yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Interesting that Google Play Services has such a profound effect on Wi-Fi connectivity on Fire Max 11s. Would never have suspected that GPS could interfere with network settings. Is this part of Google's new device/software authentication protocols? Part of Google's anti-adware blocking blitz?

Your work confirms that FTB mods on post-f/w 8.3.2.x units (Gen 12/13) can be simpler and more reliable, if we follow a more "minimalist" approach . More mods, more sources for problems.

Would suggest easiest FTB mod route for most Gen 12l13 users (as required by priority of user wants/needs) :

- upgrade to latest f/w 8.3.2.x

- install Google Play Services (of course !)

- diable lockscreen ads/"special offers"

- install third-party app launcher using Custom NavBar

- install RethinkDNS to block OTA updates; not really required other than to protect other ADB mods. Manual upgrades can be made as needed.

- manually (and selectively) disable/"debloat" Amazon apps . DO NOT use general "deblaot all" scripts. Do this last.

Experience from the Community suggests testing each mod as installed to simply troubleshooting , if problems arise. Hard to identify issues if all mods are done at once.

Comments?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Massyboy:
Well I went ahead and updated to 8.3.2.3 and so far have had no negative effects and my connectivity issues seem to have improved hugely so thankfully that's sorted it. Thanks to all.

I mainly used GPS and lockscreen ad removal and they still work for me on this firmware
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Great to confirm that Wi-Fi connectivity on Fire Max 11 is much improved with f/w 8.3.2.x upgrades.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Deeply imbedded GPS attempts to establish if a network connection (specifically Internet connectivity) is present as the 'cloud' is everything on team Google. For whatever reason it doesn't always get it right on FireOS 8.3.1.x. Crap happens when companies don't work together. Nothing more devious than that.

Not a fan of alternate launchers and RethinkDNS on the current generation of FireOS gizmos. Represents layers of complexity on already finiky, resource constrained devices. That said, pushing an agenda is not my vibe...to each his own.

Glad we are moving through the 'hold at FireOS 8.3.1.x or die trying' narrative. Same for higher versions. Life moves on.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] kujo__23:
Got error while installing RethinkDNS
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

I myself have never tried the new(ish) "install RethinkDNS" tool in the toolkit, but if you've installed Playstore or Aurora, it's installable from either of those. (y) Also, the 1st link in my signature describes the needed settings. (here too)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] kujo__23:
Thank you, I'll try!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Erenkasymaliev:
Hi guys!

I've got a problem with the firmware 8.3.1.2 on Fire HD8 12th gen (2022)

Google Play Market doesn't work. no response or "google store is updating" with no progress

I used the latest fire toolbox 34.2

Also tried to install apk files from website "howtogeek" but didn't help

The firmware 8.3.1.1 is ok, play market and google services are working correctly but I don't get what is happening with 8.3.1.2

Anybody knows how to fix it? Thnx in advance
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
FYI

Often alluded on the thread that rooting f/w 7.3.2.2 (and later) was a possibility, bit not immenent ... well here's a recent solution ?

Post in thread 'Fire HD 8 (2018 ONLY) unbrick, downgrade, unlock & root' https://xdaforums.com/t/fire-hd-8-2018-only-unbrick-downgrade-unlock-root.3894256/post-89546533

#edit

Rootable, but probably still limited to pre-2020 hardware re: MediaTek SOC
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] rbudrick:
Hello. Thanks for the info. On retrying the steps to load the newer OS, my kindle doesn't seem to have an "Apply update from ADB" option on the recovery menu. It solely has options to reboot normally or factory reset. So, stuck again, I'm afraid.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Rortiz2:
What FireOS version are you on? Are you sure that's ariel? I just checked on mine and the downgrade option seems to be present. Can you show a picture of your recovery screen?​
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jLabellum:
so i think i soft bricked my tablet... i can turn it on and off, the "kindle" and "fire" screens show, but nothing after. i had tried to change my wallpaper, it didnt work so i uninstalled it. after installation, i clicked "wallpaper" and the kindle thought I pressed "adaptive brightness"... after that, the screen is just blank now.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Looks like you've borked FireOS on your tablet. Probably disabled part of display management related to wallpaper et al, if you used Fire Toolbox to do a General Debloat.

