yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
TDRL ... lock down your Fire Toollbox modifications.

You're right ... using a simple ADB command can disable OTA Update app on FireOS 8.3.1.3 , just as it did in the early days of Fire Toobox, prior to f/w 7.3.2.2 . Same with Fire Launcher.

But a you noted , Amazon could change that with the next OS update.

And that is exactly what happened with FireOS 7.

As a backgrounder, the earlier versions of FTB on FireOS 5/7 were simple ADB command scripts that disabled/removed many of Amazon apps ... a real debloat. But Amazon quickly changed that with subsequent OS updates. Originally, the first f/w updates reverted all the FTB modifications and wiped out all the customizations, so users had to redo their FTB setups from scratch. So @Datastream33 implemented a FTB protocol to be block OTA updates and that was generally successful. So began a "cat and mouse game" with Amazon to thwart the effects of FireOS OTA updates.

That all changed with with f/w update 7.3.2.2 (Nov/21) when Amazon "system protected" many apps (especially OTA Updates and Fire Launcher) so that they could no longer removed/disabled with ADB.

Also note that f/w updates cannot be reverted to earlier versions; they are burned into the tablet firmware.

@Datastream33 devoted much time and effort to develop "workarounds" to block OTA updates and install alternative launchers ... effective but cumbersome. Also @blaacksheep, et al developed "guidebooks" to explain and help other members through the processes.

This explains the why FTB protocol is so adamant about blocking OTA updates. Also explain user quests for Fire tablets with f/w prior to 7.3.2.2

So back to your original question. Yes, additional measures to block OTA on FireOS 8.3.1.3 may be "overkill", but it may be prudent to protect your Fire tab mods.

Everyone is still surprised that FTB 's ADB commands are so effective on FireOS 8.3.1.3 ... Lock down tablet to keep it that way.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Yes, it was really hard to recommend 12th Gen Fire tablets as "Google capable" prior to f/w 8.3.1.3 . I'm sure more that folks returned their new Fire tablets expectíng their Google Play installs to work. So many people thought it was a FTB problem. It was total chaos last July when the new Fire 7 tablets rolled out with FireOS 8.

FireOS 8.3.1.3 was a pleasant but very unexpected surprise ...almost shocking, but I guess that coding for Android 11 must by somewhat different than Android 9.

A couple of thoughts on Google apps based on my experiences with FireOS 7 which may may be applicable to FireOS 8.3.1.3

Android (ergo Google) has a setting for the management of Google accounts with allows for auto-synching of Google apps (as well 3rd party apps attached to Google accounts); setting is removed on FireOS but may the activity may still be active; some members have used various means to access the activity but process is obscure.

Google Contacts Sync app has recently been removed from Google Play Store, so it may have become a Google-protected app. Similarly, Google Play Services has been removed. So the behavior on FireOS may have changed.

Moree generally, background "push" notifications on apps codecd for the Google infrastructure will not be displayed on Fire tablets. FireOS uses a different proprietary notification protocol.

There is "workaround" to synching Gmail and Google Contacts on Fire tablets. It requires attaching Gmail to Amazon email app and Google Contacts to Amazon Contacts and routing through Amazon's servers. That's Amazon's prescribed solution. It sounds like a kludge.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Just to add to this, it may be possible to sync your contacts manually either through a 3rd party app or through the backup/restore process that's built into Google Contacts. This doesn't fix all the problems here, but at least you'll have your contacts to send an email to.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] shyshi:
THX
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
That is what I did. I exported from either my phone or another tablet. It worked fine but it isn't ideal of course,
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
The other way I could protect the OS would be to use the Toolbox to set up the metered mode. Do you know if Amazon has ever broken through that protection?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
It's not "protection" to be broken through. It merely tells the tablet that your bandwidth is limited and to please not download anything you don't immediately need until you get to a connection with unlimited service.

