yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I've tried to decompile and modify the contents of an APK to try and trick FireOS into thinking it was installing an update to an app or what not. Sometimes I could get a modified APK to install, but the modifications never held.

I have had success in downgrading a few system APKs. The only one I recall so well is Fire Launcher. When we discovered how to disable system apps in ADB, I experimented with a lot of system files. I was able to take an older version of fire launcher and downgrade the installed one. Something like:

adb shell pm install -r -d com.package.name

So I know some system APKs can be downgraded, but what ones and how low can you go, remains to be seen.
[Fire General] Viduses:
Fire 7 (gen 7)

Factory Reset

OS 5.6.0.0 //after Factory Reset

Tablet is not connected to Internet via WiFi connection.

Tablet is not registered with Amazon account. //dummy temp amazon account is available if needed

Dev. Options enabled on Fire Tablet

Enable ADB = TRUE

Revoked USB debugging authorizations.

Manual say OK to USB Debugging each time when prompted.

Win 7 Prof PC Computer

Using cmd with Admin privelidges.

Positive test results for ADB and Fastboot from RootJunky SuperTool

When I try to run Remove OTA, Remove Lockscreen Ads, and Preloaded Apps they all return

Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]

with a couple of

Failure - not installed for 0

for some apps (com.amazon.goodreads.kindle, com.amazon.vans.alexatabletshopping.app, and com.android.downloads.iu) Is there anything I'm doing inccorectly?

Why have

-k

to keep the amazon cache and folders when they aren't any apps to use them?

What are the

--user 0

for in the unistall command? Fire Tablet user #0 (admin/default)? Those parameters are not described in the help printout of adb.

Thank you.
[Fire General] Lumute:
Disabling system apps like that got patched by Amazon on 5.4.0.1 so that will not work for you...

My understanding is that for the Fire 7 you can safely downgrade to 5.4.0.0 from 5.4.0.1, not sure if you can do it from 5.6.0.0, check the other threads in this forum to confirm and also for a step by step procedure...
[Fire General] DB126:
FireOS 5.4.0.1 and above blocks/disables the relevant command(s). You will not be able to run this script w/o rolling back to 5.4.0.0. Three are conflicting reports on whether 7th gen devices can be rolled back from 5.6.0.0 to 5.4.0.0 (via 5.4.0.1). Some report success; others a non-recoverable brick.
[Fire General] ironchefff:
For all those that bought a Fire 7 for Black Friday and are having issues with the tool (like I did), here are some tips.

1. The utility/tool only works for Fire OS 5.4.0.0 or earlier so do not allow it to update. The simplest way to avoid the update is to attempt to connect to a password protected wifi network, start typing a password and then cancel. Once you do this once or twice, it will let you continue to the Fire OS home screen after accepting a user agreement.

2. Enable ADB on the Fire 7 by going to Settings -> Device Options -> *Tap Serial Number 7 times* -> Enable Developer Options -> Developer Options -> Enable ADB -> Accept Warning

3. If you enabled ADB but you're still getting stuck at "waiting for device", then your computer may have installed the wrong drivers for the Fire like mine did. I had to go to Device Manager -> Other Devices -> Fire -> Uninstall and then use the drivers from this package: https: s3.amazonaws.com/android-sdk-manager/redist/kindle_fire_usb_driver.zip. Instead of connecting as a Fire, it now connects as Android Composite ADB Interface and the tool ran no problem.

Thank you to the creator and all the contributors on this forum! :)
[Fire General] Isham.padron:
This is the most amazing thing. I was really missing google music and youtube and always felt this void in my life without it. Now I am whole again. Thank you so much!!!!
[Fire General] deepdvd:
It's also the easiest way to toggle it on and off if you want to get to the Fire Launcher.
[Fire General] thunder2132:
That makes a lot of sense. I'm sending my Fire back though, bad backlight bleed and poor sound make me sad. I picked up a 2013 Nexus 7 for cheap. I tried the second gen N7 last year and it was DOA, so fingers crossed for this one.
[Fire General] noahy:
This is awesome. Thanks a lot. :):):):):):):):)
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
Your Welcome guys. It only took me around 7-8 hours to make it and test it.
[Fire General] Hunter2451:
So I used this tool and it worked without issue, but I wanted to watch something on Amazon prime video. But the app was of course not there anymore because of the removal tool. I've tried reinstalling it from the website and from the Amazon app on the play store but the one from the play store crashes when I try to watch a show and the one from the website simply fails to install. Is there a way to get prime video back on the tablet without restoring? I'm using a fire 8 hd 7th gen. Thank you!
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
We're already famous. Thanks for taking the time to make a tool for this little discovery we made. It just drives me nuts that we spent so much time trying to figure out how to disable these apps, while the whole time the answer and command literally was staring us straight in the face. I'm good enough with small stuff and one line scripts. Building applications or tools like this are still very much out of my league.