Suggest factory reset from Recovery Mode and starting over ; this time DO NOT use the general debloat script and only manually diable apps which you are sure you don't want/need. Do the debloating mods last.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jLabellum:
thank you so much! and thanks for the adivce.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] brsybr:
Hello,

I downloaded fire toolbox V35 for my fire tablet 10 (7th gen). While installing google services -3rd app (play services) gave an error. After 3 of them installed out of 4, I saw the play store visible in my tablet. Also I am able to download new apps from there - faced with no issue. However, I tried to install Netflix and Disney plus clients via toolbox but they gave error as failed. I checked several things without success. When I look at amazon, it says that netflix is not in use in my region/country. I tried VPN for several different country without any success. I changed Amazon address but not worked. What would be the reason for this? How can I fix the issue?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] drovan:
Haven't been around these parts for a while, but just wanted to thank you all for keeping the fire toolbox community alive.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] IncredCronk:
so I'm trying to install the firetool and I've used it in the past on my old computer but now this time when I press download it doesn't download a usable file it instead installs something I can only open in notepad, is there any fix for this or something I'm doing wrong?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] bpsmicro:
bitbucket.org appears to be down.

Edit: scratch that, I'm having firewall issues on this end
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

I'm going to make a few assumptions because you didn't tell us much. First I'll assume you're using the Windows version because you said it opened in Notepad. Second, I'll assume that you have file extensions hidden (Windows default) so you can only guess what type of file you have.

Downloading a file doesn't install it. It just downloads it. Did you click on the downloaded file and it just opened in notepad? If so, were the first few characters "7z\BC\AF" (without the quotes)? If so, it's because Windows doesn't recognize 7-zip file compression natively. It's an open source, highly effective compression type that is easily installed on Windows. It's available here, directly from the 7zip website. Download the version you need and install it. Run it once so it can set the file associations and close it. Now click on your downloaded file, which should now have a 7zip icon. Extract it to where you want and run it. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
FYI

Amazon has released Fire OS 8.3.2.4 for OTA Update and direct download from Amazon Customer Support.

FireOS 8.3.2.4 - Amazon Customer Service
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
FWIW - just noticed Opera can now place shortcuts on the home screen when using Amazon's native launcher. Previously this would fail sans custom launcher. Probably works with other chromium-based browsers; haven't checked. Another small nicety, although Opera's Speed Dial is still more flexible.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Nice! 🎉

Confirm that home page shortcuts are now functional on stock Amazon Fire Launcher (running f/w 7.3.3.0).

Works for Opera , but Android versions of Google Chrome, MS Edge, Firefox, Brave do not have a native shortcut creation function ATM.

Shortcut Maker app also can now create functional shortcuts (and pseodo-widgets) without custom launcher.

Must have happened with a recent Google Play Services update ?

#edit

Widgets still not supported natively by Amazon Fire Launcher, but can be created and placed on Fire Laucher home page by third-partiy apps (eg Shortcut Maker)

#edit 2

On closer inspection, Google Chrome , MS Edge, Firefox and Brave now have functional web shortcuts to Fire Launcher home page. Option was hidden until recent updates to f/w 7.3.3.3 and f/w 8.3.2.4 . Not tested, but probably now works on all Android web browsers with web shortcut function.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Or a change to Opera's method for creating launcher shortcuts.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] joeldf:
I just got this yesterday (June 27) on my 12th Gen HD 8. One thing I noticed was the additional setting for gesture navigation.

Now, maybe it was in the last update a couple months ago, but I only noticed after this update.

