yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Oh, that's right! Forgot that FireOS 7 supported night mode! OK, I'll release a micropatch that will restore the option for FireOS 7. Good catch! :D

Probably should of double-checked with you beforehand regarding Rethink and how it operates. Thank you for correcting me on this matter. I'll also adjust the cons section and remove the con related to an OTA slipping by for Rethink in the micropatch.

Glad you like the Backup change, now we just need to localize the backup save location for an ever more streamlined experience.

As far as the Google links go, it's unfortunately only for the Google app. Are there issues with the links for Play Services?

Got time now, and looking forward to jumping on here more. ;)

Glad to see you like the new update, and thank you for the kind words!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hey Jumbo,

So happy to hear you like the new update!

Oh interesting. Yeah, basically the same method for changing languages, just a different way of doing it ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] gordonmcdowell:
@backsheep thank you!

I did instead install "Smart Audiobook Player" instead... so basically re-downloaded my purchased assets elsewhere. (Amazonly low-quality audiobook players in Amazon App Store compared to Google Play Store!)

But I do appreciate you helping me understand what is going on!

I did have Amazon's Audible installed... it didn't appear visible, I'm guessing because the native-Amazon-account had no books. But I could launch it from Amazon App store, and see it was empty... and no means to change account.

So your directing me to "User Management" tool is a big deal! I don't think I'll using it for this problem, but is certainly something I need to explore and needed to be aware of.

We use lots of cheap Amazon Fire in our school. (This problem is a different use-case.) So knowing about all these aspects could come in useful for other things.

And actually I was surprised that I was able to sign-out of a Google account! We want this to be a PIN-less device, and in my past experience couldn't sign out of a Google account... and so just getting "Smart Audiobook Player" on the device might have introduced a security problem... might have created a throw-away Google account just to install that one app.

But whatever the current combination of Fire 10 and Google and Fire Toolbox is... I could actually delete the Google account and the Google Play installed app kept running.

We're just trying to have "Amazon Photos" working with one Amazon account (that owns no audiobooks) and also be able to listen to audiobooks. And have no PIN. And have no (important) exposed accounts. Weird, niche, use-case.

Thanks for your help, -Gord
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Thanks for the micropatch. :) I didn't think you meant to punish us. 😜

Rethink has been great for us. It's been totally reliable in starting right up and not allowing an update to be requested before filtering DNS services. DNS66 was slow starting and would often just not start so you had to make sure you turned off wifi before rebooting or shutting down to ensure it was started before connecting.

For backup, maybe you could have a default but customizable location for backup storage. That way if a user has a specific place they store important data backups, like an external drive or an SD card, they can use it and Toolbox will remember their choice.

I've seen quite a few failed GS installs in the thread lately. I think they've been worked out eventually, but they still keep occurring. I've never had any of these issues so I really don't feel confident to help out except to repeat others' suggestions.

I hope the Linux surprise is what I think it is. That would be very nice.

Have a great day and we'll hope to see you in here once again. 😁
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] vasilkotsov1:
Hello guys.Why the Shortcut Launcher method doesn't work for me.When whole process is done the launche doesn't appeared after pressing home button just quick blink and staying on Fire Launcher.And also the new method for restriction the OTA with Rethink DNS doesn't work.I can't find any backedup file in my storage. Fire Tablet 10 Generation 11 with latest 7.3.2.9.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Micropatch is out now. Who knows, maybe it was all intentional... ;) (nah, just joking)

Now that you mention it, I do remember there being issues with DNS66. So, it's so good to hear that Rethink is even more effective in that area.

Hey, that's not a bad idea regarding the backups.

So, I've done some testing and it seems that the service where the Google files are stored is having some issues at the moment. It seems the downloads will fail the first attempt, and then succeed in sequential attempts. Hopefully it gets resolved soon.

It could be...

Hey, thanks man. Hope you're also having a great day so far!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hey, thanks again for the micropatch.

DNS66 was an open source and available app that does what it's supposed to do, but it's faults make it unsuitable for our purposes. Rethink is much more appropriate for our needs.

When I tried using the hidden VPN settings, I discovered that the "Always On VPN" switch was actually just an alert to the fact that your VPN wasn't working and didn't in fact stop any traffic from going outside your VPN. The second switch (Block other connections) was also required for that. I'm convinced that Rethjink's reliability and robustness mean that I no longer even have to give it a thought unless I'm testing things for other users and need to shut Rethink off. ☺️

I hope life's been good to you. It's been good to me so far because I'm still above ground! Have a great night/day and watch a net feed of the eclipse if you aren't in the main path. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] vasilkotsov1:
Any help guys?Please.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Your File Management app set up as an Anonymous FPT client as default.

