yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I have a 4K Max too and I was able to disable the following 3 apps before it had a chance to update:

com.amazon.device.software.ota

com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2

com.amazon.device.software.ota.override

My Firestick has not tried to update at all and has been running for close to a year now, most every night for hours. Newer firmware versions may not allow disabling of these apps. I haven't read about Firestick modifications since I got it and disabled those apps.

I don't know about special ADB commands to force RethinkDNS to be always on. I run a real VPN on mine (just because I pay for it and it allows 6 devices if I remember correctly). It is always running whenever I check it (fairly frequently). There's always the "block Amazon's OTA servers at the router" strategy if you need more assurance. Whenever I check RethinkDNS on my Fire tablet, it's been running even though I didn't use the options in the VPN settings activity you are trying to pull up. I don't think it's a problem and haven't investigated further.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] bibikalka:
I have the latest Fire 4K max, that has FireOS 8.3.0.0. So that's not the version you have, which was out for a year you say.

Fire 4K 2023 vintages with Android 11 (plain or Max) - exploitation (?)

I accidently ended up hoarding both the new 4K 2nd gen ($25), and 4k Max 2nd gen ($30) during BF and post-BF sales. I may still return the 4K 2nd gen - deciding on that. I think the new FireOS 8/Android 11 version may open a slight early...

xdaforums.com

I was reading this comment here:

This can now also be done in Toolbox by going into Modify System Settings > Networking tab > VPN Settings if you don't want to install Activity Launcher, but Activity Launcher allows you access to other settings that Amazon hides.

So it seems like there is a way to force RethinkDNS to always act as VPN via a command line?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Let me back up for a second. Were you unable to install Activity Launcher, or did it install and you weren't able to find the activity to launch? If the latter, did you try searching for "VPN" in Activity Launcher? If the former, there are other apps that do the same thing - give you the ability to launch the activity of VPN Settings. That's what you need to do is launch that activity to access those settings. I'm sure it can be launched with an ADB command, I'm just not sure of the exact command or syntax to do that. Toolbox can do it through ADB so I know it can be done on a Fire HD tablet, but you'd have to research the command to do it manually.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

Thanks so much for the report. I appreciate it. I'll look into it and put out a micropatch very soon. 😀(y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] bibikalka:
Yes, I did install Activity Launcher fine on Fire 4K Max just fine, but could not find the relevant VPN activity to launch - it was not there. I had a Fire tablet side by side at the same time, so I did not miss it.

Indeed, the adb commands should do the trick for VPN settings - if those were available somehow.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

Unfortunately, if the VPN activity isn't listed in Activity Launcher for the settings app then I'm afraid Amazon has hidden it. From what we've been able to gather, it's a gamble as to if a device has a certain activity or not. For example, some devices have the "Accounts" activity (for removing Google accounts), and some don't. As for how the Toolbox does it, it parses the settings activities and if the VPN activity is found it will launch it. I'm not sure if there is any other way using ADB. Sorry my friend. :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
You could try running this command in an ADB shell and see if it brings up the VPN activity:

am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.Settings\$VpnSettingsActivity
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] bibikalka:
Fear not my friends!!! I did an exhaustive search on my Fire HD tablet, dumping config before changing VPN settings and after (using Activity Launcher). Then I simply diffed the variable files, and observed what changed. This is a powerful approach for discovering a bunch of other things, just in case:

dumpsys package com.celzero.bravedns > dns1.txt
settings list global > glob1.txt
settings list system > sys1.txt
settings list secure > sec1.txt

Here is how RethinkDNS is turned on via adb:

sunstone:/ $ settings list secure |grep always_on_vpn
always_on_vpn_app=null
always_on_vpn_lockdown=0
always_on_vpn_lockdown_whitelist=

sunstone:/ $ settings put secure always_on_vpn_app com.celzero.bravedns
sunstone:/ $ settings put secure always_on_vpn_lockdown 1

sunstone:/ $ settings list secure |grep always_on_vpn
always_on_vpn_app=com.celzero.bravedns
always_on_vpn_lockdown=1
always_on_vpn_lockdown_whitelist=

Just FYI, for some reason VPN settings via activity launcher did not see the manual variable update right away, so I rebooted the tablet, and it did see them after reboot. So you can use this approach in Fire Tool if you wish. The next step is to ask RethinkDNS developers to backup/restore only app settings (and no logs as is offered now), then one could set up the whole OTA blocking procedure fully automatically.

