollipop installed as a system app in order to have Widgets working). If your Amazon launcher apk file is renamed, rename it back (verify that you do have the proper /system/priv-app/com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.apk ). Do make sure that you have an alternative launcher (besides the stock Amazon one !!!). Also, make sure that your adb is authorized in order to enable you to unblock the Amazon launcher in case you get the permanent Fire logo.
Go ahead install Gscript ( https://bitbucket.org/Equidamoid/gscript/downloads ). Copy either fire_on_off.zip (for FireOS 4.5.x), or fire_on_off_511b.zip (for FireOS 5.x - Lollipop) to /sdcard/gscript, and unzip scripts right in there. In "Gscript", tap the 3 dots at the bottom right corner, tap "Add script", tap "Load File", tap root required, first choose the disabling script, then repeat for the enabling script. All set.
In Nova, long tap on an empty area, it'll offer to create Shortcut. Choose Gscript/"Kindle block". Repeat for "Kindle unblock".
Then in "Nova", tap "Kindle unblock". It'll get you into Kindle Launcher, at which point you have 100% Amazon experience. Once you do your thing, and want to go back, launch/switch to "Nova", and tap "Kindle block". At this point you are back to more stock like Android.
To give proper credit, this approach was proposed by DoLooper ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61089153&postcount=29 , and some good suggestions in a reply to this post) .

bibikalka said:
So why not switch quickly to and away from stock Amazon UI ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the post and the scripts! The shortcut makes it so easy to switch between launchers, and blocking the other packages is a great idea.
In case it's not obvious to casual reader, this lets you run any adb shell command(s) from a homescreen shortcut (and scripts that do other things, too, of course). Here are a few related tips:
Launcher: This works with any launcher that allows shortcuts on the homescreen
Gscript: I suggest using this Gscript app instead of getting it from play store. Play store version is older and less stable, and I don't think it closes after running the shortcut.
Adding the scripts (alternate method): Create a folder named "gscript" in sdcard and put bibikalka's scripts in there. Then in Gscript app, tap (3-dot) menu button, "Add script," "Load file" and the scripts will be listed.
Edit scripts from Gscript: Long press on the script name and choose Edit.
People using Freetime should edit the scripts and delete lines for amazon.kindle.kso and Tahoe. Blocking these causes bootloop.

I'm on 4.5.3 root with Google play, does it Worth upgrading ?

This works with any Fire OS; don't need 4.5.4, just have to be rooted. If you use the Amazon launcher occasionally, try this.

DoLooper said:
This works with any Fire OS; don't need 4.5.4, just have to be rooted. If you use the Amazon launcher occasionally, try this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone made a version of this for Lollipop ???

bibikalka said:
Has anyone made a version of this for Lollipop ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not I. (Kinda puts the lie to that old post, eh?)
Commands for developers preview:
pm disable com.android.launcher
pm enable com.android.launcher
am start -n com.android.launcher/com.android.launcher2.Launcher
5.2.2u2 enable/disable = pm disable com.amazon.firelauncher
I can guess start is:
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.Launcher
. . . but I can't test cuz I don't have a custom launcher right now. Maybe someone else can test this ??? If not, I'll figure it out in next few days. (You're still on 4.5.5?!)

DoLooper said:
Not I. (Kinda puts the lie to that old post, eh?)
Commands for developers preview:
pm disable com.android.launcher
pm enable com.android.launcher
am start -n com.android.launcher/com.android.launcher2.Launcher
5.2.2u2 enable/disable = pm disable com.amazon.firelauncher
I can guess start is:
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.Launcher
. . . but I can't test cuz I don't have a custom launcher right now. Maybe someone else can test this ??? If not, I'll figure it out in next few days. (You're still on 4.5.5?!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, thanks! I just got a 5th gen Fire 7 for a present, and will play with it to see how this blocking works on Lollipop.

