yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Arrrgh!!! I uninstalled RethinkDNS so that I could write up a guide to setting things up and documenting the whole procedure. Everything was going great, I downloaded a fresh copy on my computer which was a newer version than the one I had been using. I installed and configured it as I was writing my guide. I rebooted the tablet and, lo and behold, I got a message saying that RethinkDNS had been disabled. I tapped it to start it up again, rebooted, and same thing.

I'd forgotten that I originally used a second app, Activity Launcher, to get to the hidden setting "VpnSettingsActivity", where you can enable "Always On VPN". Then it was working again.

So I just have to add a few steps to my guide so it's not hard to follow. I'm almost done and it will be posted in a day or so. Bear with me and I think you'll be happy if you want to set this up. Almost there!😌
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] eragonhnn:
Hello everyone, does anyone here feel that the FireHD tablet's PIN is dying too quickly. I bought my FireHD10 2019 in May 2021, now it's November 2022 (about 1.5 years). My available PIN capacity is only about 70%. I do my test with Accubattery and observe by eye. The battery capacity is fully charged to 100% and quickly drains to 70% in about 5-10 minutes (watching Youtube and reading stories). From about 70% or less, it works properly. 1.5 years of battery capacity remaining 70%, is that normal? I only use it for the purpose of watching youtube and reading stories, my charging cycle is about 4-7 days for a single charge.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Lithium ion batteries lifetimes depend on their usage. In your usage case, you may be better served to only charge them to 80%, and don't discharge them below 40%. I know that doesn't even use half of their capacity, but if the tablet is always home near a charger, it shouldn't be a problem. I try to keep my batteries within those bounds unless I'm planning on an extended use situation. I use Battery Charge Monitor on my devices that aren't rooted to alert me when I reach those boundaries. My last phone is still going strong on it's original battery and it's a Moto G6 purchased in 2019. (It's old, I know.)

The reason to stop at 80% is because of the stress a full charge puts on a battery. Charging above 80% eventually leads to swollen batteries and I'm sure you've seen that before. The reason to not discharge below 40% is that not using the full capacity of the battery doesn't require as much of a battery's life in recharging. They only have a limited number of full charge cycles before they lose capacity like an SD card only has a limited number of write cycles. Li-ion batteries also don't suffer "memory effect" like earlier Ni-Cd batteries do and the limited charge range will not affect the ability to fully discharge them if the need arises. Also a large number of partial charges is easier on the battery than a smaller number of full charge/discharge cycles.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] markbnj:
sticky wicket.

I saw a post that said to 'uninstall g-play services' and i did (but from tablet settings menu instead of from FTB39.02 (Ugh!!)...

Now I can't seem to find the package to reinstall.

UPDATE/Solution (doy!)

on the main menu of the Fire Tool box, click the gear icon in upper right side

run the startup commands again, and all worked fine.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] snevel:
Just a quick note..

Just updated to 29.2

I reset my tablet (I've done silly things to it and finally decided to start over).

All went well until I tried to install a new launcher. The tool couldn't find the apks. After I managed to read the various error dialog boxes, I navagated to:

C:\Users\Simeon\AppData\Local\Datastream\Fire Toolbox V29.0

Whilst poking around (this is on window 10 home) I found that the "Custom Launchers" sub-directory in the bin directory had not been created so the tool had no place to download the apk to. I created the directory in the proper place and I was able to install LawnChair sucessfully.

Also while trying to get Contact Syncing installed, I got another error.

in ../bin/Google Services/Android (x(32) the tool was looking for ConSync9.apk It wasn't there, but ConSync7.apk was! I renamed the file to 9 and reran the tool and all was well.

I just thought I'd drop by in case this hadn't been figured out yet. While using the tool a dialog popped up saying there were issues with installing launchers in v29.

I hope this information helps.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
*** FYI ***

@Datastream33 just released Fire Toolbox 30.0
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I just had a look at FTB 30.0. It seems that there's a new, still in testing method of restricting OTA Updates! I'd like to give this a try, but @Datastream33 says I should back up all my installed stuff and reset the tablet first. I'm going to hold off on this for the time being and see what the other users have to say about how effective this is. I'd really like to hear more about the method. I suppose I could dig around the OP and find the release notes, but I'm sure he'll post something soon about this. Anyways, great work, Datastream! Keep us posted on the new restriction method. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
I just checked my HD 8 Plus and the OS went from 7.3.2.4 to 7.3.2.6 even though I run DNS66 and wait for the shield before enabling Wi-Fi. However, I can't discern any real operational difference between 7.3.2.4 to 7.3.2.6. But I'd like to buy another one running 7.3.2.1 or earlier if I was certain of the OS. Any ideas?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] drovan:
Thanks for the new version V30.0

Unfortunately, still unable to modify anything to do with the navbar on Fire OS8 models. My 2022 Fire 7 and 8 cant disable device dashboard icon or rearrange any of the softkeys using the modifier. You're able to change the settings within toolbox, but none of the changes reflect on the tablet. Not sure if this was talked about recently or if its unfixable.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] sic0048:
First, let me say thank you for this great toolkit.