I will try this on my Fire stick next!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Wow, nice work my friend! Had no idea it was even possible via ADB. Might indeed have to implement this as a feature to the Networking tab. Amazing, amazing find!

Hopefully it works on the Fire stick. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Great work! You are far more adept than me at this. I hope it works on your Firestick.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jessejgm:
Posso ocultar a barra de status e a barra de navegação?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] selaudeveloper:
I created a default launcher in Flutter, it can list the apps I want and launch them.

I configured the apk as a launcher in Fire Toolbox using hijack launcher.

My fear is that I will have a problem with the launcher and be stuck with it forever, as I will not be able to switch to another application in Hijack, as I cannot exit the application (kiosk mode) and even when exiting kiosk mode, I cannot open another application because when you go to Home it returns to the app again.

If this happens, is there any way to reset the tablet using Toolbox? Set default launcher for fireOS again? Then I can access the hijack launcher normally and select another launcher (or leave the original).

My initial thought was to open Hijack in my launcher, but it doesn't open, it says that the app is not installed. Is it an app security feature to prevent Android lock?

I tried opening it with the package DeviceApps:

void openLauncher() async {
bool isInstalled =
await DeviceApps.isAppInstalled('com.baronkiko.launcherhijack');
if (isInstalled) {
DeviceApps.openApp('com.baronkiko.launcherhijack');
} else {
ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(const SnackBar(
content: Text('Hijack not found!'),
));
}
}

Can you tell me if this hijack id is correct or is there another id?

updated: I listed all the installed applications and the correct name for the hijack launcher is with the last letter changed: "com.baronkiko.launcherhijack" to "com.baronkiko.launcherhijacl" (k for l). Working now!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
IDK but part of your situation may be the definition of "default launcher".

Given that Fire Launcher is the default launcher app for all Fire tablets OOTB.

On some FireOS f/w , Fire Launcher can be disabled with ADB commands and an alternative launcher can be installed, becoming the default launcher.

This would apply to FireOS 7.3.2.1 (and earlier) and FireOS 8.3.1.8 (and earlier).

On later f/w versions, Amazon "system protected" Fire Launcher app so that it cannot be disabled with ADB. In this case, the FTB workaround is the Launcher Highjack process. Fire Launcher remains the default launcher and is always active (but hidden), and any other installed launcher is a subordinate activity (through Launcher Highjack).

You didn't specify what FireOS version you're using.

On earlier f/w you don't need Launcher Highjack ; you can use your Flutter launcher app directly as the default (after disabling Fire Launcher).

(I'm not a dev/programmer) but if you're using later f/w , I would think you need to code a process to get out of your Flutter launcher app and get back to "higher level" Fire Launcher (which is always the active default).

Another consideration. FTB protocol is to diablle OTA updates to maintain earlier f/w versions so that workaround processes are not needed.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] bibikalka:
Strangely enough, Fire 4K Max with FireOS 8.1.0.0 does not have ANY VPN settings and variables anywhere. The command

settings list secure |grep always_on_vpn

simply returns nothing!

But, somehow RethinkDNS just activates itself all the time without any VPN settings, see my post for details - RethinkDNS on Fire 4K Max
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I was trying to say that earlier. It launches by itself without using those settings. If you were to set them, the first toggle does nothing but give you a notification that the VPN is not running. The second one actually blocks all connections without the specified VPN.

