yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adtamez:
Are there any other alternatives to set up the home button to direct to Nova Launcher instead of Automate? it seems to not work on Fire O 8
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hmm, the only other method I know of is Launcher Hijack. Not sure if that still works on the latest version of FireOS 8 but I know it worked in early iterations. But, that method unfortunately requires an accessibility service. :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adtamez:
I tried already but it doesn't work either. What about something like custom nav bar or those types of apps?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Ah. I suppose you could try something like XDA's Navigation Gestures, or even One Button Navigation Bar.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] johnny2trayz:
Every youtube apk i try doesnt load videos after 2 seconds. I am going to return this trash.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] H4sib:
why dont i get disable fire launcher option on my toolbox , my device model is amazon fire 7 (7th gen) os version 5.7.1.0. I even used previous versions of Firetoolbox like version 17, 10 and others. I saw disable fireos option was available in previous version in youtube .
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] lucktur:
Hi, can someone please point me to instructions on how to add disney + app as it's not in the PlayStore?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] hmp365:
Has anybody tried using google Play Pass on either a HD10 (2023) or Max 11, once FTB has been utilised. Considering getting one of the above just for browsing, streaming, retro games and maybe google games/apps on their pass sub.

Is the Max 11 worth the additional premium compared to the HD10.

Did try and get a HD10 last year but they kept arriving opened/used or damaged so gave up.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

If you use Toolbox, both Disney+ and Netflix are included under "Hybrid Apps". These are the apps from the Amazon Appstore, but in .apk form and installable without registering your tablet or signing in. If you did register and sign in, both are available in the Amazon Appstore. (You should always check Amazon's Appstore before the Playstore because the Amazon store versions are written specifically for FireOS which has certain things from Google removed/replaced with Amazon equivalent software.) If you disabled it, you should restore the Amazon store.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
I have both. Max 11 is more responsive, has a higher resolution screen and handles lite multi-tasking better; additional gig of memory helps. HD10 is lighter and a better choice for streaming when holding device for an extended time. Finger print reader on Max 11 works well and essential for my use case. Going ad-free streamlines the wake/unlock process on Max 11; single touch for both.

Set gaming expectations low. GPUs suck, especially the HD10. Browsing/gaming is more challenging on the HD10 given relatively weak CPU and limited memory.

No direct experience with Google Play Pass, but should work fine once Play store is installed.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DoublePlusUngood:
So I've noticed as of time of writing the "Download" sections lists the new version 35 as "installer.exe" but when clicked on it is most definitely the portable version? Is this just a typo or is the install version not yet available. Anyone know?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

While the FTB download is a single file, like a portable file, it is in fact an installer that will create it's own folder structure under your username. It will also update an earlier installation of that folder. It's all part of the move to make FTB a single stand-alone file similar to how the Linux version is packaged. ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DoublePlusUngood:
Oh OK. I was confused by the table, as in if you hit "earlier versions" it shows the .exe and the .zip seperately yadayada. Thanks for reply.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] fly_angel0:
Guten Tag ich möchte gerne Fire Toolbox V35.0 downloaden leider bin ich zu Dumm um den Download zu finden. Wäre nett wenn ich Unterstützung bekommen kann. Danke
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Grüße!

Hey, bitte nenne dich nicht dumm!

Klicke hier, um den Download zu starten.

Hab einen schönen Tag, mein Freund!

English:

Greetings! Hey, please do not call yourself stupid! Click here to start the download. Have a good day my friend!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Yeah sorry about the confusion. Updated the table to "Standalone" to better match what it actually is. :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

On 7th gen and below, you can disable (hide in the case of Android 5) Fire Launcher. However, unlike 8th gen and above (most likely what the people in the YouTube videos are using), when Fire Launcher is disabled it causes a message box to appear from Parental Controls that looks like this:

Now this message box appears every time the home button is pressed. It will also not detect and launch other custom launchers so it's basically more of a headache then it's worth. So the option to disable (hide) Fire Launcher has been removed on 7th gen tablets and below.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Slickone_:
The first post shows restrictions with the HD10 or Max 11, but what all is restricted? I was looking at maybe getting my father one, and trying to decide on one of them or something else.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DoublePlusUngood:
Oh wow thanks. Hey since I'm asking, I'm new to forum(s) in general and not the best at searching them, I wonder what is the final recommendation on updates? On my fire 7 2019 I originally hard reset then immediatly started the toolbox...played around, worked well with some things actin weird. Then, just cuz I always gotta mess with Sh...tuf I hard reset again but this time allowed it to update until no updates remained THEN fire toolboxed it and unless I've finally lost it, it seemed to "take" way better? Yet as far as I can tell this is NOT recommended? Tried both on my HD8 2018 and it seems to be same either way. I have no idea what's going on under the hood but just wondering if you or someone reading can set me straight.

