yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] veitograf:
anyone else having the problem with the tablet getting extremely slow?

i have a fire hd 10 plus and installed google play services with the toolbox and now the tablet is almost unusable. roation takes up to 10 seconds and the same with pressing a button. i only have a few apps installed (netflix, spotify and so on).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] obvious:
While being incredibly grateful for the tool, I regularly get the same with the HD 10 2021. It's frustrating but I've been loathe to mention it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] digixmax:
I have yet to use this tool, but in the past year or so my HD10 2017 (which has Google Playstore installed via side-loading) has been suffering bouts of unresponsiveness few times a day (mostly right after the tablet first comes out of its sleep). The timing of this issue's initial manifestation seems to correlate with the HD10's FireOS upgrade to v5.6.8.0, hence I suspect there is some adverse interactions between the FireOS v5.6.8.0/v5.6.9.0 and some app(s) not sourced from the Amazon app store -- e.g., Google Playtore? Nova Launcher?

To clear up the problem I'd have to boot into recovery and wipe cache.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greeting my friends!

Unfortunately, Fire Tablets don't have a lot of RAM to work with. So, by adding Google Services more RAM is consumed which will lead to the tablet becoming slower. If you just want a appstore other then Amazon's I'd highly recommended checking out Aurora Store. It doesn't rely on Play Services and will eat less RAM.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] be4con:
That post has been deleted, but fortunately it's still in a reply below.

I wonder why Falcon342 deleted it
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] obvious:
Thanks :-) I can't remember if Aurora Store is an option in the tool? I'll have a look. I wonder if I can replace one with the other without breaking everything.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Taking a look at his profile it looks like he has deleted all his posts. I hope he's OK... 😟
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] obvious:
That's not good. All ok @Falcon342 ? 🤗
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] obvious:
I uninstalled Google Services using Toolbox then installed Aurora from F-Droid. Uninstalled gmail then reinstalled from Aurora but apps wants GSF. Is there a minimal version I can install without root?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Spiffy577:
I have fire os 5.6.9.0 on a hd 10, gen 2017 (according to the toolbox) and fire toolbox worked quite well for most things. However, the watch home button was gone, so I had to re-enable that for the launcher hijack but it isn't working. I checked and made sure it is enabled in the accessibility settings. When I hit the home button though, the fire os takes over, not nova. I know on newer fire os's that is a problem but I have an older os. Can someone tell me what I am missing? The fire os keeps relaunching when I hit the home button.

Thanks,

Josh
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

My bad, I 100% should have mentioned that apps that rely on play services wouldn't function with Aurora. You'd still need Play Services, play framework, and account manager for Gmail to work properly. :(

I suppose you could re-install play services, and uninstall just the Play Store and see if that works. If not, it might just be a better idea just to use the Play Store or access Gmail (and any other service that requires GFS) from a web browser.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings my friend!

Unfortunately, using the Launcher Hijack (LH) method, each home button press will bring up Fire Launcher for 5 seconds and then switch to the launcher you've selected in LH. This delay was added some time ago. I'd highly recommend using the downgrade method instead, as it's a lot more reliable. Although, it will need to be re-applied after every reboot.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Spiffy577:
Do.you know the reason for the delay?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
According to this post by Sam, it looks like Android ignores services and broadcasts for 5 seconds after the home button is pressed:

It seems a workaround was found for this 5 seconds delay, but it unfortunately requires root... :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] digixmax:
This delay can be shortened substantially by simply hitting any app icon on the desktop of the FireOS native launcher as it comes up following the pressing of the Home button.

Also, consider using the Back button or Task button as a way to circumvent the Home button delay issue in getting back to the custom launcher's desktop or to a previously opened and currently still running app.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] M973:
Trying to understand better regarding if my device is registered -it sounds like if it's registered to my Amazon account, it won't affect my ability to block OTA updates, etc will still be disabled if I have OTA updates disabled in the toolbox? And having it not registered to my Amazon account would be mostly for privacy from Amazon (which is of course good)

I was thinking of using Amazon photos, but there is no option to enable it to my account, I assume I would need to register it, which sounds like I can do by signing into the Amazon shopping app?

Thanks much in advance!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] andytgeezer:
I decided to bite the bullet and buy 4 fire tablets this week as Amazon uk has them on sale. I figured if they were 7.3.2.2 i could always return them.

Got 2 Olive HD 10 and 2 HD 10 plus machines. They just arrived today and all of them are 7.3.1.9!

Yes!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Yes, the main reason not to register your Amazon device is for privacy. Disabling OTA and Automatic Updates are the key factors in preventing updates/upgrades.