bibikalka said:
OK, thanks! I just got a 5th gen Fire 7 for a present, and will play with it to see how this blocking works on Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works "interestingly." Played with it today to update the block sys app post. Start command:
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/.Launcher
Couple interesting (to me) things:
Disable:
- If you only have one alternate launcher, disabling firelauncher immediately takes you to alternate. (But maybe it did this before. I've always had multi alt launchers.)
Enable:
- You stay on alt launcher, but tapping Home icon takes you to Fire launcher (even with multi alt launchers installed).
- Enable and switch = same as before: run enable and then run start

Updated and tested for Lollipop. Thanks to DoLooper for the suggestions!

bibikalka said:
Updated and tested for Lollipop. Thanks to DoLooper for the suggestions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to give this a try on my Fire HD7 and have only been using the Amazon launcher to this point. What is the preferred Android launcher most of you use and do you go with the free launcher or purchase a particular one? I see a couple varieties of Nova at the Play Store and have to assume the purchased one does not have ads, so thought I would ask your preferences before giving it a try. Thanks in advance for any advice you provide...

I enjoy the Nova Prime(paid app) no ads lots to customize

phfoneman said:
I want to give this a try on my Fire HD7 and have only been using the Amazon launcher to this point. What is the preferred Android launcher most of you use and do you go with the free launcher or purchase a particular one? I see a couple varieties of Nova at the Play Store and have to assume the purchased one does not have ads, so thought I would ask your preferences before giving it a try. Thanks in advance for any advice you provide...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What don't you try the free Google Now launcher ? Once you see how this works, perhaps you'll try Nova.
In case you overdo launcher switching and end up with no working launcher, just remember you can always save the day with these commands in adb (as long as keep the amazon launcher intact, and just block it via "pm disable" as the script above does it):
pm enable com.amazon.firelauncher
am start -n com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.Launcher

Hi all, I have run kindle_block_5_1.sh and then reboot device. I am stack with "Fire" logo at the boot. I have access to ADB, but could not receive root access in adb shell. Can anyone advice me? How can I revert changes after that script back?
Thanks in advance

Yevgen.A said:
Hi all, I have run kindle_block_5_1.sh and then reboot device. I am stack with "Fire" logo at the boot. I have access to ADB, but could not receive root access in adb shell. Can anyone advice me? How can I revert changes after that script back?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to answer, easily fixed my problem by factory reset in recovery

Yevgen.A said:
Hi all, I have run kindle_block_5_1.sh and then reboot device. I am stack with "Fire" logo at the boot. I have access to ADB, but could not receive root access in adb shell. Can anyone advice me? How can I revert changes after that script back?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yevgen.A said:
No need to answer, easily fixed my problem by factory reset in recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rookie mistake No launcher present, no adb authorized ! But I've added some messages to the original post to mention this issue.

I can't get Nova to create a Gscript shortcut at all. I press the Gscript disable option and it dumps me back to the Amazon launcher.

Best way to install 3rd-party launcher as system app on Fire HD 10?

Hi
Can anyone briefly explain what is the best way to install 3rd-party launcher as a system app on Fire HD 10 (2017)?
I understand, by so doing, widgets become usable without the need to do "appwidget grantbind".
I found a number of methods to go about a similar task (generally as well as for Fire HD 10), from using "push" (https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/debloat-fire-hd-2017-kindle-prime-music-t3729209; https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/27/how-do-i-properly-install-a-system-app-given-its-apk) to installing an app as system app under Titanium Backup or ES Explorer. I'd like to learn and use the best method for Fire HD 10.
DragonFire1024 apparently suggests that a launcher should be installed as a system app to /system/priv-app (and not /system/app). If I'm mistaken, please correct me.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76485222&postcount=284
My Fire 10 (2017) is rooted using retyre's offline method (thanks, retyre). I used SuperSu 2.79 SR5, but has been updated to 2.82. I can see su in system/xbin so I assume this is not a systemless root.
At the moment, Evie Launcher has been installed normally from Google Play Store, and the Fire Launcher disabled. I'd of course enable Fire Launcher first before trying to install Evie as a system app. I've also extracted the Evie apk (240 dpi) in case the file is required for system installation.
Any suggestions or pointers on the best way to install a 3rd-party launcher as a system app on Fire HD 10 would be most welcome. As a noob, a step-by-step explanation would be ideal.
Thanks!

