yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] RonnieTheBear:
hrmm, i tried the app ("Amazon for Tablets") from the play store, but it instacrashes on my HD8. maybe i'll try to reinstall.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
This app is working fine for me; probably you've messed app with removing system apps and packages. I'm not a Nostradamus but predicting you a factory reset in near future :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] RonnieTheBear:
Yes, my comment was in reference to krsmit0 saying he had the amazon app working fine from the playstore, even after removing system apps/ packages. No doubt I could probably get it working fine by doing a reset and not touching it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
I think, whole idea to remove system packages isn't good. So, the really annoying thing is an inability (at least for the latest OS release) to remove Fire launcher and make home button working properly (you may see my tries here, at the end of thread). But (I afraid so) without root access we can't fix it. I'm not saying that [MENTION=8165603]DragonFire1024[/MENTION] was wrong, but his advises/procedure isn't working on the latest OS release.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] DragonFire1024:
These tricks will not work on FireOS 5.4.0.1. they work on 5.4.0.0 though. The steps won't work to uninstall or disable anymore. It might work in a script though. I'll have to look up the post I made with it and you can test it that way. I'll have a look and post a link when I find it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] DragonFire1024:
Use this script in an ADB window and get into a shell. Replace the package name fire launcher with the package name of the APK you want to disable.

#!/system/bin/sh
nohup
while :
do
kill $!
sleep 1 & pm install -r -d "/system/priv-app/com.amazon.firelauncher/com.amazon.firelauncher.apk" & sleep 20; kill $!
kill $!
done &
exit
#press enter now

If it says success at killing the process, keeping that ADB window open, open another ADB window and type:

adb shell pm disable com.package.name

It should say package is disabled. If this doesn't work, then this has been patched too.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
[MENTION=8165603]DragonFire1024[/MENTION], probably you've got me wrong: I was able to completely disable "Fire launcher"; what I can NOT do, it's to make a "home" button working via "Multi-action Home button" or any other home button substitution apps. I always got no any reaction on the home button tap, or wired message "The requested action is not permitted. Check Parental Controls settings and retry".

So, disabling "Fire Launcher" is completely destroyed home button behavior; probably, in the Fire OS, home button somehow bounded to the Fire launcher (or something like this).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] DragonFire1024:
Ah ok. I get it now. using multi action home button, you have to setup a home destination. In the 'center' tab, tap on 'action on click.' select application. Tap ok. A button will appear under the action on click that says 'select app.' if you use Nova, select Nova, or whatever your launcher is. Now at the top right turn/swipe on the button so it says 'center on'. The button will appear in whatever color you made it, just above the actual home button. You can make it bigger or smaller as well. Even invisible.

Fire launcher is tied into the home button, along with at least one other app. I've only been able to fix the home button with the fire launcher script I posted above, when we were able to uninstall/disable apps. One day I'll find a fix for it for real. But you can use the script for fire launcher and in the second ADB window instead of disable,

pm hide com.amazon.firelauncher
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
Of course, I tried everything (including all you've described above. I carefully read your previous posts and followed em princely) but nothing worked to me :(

Factory reset is a weird (or completely bad) option, you'll gonna to completely lost all your settings, apps and data (if you installed apps via Play Store, not an Amazon). So, you may be sure - I tried everything before reset.

And - as for now - I wouldn't recommend to anyone follow your advises; looks like Amazon changed something in the latest OS update, and all these tricks will ending up by a factory reset.

P.S. BTW, as I mentioned many times before, there is nothing wrong with the latest Fire OS release and non-destructive hacks published here: installing Google's services, hijacking launcher, enabling wifi direct screen casting etc. The only "blinking" behavior of Nova launcher may disrupt (for a little) a "complete perfectionist". And I recommend to stay aware of disabling OS updates: I already opened an issue about ability to move all huge software data to sd-card, and Amazon's QA (don't know the actual level) replied me back, they will work on that issue and maybe sometime it will be available for us... So, if you not a "fanboy" or game cheater, you don't need the root. This is a great tablet, especially for the sale price $50 ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] calisoldier83:
How do you install Google Services and a good/generic launcher?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
[MENTION=726565]calisoldier83[/MENTION], try to read forums before asking...

https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603

https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/general/launcher-root-launcher-hijack-v2-t3561026
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] calisoldier83:
Thanks finally getting this thing up and running.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] simbin:
Now I'm sad :( normally I pay attention to these things. I rooted my Fire Phone with CyanogenMod but needed something to pass SafetyNet, so I bought a Fire HD tablet. Wish I could uninstall the bloat apps gobbling up my RAM in the background - apps I won't even use. I'm still hopeful someone will find a way for 5.4.0.1
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
[MENTION=4951741]simbin[/MENTION], could you provide any app name that requires extra RAM you're trying to freed? (just for curiosity)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] simbin:
Sorry, I should have worded my post a little better. My biggest gripe with unnecessary background apps is how they can cause slowdowns and stutters with my foreground apps. These devices are quite zippy without the extra cruft.

