yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] nevvob:
As I mentioned I had a few problems when installing Nova launcher but it was the Automate part that failed after the Nova part had installed.

Here are my notes I made:

Click the cog on the main window and choose "Startup tour" on the Startup tab so that the tour always starts up (as you will need to close out after custom launcher install)

Run wizard 1 - set OTA updates as restricted

Connect to WiFi and click OK

Run wizard 2 -

Toggle Collect app usage data

Device Usage Data

Interest-Based Ads

Randomize advertising Id.

Run wizard 3 - Manual

Disable Apps tab

Complete debloat

Run wizard 3 - Manual (Simple)

Restore (any ones you care about)

Amazon Appstore

Amazon Prime video

Audible

Device setup (allows you to register for amazon apps if you care about such things)

Run wizard 3 -Manual (Advanced)

On System Apps tab -

Remove Special Offers (this might be a new app that is missed from the debloat files as this remains in the utilities folder)

Open the Amazon app store and register the tablet in Amazon

Uncheck all three options (location, xxx, save password)

No thanks on Kindle offers

Run wizard 4 -

Install Nova Launcher wait till it installs.

Wait till the Automate app installs then prompts you to configure it but - this will fail as the Launcher Invoker flow will return an error (failed to read flow) - hit cancel on the tablet. Note that the Invoker Flow does get copied successfully to the root of the device.

You'll end up in a message box loop in the app now so close the toolbox out and start it again.

Click Automate app choose remove

Run wizard 3 - Manual (Simple)

Remove Fire Launcher

Run wizard 3 - Manual mode (Advanced)

Disable Special Offers App

Then open the tablet and it will ask you what app to use for home - choose Nova and click Always

Configure the app

Run wizard 6

Click OK to Reboot tablet

Close the setup tour and use the Google Services (Manage)

Add your user account

Run wizard 5 -

Install google keyboard

Install play apps and configure the rest of the tablet
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] nevvob:
I'm going to send mine back. YouTube started saying it was offline even though it wasn't so videos were not showing.

Clearing the cache of the app didn't help and I then cleared the play store data and cache which caused the same service restart problem. I didn't fancy going through the whole set up again and having to do so frequently.

After using it properly for a day or so it wasn't even as good performance wise as the 5 year old tablet I bought it to replace so I'm not gonna keep it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
That is interesting. I am trying to replace the 2016 Samsung S2 8 inch model. A couple of years ago I bought my wife the 8 inch European Samsung and I might buy one of those for myself.

Last week I finally set up TWRP on the S2. Spectrum won't work to watch cable TV on LIneage 16 (Android 9) and the camera won't work on the current Lineage 17 which means I can't mimic my Verizon SMS with the Verizon messages app. The Verizon message app relies on the camera to verify my identity.

The other thing about the Fire tablet that is annoying is the cheap glass that picks up body oil from my fingers.

Thank you for listing all the steps in order. I will try them this evening. I was busy today being entertained by two of my grandchildren. They are much more enjoyable than Android.

One thing I don't understand is whether NewPipe or the Vanced version of YouTube would be of use to you. Thanks again and again!!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] maarten256:
Hello all,

I'm probably not following all of this thread completely, so maybe this is not relevant... On my 2022 7HD, Google services and all associated with that refused to work properly until I got the OTA that pushed the OS to 8.3.1.3 (pushed on December 10th). Prior to that I had no luck getting the services to run stable. I figured this out last week by accident, but my tablet's been working fine since then... So I'd recommend at least checking that out; you don't lose anything by doing it AFAIK.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] loose_tooth:
Hello,

My Christmas and end of year has been dominated by going down a bit of a Fire tablet rabbit hole.

I had a Fire HD 10 (11th generation) which I used primarily for the Kindle app (reading magazines).

However, I decided I wanted a cheap 8" tablet to use a screen on my rowing machine and so I bought a Fire HD8 (12th generation) and tried to side load Google Play Services. Which just did not work at all.

So, this process led me to the Toolbox and I am grateful for this utility.

It led me to using it on both tablets and it is amazing how differently the different generations of tablets react to the toolbox.

1) Fire HD 10 (11th generation) - it reacts to the toolbox better, however, I have to disable updates and have ZERO Amazon apps on, if I do not then Amazon slowly creeps back. I will wake up and it will have updated Kindle and then Silk reappears and then the shopping app (etc) until I have to run the toolbox again.

Therefore I have purged the tablet of Amazon apps. I do not try to update the software and this table has become my fitness tablet (which is not what I intended, but this is life).

2) Fire HD 8 (12th generation) - So, this is my lataest Fire HD and the reason I am writing this post.