All Amazon has to do is tell the updater app to not respect the setting and do it anyway. It's not likely that they'll do that, but it's also not impossible.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] case1978:
I downloaded the Fire Toolbox and have set my Kindle Fire HD8.0 with "Enable ADB", however it doesn't recognize my Kindle when I plug it into the computer (use multiple USB ports and cables).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Klevers:
Hey,

4 years!

So small, yet so useful!

Congratulations and best wishes!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Klevers:
Hey,

I just wanted to share information, maybe it will be useful for someone.

I bought Kindle Fire HD 10 (11. Generation) firmware 7.3.2.4.

When buying, there was no "binding" to Amazon. In a few days, I called support and asked to disable ads.

The serviceworker was kind and turned off, but, failed to turn off the Lockscreen.

After that, I turned Fire Toolbox V30.2 on and activated first of all - "OTA Updates", after which I made all the settings I needed.

So far everything is working well.

PS: I use automatic translation, so there may be some inaccuracies, sorry in advance.

Thank you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
I never tried; it was just a hope.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Klevers:
Hi!

Thank you very much for the detailed and clear answer.

True, I already figured it out myself, but thanks anyway!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

Maybe @Datastream33 answered your question in an earlier post:

Hopefully that'll get you going. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] csrudi:
THX!!!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] emmanuel4christ03:
T

Thanks for clarifying. Appreciate!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Afterthought on your Google Contacts apps synching problems.

Probably too obvious and not what you need, but have you onsidered accessing your Google contact lists through the Google "cloud" and your browser, and bypassing the app completely ?

contacts.google.com and sig-in to your Google account.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Cyberviz:
Running Toolbox V30.3 on Fire 7 2022. While the Amazon apps on gone, Toolbox simple shows all unchecked boxes, nothing in restore. Thoughts?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Hello. Could you please send a little more info to help troubleshoot?

- confirm FireOS version on your device

- confirm process you used to "debloat" the Amazon apps

- a screenshot to confirm contents in "Restore Apps" (the tab next "Disable Apps" from your screenshot)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
You are correct. That is the workaround that my son uses on his Fire tablet. I just really like the app. Thank you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Apps ... can't live with them, can't live without them. LOL
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mmatus1112:
Hi,

I must say this is a GREAT tool... I am using it on a "Fire Table HD 10 - Generation 7" and I was able to install the google play services without any issues. I signed into my google account and I am able to search all the google apps. However, whenever I try to install any app, it gets stuck in "PENDING" status and it does not install. Any ideas? I am using Toolbox V30.3.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Hello. Let's try some of the simple Google Play troubleshooting SOPs first, if you haven't tried already.

- Reboot your device. "No-brainer" , but it works

- Clear the Cache and User Data in Storage for both Google Play Store and Google Play Servises apps, then reboot.

- Sign out of your Google Account, then sign in again,.

If the problem persists, ping us again and we can try something else.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
Did you sign in with the Toolbox or on the tablet the normal way you would with any other. Android device?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Cyberviz:
- Fire OS - [Fire OS 8.3.1.0]

- Process to Debloat - Manage Amazon Apps > Disable Amazon Apps > Selected Standard Debloat

- Screenshot

I've disable and restored Camera, still get Parental control blocking message. (Camera currently disables) Work around currently is to disable camera and use another from Google Play (ugh, with ads). Parental controls are OFF.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Thanks ... the situation is clearer now. As @Datastream33 suggested, Parental Control error messages may be triggered when necessary integrated Amazon service are disabled. In your situation, Camera and Amazon Prime Photos are linked . Both apps need to be enabled for either to work.

Try renabling Camera and Prime Photos, then rebooting your device.

This "fix" works for FireOS 7, but hasn't been verified for FireOS 8 ... there may be other disabled linked processes involved.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] mmatus1112:
I signed in with the tablet the normal way. I will try signing in with the toolbox
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] LordUnderling:
Hello everybody. Real life has kept me away and now I'm trying to get back up to speed with my 12th-gen Fire HD 8 running Fire OS 8.3.1.1 and plan my next move.

