yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You kind of lost me trying to follow what you've done because I've got almost the same conversation going on in DM with another user. I get you two confused because you are asking similar questions.

What I was trying to tell you to do is uninstall any ADDITIONAL updated Shop Amazon apps that you may have installed. You do NOT need to de-register your device. In fact you need to REGISTER it in the app. Anyway, once you have all other Shop Amazon apps removed, go to the link in my signature and download the Updated Shop Amazon app. Install it on top of the pre-installed version. Now you should be able to use the Shop Amazon app to register your tablet and use the store.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Hi @blaacksheep

It looks like our "old friend" Amazon for Tablets (AfT) is being a delinquent and causing problems again.

I think the original "fuss" was caused by the June/22 coincident updates by Amazon Shopping (Amazon OTA) and AfT (Google Play) on "locked-down" Fire tablets.

Your "fix" was great ... downloading a recent Amazon Shop (OTA) apk from your sig. That put Amazon Shopping and AfT back "in synch" ... all copacetic. Amazon Shopping has had multiple OTA updates since then, bur AfT has had no updates. All still good.

However, AfT recently updated (v 24.11.4.800 Oct 28) at the same time as an Amazon Shopping OTA update. From recent posts, it looks similar to the earlier situation, but this time Amazon Shop/AfT "crashes", without a redirect link to the Amazon website.

Do you think that updating the Amazon Shopping OTA apk on your sig to something more current would "fix" this situation again? ... or is this another problem to sort out?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I don't know. I've never installed Amazon for Tablets on my pre 7.3.2.2 tablet. I just installed the updated app from my other tablet and it still works great. I do have all updates disabled on Amazon and Google so my tablet never updates without me knowing about it and approving it. To tell the truth, I generally don't update just because an update is available. I've always gone with the rule "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I've never bothered to get newer updated Amazon apps for my sig. collection because the one's I have work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
As I see. Perhaps a little more research would have concluded my curiosity. Thanks a ton for the info, my friend! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
My sentiments exactly ! Never mess with a good thing ! LOL

But further to the cuuent AfT/Amazon Shop situation:

I looks like older AfT works with newer Amazon Shopping, but newer AfT doesn't work with older Amazon Shopping ... so I am surmising that the folks that had AfT updated by Google Play will need a cuuent OTA Amazon Shoppping to keep things going.

One of the other previous "fixes" was to install AfT update without a Google Play "signature" from an alternate APK site ... but is that the same as an Amazon Shopping OTA update? ... and will that work again?

Which brings me back to my original confusion from June ... who installed AfT ... Amazon? Google? and what it's function in relationship to Amazon Shopping?

I suspect this will happen every time AfT get updated ... a never-ending cycle.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I just never even installed AfT. I don't have it on my tablet. I never let Google update itself so it never got installed. I only have the original Shop Amazon app that is pre-installed, and the updated Shop Amazon update in my sig installed on top of it, which was pulled from a newer tablet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Ahh ... there's the missing piece of the puzzle. Amazon may have included AfT as part of the f/w 7.3.3.2 big "surprise" update ?

Your pre-7.3.2.2 Fire 7 doesn't have it ; my post-7.3.2.2 Fire 10 does.

Another good reason to avoid the f/w 7.3.2.2 update !
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Just for clarification: My pre-7.3.2.2 tablet is an HD 10 (2019) running 7.3.1.2, and my other tablet that I pulled the updates from is an HD 8 (2020) running 7.3.2.3.

To tell you the truth, I don't think my newer tablet has AfT either, but I'll check just to make sure and let you know.

Edit: I had a look at both tablets and looked at the installed and the disabled apps in each and I only have Shop Amazon... no sign of Amazon for Tablets on either. [shrug]
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
My best guess is that Google Play Store installs AfT as an update to Shop Amazon, even though it didn't install the version that comes with the tablet. I've always assumed that people read the notice about disabling Google's automatic updates. But then, no one reads the full OP.

ATTENTION:

FOR ANYONE THAT'S SETTING UP A NEW TABLET

PLEASE DISABLE THE AUTOMATIC UPDATES IN GOOGLE'S PLAY STORE. DO NOT LET GOOGLE UPDATE YOUR PRE-INSTALLED AMAZON APPS. IT WILL BREAK THEM.

REPEAT - IT WILL BREAK THEM.

Maybe yelling will make someone new hear it! LOL
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
As always @blaacksheep , YOU'RE RIGHT ! ... and WE HEAR YOU !

But when I double checked my Google Play Store account, AtT auto-update was disabled (as well as general Play Store Settings to diable auto -update of all apps) and AtF STILL still updated as of November 2.

Is AfT part of the GPS infrastructure that routinely updates independant of Google Play Store settings ? or is it Amazon ?