I have updated the tablet to Fire OS 8.3.1.3 - Once I had did this the Toolbox worked much, much better than the HD10. I can have Amazon apps (Kindle and the main Amazon app) and they do not generally repopulate the tablet. Therefore, this has now my "media" tablet.

However, although I have Google Play Services is on the tablet (along with Play Store and the other apps) certain apps do not recognise that it is there. For example, Google Fit cannot connect to Google. Google Earth does not work. There are then apps that work, but when you launch them they pop up a notification that says "APPName won't run without Google Play services, which are missing from your device." For example the Clock app I have installed, RowErg (the rowing machine app) does the same, WOD Generator.

So, there is an issue with the Fire recognising that Google Play Services is there and what apps can access it.

So, I have a returns period on the Fire 8 HD. What I am trying to determine is whether this is something that potential future updates will fix? Or whether it is more likely that this what the Fire 8 HD (2022) will be like going forward. I know that no-one will be able to say definitively, but has this situation occurred with prior Fire Tablets? It might be better to return the Fire 8 HD (2022) and buy a cheap Android tablet, but that would represent over a 2x price increase.

One thing I would say is that the 8" tablet still has adverts, will the removable of adverts maybe fix the Google Play Services? I do not want to spend another £10 and that be wasted money.

Obviously the fantasy is that there is a future update to the Fire OS that allows Google Play Services to run and (particularly) Google Fit to run (and be linked to by other apps)... but, if that is very unlikely then it might be better for me to accept reality and return the Fire 8 HD whilst I still can.

Cheers and a Happy New Year.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] yardi83:
Thanks a Lot!

Following this guide i was able to Install Nova Launcher, Google Play Services, Google Play Store, gBoard, remove Amazon stuff etc. on my new Fire HD+ 8 2022 shipped with FW 8.3.1.3.

The only thing that is not working for me is installing and setting up google assistant.

Toolbox is keep saying that Google Play Services are not installed (which they are of course) and by manually installing Assistant fromm Play Store the Fire is saying that i have to enable Play Services everytime i trie to start it.

Chromr, YouTube etc are working fine.

Any advice on that issue?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] nevvob:
Sorry I sent it back.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] nevvob:
Good tip, worth trying if someone is struggling.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] nevvob:
I didn't get the issue with play services not being recognised if I went through in the order in my notes so maybe try that.

There is also an option in the toolbox to remove ads so save yourself a tenner and use that instead.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] rptor:
It's a gen 2 (2012)

Thank you for your help.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Ballberyn:
Hey guys, I don't know if this was asked before... I know it's stated that the tablet has to be out the box in the instructions but will any feature(s) work at all if the tablet was linked to an amazon account already?

OR

Is there even a way to unlink it before?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
That is interesting. I have been trying to follow the "nevvob" instructions to the letter but I can't get chrome and gmail to run consistently. They seem to run fine and then afte a while they crash. There is one part of this that I don't understand and does not happen on my following of the step by step guide.

"Run wizard 4 -

Install Nova Launcher wait till it installs.

Wait till the Automate app installs then prompts you to configure it but - this will fail as the Launcher Invoker flow will return an error (failed to read flow) - hit cancel on the tablet. Note that the Invoker Flow does get copied successfully to the root of the device.

You'll end up in a message box loop in the app now so close the toolbox out and start it again."

When I install the Nova Launcher I just let it install and it doesn't prompt me to configure it. I also don't really know what the "Automate app" is. Am I supposed to be running something called Automate that I am missing and therefore the thing isn't installing correctly?

This doesn't seem to be a reason that Google services would start and stop the way they seem to.

Any help will be appreciated but I am just about ready to send my 8 inch HD back too.

I almost forgot - there is also this error when Google Services is being installed and I don't know if that is an issue. See the error in the attached jpg.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hmm, try restoring the Device Setup app in the Manage Amazon Apps > Simple (Recommended) > Restore Apps > Device Setup > Restore Selected subtool. Upon restore, you should now be able to change the language. Best of luck!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
They fixed or removed something in the firmware that was causing incompatibilities with Play Services. Not sure what, but all we know is it's working as intended now. Thanks for the report! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Ah, that makes sense.

Unfortunately, the Toolbox doesn't really support Android 4. It's only designed for Android 5 and above. I'm so sorry my friend! I hate being the barer of bad news! :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings and great question, my friend!

The Toolbox will indeed still work even if the tablet has been registered. You can unlink via a factory reset if you really want to, though. :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] yardi83:
Did you run the wizzard to Install Nova Launcher or did you Install it with Play Store?