I don't use Amazon Video, AppStore or Alexa, so they are unnecessary to me. I'm also concerned about privacy with all the data collection nowadays. I absolutely loathe having Alexa installed.

All that said, I completely understand why they force these apps, from a business perspective. I'm just disappointed I have so little freedom to customize the device I purchased, albeit subsidized. The worst part is how far Android has shifted away from the "open" platform it once was - not just Amazon devices.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] jbeenemd:
I am so disappointed with my 2016 8 inch Fire HD that I have put it away. Last time I used it was about 9 months ago.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] Robius:
Use the Shut app, its good at clearing up ram hogs.

Use the whitelist for the launcher and home button fix.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
[MENTION=4951741]simbin[/MENTION], I'm really sorry to say that, but looks like your "worries" are kinda... paranoid.

First, I didn't notice any "slowdown" or incorrect work of any app or game my daughter installed on this Fire HD (I also installed, just for the test purposes, some modern huge games, like car simulators etc. - everything works much much better than on my old Nexus 7 (2013)). What's why I asked about app name you've had bad experience with.

Second, about "data collection" - don't worry much about Amazon :) All others (even open sources software) has a great ability to collect your information. You simple can not control all apps and services you're using. Please be truthful with yourself ;) You may be sure only if you create that tablet from the scratch by yourself - hardware, firmware, apps - everything!

The third, about "freedom": you're absolutely free to do ANYTHING with your tablet! You may gift it, trash it, sell it (or even hack it - if you're not living in US) - i.e. do whatever you want. Amazon is protecting company's intellectual property and nothing more (and they have all rights to do this, same as you - of course if you have any!).

That practice is very similar to the other devices, gadgets and machinery that surrounded you. I bet, you've never got a microwave oven with the firmware source code attached? And your car never came with the detailed instructions of the built-in computer internal commands? And you've never complained about lack of manufacturing instructions for your toaster or TV set, or Bluetooth headphones, right? Why the Amazon's gadget should be an exception?

Yes, some manufacturers do a favor to enthusiasts who want to spend a rest of their life for the endless loop "reflash, restore, backup, reflash, ..." :) but it's just a favor, nothing more!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
Why don't you sell it on eBay, instead of complaining?

P.S. I'll give you $20 total (with your shipping), deal? ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] simbin:
I mean no disrespect, but your comment is absurd. You are naive to think Amazon restricts our access for the sole purpose of protecting their intellectual property. That would have nothing to do with the inability of uninstalling apps, namely those collecting our personal information. Data collection is the business model of the 21st century - some people still can't grasp the concept.

It's okay though. I'm happy I only spent £15. When new exploits are available, I may look into them.

;) Thanks for your help I appreciate it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] sensboston:
No, you don't get my point. These packages are the parts of proprietary OS developed by Amazon (and this OS is an intellectual property I've mentioned). And of course Amazon engineers made these parts hard or impossible to remove. It's a very same situation as with the other devices or machinery! It's a hard or impossible without significant changes to remove/replace some parts in your car, right? Even removing an artificial max speed limitation - yes, some guys do this for the muscle cars but it's an illegal and pricey.

And data collection is a different point but looks like you are very naive 'cause you think what only Amazon is collecting your data :) How about google's services and apps you've installed (I'm 99% sure)? Do you think, google is innocent? ;) No, sir, there is no "Don't be evil" moto anymore...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] Az Biker:
Let's keep the comments and discussion respectful or let's just move on.

Thanks.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] gspannu:
I have mistakenly updated my brand new Amazon Fire 7 (2017 model, 7th gen) to 5.4.0.1 :mad: What was I thinking? It came with 5.4.0.0.... aargh !

Any mechanism of getting it back to 5.4.0.0 - howsoever difficult or complicated it may be.

Any help would be much appreciated...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] melvinaury:
For the moment it can't be downgraded..
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] lou2004:
Hi, Im getting the new Fire HD 10 soon. Anyone know this hack will work on Fire HD 10?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] kingrat:
anyone know the name to remove the amazon app store? I have tried almost everything
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] Dan_firehd:
Fire 7 (7th Gen + 5th Gen) can be downgraded from 5.4.0.1 to 5.4.0.0

Fire 7 (7th Gen + 5th Gen) can be downgraded from O.S. 5.4.0.1 to OS 5.4.0.0. Please read the entire thread here :

https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/help/fireos-5-4-0-1-downgrade-t3671406/page3
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] btonetbone:
Does anyone know if it is possible to downgrade from 5.6.0.0 to 5.4.0.0 on the Fire HD 10 (7th generation, 2017)?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] DragonFire1024:
It is unknown.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] madsquabbles:
Just ran this on my Fire HD 10 on system 5.4.0.1. Don't know why it worked. App lists shows Forced OTA, Special offers, and System updates not installed for this user.