Although I'm nearly sure the answer to my own question will be "Use whatever is working best" which, considering what we're talking about would be reasonable. I still can't quit find the answer. Is it best to hard reset, start the tablet and halt the OEM operation asap (similar to an OOBE/BYPASSNRO type thing while setting up Windows kinda thing) and start the toolbox OR as I said and let the device get all it's updates then install the toolbox stuff.

Actually as I write this the stupider my question sounds lol. Maybe my real post should be perhaps a table listing whether or not to update or not update per tablet(/year) could be a thing? Driven by peoples experiences. IDK. Has this been done already? If so I can't find.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
The restrictions are the newer firmware restricting what is allowed on various components of FireOS. They are mostly things like the ability to disable OTA updates, the ability to shut off the default launcher and things like that. Most of the restrictions have workarounds, but the workarounds use up valuable memory and resources. With that in mind if you're buying a new tablet, consider buying one of the "+" models. The "+" models have 3 GB RAM instead of the 2 GB RAM that come with the regular models. I have 1 of each and I really like the HD8+ model's responsiveness over the regular HD10's. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
A typical use case (for me) involves resetting the tablet, starting it up and bypassing the wifi setup by tapping a wifi access point and then going back a screen to skip giving it a password, getting to the homescreen, turning on Developer Options and USB debugging, then connecting to Toolbox and shutting off OTA Updates before I allow the tablet internet access. On newer (post 7.3.2.1 models), I sideload RethinkDNS and set it up to block OTA Updates because they can't be disabled. Only then do I give it my wifi password and let it connect.

There are some people that don't want any updates because of the reduced ability to modify things that comes with updating. There are others that find it not worth the fight with all the needed sideloading of app updates and fighting to keep the OTA updates from getting to their tablets along with other things Amazon does to force the updates. That is a choice that only you can make. Just remember that updates are not reversible and are permanent once installed.

I suspect that you started with a post-7.3.2.2 tablet to begin with because you didn't notice much change when you allowed the updates. If you had one of the "golden versions" before F/W v7.3.2.2, you would have noticed the changes once you went to change your launcher or shut off OTA updates. (Neither would be possible in a simple manner anymore.)

There IS a point in FireOS 8 to which you probably want to update. I forget the F/W that's needed to make Google play nicely with FireOS. I don't own anything with FireOS 8. I think that the tablets you have are FireOS 7, too and will never get an update to 8. Since the firmware can't be rolled back, you now have tablets on the latest firmware and the question is kind of moot. The main reason now to block updating is because every time Amazon does a major update to your F/W, it will restore a lot of your customizations to stock and make you use Toolbox again to redo them. RethinkDNS can be of help in preventing further updates. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Slickone_:
Thanks but I'm looking for a list of the specific restrictions so I can decide whether to buy tablet or not. Is there not a list of exactly what works and what doesn't?

I'm only looking at 10" or larger tablets, but the 2023 Fire HD 10 (non-plus) actually has 3GB RAM and Fire Max 11 has 4GB.

For the 2021 models, the Fire HD 10 has 3GB and Fire HD 10 Plus has 4 GB.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jbaker1:
i cant install facebook it say its not compatable with this device ? playstore also wont show frys food store app or safeway app ? did i do something wrong when installing fire toolbox ?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Not a Fire Toolbox issue per se.

I suspect that you have a 7th Gen Fire tablet (or older) running FireOS 5.x, which is incompatible with the minimum AndroidOS requirements of many cuuent apps.

Apps you want need at least Android 7 and may not be backwardly compatible.

You may want to try side loading older versions of apps for better compatibility, but that still may not work with the company's current IT environment.

#edit

See next post below for details.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
PSA

Google now requires devs to code for Android 6 , API level 23 (or later) for support of current Google Play Services (ergo Google Play Store).

Set up Google Play services | Google for Developers

developers.google.com

Google Play Services officially stopped supporting Android 5.x on July 11, 2014.

Google Play services updates for Android Lollipop end

Google today is "discontinuing Google Play Services updates for Android Lollipop devices." Android 5.0 hit stable in November 2014...

9to5google.com

Google puts the final nail in Android Lollipop's coffin

This is unfortunate news for the under 1% of users on Android 5.0 and 5.1

www.androidpolice.com

Support for apps requiring Google Play Services on Fire tablets running FireOS 5.x (based on Android 5.x) may be unpredictable.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You get the main idea that the 3 GB and greater tablets are better equipped to support the workarounds needed to replace the launcher and run a background service to block updates.