The more I learn of Amazon/Google apps and structure, the less I know and understand !
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] neFAST:
Hello there, last time I asked about re-enabling OTA and was strongly advised not to do so.

So I'm still running FireOS Version: 7.3.1.9 and was wondering if Family Link is still broken on those tablets?

The device is for my daughter and I tried a long time ago to log her google account, which is managed by Google family link. The login process works all the way but then you're trapped in an infinite "updating" loop
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
It was more than likely me who told you not to update your firmware. Your firmware version allows you to fully utilize Toolbox where an update will lock out many of the features you now enjoy, and there will be no going back once you've updated.

As far as I know, there's NO version of firmware that allows Family Link to operate correctly.

As stated in the OP:

Google Family Link won't work on my tablet?

Unfortuently, no matter how hard we try, we still haven't been able to get Family Link to work correctly on the tablets. The Family Link app fails to install, and the Child account refuses to login. No matter what we tried, we couldn't get a Child account to work on the tablets.

We believe this has to do with missing dependecies, and the tablets not being certified through Google's Play Protect platform. We're still activly looking into getting the issue resolved. Until then, it's recommended that you use an alternative such as Amazon's FreeTime, Eyezy, or another third-party family managing software.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] wilver:
Hi, I don't know if someone has stated it already, I tried to use search on this thread but couldn't find anything (it have too many posts!). Im sorry if Im repeating a question or a problem that its already solved, I have an fire hd10 on 7.3.2.2, and Im using the toolbox to use the nova launcher., but when I press the recent button and the back button after that, it goes back to fire launcher. I mean, its not that bad, since I can just click on nova icon and it back to nova launcher, but there is anyway to fix it? Sorry if Im being picky, thanks in advance!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Try @Datastream33's recently updated LaunchInvoker.flo script

Download from @Datastream33 post #10,458 earlier this month.

Make sure all the Automate permissions are enabled.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] wilver:
Just did it and it didnt got fixed :/ I've done a tasker routine that kills fire loader and reload nova, as a work around works just fine, its just not the most elegant solution lol.

I just got the fire hd10 today, Im thinking about to cancel the deal and buy other one to get unupdated version (yeah, I assumed it was just like any other android before seek info, silly me...). On earlier firmware is possible to disable OTA? Or it will just delay the inevitable? Thanks in advance!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ranchero76:
Everything worked except Nova launcher. First it didn't want to install, after few tries and restart I managed to install Nova via Fire toolbox, but didn't work as it should. I wanted to delete it, now my Home button not working. How I can fix this? Fire HD10 (11th), OS 7.3.2.6.

Update - had to do Factory Reset to get all buttons back :(

Then I simply downloaded and installed Nova from Play market. I have to launch it all the time now (clicking Home button returns to Amazon launcher), but I guess it's not big deal.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
f/w earlier than 7.3.2.2 allowed OTA to be disabled. Finding Fire tablets with earlier f/w is a bit of a treasure hunt and they are harder to find. It all depends on how fast warehouse inventory is rotated.

Some users are having some luck at large 3rd-party retailers like Target. Recently Fire 10s have been on sale which may indicate a drawdown of older inventories. Also "Black Friday" is coming soon, giving retailers a chance to clear out old stock.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] wilver:
I will keep that in mind! Thanks! I have another question, that DNS666 method can really block OTA? Im thinking about keep this one, it seems fine for my needs (mostly to read pdfs), but I dont want anymore surprises updates that can cause me other troubles.

And you think it will be possible to unlock fw updated fire hd via toolbox in the future or bezos just won this time? (I know its something hard to predict, just wanna know what you guys think) thanks again!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Here you go:

Link
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
DNS66 will work - sort of. It requires that you always turn off WiFi before you power down or reboot because it doesn't start fast enough to block the DNS request to the Amazon servers to check for OS updates. You have to make sure it's running before you turn your WiFi on.

I've been testing out RethinkDNS for the last month or so and it appears to work flawlessly at blocking the update servers. It can block by application besides just DNS. I'm still running v7.3.2.3 with RethinkDNS, while running DNS66 allowed the update from v7.3.2.2. I'm going to make a post about how to set it up in the very near future to replace my guide on using DNS66 because it works better and easier. It's basically just set it and forget it. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] wilver:
Nice, looking foward for it!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
DNS66 is an IP/DNS discriminator which you set up to "filter out"/block Amazon server trafiic including OTA updates and ads. The weakness is it's not persistent ... it runs as "third party" software, so on tablet reboots/resets, it's possible for the Amazon OTA Updater to execute before DNS66 sets up. You have to be diligent to turn off WiFi on each reboot to avoid "surprises".

Some members are having success using ReThinkDNS which has a persistent "firewall" as well as DNS blocking ... It may be more reliable. @blaacksheep is working on a ReThinkDNS guide now.