The consensus now appears to be that it's safe to install the 8.3.1.3 update and not lose any of the goodness that Fire Toolbx brings, am I correct?

Erring on the side of caution, I've now set the tablet to "forget" the wifi password to my router as a first step towards manually installing the 8.3.1.3 update as per Amazon help instructions. I've downloaded the firmware on my Linux PC and transferred that file to my 12th-gen Fire HD 8 via USB to the tablet Internal storage folder.

The next step on the tablet, as per Amazon help instructions, would be to go Settings --> Device Options --> System Updates and then Update the firmware. Because OTA updates has been disabled by FTB, I can't get into System Updates.

I don't know if this is because of an FTB bug or by deliberate design. Anyway, my next step will be to use FTB to re-enable OTA updates but block any automatic update via WiFi to prevent any inadvertent update to anything other than Fire OS 8.3.1.3.

Hopefully, the update will go through after which I'll once again disable OTA updates and re-enable WiFi.

Might there be a reason not to do this or will I be good to go?

(I've been having issues with running Google Play and F-Droid apps consistent with what others here have experience. I'll go into this later after this update does or does not get done.)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] MrMrMr111:
I have Fire 8 (10th gen, 2020), and used (I think) v26 or so for the tool. I have system updates disabled so I can't see what version Fire OS I'm on but I haven't updated in more than a year at least.

So is it worth updating to newer Fire OS for the tablet? Any significant updates? Does v30 of the tool do anything more/less that it would be worth running it and updating, or even starting again? I only use this Fire for basic use, media use.

I still find the Fire tablets slow, this one was cheap it was worth it, is the 2022 version any faster in general use? Hate the pause and sluggish behaviour of it

thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
I had the best luck signing out and then signing in my first account with the Toolbox. After that I signed in an additional account the normal way with no problem.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

Try force stopping, and clearing the cache for the Downloads and Download Manager app. Then force stop the 4 play services apps (Play store, Google play services, Google play services framework, and Account Manager).

That should fix the download issue. Best of luck, and please let us know how it goes! 🤞
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Godd tactical plan ... you need/want FireOS 8.3.1.3 but ONLY f/w 8.3.1.3.

Keep a copy of the the f/w download for "safekeeping" , if you ever need to do a future device factory reset ... Amazon support only makes the current update available and doesn't archive previous versions.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] LordUnderling:
I can see that. Is there no 3rd-party website keeping any of the desired Fire OS versions available? Would Amazon shut that down?

If they frown upon this, I guess you wouldn't be permitted on any host using Amazon Web Services. Terms of Service or some such legalese but this may be something that might fly under their radar.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] LordUnderling:
BTW, for possible future reference, the sha256 sum I got for update-kindle-Fire_HD8_12th_Gen-RS8313_user_1245_0021072502148.bin is 3142a4bb7debca8145411ec85a9accaa4f0a6221471112be0be163fbb01390e0

Something to want to know if one goes hunting for this file at some future date after Amazon might take their copy down.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Cyberviz:
Thanks, that works!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] LordUnderling:
Manual updating is not working for me.

I go from Settings --> Device Options but when I go to System Updates, I get kicked back to Settings

FTB won't re-enable either OTA updates. I'm not sure about automatic updates. It looks like I can make a change on the tablet but FTB won't show any such change.

There doesn't appear to be any method available for pointing the tablet towards the firmware update that's sitting in the internal storage folder.

I've restored all Amazon apps. The only thing I can think to do next is a Reset to Factory Defaults.

The one thing that I don't want to do is to go online to do anything automatically there.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Turning OTA Updates back on seems to be an issue in Toolbox lately. For most people, this doesn't cause problems. For your situation, it does.

You can use the Manage Amazon Apps > Manual tab > (Advanced) option to re-enable OTA updates.