Yes, you can use Amazon Photos, or Prime Video, or Kindle by using the Shop Amazon app to sign in to Amazon. Then they all will work, but you may as well have registered because I think it does the same thing once you sign in. IDK, I've got v7.3.1.2, and run Prime Video, and do some shopping in their app. It's never tried to update behind my back, although it shows as registered on Amazon's website. I unchecked the "Register this device to my account" box when I bought it and only signed in through their app.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] M973:
Thanks!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Spiffy577:
Any chance anyone knows how to update the os version without going to the latest crippling version? I have a much older os on hd 10 (2017). I'm guessing there are some vulnerability patches etc that may be good to have. Or is it that necessary?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Ayyee, that's what's up! Congrats, just make sure OTAs are disabled ASAP!

;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] andytgeezer:
Yup, that's the first thing I did! I switched off my wifi when I took them out the box. Not taking any chances! Now I have lovely custom tablets to use with my classes. Yay!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
If you can manage to find a repository of older system updates (can be challenging) for your tablet, you may install an update manually. However, generally it's not a good idea to update. We usually recommended staying on the lowest firmware that you can.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Well played my friend! Well played!

:)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] M973:
Just received from Amazon HD 10 running 7.3.2.1 -I see from searching a few have that version, appears, unlike 7.3.2.2 that everything "works" as far as using the toolbox to disable updates, custom launcher? Wonder if any issues/glitches reported, whether 7.3.1.9 is any better/more stable (before I spend much time setting it up)

Thanks!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Spiffy577:
Oh, I thought all the tablets had the same version, for some.insane reason. It looks like I do have the latest. FireOS 5.6.9.0 for my hd 10 (2017). Shouldn't parts of the toolbox not work? It seems like everything worked.....?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
As long as you don't have 7.3.2.2, you're good. I don't believe they allow you to downgrade because if you could, there would already be instructions up on how to do it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You won't get 7.3.2.2 on your 2017 tablet. That's on 5.x.x.x for good. That's not to say it's not possible for them to issue an update for FireOS v5 that blocks the Toolbox like they've done on FireOS v7. The main problem with v5 seems to be the launcher delay issue. You may be able to fix that if a root expoit is available for your tablet (which I think there is). Search the section on Amazon Development if you're interested. I gave a link to someone a couple days ago that I thought was for an HD10 (2017).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Spiffy577:
It was for an older model but I don't want to root anyway, thank you. 😃

As for updates, I believe (if toolbox worked), I blocked any Amazon updates.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] M973:
Thanks.

Not about downgrading to 7.3.1.9, I know I can't, but that I have another HD 10 that has 7.3.1.9 on it that I'm planning on returning, unless it was "better" than 7.3.2.1 (i.e. less vulnerable to OTA updates or any instability)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] CommieColin:
I genuinely wish I'd checked in on this thread before allowing my tablet to update to 7.3.2.2 - what a dirty move for Amazon to pull. I guess it's permanently going to act as an Echo Show now, as I can't stand the default launcher/interface.

It's been fun, guys - Datastream33, thank you for all your hard work and for breathing some much-needed life into an otherwise bland tablet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
See post #8018 for differences. I think it's just the boot animation and the recents button.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] M973:
Thanks for that. Not seeing any difference in the recents.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Yeah, I don't care enough to update my 7.3.1.2 tablet just to find out. I had asked if there was any difference because someone was adamant about getting 7.3.2.1 and I was curious. You can follow that question back and see if you are interested.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] M973:
Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mochamoo:
I ordered a black Fire HD 8 last weekend since Amazon was running a Valentine's Day weekend special. It was a 7.3.1.9. I ordered before I read about the toolbox. Fortunately for me that I did read the OP before I turned it on the first time. I was prepared to turn off the wifi right away if it was enabled (yes it was). There was an update awaiting to be installed. I got the wifi disabled and turned it off. Somewhere along the way I did a factory reset.

Anyhow managed to get the auto updates turned off and everything setup with the toolbox. A few little hiccups (user error). All is good now.

Just wanted to say thanks for the toolbox. My advice? Follow the guide verbatim. Connect the tablet to the computer BEFORE firing up the toolbox. I had some adb installation errors first time around.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Yeah, I've read quite a few posts saying they had 7.3.1.9 on their tablet when they bought it, but it updated before they could run the Toolbox. I'm glad you managed to avoid the update.

The first thing any Amazon tablet will do when given access to the internet is to check for and download any available updates (that's 7.3.2.2)! Once downloaded, a reboot is all that is needed for it to be installed and then it's too late. If you're lucky, you can find and delete the update before it's installed.