There isn't a pre made list of apps that don't work on FireOS. Most do work, but some try to access various API's that have been removed from Android in making FireOS. If you are looking for complete compatibility with stock Android on a budget, then you probably want an Onn from Walmart or one of the unknown cheap Chinese tablets from Aliexpess. It really depends on what apps you are using whether FireOS will work with them. 🤷
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Slickone_:
Thank you. I've been thinking about an Onn too. Are they reliable? Feel free to PM me instead, since it's off topic. I just worry that too many things can't be disabled/removed anymore on the Fire tablets now.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] spartacus_loves_pears:
Thx.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Happy Dead Guy:
Just ordered my new Fire HD 10, did not know anything about Toolbox at the time. And to do this.

Make sure you uncheck the "Link device to your Amazon account to simplify setup" box before Adding to Cart. (See this screenshot, credits go to @ancientrael)

If this was done, what do I need to do with I get the tablet in the mail? Send back and replace it with one not linked?

Thank you. And sorry if this has been asked before I am kind of new to this.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

The reason for checking that box is that Amazon stores your wifi's password in your account information by default and will place that info on your new tablet before you receive it. This is bad because as soon as you power up, your tablet will already be online as soon as it's powered up and before you can do something to block it if you choose not to get updates. Once you have it set up, it no longer matters if your tablet is registered.

Since updates are not reversible, most people choose to disallow them until they know what the update includes and what features will no longer work (as easily) with the update.

If you do not want updates before you even know what firmware version you have, the best solution is to turn off your wifi router (your access point) until you have at least gotten to the point where you are able to turn off your tablet's wifi and either disabled OTA updates or at least until you have set your network connection to "Metered" on your tablet. Then you can continue with Toolbox to set your desired configuration. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
@Jumbo100. I just purchase a 2021 HD 10 on Prime Day. But I forgot to select "Don't register" before I checked out. So, I called Amazon and they deregistered it for me. That's where I stand. I haven't powered it on yet. Could you please direct me to the instructions on this thread for the proper FTB set-up so I can do it correctly ab initio? And should I have purchased the Plus version instead which wasn't on sale?

Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Follow @Datastream33 's OOTB installation instructions per OP#1 "Getting Started".

Make sure to turn off your router/modem to prevent any accidental auto-connection to WiFi.

Also see @blaacksheep'snpost immediately above.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
To add to Jumbo100's reply, I personally think the "+" models are worth the extra money just for the extra memory. My HD8+ runs much smoother than my HD10. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Interesting that Amazon did not release a Plus model for current Fire HD10 Gen 13 2023 ; still limited to 3GB RAM,
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Well, at least it's got 3 GB in the base version. My HD10 (2019) has only 2 GB. :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Nowadays, even the cheapest/"dumbest" smartphones have at least 6GB RAM 😆
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Happy Dead Guy:
Thank for the very clear explanation. Questions, not sure I am clear on " Once you have it set up, it no longer matters if your tablet is registered" Also if set to Metered it will not do updates automatically correct? But will that affect other things like video play back? Again, Thank you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Many people ask if they should register their tablet. I included the fact that it no longer matters once you've gotten your device set up. It is just that neglecting to check that box allows them to pre-load the tablet with your information, including your wifi password, causing the device to be activated immediately when turned on and not giving you a chance to avoid an update.

The "Metered" setting in most cases will cause the tablet to not download an update, but it's not a guarantee. It also causes things like video playback to be questioned or not be allowed, and it prevents or limits background data-consuming activities. It is a useful setting if you haven't yet gotten a more permanent solution like RethinkDNS set up on tablets that OTA updates can't be disabled.

You're welcome! 😀
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
Damn. I forgot to turn off the router, and I'm stuck on the registration page. See attached. Taken with my phone. What should I do?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
No major damage done ... But RTFM ... again ! 🙃

Tuun off your router/modem, reboot your device and start the process from the beginning .
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] championc:
Hi all,

I bought 2 Tablets on Prime Day - a 10 for myself and a 7 for my Dad. My 10 came with 8.3.2.4 which is fine, I can live with that, but my Dad's 7 came with 8.3.1.2, and I was able to block OTA and Automatic Updates.

I setup mine and all good and got Google Play store installed, and started installing the apps I wanted.

But for Dad's 7, when I run the play store, the Play logo comes up for about 3 seconds, and then the screen reverts back to the launcher. I did a Factory Reset and went through the process again, and still the same.

Some app permissions were not the same as the 10, so I have manually set those. I also re-cleared the Storage and Cache

Any suggestions on what I can do to resolve this please ?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] devers1111:
Hi, I have a new fire 10 11gen tablet which i used the toolbox to do its thing. The question I have for you is how do I set it up so it opens to Nova launcher instead of amazon's home page? Is there a way to disable fire default launcher? If yes, how plz? Love your app as it is awesome.