Other question: Another thing i am missing out is screen mirroring my 8+ 2022 to Chromecast devices. On my Pixel Phone i do that with Home app but on the fire i Just can turn my TV on/off with Home app. In Fire OS settings no Chromecast devices are found. Is there any workaround for that? Does Screen mirror maybe come with Google assistant which i don't managed to get running yet
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ZeNo SpEEd:
To those devastated by the new Fire OS updates, there is a way to downgrade the OS back to 6.3.1.2, but it does involve the teardown of your Fire Tablet, a Linux installation, and this exploit only functions on the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7 2019 (9th Generation) Tablet. The link to the exploit can be found here. Follow the instructions carefully and please do not use the Software Method of the exploit because your Fire OS version, if you were probably going for this method, is too new and patched the mtk-su exploit. The hardware method is the only working method. I was able to get my Kindle Fire HD 7 (2019) from Fire OS 7.3.2.6 to Fire OS 6.3.1.2! It does work, give it a try! The teardown is not too hard and the forum provided thoroughly guides you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] soler37:
Hello and thanks for this tool.

I own the new Gen 11 fire HD 10 tablet, is there anything I cannot do with this tool due to updates? Im running Fire Os 7.3.2.6.

I went through the setup tour but it seems as though its a bit glitchy. Nova Launcher doesn't launch automatically and it seems a few things failed in the process of installing, though im not sure if anything important, due to the fact that my os is updated to latest, should I be waiting for best toolbox update without updating my fire HD or can I still get beneficial use out of toolbox in my current state?

Thanks again
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
I am talking to myself again.

Actually, I am replying to my own message here. I upgraded to the 8.3.1.3 and the HD8 tablet is acting pretty much like stock Android. All the hiccups with the Google services seem to be gone.

I followed the step by step that "nevvob" printed and the OS is working very well.

I have 1 pressing question at this point. Is there a way to toggle the location service to run as if it were stock Android instead of allowing the Amazon FireOS location services to run. (Are they the same? Some of the apps seem to be looking for location even though it is on.)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Kiros Anbesaw:
Thank you for your amazing tool. It worked perfectly. My device is fire hd 10 kids. As your advice, the moment I got the device out of box, I click on my wifi and click back before typing password to choose skip straight to home screen, activated usb debugging and used your tools to install google play and deactivate os update. After that I installed Launcher, auto hide the back and home buttons ( don't deactivate if you plan to use child profile it's a must there) and installed mygesture app for swipe gestures for back, volume, brightness ...

Thanks again and Happy new year.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] RoidBoy:
Backed up Fire Hd 10 with Firetoolbox, but when I went to restore the backup FROM my PC, it did not work, and I got a message that it couldn't find the location of the file, even tho I allowed the Toolbox itself to determine the location of the Backup files originally when backing up the first time.

So WTF?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
Again talking to myself.

In addition to the question about Google services location vs Amazon Fire HD location as in quote above, I am also wondering if there is a screen protector that folks on this message board like. I like the oleophobic type glass that repels fingerprints and the HD8 seems to attract fingerprints.

Thank you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] SanAequitas:
So we bought the kids a Fire 10 HD for Christmas, got it mostly setup but never realized how crappy the interface is until we started actually using it this week. Found this tool, read through the first several pages and last couple pages of this 558 page thread. I'll probably get around to trying it out in a couple days, but in the meantime:

Looks like it will still work even though we're already logged in to Amazon, correct? Just occasional Amazon-pushed updates might cause issues in the future?

Around page 14ish you mentioned you might give the ability to pick and choose which Amazon bloat to add/remove, I assume that was added and is in the current version? We want to keep a bunch of it for the kids, but just get rid of the extra useless stuff (who the hell uses soundbox..?)

I have two child accounts and two parent accounts. Does deleting an app remove it from everyone, or would I need to run this separately for each profile?

I copied some videos over on my account, but the child account can't see them in Files or VLC. How do I fix that? Can the tool enable that at all?

Some reddit posts mentioned I can copy the files over while logged into the kid account, but then I'd have to do that separately for both kids, using double the storage? And then not visible under the adult profile probably?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] MontysEvilTwin:
I know how to switch on Google location services but it think it then runs alongside the Amazon version. If you install the Google Maps app, then click on the button to locate your current location, it will ask if you want to switch on Google location services. Select yes and then this function is activated.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] maarten256:
I haven't played with the launchers so I can't help with that, I'm afraid. Casting from an Amazon tablet only works if it's built into the app you are using (Netflix, and I think YouTube are examples). The OS itself does not support casting - the people at Amazon decided that was a good idea and it's not in FireOS. This is definitely a drawback, and I haven't been able to figure out how to fix it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] yardi83:
Thanks for your reply.