Hi again
Whilst reading thru DragonFire1024's hack threads, I realized I needed to enable adbd insecure before "pushing".
After enabling Fire Launcher and uninstalling Evie, I followed his steps and pushed an extracted Evie_is.shortcut.apk to /system/priv-app, and chm 644.
Evie is now the default Launcher, but Widgets still don't work. Trying to add a new one takes me to Settings.
Have I missed anything about enabling Widgets? How do I check that Evie is now indeed a sytem app? For instance, would it be necessary to install Google Clock as a system app, too, to have a home page digital clock?
Thanks again!

Am I mistaken as to Evie widgets activation?
From the following post, are Nova and Google Now the only widget-ready launchers?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73314973&postcount=28
For Evie, do I still need to do:
adb shell appwidget grantbind --package <PACKAGE.name.of.your.launcher>
to enable widgets, even though the tablet is rooted and Evie is a system app?
Any suggestions welcome! Thanks.

Uninstall stuff and stop updates?

I have a Fire HD 8 (7th Gen). First thing I did was install Launcher Hijack, Nova Launcher, then I used ADB shell to pm uninstall stuff like advertising.
I don't use this tablet often, so I decided to give it to a friend. I went to charge it up. I was hoping to charge with the screen off, but it turned itself on and ran updates while I wasn't watching!
I see it's running Fire OS 5.6.4.0. I managed to get latest Launcher HiJack installed. Nova Launcher says it's not default but I can't find where to set it. I rebooted and Nova Launcher is gone.
Also, I can no longer pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.filename.here it says "failure [delete_failed_internal_error]". How can I be able to do that again?
Also, How to stop updates? I want to give this to a friend to serve one purpose only. It's going to control content on a 65" television. So I don't need anything else.
I'm not rooted.

yuppicide said:
I have a Fire HD 8 (7th Gen). First thing I did was install Launcher Hijack, Nova Launcher, then I used ADB shell to pm uninstall stuff like advertising.
I don't use this tablet often, so I decided to give it to a friend. I went to charge it up. I was hoping to charge with the screen off, but it turned itself on and ran updates while I wasn't watching!
I see it's running Fire OS 5.6.4.0. I managed to get latest Launcher HiJack installed. Nova Launcher says it's not default but I can't find where to set it. I rebooted and Nova Launcher is gone.
Also, I can no longer pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.filename.here it says "failure [delete_failed_internal_error]". How can I be able to do that again?
Also, How to stop updates? I want to give this to a friend to serve one purpose only. It's going to control content on a 65" television. So I don't need anything else.
I'm not rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try disabling instead of uninstalling. Or there is a tool in XDA which removes bloat, stops OTAs and installs Google PlayStore etc., use it.
EDIT: HERE

Thanks so much! Wish I'd gave saw that earlier.
tnsmani said:
Try disabling instead of uninstalling. Or there is a tool in XDA which removes bloat, stops OTAs and installs Google PlayStore etc., use it.
EDIT: HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

tnsmani said:
Try disabling instead of uninstalling. Or there is a tool in XDA which removes bloat, stops OTAs and installs Google PlayStore etc., use it.
EDIT: HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. That app is a bit buggy (won't update some things do not work).. but I managed to get most things disabled including OTA and I have Nova Launcher.

yuppicide said:
Thanks again. That app is a bit buggy (won't update some things do not work).. but I managed to get most things disabled including OTA and I have Nova Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to be of help.
I used the earlier version of the tool without much issues. However, the current version seems to have some glitches which the dev is attempting to set right.