I just got two HD10s from PrimeDay - one for me and one for my son. I used the toolkit to make changes on my factory fresh HD10 without any issues. For some reason, I cannot get my son's HD to connect to the toolkit. The screen says it is trying to connect, but never does. There is also no popup on the tablet to accept the ADB connection like there was on my device. I know my son registered his device and it seems to have upgraded OS versions prior to me getting to it. I suspect a factory reset will make it connect and I'm planning on trying that today.

My only complain is I find the black background and blue lettering of the toolkit to be very hard to read. It's probably partly due to the fact that my monitors are fairly high resolution which makes the lettering and buttons fairly small. I'm surprised no one else has mentioned it yet in the thread, but it would be nice to use a more contrasting letter color (like white) or even use a standard white background with black lettering instead of the black/blue.

Thanks again!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blackFirefly:
Thank you for your quick reply!

It took me some time to figure out how to set a wallpaper. I wonder why you can't do it via the configuration section xD

I noticed that as well. My laptop has a very high resolution so I moved the window to the monitor I'm using besides it which has a smaller resolution so I was able to read the text :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] GuyInDogSuit:
Possible that your PC already has the adb key from the first tablet stored. Enable the option to see hidden items, then check your documents folder for a ".adb" folder. Delete that, reconnect the second tablet, and run the toolkit again. Should ask your permission again
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] drizzt09:
Check task manager in Windows and kill adb.exe it sometimes gets stuck running
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DJames1:
Coming late to this 105-page thread, could someone answer 2 questions:

1. I have a new Fire HD 8 that I have not done anything with yet except to turn it on and verify that the screen lights up. Is there any special advantage in running this tool before proceeding any further, or does it not matter?

2. Is post #1 kept up to date with the latest guidance, or do I need to take hours to read all 105 pages?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hello gentleman,

I'm not sure if you are aware but the Toolbox does support 2 other themes (Terminal, Classic Blue) other then the default theme (Midnight Blue) that you might find to be more pleasing to the eye. I totally understand where you are coming from, I also find it hard to read the Toolbox at times. To counter this I've added a few extra themes in case people don't like the default theme. To change the theme please follow the steps below.

1. Open Toolbox V5.0 with your tablet plugged into the computer. Once, you are at the main menu click the ":" at the top right to be taken to the settings.

2. Once in the settings, click on the "Themes" button.

3. Once in the "Themes" settings you will find 3 options, once of which has already been selected by default (Midnight Blue). From here you may select any theme you wish for the Toolbox to have. In addition, once you change the theme it will stay applied no matter what version of the Toolbox you use (except the older versions of the Toolbox which didn't include theme support).

Here is what each theme looks like.

Midnight Blue:

Classic Blue:

Terminal:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
1. The advantages are just Blocking OTA Updates (method has been updated and should work 100%) which prevents any updates from being downloaded and installed. Other then that it doesn't matter if you setup first and use it later.

2. I believe the first post is entirely up to date and you shouldn't have to go through the 105 pages (unless you want to :silly:)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] sic0048:
Thanks! I was not aware that the toolbox had a settings menu accessible from the : button. To be honest, I didn't even see the : button until you pointed it out! You are obviously two steps ahead, just like a good developer should be!

---------- Post added at 06:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:48 PM ----------

I never could find the folder, but I did install the toolkit on another computer and connected my son's HD10 to it just fine. So it definitely is related to the USB Debugging connection (I think that is the correct term) that you have to acknowledge the first time you connect a tablet. The system can only handle one connection per device type apparently.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] drizzt09:
I have 2 HD8(2018) and a 2017 7". All connect to the same laptop fine. As I me tired earlier. Sometimes adb.exe sometimes doesn't close. So going into task manager and killing it before plugging in another device helps.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DJames1:
Thanks.