I don't know what i did or changed but i found out how to Screen mirror with Google Home App. Simply long press the Chromecast device in Home App that you want to mirror to and in the following menu you can select Screen mirror. No other Apps have to be connected.

Runs fine without any lag or disconections.

When i first Set Up the Tablet all i could do is Switch my TV on/off with Home App and i am Not sure what i changed since then regardind this. Maybe updating Google Play Services?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
Thanks. I saw some functionality return to location services before I read your post. I did open Google maps and that seemed to work too.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
I still need a bit of help. I installed both Google and Google Contacts and yet my contacts are not populating the Gmail app that I also have installed.

This is a necessary app for me on a tablet. If no one has the answer for this the HD 8 will make its return to Amazon.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Yeah, any app that uses the Miracast/Google Cast protocols (unless they're bundled with the app, like you mentioned) won't work on the Fire Tablets.

We were able to launch the hidden "Cast screen" activity in the Settings app on a few of the tablets, but were unable to toggle on the Wireless Display option. Doing some research, It seems we'd need to edit the build.prop to enable Wireless Display... something we can't do without root, unfortunately. Casting to audio sources seems to work, though.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
Are these errors, especially the one regarding contact sync the reason my contact sync isn't working?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] maarten256:
I'm glad you got that piece to work. Given this, I tried Google Home again but it doesn't work for me; it can't connect to the devices I already have on my account, and it won't find any new devices to add. Did you go as far as installing Google Assistant?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] maarten256:
I have not tried to install contacts sync using FTB, but I did install the Google contacts app, and it seems to work for me, after a fashion.

If I go into settings in the contacts app, I see I somehow have two Google accounts registered, one associated with Google, and one with Gmail. I guess the latter was somehow created when I installed the gmail app, not sure. My default account (Google) doesn't show any contacts, but using the side menu (through the hamburger button) allows me to select "all accounts" which then shows me the contacts I have.

All is not well with the state of this, there are lots of little quirks and things that don't work quite right. I found that the Google Calendar app doesn't work for me...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] zambalik:
Hello guys,

Happy new year.

What are the URLs/IPs to be blocked from my router to completely block amazon OTAs?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Yes, you're entirely correct. The Toolbox will still function as normal if the device is registered. :D

We recommend you disable or restrict OTAs as soon as possible. OTAs will reverse changes made with the Toolbox or restrict its ability to perform some functions.

Indeed. You can manually select which Amazon apps you'd like to disable/hide in the Manage Amazon Apps > Manual (Simple) subtool.

I believe you'd need to disable/hide the apps you want for each individual profile. I suppose a feature like that could be added to the Toolbox, but as of now it doesn't have it. As for the files, I'm afraid you will have to copy over the files to each profile. :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
I've attached a copy of the blacklist from @blaacksheep's outstanding post. In the file, you'll find the IPs you need to block. Best of luck! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
I believe Google Services offer a more "accurate" location reading, and most apps won't work without it enabled. It's also important to note that the Fire Tablets do not have built-in GPS chips and can only obtain location data via WiFi access points.

As for the screen protectors, I can't provide any input here. I just keep my tablets in the plastic "bag" they came in. :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Glad to see everything went smooth, and the tablet is set up to your liking! Thanks for the report and happy new years to you too, my friend! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Most of the issues with firmware 7.3.2.2+ have been worked around. The only thing the Toolbox cant do with these firmwares is disabling apps. However, I'm afraid there may not be a solution to that without root, unfortunately.

Yeah, Setup Tour needs a few updates to get it up to speed. Planning on releasing a bugfix/improvement release soon. Adding the Setup Tour to the list! Thanks for the report! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] noside_143:
Just got a Fire hd 10 (2019) version running fireos 7.3.2.6, should I even bother attempting to use this tool?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] yardi83:
I installed Google Assistant but as soon as i start it the Tablet is showing me those "Google Play Services are needed to run this App" Messages every few Seconds. Found no workaround for that issue so i deinstalled GA.

I run multiple Google devices so i can easily do my Assistant stuff with them. Acceptable for me at least
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] zambalik:
Many thanks @Datastream33 for your prompt response. Just to confirm, is it sufficent to just block these URLs from the router if I am planning to use the tablet at home? or i have to change something in the routing tables?

The reason I am asking this because I was reading the HTTPS can't be blocked because it is encrypted.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] eigen:
great app but is there a way to disable it from creating new desktop icons for the app and updater if they're not there. i'd like to have control over what goes on my desktop and an option to disable this would be nice. thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
It should be sufficient to blacklist them from your router or use a PiHole to send them to a dead end. I don't believe the protocol matters (whether HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, etc.) to the router. I've never heard of a problem blocking them this way, and there have been several people here that did it this way.(y)