I don't think we'll see a "rooting" solution for recent Fire tablets anytime soon ... The entire XDA dev "braintrust" haven't been able to find a bootloader exploit yet. The Amazon devs have done a good job on keeping FireOS "locked down" ... Jeff Bezos must be paying them well.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] myechophone:
Thank you so much. Is it possible to add it to the OP? Somewhere sticked and updated in future (sorry if it's too much to ask).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
It's in the yellow text at the end of all my posts (the signature). I post here all the time!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] myechophone:
Woops. I see...

It shows up only on Desktop... not on the mobile theme... Will hopefully remember it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] myechophone:
I have used the FTB to disable updates on my Kindlw fire 10 HD 2021. How do I know what's the current firmware version?

I would like to install and try the ArrowOS rom

Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You can use Toolbox to see the version of FireOS you're running. In the lower-left, click on your tablet model. Then a box will pop up with all sorts of information about your tablet.

It's in the third line down on the right as seen in the screenshot. :)

Unfortunately, you will not be able to try ArrowOS or any other ROMs because there is no bootloader unlock method available for your tablet. It won't let you install another ROM. The last Fire tablets to have a bootloader unlock were 2017's, and that was with an exploit. :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] myechophone:
Gotcha!!! Thanks.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] prsa01:
2021 fire hd 10 7.3.2.1 debloated, updates stopped, and ads removed when originally purchased -

Recently added Amazon music (from Amazon) and am back to seeing ads at screen on.

Thinking answer is just to rerun ftb to remove ads again, and will be trying that, but just curious if this is expected behavior and be sure the installation does not re-enable updates. Will report back after re-running ftb.

Want to thank again op and contributors on this thread. This has been a great tablet thanks to FTB!

Thanks guys
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] WLPa:
It doesn’t work for me on win 10 pro 22h2 x64
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I believe @Datastream33 updated the method of ad removal by removing permissions from the Special Offers app rather than just disabling that app because that works on even the new tablets. I'd try your first thought, just rerunning Toolbox and disabling lockscreen ads again.

You can also look under Manage Amazon Apps > Manual tab > Advanced, and let it load then look for "Special Offers". If you're able to disable that, it should fix it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] gdroid666:
Would it be possible to add the smart home control button back to the nav bar when using the automate method for custom launcher?

not sure it would matter though because this method absolutely sucks

it slows down the tablet to the point of unuseability since installing it and the back of the tablet gets so hot I can fry and egg on it even with the screen off ,perhaps there is another automation app that is not bloated trash and not full of botnet spyware and cryptominers

that can be used , this app also takes up a lot of storage space, maybe try switching to something more lightweight?

Also haven't been following this scene too much so is there still a way to downgrade the 2018 fire HD 8 from fire OS version 7.3.2.4 if I open up the tablet?

haven't booted this thing in years and did the other day only to find out it updated and I can no longer PM disable fire launcher because of muh protected processes, gaw, can't scamazon just leave us alone on our nearly 5 year old devices already not like I am not already forced to buy a ton of crap from them.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] prsa01:
Thanks, Blaaksheep

Disabling "special offers" seemed to do the trick. In the couple of minutes I had I couldn't figure out how to rerun remove ads on r remember if it was part of another process.

Anyway, mission accomplished. Thanks again!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Glad it worked. :D For future reference, it's located under Lockscreen Management > Remove Lockscreen Ads, but I gave you the hard way. LOL
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
While I must admit that the method isn't very practical (and brings up some frustrating issues), it is unfortunately the only method that can be found to bring back custom launchers on fire OS 7.3.2.2 +. Trust me when I say this, I've been searching for a new method since the day that the automate custom launcher method was released, and I haven't been able to find anything. Tried awaiting logs for home button events, resumeactivities on the fire launcher activity, awaiting broadcasts, etc. I truly wish we didn't have to use the Automate method. It causes a lot of problems, but it's all we have right now.

Automate is not bloatware, nor is it a cryptominer, or a botnet. It slows down the tablet because the tablets do NOT have that much RAM to work with (1-2 GB max). Every application you add will slow down the tablet. I trust the developer of Automate 100%... he is a great guy and is always taking time to answer EVERY single question posted on the forums. I don't believe he'd put malicious code in his app.

As for downgrading... there is this guide. But, it seems MediaTek has disabled the bootrom on tablets released after 2020 according to this post. Check what year your tablet was manufactured... you may have one that can be downgraded. Best of luck, my friend, and please have a good rest of your day! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] gdroid666:
Ok thanks, yeah I think I will just stick with the non persistent remap method then, sucks it doesn't survive a reboot but much better than the automate method;

Yeah I was just being sarcastic about automate because of how crappy it runs and what a resource hog it is for what it actually does.

my tablet was definitely released before 2020 so maybe there is hope then

now if I can just figure out how to get vanced on it , still working on my 2019 HD10 , but it stopped working on the HD8 and the installer app is dead obviously , guess I need to find the last .apk for vanced and microG
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Take a look at ReVanced on GitHub and XDA threads ... a successor to vanced in development.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] tk423:
According to Amazon, the Certified Refurbished Fire tablets lists "Software: Updated during testing".