Now that we've sorta achieved what we were told we could not, what's next on the menu? :P

---------- Post added at 08:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 AM ----------

Unfortunately no. Once you use this method or do it manually, the only way to restore the apps you 'uninstalled' is via factory reset.
[Fire General] DB126:
Congrats to all involved for scoring a nice mention on Lliliputing!! That article was very well written (IMHO) and contains all the caveats that permit owners to make an informed choice. As mentioned elsewhere I suspect this tool will become quite popular and hopefully will lead to a better experience for those not satisfied with stock.

Suggestions for future releases if under consideration:

- add link to Lliliputing article in OP both for props and caveats

- add a caution to the app reminding users that, as of now, individual apps can not be 'restored' without a full reset (suspect this may change soon)

- support additional granularity on what gets hidden (uninstalled) iso it's not an all or nothing proposition. Possibly through the use of sections although it may be a tough call on what to include in each

Again, congrats!

[MENTION=4267571]sd_shadow[/MENTION]: for possible inclusion in index thread (general purpose utility)
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Any way we can Sticky these threads?
[Fire General] Bob@Desire:
is it possible to go back to the Amazon homescreen after I installed the Nova Launcher?

Thanks
[Fire General] BaronKiko:
You can disable the service in Settings -> Accessibility -> To detect home button press -> Off

If you don't like nova then you can open the Launcher Hijack app installed on your phone and select any launcher installed on your phone.

You can also get the latest, better version of launcher hijack over at the official thread here https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/general/launcher-root-launcher-hijack-v2-t3561026
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
My tool is using your latest and greatest version.
[Fire General] CaptainPatterson:
Is something like this possible to be turned into an App? I have no PC and just want to know if it is feasible. If not I will have to keep crossing my fingers for Kingroot to come through one day.
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
I am sorry but, No. Even if it could execute ADB commands it would have permision issues anyways.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Does com.amazon.kindle.otter.oobe.forced.ota affect the home button? I forgot.
[Fire General] krsmit0:
I removed it and don't have home button issues.
[Fire General] drift08:
Works fine on Fire OS 5.4.0.0. Just need to make sure you enable ADB. Thanks a lot!
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
Well, it does remove blackouts, (basiclly makes Launcher hijack work better) otherwise, No.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Been having issues with some apps force closing just after launching. Not sure what is causing it. Uninstalled Nova and disabled hijacker until I figure it out or do *sigh* another reset.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I have a theory. I disabled a few internals to see if I could get FireOS to react. Specifically the ones related to FireOS Application Compatibility Enforcing. My thinking was they are related to controlling what is or isn't compatible to run on FireOS, to enforce the rules of its programming.

I was playing with live wallpapers again. Trying to add the permissions. I was using my regular tools, added the permission, signed it, compiled it, installed it. The permission was of course in the wrong spot, worded wrong, take a pick. That's not the point. The point is, it installed. Modified manifest and all. And the edits held.

Now I didn't think of the enforcers until later when Pandora Music force closed. I then thought back to a similar issue the same day with my weather app. I downgraded the weather app and it worked, Pandora did not.

I need some experimenters. I need to repeat this and figure out what internals cause it. If this can be done with other APKs, we could open settings we were locked out of. Pretty much what savvy and I were trying to do.

It also means if I can get the permissions right, live wallpapers will work :)
[Fire General] emagin:
This info should be posted up on the original post, no? Would help a lot of newcomers.Thanks!
[Fire General] DB126:
If all hints/suggestions/tips were posted to the OP it would become a short novel that no one would read (as happens today). Not all are relevant or reflect an individuals specific experiences which may not be applicable to all. Best practice is to read the OP, give it a whirl and then use the SEARCH function if issues arise.
[Fire General] martytoo:
OK, this may be a dumb question, but with 5.6.0 can you use this tool to add Nova Launcher with Widgets even though you can't get rid of the Amazon bloatware? In other words will parts of this tool still work?