In "Settings" > "Device Options" > there's new page for "System Navigation" that I hadn't seen before. That has the new gesture navigation option.

Nice option, but I'm sticking with the nav bar.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Nice find ! ... Thanks for report.

Standard Android OS feature which Amazon finally decided to enable on updated FireOS 8.

For earlier FireOS 8 users, Gesture Navigation enabled on recent FTB v34.0 (see release notes) or via ADB. May be a little glitchy. YMMV .
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Mo Ichido:
Hi everyone, new poster here. I'm an IT Admin in a small school district, and I've been using Fire Toolbox to try and standardize the loadouts and settings on the Kindle Fire tablets our Kindergarten and Pre-K classrooms use. I'm trying to disable the Kindle Store when done configuring, just because even Pre-K kids are very good at downloading games they're not supposed to have. I've disabled the store with this app many times before without issue, but with one particular tablet it fails ever single time. Even green items like WaPo and others fail to disable. I've factory wiped and re-registered this tablet and it still does it. Any ideas what could be causing this?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

Hmm. It sounds like maybe you've got a different (newer) firmware version on that one and maybe it's not allowing it to be disabled. After you attempt to disable the app, what does it report in the console view? (It automatically switches to the console after completing the command.) I'm assuming you used Manage Amazon Apps > Manual tab > Simple (recommended) to disable the app.

You can try manually disabling the app by using ADB Shell and typing

pm disable-user --user 0 com.amazon.webapp

Edit: that's user (zero) in the command. :)

The reply should be

Package com.amazon.webapp new state: disable-user
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] paschoaal:
Until recently I still had the "unlocked" version, but my HD 10 2021 Fire Tablet is now updated to 7.3.3.0 and the dream is gone...

I don't know if I missed out on the option to avoid OTA updates in Fire Toolbox or if I forgot to unregister the tablet and remove Amazon Account...

I hope you guys are able to restore the blocked functionalities in this new firmware. Or maybe someone can find a way for us to downgrade.

It was so good, without annoying search bar in my face...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
How do I install the Flow, Custom Quicksetting Tiles, and what does it do?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
@Datastream33. I'm back. I factory reset my HD 8 Plus 10th Gen f/w 7.3.2.9. My current problem is I want to run Nova 6.2.19, because Nova 7 & 8 screw with my widgets, which shouldn't be a problem; my HD 7 is setup that way and it runs perfectly. I tried installing Nova via "Other" > the apk file > Re-route Homekey, Custom Navbar Key, and Shortcut Launcher (all 3 choices) and Automate, but my widgets still won't install. I even ran the commands "cp /system/bin/appwidget /sdcard/appwidget.sh," "sh /sdcard/appwidget.sh, and "appwidget grantbind --package com.teslacoilsw.launcher --user 0." But no luck. Frankly, I rather like One Button Navigation (OBN) better. So, I uninstalled Automate and tried reinstalling Nova as described, above. But the FTB install script requires the user to select either Re-route Homekey, Custom Navbar Key, or Shortcut Launcher. Can you help me install Nova 6.2.19 using OBN so my widgets work?

Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Unfortunately, no firmware rollback option or ability to restore blocked functionality. That said, there are toolbox workarounds to many common tasks on 'locked' devices. It will take some work and the end-result will always feel like a compromise relative to the unlocked experience. Taking a step back and deciding what you really need will help focus efforts on overcoming the most annoying obstacles.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Hey @jhford

Sorry if I'm intruding here, but I think your problems may be much more than just simple issues with FTB.

To recap, you have a Fire HD8 Plus (Gen 10, 2020) with f/w 7.3.2.9 and you're trying to install app widgets on Nova Launcher 6.2.19. (Let's ignore FTB for the moment).

I think your issues are more related to Nova Launcher and some app widgets and unrelated to FTB directly. If the app widgets you need don't work on your setup, all other mod efforts are moot.