Go into that tool and let the tool read the packages on your tablet. This might take a minute or 2. Then click the Disabled/Hidden Apps tab and let it filter. This won't take as long. Now select the 3 Forced OTA apps, and possibly the 2 System Updates apps. Now click the Enable Selected tab in the upper right. Your updates should now be enabled again.

Don't forget to disable OTA Updates when you're through . 😉
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I forgot who posted it, but a user posted this link to Amazon's list of archived FireOS versions broken down by tablet version and generation. Maybe that will help. :cool: It's source code and needs to be built/compiled first, I believe.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
If you've been away from the FTB community for a while you've missed a lot of excitement/angst/despair.

From the FireOS 7.3.2.2 update (late November/21) there were some significant changes to how Fire tablets could be modded. Quoting from OP #1:

" IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING FIREOS 7.3.2.2+ AND THE TOOLBOX (PLEASE READ)

If your tablet is running FireOS 7.3.2.2 or above please note that some functions of the Toolbox may not work due to new restrictions in the new firmware. The following tools either do not work or have limited functionality:

• OTA Updates - OTAs can no longer be disabled.

• Manage Amazon Apps - Some system apps can no longer be disabled."

This includes not being able to replace Amazon Launcher.

Since then Amazon has added even more restrictions. @Datastream33 worked really hard to code various "workarounds" which are effective but are cumbersome and add to the "overhead" of the already limited system resources.

So definitely DO NOT upgrade FireOS . Most of the FTB updates are related to the workarounds and probably wouldn't add any new functionality to your setup, although some of the FTB processes are improved.

If your tablet is pre-f/w update 7.3.2.2, consider it to be part of the "Golden Age" of FTB mods ... it doesn't get any better!

To improve the performance of your device consider reducing the number of apps installed to free as much memory as possible, especially for streaming media. Also consider cleaning the tablet caches periodically; services like YouTube can occupy as much as 250MB memory per hour.

The newer Gen 12 tablets have moderately improved specs, but have their own problems running the Google Play ecosystem.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ra[g]e:
Hello, I just got the Fire HD 8 and it came loaded with 8.3.1.1.

Basically the initial setup especially with Google services was horrendous, buggy - e.g. even after logging in (not waiting for services to update), Gboard kept saying that play services was not installed, and other apps installed from Play store kept crashing. When I did a factory reset and waited for play services to update before signing in, it kept on crashing (at the sign in screen) before I could properly log in. I had to try many times (feels like trying to login fast before it crashed) and finally got the account setup, once it was setup most of the bugs seemed to go away (fingers crossed).

I'm wondering since I've got 8.3.1.1 more or less stable for now, is there a reason for me to update to 8.3.1.3 which appears to be much more stable at least with Google services? TIA!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
You can cross your fingers that Google will stay stable for you, but my experience was that by going to 8.3.1.3 I have had a much more smooth experience. I was about to send the tablet back when I was dealing with 8.3.1.1.

Your experience may be different. At a minimum I would download the 8.3.1.3 in case you change your mind and want it in the future. Most of the experienced users here (and I am not considering myself as experienced) are expecting that Amazon will patch the 8.3.1.3 to "fix" its vulnerabilities.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
OK. Great idea. And though I am sure if I looked through all the 566 pages of messages I could find the answer, could you please point me to the 8.3.1.3 FW for the HD8?

I assume this is the best place to download:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G2JXLC4L34GX73TE
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
I have a 2020 HD8+ currently running f/w 7.3.2.6. But I just downloaded what purports to be 8.3.1.3. See attached. Do you think it's safe to install?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I don't know the source of your download, but Amazon themselves has a page from which you can download the official updates (though only the current updates) here.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
That's the official Amazon support site for current f/w updates.

Caveat : With later versions of FireOS 7, it was generally impossible to revert back to previous f/w versions; possible risk of "hard bricking" your device. May be similar with FireOS 8.