I have Nova Launcher working with Launcher Hijack but I am such an addict to widgets that I am also running Google Now Launcher and switching to Nova if I need quick access to Home links to specific web pages. I can't figure out a way to make a link to the desktop for a specific URL with the Google Now Launcher.

So in essence I am running 2 launchers. - one for widgets and one for urls on the desktop.

Or is it better to just try the "use widgets with any launcher" method on Nova Launcher? Does this widget add on work with 5.6.0?
[Fire General] DB126:
Not a "dumb" question. Use the other method.
[Fire General] martytoo:
I guess this works with 5.6.0 It didn't seem clear in the some of the posts in XDA link:https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/general/root-required-widgets-preferred-launcher-t3637814

The last few posts claim that it works. Thanks for your input.
[Fire General] DB126:
I believe it works on 5.4.0.1; if accurate it should be fine on 5.6.0.x.
[Fire General] Adyatan:
Its fine for me on 5.6.0.0!
[Fire General] church870:
I'm assuming there's no way to downgrade to 5.4 once it's updated? Didn't realize it wouldnt' work before it updated itself...
[Fire General] DB126:
There are several recent reports of successful downgrades to from 5.6.0.0 to 5.4.0.0 on 7th gen devices.
[Fire General] gonsoXDA:
Worked perfect on Amazon Fire 7'' gen7 5.4.0.0 (shipped Dec 2017 in an orange box)

To avoid update download I used tethering from phone in 2G and switched off when the message about "searching updates" appears.

Thank you
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
I'm still on the good old 5.3.2.1. I uninstalled the updates before hand. I knew this would get patched soon. Has anyone tried downgrading 5.6 to 5.3.2.1. Sorry, I can't remember version names anymore it's been so long :eek:
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
Most 'dumb' questions are OT and aren't helpful...

None of these commands are mine, I just swooshed together some code and made the tool... only took about 5-6 hours
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
This might work. I haven't been brave enough to reset and let my HD 8 update to 5.6 as you can't downgrade at all on the HD 8 no matter the version. Unfortunately I haven't a device with a odexed ROM. https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=73371386&postcount=27
[Fire General] gonsoXDA:
Hello, just because I got some errors in the "3: Remove Preloaded apps." I today compared the output of

"adb\adb shell pm list packages --user 0" and "adb\adb shell pm list packages --user 0 -u" against the Remove Preloaded apps actions

Remove of com.amazon.com.alexa.tablet failed and my device does have a amazon.alexa.tablet package.

Remove of com.amazon.goodreads.kindle failed but I haven't found something similar

Remove of com.android.downloads.iu failed and my device does have a com.android.providers.downloads.ui

At least for the kindle I'm wondering to uninstall.

Any remarks or experience with this?
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
As of the moment, this will not work on 5.6.0.0. This weekend I may try something that could possibly allow this to work again. Might take the weekend to put it together though, assuming it works at all.
[Fire General] DB126:
There are reports of successful 5.6 -> 5.4 -> 5.3.2.1 rollbacks on 5th gen 7" Fires but there is no benefit to going lower than 5.4.0.0.

---------- Post added at 01:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:36 PM ----------

Huh? The question asked was relevant.
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
It was... I was just stating that all questions are helpful :)

but OT ones are not...
[Fire General] tung2567:
just got the tablet from last monday sale.

my fire 7 is still on 5.4.0.0.

i got the tablet to show up in win7 as: Fire Devices - android composite ADB interface.

i ran C:\Temp\amazon fire\Updated-Tool.bat as Admin

i chose any of the 7 options and i always get "waiting for device. the system cannot find the path specified.the system cannot find the path specified. Done! press any key to continue"

i press any key and window pop up with "windows cannot find 'updated-tool.bat'. make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again" i hit ok and BAT command window closed.

i look on tablet and noticed no changes were made. please help!
[Fire General] Robius:
Open a command prompt as Admin.