I've instlled Nova Launcher 6.2.19 on a stock Fire tablet running f/w 7.3.3.0 and all seems in order. All apps that are widget-capable run as expected and can generate widgets on the Nova Launcher home page.

So we can surmise that Nova Launcher 6.2.19 can run on current f/w and is fully functional. Your issues must be app specific and/or related to other mods you may have made to the device.

We know that widgets are not independently installed apps but are "sub-apps" of a main desktop app. If the main app is incompatible with your setup, widgets from that app probably won't work.

In your situation, which specific apps (and app versions) are causing problems?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Mo Ichido:
Hi there, thanks! Here's what it's showing for an error log:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Looks like Amazon Appstore app has been "system protected " on that device and cannot be disabled with ADB commands.

BTW which specific f/w version is installed ?

As an alternative, consider installing a LockApp or HideApp app to "lock out" and/or "hide" access to apps from users via administered passwords/pins. Several available for Android on Google Play Store but not specially vetted for Fire tablets/Fire OS.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Mo Ichido:
Oh weird, I've never seen that on any of our other Kindles. I don't even know how one would system protect an app like that. Firmware is 7.7.3.0
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Did you mean f/w 7.3.3.0 which was just released recently by Amazon ? Amazon Appstore may have system protected status with that f/w version.

System protected apps are introduced onto Fire tablets by the OTA updates to FireOS . Part of Amazon's ongoing process to prevent unauthorize changes on Fire tablets. All the more reason to use OTA blocking protocols on your other devices in your inventory.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Mo Ichido:
Yeah it must be. Where else would I look to find firmware version? I think most if not all of them have OTA blocked, I'm not sure why this one didn't. But that's all the more reason to do the standardizing I'm doing now. Is it possible to roll the firmware back?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Look for f/w version in Setting >Device Options>System Updates or from System Info from Fire Toolbox home page (lower left corner, tap to open).

Unfortunately, f/w updates cannot be reverted to earlier versions.

You might want to consider a simple Mobile Device Management (MDM) system to standardize all the devices under your administration. Often used by corporate and educational institutions to centralize management of laptops, tablets, phones etc. May be available from a higher level of governance to your smaller, local school district.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Mo Ichido:
How hard is it to get Google Play on this tablet? Thanks again.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] linuxrookie:
Hi all, I'm interested in making something like this out of an android tablet for running some simple GPS and other relevant apps (maybe android auto) while riding. I do alot of ADV riding, so I would like to stick my expensive phone in a panier and have something like this in the more vulnerable dash mounted position. I'm wondering if the spare HD8 I have in the drawer would be a good starting point. I've had 3 FTs(HD10, and 2 Max 11's) running FTB and had a great experience. I'm having some trouble finding a good guide or similar build ideas for this application, mostly because I don't think these moto tablet/head unit type things are really that common, and they don't seem to have a common name. My main thought right now is to follow some of the tablet to head unit guides that are out there. Any thoughts?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I agree with @Jumbo100. They've apparently added the kindle store to the protected apps list now. Now even if you change the launcher, the Kindle store will still be in the app drawer where curious kids will undoubtedly find it. You'll need an app locker app like Jumbo100 suggests.

The Google App store can be added with Toolbox by using the Google Services subtool. Toolbox pretty much automates the task. Just make sure wifi is enabled, reboot when finished installing, and wait ten minutes before using Google Play store so it has time to update anything it needs to.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Since you've used Toolbox on several tablets before, you're aware of the limitations of FireOS vs pure Android.

For GPS usage, if Google Maps gives you any trouble, may I suggest trying OsmAnd. It is an offline maps program that works pretty well with FireOS. There is a free version in the Play store that gives you 7 free downloads of state maps. The only thing you need to do is change the Location Source from "Google Play Services" to "Android API" in the settings.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Mo Ichido:
I don't see either of those apps on the Google Play store. Could they be called something else?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Sorry ... referring to generic app types.