Dumb question: why would I want to block OTA updates right from the start? Are there some known negative ones that take away functionality or impose restrictions? Or is it just that once you have a working configuration you want to have control over updates? If it's just the stability thing, would it not be better for me to let it do the initial updates to current status if I'm just starting out?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Not necessarily, some people just like to block updates because they like having control over them like you said. Perhaps an update could break a method, or brings an unwanted feature. These are just a few examples. But, if you don't mind updates please by all means feel free to update. It's just a nice option if you care about controlling the updates. That's all. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DJames1:
I do normally prefer to block automatic updates on all my devices. I follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. I prefer stability, and I'd rather evaluate the need for security updates on a case-by-case basis than just automatically install any that come along.

My question is more about the initial setup operation. I don't have as much concern about updating a new tablet where I haven't done anything yet to the latest updates, unless there is something specific that I want to block. Blocking updates after I've started customizing things is fine.

So is there any update that I would specifically want to block if I am starting out with a fresh-from-factory Fire HD 8?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] KevMetal:
well i can put it to you this way ..if you don't block the updates they revert all the changes you made to your tablet that Amazon doesn't like..if not sooner then later ...i would also be careful and check if there is a limit as to up to which update version the full hardware root for hd 2018 will work ..cos some update might close that hole / exploit . and imho if you want to fully enjoy your tablet you will discover full root using hardware method(test point shorting to enter brom mode ) in combination with this tool is your best bet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
While I agree with the generic recommendation the specific guidance and concerns do not necessarily apply to the method used to secure root on this (and most other) MTK based devices. That said, the simple step of renaming, not hiding/disabling, SoftwareUpdateOTA.apk has been a sure fire (pun intended) method of permanently and fully reversibly blocking Amazon OTA updates dating back to 2nd gen devices running FireOS v3.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] KevMetal:
I agree with you, I wasn't implying that this tool's update disabling function doesn't work .I was implying the opposite. That he should disable OTA before doing anything else.

While I was deleting packages in twrp in system/priv-apps I came across plainly named and visible apks from Amazon that were specifically for running checks on and reverting things like custom launcher ...adb disabling of amazon packages only worked for some Amazon apks ..the rest were enabled automatically on reboot ...these and wallpaper and lockscreen issues as well as other things like possible custom roms or adblockers and all sorts of things make me want permanent + full+ systemless root with twrp and why i recommend using this tool in conjunction with full root

i basically said just better disable updates in your preferred manner ..but do it ..and do it first ...as to if& when or if possible for amazon and mtk to patch vulnerabilities is something we don't know but not completely or altogether out of the question...but as for amazon messing with users trying to run custom launchers and disabling ads without root in the future through OTA seems plausible to me at least.

anyway are you saying mtk or amazon cannot roll out an update ripping adb out or disabling it via update and limiting permissions of external and internal sd by encryption...in which case can you apply the mtk-su method by terminal ? doesnt some devices ship without adb or fastboot or at least without the ability to use many of it's commamnds ? i don't know , you tell me. im not a developer not tech expert ...but some lg and samsung are locked real tight ...some devices just doesn't allow developed / usb debug toggle ..so impossible to enable debug ...none of this can be done via OTA update ..
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] sic0048:
At this time, I believe you can use this toolbox on the latest OS version as well as unlock and root the device if desired. So to answer your question, no - I don't believe there is any update that you are trying to block currently.

Of course that could change tomorrow and Amazon could push out a new update that closes exploits and prevents us from using the toolbox or unlocking and rooting our devices. That's why I definitely recommend blocking the automatic updates. This allows you to wait a few days/weeks to determine if a new update closes any of the exploits or if it is safe to use before you install it. If it automatically installs itself, you may wake up one day and find yourself with a device that is back on fully stock FireOS without any way to modify it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Noter2017:
Having temporary root, couldn't you add a feature to install a moded hosts file to block ads?

That would make permanent root obsolete if you only want to use Adaway
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] berniedc:
I have a problem with my HD 10. I deleted the Amazon apps via the toolbox and installed the playstore. Now I can not access my profile anymore and can not install Amazon Shop and Amazon Prime Video App. Is there a solution for this?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
On these points we are in full agreement.

As for the rest I prefer not to speculate on the improbable. 7+ yrs experience with Amazon devices has left an impression on where efforts are focused - which is generally not what the community believes. FUD trends better.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ymcan:
If you do 'Restore Everything Amazon' in the Toolbox, and then select 'Manually' you can select to just restore the Amazon Shop and Amazon Prime Video Apps.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I think it was mentioned about a week ago. What has probably happened is that they changed the way that the navbar functions in FireOS 8. Datastream probably won't be able to do much about it without access to a new 2022 tablet to see what changes have been made or if he reads about the changes in FireOS 8 somewhere in the Android forums. Amazon isn't about to provide a roadmap for him to follow in order to defeat their OS programming.