If you don't want Anonymous mode by default, reconfigure app as a regular Google/Android FTP client.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Buddycat:
Hello I have used V33.1 and I have a few problems, I have a fire kindle 8 2020 and I can’t disable fire launcher, (I am using Microsoft launcher BTW) also I am trying to restore a backup (made on fire toolbox) to my kindle 7 2019 but I can’t seem to find the backup I made on my kindle 8 to restore it on my kindle 7 plz can you help me.

(If my problems are fixed in the latest version,I can use it as I’m on holiday and I don’t have any Wi-Fi)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
If your Fire HD8 (Gen10, 2020) is running f/w 7.3.2.2 or later, you can't disable Fire Launcher; it's "system protected" and can't be manipulated by ADB.

FTB backups are specific to each device setup. FTB can't restore backups across different device models to avoid any configuration conflict.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Buddycat:
It said on FT that you can lock backups to stop them from being installed on another device, so because it mentions the fact that backups CAN be installed on another device then surely you can do it? If not is there any other way as the standard Amazon backup and restore doesn’t restore all my other apps installed via FT (custom launcher and apps from aurora store)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
FTB is not designed as a full system backup utility; it basically just backs up the device "configuration state" . A full system backup requires system root access , which isn't available on newer Fire tablets.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Backups can be restored to a different device IF it's the same model and firmware version. (I.E. you have 2 Fire HD 8's that are both the same.) If you try to restore to a different model or year, you'll have to keep your fingers crossed. It might work, but don't rely on it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
I don't necessarily see a problem with restoring the 2020 backup onto a 2019 model (they both run Android 9). However, I would HIGHLY advise against restoring the 2020's settings database onto the 2019 as there are some keys in some of the tables that could result in a soft brick if changed. But, if you're just trying to copy the apps from the 2020 to the 2019 then I say go for it. Just make sure to create a backup on your 2020 with ONLY the user apps option selected (make sure to name it something simple like "UserApps_Backup" for easy identification later), then restore that newly created backup onto the 2019 tablet. Here's how:

Launch the Toolbox, click the gear icon at the upper-right to open the settings, click the "About" tab in the Settings window, then click "Open Installation Directory".

This will open the Toolbox's root directory in File Explorer. Now click the "bin" folder, then "System Backups". In the "System Backups" folder, create a new folder, and name it "Amazon Fire HD 7 (2019)" (without the quotes). Now double click the "Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)" folder, and copy the backup file you want to restore onto your 2019 tablet (the UserApps_Backup.7z file from earlier). Paste that backup file into the "Amazon Fire HD 7 (2019)" folder. Now the backup should show up in the Toolbox for restore.

Please note that I don't recommend restoring backups on different Android versions. But because both your tablets run Android 9 you should ok as long as you're just restoring user apps and package states.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings

Failed to mention this in the method description - if the custom launcher can't be seen on the first few rows (the rows of apps present when Fire Launcher is started) and is further down the list then Automate won't start the launcher (tap on it) as it's waiting for the element to "appear" on screen. Try testing this theory out by swiping down on Fire Launcher and see if Automate starts the custom launcher once it appears on screen.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

I believe Anonymous just means you can access the FTP server without providing a username or password. When the Anonymous option is unticked, it probably won't allow you to start the FTP server until you enter a username and password into their respective fields. If you want the FTP server to be password free then the Anonymous setting is what you're after. When you go to connect to the FTP server on another device, just specify the tablets IP address and leave the username and password fields blank. :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Buddycat:
Thank you very much for the help, it’s highly appreciated 🙂
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] haloking8:
I used a very old version of the Fire Toolbox (V19.0) on my Fire HD 10 2021.

If I use the latest version of the Toolbox (V34.0) to update my Fire HD10, will I lose my data?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
@Datastream33, @blaacksheep & @Jumbo100. I hope you haven't forgotten about me. I'd love to get the Nova Launcher working, but my HD 8+ still defaults to Amazon Launcher, and I don't know what to do.

Thanks again
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Of course, it's my pleasure. Have a great day! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

Great question! Updating to the latest version of the Toolbox is completly safe and you'll indeed keep all of your data... While also getting new features and improvements for the Toolbox ;)

By the way, I see you're new to XDA my friend, welcome to one of the beat websites on the internet!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hmm, where are we at now in the process?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
See post 14,353.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Tru3Blu3:
Hi, I have a Fire 11 and I'm running Fire OS 8.3.2.2, installed on February 26th 2024. This was installed automatically completely unbeknownst to me. Between November and now I had no idea it even updated until today when I go to use it I was informed that an update was available and I just selected remind me later. Update reminder appeared again so looking into device options I found it was updating this whole time and fortunately no important features broke from toolbox.