In the end, I did not need to turn them on to keep my Fire HD 8 from updating using RethinkDNS. I started playing with them when I was using DNS66 for update blocking but it let updates slip by several times. RethinkDNS has been reliable. I don't know how this translates to Firesticks though. I'm guessing it's similar.

BTW, the activity on a Fire HD 8 is called

com.android.settings.Settings$VpnSettingsActivity

if that's of any use to you.

Edit: That's on FireOS 7.3.2.7
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] PhilipF8_2010:
Is it possible now to remove or hide "For You", "Register Device", and "Library" somehow?

And I'd not mind getting rid of the search tab as I never use it.

Thanks.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
The items that are annoying you are integral to the default Amazon Fire Launcher.

Switching to another app launcher will give you a more Android-like esthetic. Nova launcher is a FTB user popular choice.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] PhilipF8_2010:
Well, I'll have to make do with it then because the Amazon apps can't be removed either.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Thibor69:
Awesome job. Thank you for taking the time to make this app for our community here :) I am sure you will get all the root issues fixed in no time.

Something like this maybe ?

mount -o remount rw /system/\n

instead of a comma, I have a space.

Keep me posted if you need more help.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
No problem! I also want to thank all of you for your support and help! The Toolbox wouldn't be where it is today without you all!

I'm working on the root, and hopefully, it should be ready for release soon! We will see! Stay Tuned! ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ksh0127:
Have to say, this is an amazing tool. Thanks a lot!

---------- Post added at 02:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:26 PM ----------

I have the Fire HD 10 (2017) and I'm currently on the 9820 (although I don't know how to verify this now that I have used the tool to block OTA updates). I was wondering if there's a way to gain root access so that I can install a custom rom like Lineage or something.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
There is a way, and if you'd like to root your tablet please head on over to this amazing forum. It will guide you step by step on how to root the device. In addition, if you'd like to install Lineage on your device after rooting you can follow this wonderful guide! Good luck! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Thibor69:
Yes, but be careful. If you have 5.6.4.0 you will have to OPEN YOUR TAB and brick it (temp) to downgrade.

So be sure you read that post completely before you attempt. :fingers-crossed:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] sakakawea:
This tool is awesome. One bug came up, though, when configuring my Fire 8 (2017). Installing YouTube Vanced via the tool's menu option would result in the app crashing immediately after starting. This was resolved by manually sideloading MicroG first, then YouTube Vanced second. Otherwise, everything works great and good luck on getting root options working!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Awesome, thanks so much for the catch!

I will make sure this gets fixed in the new version... ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
As I get ready to launch the Toolbox soon, I was wondering if there are any concerns that you guys have regarding a feature, or an issue with the Toolbox you feel that needs to be changed/fixed?

In addition, I'm planning on removing "Block OTA Updates" from the standard tools and just having it available to Root users. Do you guys feel as if this is the correct decision?

Thank you for reading this post and I look forward to hearing your responses :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Absolutely, as blocking OTA updates at the device (firmware) level is a fool's errand on an unrooted device running FireOS. Yes, there are games one can play that can delay OTA activity and give the illusion of an effective block. Virtually all are eventually circumvented leading to unwanted/unexpected OTA update. Long history of such behavior that gets 'rediscovered' with each new Amazon device and XDA thread. Renaming DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk is the only time tested method that actually works (FireOS v3-v6). If you can figure out how to do that sans root go for it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Agreed. This is a lesson I needed to learn as well. I think removing Block OTA Updates is a good solution and will go through with it. Thank you for your input! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mikeleachuno:
Trouble getting this to work in windows 10

I've checked the thread but can't find reference to the problem I'm having. Simply put, I can't get this program to boot up. I can access the tablet through adb shell and that tells me drivers are good. I have disabled defender while installing and trying to run it. Not at computer now but I get an exception error when trying to load the program. Am I missing something totally obvious? Thanks very much for any and all help you're willing to give me!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Sux2bMe:
OMG... that explains a lot:) I spent 3 hours setting up my HD8 the day it arrived and had everything working great. The next day, I connected to my wifi hotspot while on the trail and it wiped out just about everything I did and took me back to the default FireOS launcher. So yeah, put this under the root option so it's clear that you need root for it to stick... at least that's my vote.