That's why I've said in the past that I'm not convinced that all the new tablets come with 7.3.2.2 already installed. I think most (if not all) come with 7.3.1.9 and get updated as soon as they are connected to the internet because it happens so fast and without warning or asking.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mochamoo:
Most likely what I did was turn off wifi first, went to enable usb debugging and noticed that system updates had one waiting to install. Did the factory reset

I also could have gotten out of wifi range (or turn off wifi in your router) before turning it on. That might be an option for some if you order without unlinking (like I did). At some point I was able to deregister my account so next time I booted it it was unable to connect to wifi by itself.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mochamoo:
In fact I should have been able to deregister it at https://www.amazon.com/hz/mycd/digital-console/alldevices but didn't think about it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I don't think de-registering it is what's important. I think it's only that it has access to wifi. You still have to give it a wifi AP to connect to, and the password to connect. Then, I believe the tablets, once connected to wifi, access Amazon's servers and then asociate with your Amazon account. They would then synchronize all that Amazon-held data, including your wifi passwords. Meanwhile, they are downloading the latest update for the tablet in the background.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mochamoo:
Well yes the goal is for it to not have wifi access. My thinking was that if it was deregistered it would be unlinked from my account and would not be able to access wifi the same as if the box to unlink was checked at order time. Many times devices in transit will show at that link before you receive them. Worth a shot if you're wanting to use the toolbox.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You can setup Amazon tablets without connecting to WiFi, preventing any updates before you run Toolbox.

It's a hidden option, but on setup, when you get to the WiFi setup screen, select any WiFi AP. On the next screen, DON'T give it a password, but instead hit the back button on the navbar. Now you'll be returned to the WiFi selection screen, but this time with an extra option - SKIP!! Use the skip button and continue through the setup so you can get to the settings menu and enable ADB debugging to use the Toolbox to disable OTA Updates and Automatic Updates.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mochamoo:
Right, that's in the OP. Trouble is if it's linked to your account and you have passwords saved it connects automatically. At least what I think happened to me. There was a lot going on at the time so not 100% on the sequence of events as I wasn't stopping to make notes. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] lil_kujo:
I just got the tab a week ago and it all went fine with the toolbox but mine did fine with the 7.3.2.1 which is what it came with. Haven't experienced any lags so far or sluggishness but I don't use my tab for gaming not just for reading and some streaming. Honestly it's a very good tab for the offer once you get rid of the Amazon bloat
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Yeah, that's the problem with most reports of the tablets updating. Most people are uncertain of the actual events that occured and don't remember exactly what info they put into the tablet on first connect. I don't believe the tablets have any of your data on them when they are shipped out, but instead are just scanned into Amazon's system where they're associated with your account. When you recieve it, turn it on and get to the WiFi setup screen, it would then just connect to Amazon's servers and give it's serial number to the server. Then, Amazon's server, which has pre-associated that serial number with your account, just needs to sync data.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
My thoughts exactly.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mochamoo:
I definitely did not give it the SSID and password to connect but I was watching carefully because I knew I didn't want it to connect. So I managed to get the Wi-Fi off, deregistered and factory reset. My second go at it I followed the guide to the letter and all went fine.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
So you just turned it on and it connected to your wifi immediately?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] boringusername:
I got a tablet (from Target) that came with 7.3.1.9. After a few minor issues, I was able to use the Toolbox to disable updates, install Google Play, and remove some of the apps I won't use (Yay!).

I still want to use the Amazon App store, and using that requires you to sign in and register the tablet with your Amazon account. If I do this, will it force any updates or remove a custom launcher?

I've been reading through the thread (it's very long), and I think I'll be OK if I register the tablet now, but I'm not sure.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
If you ran Toolbox and disabled OTA Updates and Automatic Updates, you're fine. You can now sign on to Amazon and run any Amazon apps you want without fear of getting shafted by the update! You may need to enable Shop Amazon in order to sign in. I don't know if you can do that from Amazon's app store. You can also use other app stores like f-droid, apkmirror, and apkpure to get most of the commonly used apps.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] boringusername:
Thanks for the quick reply. I will definitely check out alternative app stores.