Search Play Store : "lock apps" and "hide apps"

Numerous choices; no specific recommendations; try what works for you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
The custom Quicksetting Tiles flow is responsible for resetting the custom order of the quicksetting tiles (the buttons you get when you swipe downward from the top) if you modified their order with the Modify System Settings > System UI tab > System Customizer > Quick Settings Modifier subtool. Normally FireOS will revert these to their stock order on reboot. The Automate flow will remember your settings and restore them to your custom order.

Automate is automatically installed and the flow is imported if you modify these with the subtool.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] gwanbear:
I think it has. At least, that's my experience of it too. A new f/w update sneaked through* on my gen 10 8 and the Amazon Appstore is now protected (will no longer debloat). No big deal really. In fact, I'm considering looking to see if all my apps are available on Amazon and, if so, removing Google play store - I arguably don't need them both.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I've set up my HD10(2019) tablet this way, but I've used Amazon App store and Aurora for my apps. (I've also got F-Droid for a couple open-source apps.) I didn't install Google Services at all. With that combination, the memory footprint is MUCH smaller and it's running very nicely. Of course, I can't use apps which require Google Services but that's okay with me. I have a + model tablet that I can install Google on. (y) Aurora functions much like Play Store and keeps my apps updated.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
Thanks

@Jumbo100. The main problem is installing Nova widgets which I know are sub-apps. Gmail, for example, and Nova disappear and are replaced by the Amazon Launcher, without the Gmail widget being installed. Perhaps I'm installing or sideloading Nova incorrectly. Can you clarify the proper steps to install or sideload Nova 6.x? And what can I do about the Amazon Launcher?

Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Let's take a step back and try to isolate one problem at a time on your setup.

As mentioned , I sideloaded Nova Launcher 6.2.19 from apkmirror.com on to stock f/w 7.3.3.0 setup (direct download, not through FTB) with NO OTHER FTB mods - just plain-Jane Fire Launcher home page (see attached). Nova Launcher appears like any other app.

Unmodified Nova Launcher home page just shows auto-populated Google apps. (GMail moved to middle of page for emphasis)

With no FTB mods, Nova Launcher behaves like another app, as expected - it just works.

So it looks your multiple attempts for install Nova Launcher in various ways have totally borked your setup. Troubleshooting at this point is a total PITA maze.

Back to basics. KISS principle in effect here.

IMO, try a a factory reset and install Google Play Services from FTB and install Nova Launcher 6.2.19 manually. If that works, we can surmise that that your hardware and basic software setup is good and that your other FTB mod attempts are messing up your whole setup.

No heroics ... your veteran modding experience is getting in the way of of a successful FTB mod ! Just follow the prescribed FTB protocols; no end-running the process ! ... If the noobs can do it, you definitely can !

Try this and we can work in getting Nova as the default launcher as the next step.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
So, I should forget about Automate, right?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Thanks for confirming that Amazon Appstore is now "system protected" on f/w 7.3 3.0 ... Amazon never lets up on its f/w lockdowns.

As a consolation, f/w 7.3.3.0 now supports web browser "shortcuts", if you ever use them elsewhere.

Note that in principle, apps installed from Appstore may preferable to Play Store installs (especially for the streaming media services) as they are specifically coded/recoded for the Amazon ecosystem.

Just make sure that that apps are not installed on both environments to avoid app/update "clash"
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
For the meantime, yes.

The Automate process is installed and configured as part of the FTB procedures for installing third-party app launchers. You shouldn't have to manually mess with Automate, if you just let FTB do it's job. It's suppose to hands-off . Just follow the FTB procedure explicitly (like we tell all the nobs). This is where you're getting in trouble ... too much tinkering. LOL.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
I just checked and Automate is not installed. Therefore, my most recent install of Nova 6.2.19 was straight from the APK, just like you, which brings me back to the Fire Launcher taking control when I try to install Nova Widgets.