I last used firetoolbox in November and could of sworn I disabled OTA updates so I'm confused I had assumed the OS I've been using since then is from November. Although the February update didnt break the tweaks I care about I'm concerned about future ones. Mainly just the launcher hijacker and nova launcher replacing the default home page. Anyway, I'll just keep hitting remind me later and if it updates to this newest OS again unbeknownst to me will it be ok? I really only need nova launcher to hijack the default one. There may be some other tweaks/customizations I'm forgetting but that's the most important one.

Thank you to anyone who can help!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Buddycat:
Due to your fire being system protected FTB cannot fully block OTA’S so it is impossible to fully stop Amazon from updating your tablet :(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
No worries accepting the staged update to FireOS 8.3.2.3 on your Max 11. Breaks nothing within your scope of interest.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Tru3Blu3:
Thanks guys for the prompt replies. Can go about my day with my mind at ease. :) Appreciate it.

Also thank you datastream33 for continuing to develop and maintain FTB.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] vasilkotsov1:
I tried but it doesn't work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

In FireOS 8.3.2.2, OTA updates cannot be disabled with ADB. They've "System Protected" the option. The good news is it's just a minor update and doesn't further remove your abilities to modify your tablet.

Datastream33 has just released an update to Toolbox. In v34, he has added an option to use RethinkDNS to block further updates. We used to have to install it manually, but now it's automated in Toolbox. This is a very reliable method of blocking updates and is superior to the method Toolbox used before called "Restrict Updates". If you want to try out the RethinkDNS method, grab a copy of FTB v34 from the OP and run it using the new option. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] dbdude58:
Anyone know of a system tweak (or a good simple app) to add a feature for double-tap to turn the screen on/off? I use this on my phone all the time. With the tablet I find myself hitting the power key to turn off the tablet. But then I have to re-enter my pin all the time.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
From what I've looked through, this doesn't seem like it's possible on FireOS. I've looked for such an app before because the case I use requires me to press the button REALLY hard to actuate it. I tried a bunch of apps in the Play Store and looked on F-Droid. None of them will work with Fire tablets. :( Let us know if you DO find something, though. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Double-tap is a "power management" feature of Android , which Amazon did not bother to implement in FireOS. No ADB tweaks AFAIK. Probably hackable but would require root access, which also isn't available on most Fire tablets ... (Thanks, Amazon).

Most of the simple apps that proport to double-tap are mostly "black screen" overlays and do not actually turn off the screen; just esthetic and do nothing toreduce battery consumption.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Sidebar to previous responses and likely not applicable to your device ...

Fire 11 sports a finger print reader that reliably works with a light touch. Purchasing that device w/o lockscreen adds allows one touch sign-in while maintaining device security. I own such a gizmo along with a 13th gen HD10 that lacks biometric sign-in. Tapping in a pin is quick but annoying. Financial/security app sign-ins are a PiTA without biometrics. As a result the HD10 only gets used for content consumption with very few other apps loaded.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Some thoughts on Google Security Infrastructure on Fire tablets.

Over the last 18-24 months, Google has been "encouraging" Android app devs to upgrade their coding to comply with more stringent security requirements Google is implementing in 2024.

I'm no Google/Android dev, but it seems that there is a potential threat to non-compling devices/apps on the Google/Android infrasttucure.

Am I scaremongering to think that this may apply to Amazon Fire devices running Google Play Services ... especially the Google-branded apps ? ... Scary implications cif it is ! 😨

Less secure apps & your Google Account - Google Account Help

Starting on September 30, 2024, less secure apps, third-party apps, or devices that have you sign in with only your username and password will no longer be supported for Google Workspace accounts.

support.google.com

Beginning September 30, 2024: third-party apps that use only a password to access Google Accounts and Google Sync will no longer be supported

What’s changing As part of our commitment to user safety, Google Workspace will no longer support the sign-in method for third-party apps o...

workspaceupdates.googleblog.com
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Yep, this is coming but probably not to consumer accounts until late 2025 or beyond. Traditional credential gateways are a dinosaur that needs to go away. App/content creators are reluctant to drive change due to user pushback and, for some, the work involved. Big players (Apple, google, Microsoft ...) are making it happen. Workarounds and alternative ecosystems (think FOSS) will emerge but likely won't see widespread adoption. GAI will help small players come into compliance if they wish to stay in the game. Looking at it from the other side (my hat) it is necessary and long overdue.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Could be (partially) coming soon to your personal Google-related accounts !