Is anyone able to confirm if newly purchased Certified Refurbished Fire tablets will work with Fire Toolbox?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

Good question!

While it is "threatened" that Amazon refurbs will be updated, in practice, it usually is not the case. That could mean that as of the time of their certification, they were current. It could also be that they, like every other employer these days, are just happy that their employees turn out tested units and don't actively enforce that. I've bought a refurb from Amazon and it was not current so I got an older firmware version. It is more likely to be an older firmware version buying a refurb than buying a new tablet would be.

Toolbox will work either way, it will just work better with older firmware. Also, you'll want a tablet with FireOS 7 if you want to use the playstore because there have been changes in FireOS 8 that make Google Services incompatible and while Google Services may install, the Play Store will crash and so will other things that depend on them. You can stay away from FireOS 8 by not buying a Fire HD 10/10+ (2022) or Fire HD 7 (2021).

Edit: I'm sure the Fire HD 7 (2022) is FireOS 8. I'm not certain about the Fire HD 10/10+ (2021), but I think that's also FireOS 8.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] tk423:
Thank you for the comprehensive answer, exactly what I was looking for!

So based on this, it sounds like the Fire HD 8 (2020) should work well with Fire Toolbox.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I have a Fire HD 8 (2020). It came with firmware v7.3.2.2. It already suffers from the problems associated with the new(er) firmware. I bought it knowing that, to help out mitigating the problems. If you want one with earlier firmware, you'll have to get one from 2019 or earlier. Large retail box stores like Target are a good place to look besides checking out refurbs on Amazon Warehouse. You'll have the best chance getting older stock with pre-7.3.2.2 firmware.

(BTW, it works quite well despite the newer firmware. :))
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
11th Gen Fire HD10 (2021) : FireOS 7

12th Gen Fire HD 7/8 (2022) : Fire OS 8

Suspect next Fire HD10 (Spring 2023 ?) will be 12th Gen with FireOS 8.

Edit: My Fire HD10 (2021) came "factory fresh" with f/w 7.3.1.? and was replaced under warranty (in July 2022) with a refurb unit with f/w 7.3.2.2
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure about the 2021's. I was thinking that more than just the 2022 HD 7/8's were FireOS 8 but wasn't sure when I posted that.

So @tk423 : if you want Google Play Services and thus Google Play Store, don't buy the 2022's. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
*** FYI ***

New FireOS released overnight + two "system components"

"FireOS 7.3.2.6​

Release Notes

This update includes incremental improvements, bug fixes and security updates for your device."

Details to be determined.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] tomputer01:
Just bought a Fire 10 (2021) yesterday since I wanted to use it for some sort of custom display. This was also a refurb unit and it arrived ~7AM today. It has OS 7.3.2.3, if that helps.

Haven't connected it to wifi or disabled OTA yet, but will try DNS66 for blocking OTA updates and see what sticks.

Awesome job on the tool guys, thank you!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

I've purchased several items from Amazon Warehouse (the refurbished items) and they've all been in "like new" condition. Most are only a dollar or 2 cheaper than new, but for tablets you have a better chance of getting an earlier firmware.

It's too bad yours didn't come with v7.3.2.1 or earlier. You can still work with 7.3.2.3 though. Just remember to select any WiFi network and then go back a page when it asks for your password for the "skip" option to appear at the bottom of the WiFi setup page.;)

RethinkDNS is a better option than DNS66 and I'm writing up a guide on setting it up right now. It's not that hard, but there are so many things that can be set in RethinkDNS and the options aren't as clearly labeled as I'd like, so I figured I'd make a guide so I'd only have to type it all out once.:)

Jumbo100 says that v7.3.2.6 is out now. Who knows what new options they'll block with each new "upgrade". You probably don't want any "upgrades".o_O

Have fun with your new tablet. Just don't expect it to be a speed demon because of the limited hardware. If you keep it simple and don't overload it with software it'll treat you well.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] tomputer01:
I have done so and won't turn on wifi until I figure out the DNS blocker :)

Will wait for that guide. Meanwhile I won't really need to use the tablet for much - so I'll keep it lobotomized and can try out RethinkDNS from a fresh-ish tablet here.

Speaking of, is there a way to get notified by that guide when it comes out? I'm not too sure how XDA notifications work so far.

Performance shouldn't be a problem - I just want it to run one custom app all the time, and debloating it + removing ads should be good for all my purposes.

Thanks!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I'll link it in my signature so that anyone who wants to read it will only have to go to my last post to find it. I'll try to get it done before the weekend. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] tomputer01:
Fantastic. Thanks a ton!