Go (cd c:\..) to your tool directory and run the bat file from there.
[Fire General] tung2567:
got it! done. thanks!
[Fire General] gonsoXDA:
Hello,

my is on 5.4.0.0 and as explained in a former post the command 3 failed on some.

I did now a

adb\adb.exe uninstall -k --user 0 amazon.alexa.tablet

Did work,

thank you
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
I guess I messed up on a few...
[Fire General] rootbeer001:
I am trying to get this to work on a 5.4.0.0 Fire 7th Gen. I am getting the ADB error "more than one device/emulator". Any insight?

Thanks.
[Fire General] Robius:
Did you Google it?
[Fire General] DB126:
That would be the logical first step and should quickly answer this question.

Tip: detaching all tethered devices and rebooting the host is good practice when adb weirdness strikes.
[Fire General] DB126:
You can modify the script on your own to achieve the desired result. Suggest going slow as additional packages can be added on subsequent runs. However, reversion requires (at present) full restitution of FireOS.
[Fire General] rootbeer001:
I'll try looking it up later tonight. It was late and I was trying to get my kids' tablets up and running before Christmas. I see that I have an emulator along with my Fires connected. Probably from the days when I rooted my G3 and Galaxy Nexus.
[Fire General] Code Talker:
Link to google drive download came up as a 404.

Would you mind re uploading if possible?
[Fire General] DB126:
Works fine here.
[Fire General] k8500:
So I actually did a factory reset on my Fire 7 to start anew, because I think the debloat utility removes too much, see above.

While there really is a lot of crapware in Fire OS, and the Silk browser really is not among the best (especially considering the hardware), there is not much of a reason to remove some other stuff. The calculator, clock, calendar, email, contacts tool are almost AOSP (from what I see). The launcher search bar *is* annoying in that it always queries Amazon (takes twice as long on slow internet thanks to that) and Bing (can't change to Google). Still not a good idea to cripple it (my opinion) by uninstalling the search provider. The Fire OS launcher would be pretty nice if it only was a little more customizable.

Anyways, I'd like to try my own take on debloating, but that's not exactly a quick affair when I can't revert changes. So, any hints on that? Is there a method for freezing and defrosting packages? Or some other way?
[Fire General] DB126:
I fully agree the debloat script is far too aggressive. That said, one needs to understand an individual (with a bit of help) threw this together in a few hours and was kind enough to share it with the community. It is possible (and rather easy once you get the hang of it) to modify the script to your liking.

I assume your device is unrooted as there are other apps/tools for safely freezing/uninstalling/restoring system apps on a rooted device. At present the technique used within the script is the only method that is available on FireOS 5.3.2.1 and above for your device type.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I used Greenify, but can be troublesome as dehibernating the apps doesn't always work. There is Brevent which I found to be much better. Both are available from the play store without root. However, if using Greenify, tap on read more and follow the detailed instructions or else it won't hibernate apps. With Brevent, follow all it's in app instructions.
[Fire General] epionier:
Hello, I own a rooted Fire HDX. I want to remove the bloatware manually by selecting certain apps I want to remove.

I just wonder is it safe to uninstall the apps via "uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.XXX".

I mean just in case I want to make a factory reset in the future. I do not want to have problems with that in the future.

I have no problem with the space on the device, I just want to stop CPU / RAM usage.

Should I "disable" "hide" or "uninstall" them?

What happens in either case?
[Fire General] DB126:
If your device is rooted and space is not a concern you should simply disable (aka "freeze") apps that are not of immediate interest. It is the simplest approach and easily reversible. There are many high quality utilities that can perform this action either individually or in bulk. Apps2SD, CCLeaner and SD Maid (my preference) immediately come to mind.
[Fire General] epionier:
Thanks for your statement. When I do it via ADB Shell it is just:

pm disable com.amazon.XXX or do I need some more like "-k --user 0"

And I assume that this is persistent for reboots?
[Fire General] DB126:
Some ADB commands are crippled/disabled on FireOS. Not certain if disable is one of them. While I appreciate the approach you are taking I'd go the app route.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
In one ADB window, there used to be a script we could run that would disable a package Everytime it started. Then in another ADB window we could run the pm disable or hide command (I forget which. I'd have to search for the discussion) and that would shut the package down for good. It was a handy way at the time to stop Fire Launcher from ever restarting until you reboot. It wasnt discussed beyond a couple posts, I discussed it at length in one, so I don't think it would be patched. I still have the script on my PC. When I get to it, I'll post it.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
Here is the script:

#!/system/bin/sh
while :
do
kill $!
sleep 1 & "/system/priv-app/com.package.name/com.package.name.apk" & sleep 20; kill $!
kill $!
done &
exit
#press enter now#!/system/bin/sh
while :
do
kill $!
sleep 1 & "/system/priv-app/com.package.name/com.package.name.apk" & sleep 20; kill $!
kill $!
done &
exit
#press enter now

1. On PC: Open notepad, paste text. Replace 'com.package.name' with the package you want to kill. (replace both).Go to file, save as, select ALL FILES, name: kill.sh

2. Place file in your internal storage on tablet

3. Open ADB window.:

adb shell
cd /sdcard
sh kill.sh

4. Open second adb window. KEEP FIRST ONE OPEN:

adb shell
pm disable com.nameof.package

OR

adb shell
pm hide com.nameof.package

5. Repeat step 4 until the first ADB window says package 'hidden' or 'disabled'

6. I forget if this holds on a reboot or not, or if it even still works.
[Fire General] johndblair:
Af hd8 2017 5.6.00

Just tryed to use tool, seem only things working is the install playstore .. everything else does not work

Tool needs updating for latested OS version, does not remove bloatware... which the fire is completly saturated with ...

Tool also does not disable OS updates

Hopefully a root will be found and custom rom available soon
[Fire General] DB126:
Read the OP:

- tool does not work above FireOS 5.4.0.0 (Fire 7 and HD 8)

- Amazon patched the command tool uses to remove bloatware on FireOS 5.4.0.1 and above

- tool can not be updated as commands used have been blocked

Root and (potentially) custom ROMs are highly unlikely for Fire 7 and HD 8. Recently rooted HD 10 uses a different architecture.
[Fire General] spocko:
Thanks. Can you please tell us what tablet type and FireOS version you were using for this?
[Fire General] k8500:
Sorry, forgot, it's 5.4.0 on a Fire 7 / 7th generation. I think that list should also work on other tablet types. In fact, I included soem entries that were not installed on my device just because other lists had them.
[Fire General] k8500:
Okay, I decided to put everything into one neat package and to upload it to my GitHub account (don't wonder about it, my nickname is different there, I normally don't do Android stuff):

https://github.com/d0k3/OneClick-for-Amazon-Fire/releases/tag/v0.0.1
[Fire General] Methanoid:
I am curious how much storage space this regains.... and presumably it mucks up any "reset the device" options? I noticed the original script throws two "app not found" type errors on my virgin 5.4.0.0 tablet.

---------- Post added at 11:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 PM ----------

Also had a look at script and wonder why you use "adb.exe uninstall [-k] package"	as it says "add the -k option to keep the data and cache directories" and if we are uninstalling the package why do we want to keep the data and cache dirs?
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
You don't gain any storage space back from uninstalling system apps. You do gain memory though and internet speed from the apps which did consume them.
[Fire General] DB126:
The reason being they are disabled vs uninstalled on an unrooted device.
[Fire General] k8500:
From what I learned, the uninstall is not supposed to work without -k. I never tried, though. From what you've seen above, it doesn't matter much. A "user-uninstall" is just a disable, no space is freed. You do gain memory because these apps are no more running in the background for you, though.
[Fire General] phooeyman:
Hi guys

Sorry just to recap on this as i have just bought my son a fire 7 2017 and he only really uses youtube and bit of web sufing, so i could still use this method to reduce the bloat ware???

What will work from the "menu of awesomeness" still please?
[Fire General] k8500:
Everything will work, as long as you haven't updated. Don't connect this thing to the internet unless you have blocked OTAs.
[Fire General] phooeyman:
Many thanks just got my tablet sorry but where are the instructions please on how to use this?? I have just turned it on and is asking to connect to router but dont want to go that far if it will mess things up. But cant do anything on the tablet until im past this screen lol

Firmware is 5.6 i have now skipped online connection so into tablet just need guide to know what to do next please
[Fire General] savvytechwinner:
You have to be on Fire OS 5.4 or beolw

you can't do it on 5.4.1 or higher