[MENTION=8560782]Datastream33[/MENTION] - Also, if you need a tester, I have a 2018 HD8 and 2017 HD10. I'm happy to give you a little time in addition to the donation a couple of weeks ago. This app really makes the Fire devices a huge bargain Thank you so much for all your efforts.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Do you happen to know the error exactly? I'm guessing it has something to do with Notification Center. Try downloading this file and see if this works for you. This .zip file contains a modified version of V6.0 with the Notification Center removed completely. All you need to do is:

1. Extract zip file to Desktop (or anywhere).

2. Open the directory of the Toolbox (Default is: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Datastream\Amazon Fire Toolbox V6.0)

3. COPY the modified .bat file from the extracted zip file, and paste it into the Toolbox's root directory.

4. When prompted, overwrite the file and run the Toolbox.

IF this doesn't solve your issue, please do let me know and we will perform some more troubleshooting. Thanks and best of luck! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Yeah, Block OTA Updates wasn't all I hope it be. So much limited things you can do to counteract an update. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about it without root.

Now, about the testing. I'm very grateful that you are willing to test for me. Now, I've made changes to the Toolbox (which I don't know if I'll keep it) regarding the Root Features that I'm not sure if its applicable to testing. However, I will definitely let you know if I need a tester. Thank you! ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ConnCarl:
Thanks for this excellent app!

I have a bunch of Fire tablets, everything from second-gen to eigth-gen. While I've added GAPPS to most of them, I've never stripped out the stock Amazon apps. I would like to have a "vanilla" android Fire to tinker with though.

I recently picked up a sixth-gen HD 8 running 5.3.6.4 (aka 5.6.3.0) and thought it would make a good testbed for the Toolbox. But I couldn't get any version (I tried 5.2 and up) to run, they would all exit within a few seconds. Turns out it was the Notification issue, which this fix resolved perfectly:

I've started by disabling OTA updates and parental controls, and removing lockscreen ads. But before I actually remove all the Amazon stuff, I installed the M66B/Netguard firewall in Blacklist mode and only granted access to a few apps I wanted to use; Silk, Opera, YouTube Vanced and so on. They're all working fine, but I'd like to have access to a handful of Amazon apps, most importantly Amazon Prime Video. It'd be nice to have Amazon Shopping and maybe Amazon Music as well, but not important.

Problem is, Prime Video won't load because the device isn't registered. And the Play Store version for use on other Android devices won't install. Can anyone confirm whether or not Amazon apps can be made to run on an unregistered Fire? Or can you register it, delete all the Amazon content, then restore the apps you want, all without losing registration?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mikeleachuno:
Thanks. However, I still can't get it to run. I've included a capture using snip it showing the error. This tool looks great and I hope to be able to get it to work
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Oh, the issue is coming from the .net framework? Ok, this is likely coming from the Theme Selector. Try this:

1. Please download the .zip file attachment and extract it to the Desktop.

2. Copy the two files from the zip archive to the Toolbox's settings folder (default: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Datastream).

3. Try running the Toolbox again.

Please let me know if you need further help and we will jump into more troubleshooting :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] AmznUser444 Dev:
[MENTION=2519316]datas[/MENTION]ream33,

We have to requesting a new Fire HD 10 2019, using USB-C and Fire OS 7.x.x.x based on Android 9 Pie.