Screenshot from a Google Security e-mail sent to one of my personal (non-Workdpace) Gmail accounts today.

Already, some apps requiring Google authentication (especially the G-brand apps and apps using e-transaction verification) are having problems with Google Play Services on some Fire tablet setups now.

In the future, if this is/becomes a more entrenched part of Google Play infrasttucure process, potential problems for any non-compliant (sideloaded ?) app or "insecure" device (like Fire tablets) are likely.

... and the Amazon/Google legacy rolls on.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
This is optional; you will only be required to use biometrics for purchase confirmations if (and only if) you have enabled biometric authentication. It will be some time before such procedures becomes mandatory as many contemporary devices sold today lack the ability to securely capture biometrics. Not to mention the social/cultural/behavioral barriers in some circles. Traditional credentials (usernames/passwords) will still be needed for the foreseeable future as biometrics, passkeys and related toolsets are not 100% reliable (have fun authenticating with a wet finger or masked face).

That said, the days of sideloading non-conforming apps are limited. A higher level of security will be required regardless of how it gets on your device.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Agree.

Given that Fire tablets are deemed "unsecure" devices, things could get very interesting (exciting ?).

Also, there is the distinct possible that FireOS 7 compatability with Google Play will wane as Google only requires support for the 4 most recent Android releases ... may already be happening to FireOS 5.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Google has indeed announced apps in the Play Store must conform to at least SDK 29 (Android 10) standards or risk being dropped. Existing and/or sideloaded apps will not be removed or disabled. At least that's been the practice to date.

Speculation on Google blocking 'uncertified devices' has circulated since the 3rd gen HDX days. While that could happen there is no upside for Google in the absence of a catalyst or sharper focus on hardware sales and margins (think Apple).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Buddycat:
Does FTB update from V33.1 to V34 automatically?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I just checked it out, and it doesn't detect an update is available in v33.1. You'll have to download and install v34.0, then it will detect the micropatch to v34.1 and will update. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Buddycat:
Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Buddycat:
Hello me again, I have decided to install it on Linux (Ubuntu) and how to I install V34 as I it seems I can only install V5
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Take a look at OP#1 Downloads again.

Ver 34.0 is for for Windows

Ver 5.0(beta) is for Linux

Read release notes for details.

Make sure to install the correct Linux cersion compatible with your installed version of Python.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Also take note that @Datastream33 said he had a "surprise" for us Linux users coming up. If it's what I think it is, it'll be much easier to install on most Linux versions. V5.0 beta works well on most of the common distros (especially Ubuntu or Debian based) but you may have problems on some Arch based distros. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] lovemesomeandroidyo:
FireHD 8 7th gen, widgets don't work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
I appreciate it! Thanks for the information! :good: :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Can anyone with a 2018-2019 tablet confirm if widgets work or not? Thanks!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
I think the lack of responses is representative of the interest in widgets and widget support. A narrow community love them; rest are ambivelant at best (or perhaps unaware).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] iloyski:
I'm only familiar with windows and have exactly no idea how phone os works, so i will ask noob questions. So i bought fire hd 8(2018) last week and the ads,bloatware and ui is really pissing me off. So i came here.

just wanna confirm that i need to install nova launcher before i uninstall the fire launcher right?

Also just out of curiosity, while lurking here today i've seen thread instructions on how to convert their amazon tab into a complete android(Lineage OS) device. Is that what rooting is for? So i can change the tab's os? Quick google search says "so i can gain admin access". Coz i don't really understand why i would want to root my device. Any rooted system perks? All this terms are new to me lol.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
I suppose that is true. I tested it on my tablet (2018 model) and it works. I was just wondering if all newer tablets support it (mainly 2019 models).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
To your first question, you do NOT need to install a launcher beforehand (The Toolbox will install Nova Launcher for you after it removes Fire Launcher).

For the question about root, I would recommend rooting your tablet if you can. Rooting allows you to completely block OTA updates, remove bloatware completely, remove all ads from the device, freeze apps, and so on. (If you are interested in other perks of rooting take a look at this article).

However, to do so you will need to open your tablet and short out some connections before you can completely root it. In addition, yes, LineageOS is much more preferred and actually closer to stock Android then FireOS is. As far as I'm aware, the rom isn't completely there and some features aren't working.

If you are looking into root I suggest maybe research and learn how Android/Linux works before jumping into something like rooting. Best of luck and I hope you are satisfied with my response! ;)