TIA
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I'm only familiar with FireOS 8 from reading here for awhile. I own FireOS 7's. From what I've gathered, early versions of FireOS 8 prior to 8.3.1.5 (I think) allowed you to turn off OTA updates, but they don't play nicely with Google and the Playstore. I believe you need to allow an update in order for the Playstore to work. This will cause the loss of your ability to disable OTA updates. That can be addressed with RethinkDNS if you wish.

I think @Jumbo100 is the guy to talk to about this. He knows which F/W version you need to make Google Services work properly. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

You just need to run the Custom Launcher tool in Toolbox to replace your launcher. Unless you are extremely lucky, you most likely have a F/W version after 7.3.2.2. That will require Toolbox to use the Custom Navbar Key workaround to accomplish the replacement. No need to worry about the details as it should be pre-selected when you run the tool. (The tool automatically greys out the options that don't work with your F/W version.) Just follow the directions carefully and don't tap anything until you're told to do so. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] devers1111:
I tried using fire toolbox to do so but i get the following message "You may need to stop and start launcher invoker flow in automate before the new launcher can be used."

"Make sure that the launcher invoker flow in automate remains active at all times. If the flow isnt running, your home key will not work until it is started again."

How do I do this so it works plz?

TIA
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Okay, fist launch Automate. Tap the hamburger (menu) button in the upper-left. Tap "Settings". Scroll down about a page and a half and look for "Start at system startup". Make sure the box is checked. Tap the back arrow.

Next on the "Flows" page, tap "Launcher Invoker". Tap "Stop". Now tap "Start". Also make sure all three permissions are checked at the bottom.

You should be all set, but you might want to reboot anyways. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
@blaacksheep So, since I have RethinkDNS set up, labeling my Wi-Fi channels "metered" is redundant and unnecessary, correct?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Significant incompatibility/instability issues with Google Play Services (GPS) infrastructure and apps reliant on GPS, particularly the Google-branded apps, on FireOS f/w prior to f/w 8.2.1.3 ; functionally unusable.

GPS /app issues improved but persist with f/w 8.2.1.3 to 8.2.1.9 to various degrees, depending on mix of FireOS and current GPS version. YMMV.

Signifiant compatibility improvement on f/w 8.3.2.x (and later), but still not "perfect" , and may still vary with Google's frequent GPS framework updates.

FireOS can be manually downloaded and updated . Current f/w 8.3.2.4 available on Amazon Support site . Amazon does not archive previous f/w versions, but can be found on various "unofficial" repositories.

Note that with f/w 8.3.1.9 (and later), Amazon began "system protecting" some apps (particularly OTA Updates and Fire Launcher) which cannot be disabled with simple ADB commands.

#edit

All f/w references amended to reflect f/w 8.3.x.x
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adu83522:
Mod translation: Hello everyone, for a few days now I've been trying to get the play store onto my daughter's old tablet (fire hd 8, 8th generation, os 7.3.2.9). she wants to use google meet to call her friends.

i'm almost there, i think ￼

the play store is installed and i was able to find the meet app.

google meet is also installed and i've connected it to the kids google account

but now i keep getting the message:

"sign in to use meet calling."

when i click on "sign in" the message

"downloading updates in google play services" appears and at some point an error occurs.

what am i doing wrong?

thanks in advance for your help!

Spoiler content hidden.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] devers1111:
TYVM Blaacksheep
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hey, no problem friend!

THANK YOU for supporting the Toolbox by using it! I really appreciate it! :good::D

I'm just glad that everyone is finding the Toolbox useful and satisfactory!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
It's all good man! It happens every now and then! :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] bryfly:
My windows 10 pc Wants to update fire tool at every switch on, have deleted all trace of fire tool from pc but still flashes up on screen update required, how can I stop this??

Cured had to delete all registry entry.....
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Mhaggar:
Hello, on my fire 10 2017 widgets aren't working ; as soon as I drop it, the screen switch to settings and nothing more... Do I have to activate something in Nova ? Thanks :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] sile87:
Hello, just want to ask how to deinstall nova launcher, if i installed it with this tool? Thanks.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] SAM4191:
custom launcher multiple profiles

Thanks for the tool.

It's amazing

I've got adblock, custom launcher and the google stuff.

But I can't get the custom launcher to work with a second profile.

Is this a known issue or am I doing something wrong?

So far I just tried to execute the custom launcher option whith the second profile loaded on the tablet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Oh I see you have fixed it. I'm sorry for the late response. I'm glad you were able to fix it! :D