Quite possible I was mistaken and it was loaded with 5.4.0.0 and updated to 5.4.0.1 after reboot (showed 5.4.0.1 and I forgot to clear the cache and didnt see if an update happened after reboot). Since OTA is disabled I can't check my software version. I'm assuming I'm now on 5.4.0.1 since now it says uninstall not found.

Seems I had a typo and forgot the pm at the front. So AFAIK I'm on 5.4.0.1 and still able to uninstall apps.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] christ1284:
does it work fpr 5.6.0.0 if not, can i downgrade to 5.4.0.1?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] DragonFire1024:
A few users with a 10in Fire report they can still use this method. If you have a smaller tablet, such as a 7 or 8, this method will NOT work if on FireOS 5.4.0.1 or higher.

If you are on FireOS 5.4.0.1, you can downgrade as low as 5.3.2.1, but nothing lower. It is not yet known if you can downgrade from 5.6.0.0 to anything lower.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] Robius:
I have 2-3 Fire 7" tablets on 5.3.x for sale if anyone wants em.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] pixelpop:
I am picking apps to uninstall from the script in the Updated-Tool.bat file that was included in the package created by 'savvytechuser' (referenced above). If I run (as an example) the following:

adb uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.email

I get the following response:

The -k option uninstalls the application while retaining the data/cache.

At the moment, there is no way to remove the remaining data.

You will have to reinstall the application with the same signature, and fully uninstall it.

If you truly wish to continue, execute 'adb shell pm uninstall -k'

It also appears that the email client that ships with the Fire HD 10 (2017) is still present. Any ideas what all this means?

Edit: Apparently, sometime in late August 2017, Amazon blocked the uninstall process for its apps. So... :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] pixelpop:
Edit: Apparently, sometime in late August 2017, Amazon blocked the uninstall process for its apps. So... :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] DragonFire1024:
Correct. On FireOS 5.4.0.1 or later, this will not work. But you can downgrade from 5.4.0.1, back to 5.4.0.0 and this will work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 General] phanguy:
Is this downgrade confirmed to work on the Fire 10 2017 model? If so then where can the file be found? Mine came with 5.4.1.0(Assuming it's the same as 5.4.0.1) so I'd like to downgrade to disable OTA updates.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
***This will NOT work on FireOS 5.4.0.1 If your device hasn't updated to that version, it is advisable to IMMEDIATELY 'uninstall' DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk.***

I can confirm this is working on the Fire HD 8 . Here is the article from XDA with detailed instructions for newbies. Like all other hacks or tricks, I cannot be held responsible for any possible permanent damage you may cause to your devices.

**NOTE**

A factory rest will restore all SYSTEM/Amazon apps you 'uninstalled.' So if you mess your tablet, you can at least start over.

**WARNINGS**

1) If you plan on installing 3rd party apps to replace the Amazon apps you uninstalled, please install and setup your 3rd party apps BEFORE uninstalling Amazon apps. In many cases, installing replacement apps after the uninstalling of Amazon apps, causes some 3rd party apps to malfunction. You will then have to uninstall the 3rd party app or do a reset. Once you uninstall an Amazon app, you CANNOT install it again. Not even from the Google Play Store. The only way to restore any uninstalled system apps is to do a factory reset.

2) Uninstalling Fire Launcher, Retail Demo, and the Oobe settings apps, *WILL* disable your home button. If you uninstall any parental controls, your camera picture roll will not work. Recommend installing replacement camera and gallery before uninstalling Amazon's. As of July 27, 2017 9:20am a *pre uninstall* fix exists to make sure your home button stays functional. If you already uninstalled the apps listed in the following link, you will have to perform a reset and download the tool linked just below, or if you prefer manually uninstalling the apps, *avoid uninstalling*: com.amazon.kor.demo, com.amazon.firelauncher and com.amazon.kindle.otter.oobe. You can also edit the tool's .bat to keep the apps you want. This link lists all the apps you can uninstall, that will NOT affect the home button. The three listed at the top should NOT be uninstalled.

** Gloating ;) **

1) A tool has been created that allows this process to happen automatically. A huge thanks to 'savvytechwinner' for helping for months to get us to this stage and an even bigger thanks for creating the tool, something I have no idea how to do.

2) A little gloating: We've scored a great write up on Liliputing!

You can use an app like App Inspector to view the package name of each app, rather than list all of them in a shell window. Nonetheless, I kept the list command in the code.

Here you go:

adb shell
$ pm list packages
$ pm uninstall -k --user 0 <name of package>

Example: (this removes Amazon video)

adb shell
$ pm list packages
$ pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.avod
Success
[Fire General] Hallo32:
Why do you keep the data and cache directories?

Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Fine by me. I wonder if the same method can be applied to install apps and if so, into system? This could be the chance to replace Amazon's apps with forever broken ones while we can, if possible.
[Fire General] Maysi2k:
Work on my Fire 7" Gen7 with 5.4.0.0.

Thank You!
[Fire General] Hallo32:
Into system should not be possible, because you need root rights to mount /system as write able.

Hasn't there been a few tries to install modified Amazon apps which are broken? I think I have read there something on xda.

--> Firelauncher aplk https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/development/tut-remove-default-launcher-amazon-fire-t3288310
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Yes. Another member and I have been trying to do just that. We've been trying to modify Amazon apps to either bring out block parts of that APKs software, or stop the apps from functioning at all. The closest I got was somehow managing to delete all User AND system app data and storage. Great eh? I thought so too. Until I realized I couldn't download or install anything. I tried, but haven't been able to repeat the process. So far that's as far as we've gotten.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
That works to an extent. I tried it, replacing launcher with whatever Amazon app. It uninstalls it, but then is immediately reinstalled to another folder...usually from /system/priv-app/ to /data/app and with a different name. Though this might have been how I got all app and system app data erased...by screwing around with the DeviceOTA apk.
[Fire General] Hallo32:
See edit above. ^^

But what does this mean in relation to the ota apps? Are the ota updates also deactivated?
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I would've presumed that to be a yes, given nothing could be downloaded and or installed anymore. Everything worked fine aside from that and being able to uninstall apps. What little bit I could find on the web, no one mentioned the cause and most of them ended up with permanently damaged internal SD cards. I waited a few days after posting a thread and no one replied. So I factory reset it and everything was fine again. I wish I could repeat it.
[Fire General] deepdvd:
Can we disable "special offers" using this method? Or is that part of the launcher?

If we "uninstall" the launcher, will it ask if you want to use a different installed launcher to map to the home button?
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I did special offers. Haven't tried the launcher yet.
[Fire General] deepdvd:
Does it actually remove them from the lock screen or just make the app not work?
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I don't know. I didn't have the ads.
[Fire General] krsmit0:
on my kindle fire 7 on 5.3.2.1, this gives the error Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR].

EDIT: nevermind, i must have missed a step

I have removed most user facing apps. i have not tried the launcher or appstore.

I can confirm that you can remove everything whisperplay and the stock fire keyboard. I install the gboard before i removed the fire keyboard. I have rebooted after removing this.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Does anyone have more than their own profile on their tablet? I'm wondering if this extends to all profiles. So far, Nova, Activity Launcher, Brevent And NetGuard all say all the Amazon apps I uninstalled are gone. Has anyone tried root after nuking Amazon?

If you keep blocking individual Amazon IP addresses like I do with NetGuard, I'd keep a few apps. As long as one app keeps blocking IPs, then your firewall will still work. Otherwise I'm not sure how to block incoming connections.
[Fire General] Hallo32:
Is there a list of packages which can be removed without problems?

I will need to restart from a factory reset because now the launcher crashes happily a few times after closing an app. ;)
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
This will list all installed packages. I'm not sure if a safe list has yet been made.

adb shell
$ pm list packages

It will be a long list. Remove at YOUR own risk. One person's safe list may not be the same as yours.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I've removed quite a bit so far, appstore, freetime, kindle store and app, content management because Amazon has no right to manage any of my content, managed provisions though I'm not sure that did anything, video and Amazon shopping, and a few others i can't recall at this moment. I am hoping removing prime photos later will allow me to use live wallpapers.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
If this is the closest we ever get to root or a custom rom, I don't think we could've asked for something better.
[Fire General] Hallo32:
[MENTION=8165603]DragonFire1024[/MENTION]

You may mention at the first post, that a factory reset will bring back the automatic update stuff if the method has been used to deactivate it.

Worst case:

* factory reset

* enable wlan conection

* tablet gets updates and installs them
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
OMG guys. So Being all sad about Live Wallpapers, I've decided to task myself in hunting down as many stock wallpapers as I can. Not because of Android, but because most of them, no one ever uses or sees and they're all in HD. However, even with Nova, it's hard to crop them properly. That's disappointing for the actual photographs. The only reasons I chose stock, was 1) They are almost always limited runs so they're usually badass. 2) They're designed to be HD on just about any mobile device available. I'll upload some later. Meanwhile, if you have another rooted Android laying around, look in the framework-res.apk. I think I am close to 200 wallpapers now and each of them are wow.

I can't believe I just found my XT907 wallpapers after all this time! AMAZING ON THE TABLET!
[Fire General] DB126:
We are saying the same thing ... :)
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Found this one buried in my framework on my XT907 along with about 10 others. This maybe my favorite.