Model: KFMAWI

Codename: Maverick
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Ok, I will make sure to add support for Version 6.1! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
lol, please ignore that previous version of this post. I got confused for a min. :p
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] MerkurXR4:
Unfortunately I am making no progress on this. The Fire OS is 8.3.1.1 and I installed the Nova Launcher with the FTB. After a tablet restart the Nova icon on the screen is titled 'Nova Settings' and the launcher does not launch The settings shows the version is 6.2.12.

My plan was t load the PlayStore using the APK but I need a working browser/launcher! The tablet has OTA disabled and I have seen no signbs of pop-up ads or lockscreens since runnng the standard debloat.

Any ideas?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] selaudeveloper:
I understood. In the case when a custom launcher is installed, how do I return to the system default?

Fire 7 12 Gen with FireOS v8.3.2.1
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] getfiredup:
quick heads up. toolbox has some window sizing issues. ex. i can not select the 'execute' button on the manage amazon apps screen when choosing manual-minimal because it is way out of the window viewing area which can not be resized for this option. selecting the actual apps to be disabled does not change this behavior either.

however if i select automatic-simple-debloat then i can resize the window and you can then tell how far outside of the viewing area the execute button actually lies. i can not 'guess tab over' to the execute button either because even though i can change the object focus using tab i can not actually command the not visible 'execute button' even though i believe the object has focus based on the natural tab order of the visible objects. please see attached screen shots for evidence. win 11 x64 native non-virtualized clean os install + fire toolbox 33.1 + 15.6" laptop + 1366 x 768 res
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

The problem you are experiencing is because you have set your font size to greater than the default 100% size in windows. Toolbox is not set up for other sizes so everything goes outside the fixed size of the box.

The easiest way to fix it is to either change your default font size to 100%, or if you don't want to do that, create another user account on your computer, leave it as is, and install Toolbox in that account. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
@AbhinavJain recently posted a solution guide to resolve the same problems you're encountering , here in 2 parts :

Parts 1/2 "in place" f/w upgrade

[WINDOWS/LINUX][TOOL]Fire Toolbox V35.0

Fire Toolbox V35.0 All-In-One Toolbox for Fire Tablets! The Fire Toolbox is a collection of useful ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tweaks that can be applied to Amazon's Fire Tablets. The Toolbox project aims to help users fully customize...

xdaforums.com

Part 2/2 more detailed step-by-step guide

[WINDOWS/LINUX][TOOL]Fire Toolbox V35.0

Fire Toolbox V35.0 All-In-One Toolbox for Fire Tablets! The Fire Toolbox is a collection of useful ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tweaks that can be applied to Amazon's Fire Tablets. The Toolbox project aims to help users fully customize...

xdaforums.com
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] MerkurXR4:
thanks for steering me here @Jumbo100 . A step by step guide would be useful @AbhinavJain . Have you put one together? The Softpedia article you linked is not too clear.

i will try this and report back.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] AbhinavJain:
Sure, I have already posted the instructions in the following post: https://xdaforums.com/t/windows-linux-tool-fire-toolbox-v33-1.3889604/post-89257912
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] AbhinavJain:
Yes, it is possible to hide (see images below). I want access to the status and task bar when I touch the top or bottom, and it seems to work fine.

My launcher is AGAMA on Fire HD 8 (2022 edition)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jessejgm:
What is your system firmware?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Sorry for confusion ... requires both parts of the post ; post-edited for clarity.

Part 1 : in place upgrade of f/w , then

Part 2 : rest of FTB mod to install Google Play, install an allternate launcher and more.

Thanks again @AbhinavJain.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jessejgm:
Sim, funciona! Mas como? Gostaria de ter esse mesmo resultado no NOVA LAUCHER ou através de comandos ADB.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
That's the part of your app workflow I don't understand.

With f/w 8.3.2.1, Fire Launcher is already in place, so I think you'd have to diable/close the process redirecting the calls to your launcher app, which should "resurface" Fire Launcher.

Normally that require closing Launcher Hijack or closing the Automate scripts for FTB Custom Navbbar / OneButton mods, but I'm how you want to handle that.