I'm really vague of the technical aspects, but conceptually, Amazon apparently "burns" f/w into to the device circuitry. There's some sort of electronic "fuse" set with each new f/w update , preventing access to older versions. The e-fuse may "trip" by forcing a retro update. Once the e-fuse is "blown" your device is effectively "dead" ... a virtual paperweight.

Effectively , current f/w updates become a permanent part of your device. A factory reset uses the current f/w "burned" into your device and NOT nessearily the f/w that came originally "out of the box".

That's why it's the FTB "prime directive" to block OTA updates; once you've updated, you can't revert..Remember f/w 7.3.2.2

My thinking is that if the next FireOS 8 update "clobbers" existing FTB mods (like f/w 7.3.2.2 did), you'd have a copy of 8.3.1.3 around if needed. How useful it will be is subjective, but at least you will have it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
I would think that would brick your tablet. Unless those with more experience contradict this idea, I would not dare do it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
IMHO , probably NOT!

As @Datastream33 pointed out to you earlier, there is a real risk of "hard bricking" your device ... If he's cautious , I would be too.

Your Fire tablet is a cheap Android-like device but could become an expensive paperweight.

This is uncharted territory .... Proceed with upmost caution!

(I guess I'm really not XDA material ... not adventurous enough!)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
The concensus so far on Gen 12 Fire devices is to update to f/w 8.3.1.3 , then "lock down" your device to prevent future OTA updates.

For now , f/w 8.3.1.3 is the most stable platform for the Google Play ecosystem and making FTB mods, but that can always be much improved.

[Are you listening Jeff Bezos ? ... crickets ...]
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
So, if I buy a brand new 12th Gen HD 8+ or HD 71 will it come with 8.3.1.3 installed, and can FTB do its magic on either or both just like it does with 7.3.2.2 or 7.3.2.1 (I forgot which is the golden f/w)?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Can't say if they'd come with FireOS 8.3.2.1, but if not, they can be upgraded to it. You are indeed correct in your assumptions that the Toolbox can work its magic on it, just like pre-7.3.2.2 firmware. :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Yeah, @Jumbo100 is entirely correct. Make sure to block OTAs asap. Amazon usually lets things slide for a while on new Android versions, but usually start to lock them down eventually. Always ensure OTAs are blocked and you should be good to go :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

Looks like the firmware is for 12th gen. Be careful, attempting to flash the firmware on a 2020 model will cause the device to brick.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ra[g]e:
Thanks for the information! If I do update to 8.3.1.3 looks like I'll have to setup everything again, which was a bit of trouble for me to finally complete for 8.3.1.1.

I think what I'll do is download the 8.3.1.3 update file and save it somewhere, so in the event that I need to wipe the tablet in the future, I'll just manually update it to 8.3.1.3 then.

Any downsides to this course of action?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" - old proverb

You're very prudent ... If you've made the major effort to do an FTB mod to your Fire device and it's working to your satisfaction, there's no immediate compelling reason to update. I guess it's always been like that for any kind of hardware/software; there's always the option do upgrade "later".

So far, the key reasons f/w 8.3.1.3 may be the current "sweet spot" for FTB installs :

- Google Play infrastructure my be less "buggy", depending on apps installed

- more Amazon apps may be to be disabled by ADB , especially OTA Update and Fire Launcher

- ability to disable Fire Launcher and install an alternative launcher without cumbersome OneButton/Custom NavBar workarounds.

As always, OTA blocking should be invoked to preclude being "ambushed" by a future unwanted FireOS update.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ra[g]e:
Thanks for this, do you happen to have the detailed instructions for me to say manually update the OS version after a factory reset?

For e.g., (1) after factory reset, disable wifi to prevent auto updates, (2) load 8.3.1.3 update file onto tablet, (3) press "system update" to trigger manual update.

Will this be good enough or should I load toolbox to disable OTA before doing all this?