I have other Amazon tablets and content in the Amazon echo system so I do want to use some of those functions. I also noticed the Hybrid Disney+ app in the Toolbox is at a slightly older version than what is on the Amazon App store, so I was going to just use the Amazon app store to get it as long as it was "safe".
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
If you're already using other Amazon apps, then the Toolbox version of Disney+ isn't needed. Just use the one from Amazon's store. I think the hybrid version in Toolbox is just so you don't need to sign into Amazon's ecosystem. (Info based on what I remember from an explanation by Datastream33 a while back.)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] skorpion1298:
Hello :) so I can't update my Fire HD 10? Where can I see the current Version? I already did ToolBox in November / December and it worked flawlessly.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
In the lower-left corner of the Toolbox main menu, click on your device. This will open another window with all the details you seek.:)

Edit: IMO, it's best NOT to update your tablet because there are few security updates and the updates seem to serve mostly as an avenue for them to undo changes you've made and further lock down the tablet so it can't be modified like we do in this thread. I've never heard of anyone getting pwned on a modified Fire tablet, but I'm sure there's someone who has. Just limit risky behavior and you'll probably be fine.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mochamoo:
Yes it did. And I am about to go and delete my wifi passwords from Amazon's servers. It's a convenience I don't need. https://www.makeuseof.com/protect-your-amazon-profile/
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jcp2:
Help needed!!! I added my google account to my Mom's tablet temporarily. Now I can't remove it. I used the toolbox a year ago to debloat amazon stuff, now I don't remember how to remove google accounts in system settings. I opened google home and tapped on user icon. I see my Mom's name and mine. But when I tap on manage accounts below that, nothing happens. Please help. TIA
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I think you only have the ultimate option. A factory reset. See post #5931 from last August, and his reply 4 posts later. The problem is that Amazon stripped out certain activities in their version of Android. Since they don't play well with Google and do not include google Services in their tablet, they probably figured they could strip out the ability to manage Google accounts as well.

There might be a way to do it on Google's website. You might be able to manage your account and devices there. It's worth a look if you don't want to reset your tablet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] seacamel:
On a website where you're logged in (ex. Google Play Store) you can go to "manage your account" (click on your avatar top right) and in "data & privacy" you can go into "Your devices" (towards the end of the page) and there you can sign out of any device where you're signed in. I didn't find a way to remove the device.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I went to google.com and clicked on 'security'. I also only saw the option to sign out any of your devices. I guess he can either just do that or nuke the tablet and start over. It was just a thought.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] tickleyourpets:
Is there a function to set maximum volume at 50%?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Not on Amazon's FireOS itself AFAIK, but there are apps in the playstore to do the job. Search for 'Volume Limiter' and choose the second one (by Andrew Woods) for an ad-free app that may suit your needs. I haven't checked the first one because I think it's ad-supported.

Edit: The first app has an option to pin-lock the setting if you don't want it changed by anyone.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jcp2:
Thanks. I was able to sign out of her tablet, but it didn't remove my account from her tab. I can still bring up my email though. Not a huge deal, she's 88 and I don't think she knows how to switch between mail profiles anyway. It'd just be nice to be able to remove the account. Without root and a way to back up apps + data, I'm loathe to reset her tablet. Thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You could try uninstalling/reinstalling Google Services, but I'd be cautious just because of all the people having trouble installing Google Services lately. And it may not work anyway.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jcp2:
I tried that last night. Didn't work. It's not a huge deal, as she's elderly and doesn't use the tablet for anything more than games I sideload for her. Thanks tho :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Just change the email address you use on Tinder and you should be okay then. 😮
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] MaxxCrook:
Hi I have a Fire 10HD 2021. In the ADB toolkit I am getting the following error when trying to disable Amazon Newsstand. Any ideas? Thank you!

App: Amazon Newsstand

Result: [FAILURE] Exception occurred while executing:

java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Bad user number: com.amazon.kindle

at android.os.UserHandle.parseUserArg(UserHandle.java:351)

at com.android.server.pm.PackageManagerShellCommand.runSetEnabledSetting(PackageManagerShellCommand.java:1600)

at com.android.server.pm.PackageManagerShellCommand.onCommand(PackageManagerShellCommand.java:201)

at android.os.ShellCommand.exec(ShellCommand.java:103)

at com.android.server.pm.PackageManagerService.onShellCommand(PackageManagerService.java:21634)

at android.os.Binder.shellCommand(Binder.java:634)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Ahormell:
Whenever I try to update Netflix in Google Play it says "this app is no longer compatible with that device".

PLEASE HELP!!!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I'm going to assume you don't like using Amazon's store and that you don't want to use the Hybrid App in Toolbox. If that's the case you could try uninstalling the Google Playstore version, and then installing the app from apkmirror. You'll probably want the 2nd variant instead of dealing with an apk bundle.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You could try using the ADB shell tool:

pm disable-user --user 0 com.amazon.iris
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] hidroela:
just got the fire hd 10 plus no ads from Amazon and it came with the 7.3.2.1 and was able to use the fire tool without a problem.

thanks for the app 😀