(You could always donate a new tablet to him so he can attack the problem! LOL)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
... and the journey continues ... marvelous work, as always ! 👍👍
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Ask and you shall receive ... Fire Toolbox V30.0!

See @Datastream33 's rollout notes today.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Why thank you my good Sir! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] sutty86:
With the new toolkit is the fire hd8 2022 fully unlocked now ?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] gripschi:
Hi, as the Tablets are in Sale now. Is the Fire 10HD one now compatible too? thx in advance
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] 123x:
Do automatic downloads in the Prime Video App work for you guys? On my Fire HD 10, they don't work. I wonder if it has something to do with the Fire Toolbox.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] 123x:
By the way, I read somewhere in the instructions that you should deactivate updates for the kindle app in the play store. Why is that?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
The Fire HD10 (2021, 11thGen) tablets run FireOS 7, so using Fire Toolbox will give you a good "Android/Google Play" experience ... it's the new 12th Gen Fire 7/8 running FireOS 8 that are having Google Play problems.

If you can get a "deal" on a Fire HD10 (2021) , go for it ... the streaming of HD video content is great!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
If you mean "unlocked" as a "rooting" exploit, no ... Fire Toolbox is not a rooting utility. Primarily a it's curated set of ADB commands working at the "middleware" level and does not affect the FireOS kernel.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Nowadays, the only sure way a getting a decent Prime Video experience is to run the "native" Amazon Prime Video app ... it's an Amazon app, after all, and is sure to run smoothly. Uninstall Prime Video from other sources to avoid "update clash" with the Amazon version.

Prime Video app can now only be updated OTA, so if you have OTA disabled, your version may be outdated and "broken".

Try using a more current OTA version ...available for download under @blaacksheep's sig.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
It's not just the Kindle app, it's all Amazon-supplied apps that come pre-installed. Since those apps are system apps or protected apps, they can't be uninstalled. They can be updated, but if you let Google Playstore update them most will break because of the differences in versions. You should disable auto-updating in the Playstore and just manually check/update when needed, skipping any Amazon apps.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
There are two different builds of Amazon apps. One for the Play Store, and the other is for Amazon devices.

The only real difference between the two versions is the frameworks they utilize. The Play Store version will obviously require Google's framework service, while the Amazon version requires Amazon's framework (and libraries).

We recommend disabling autoupdate of Amazon apps in the play store because it tries to install the Google Play variant over the top of the Amazon one, resulting in a clash occuring.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
In general, it's good practice to disable ALl auto-updates on Google Play Store and only update manually as required ... this avoids any potential "update clash" between AppStore and Play Store app version updates, particularly with the native Amazon apps, like Kindle. Update clash is "fatal" and inconvenient at best.

Apps installed from AppStore should only be updated by AppStore to avoid trouble.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Seems we tag teamed it. :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
@Datastream33 ,

Did you ever investigate the problem with FireOS 8 and the navbar as mentioned in droven's post? I made a guess in my response. Did they change the keycodes in the navbar or something like that? It seems Amazon is actively fighting our attempts to change their protected advertising platform.🤨
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jdcma:
@Datastream33 ,

Hello I'm new to this community! I dowloaded Fire Toolbox V30.0 this afternoon and hooked up my FireHD 8 running OS 7.3.2.6. I am trying to install google play services inorder to get the play store on my device. I am running in to the following errors (see attached files). Any help on this would be much appreciated!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] wilver:
Hi, I blocked the OTA with the 30.0 new method, but it seems that I can't download anything for google drive or even update the dictionary (that the notification keep showing). There is any kind of troubleshoot? Thanks in advance!

Edit: Just confirmed, it is the OTA Block method, turned it off and it download from google drive.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Greetings!

This usually occurs when the download links have been disabled for the day. Due to troubles finding a file hosting service with reliable direct download features, we've been using Google Drive as a temp solution. Google only allows a certain amount of bandwidth per day, and then it disables the direct download links until the next day... which I am going to assume is the case here. I can provide the links and instructions for your tablet if you'd like, or alternatively you could try again later when the links are enabled once again. So sorry for the inconvenience my friend!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Was fearing things like this would start popping up with the network needing to be set to the "metered" status. Do the downloads work when Google Drive is in the foreground?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] wilver:
No :/ its just keep waiting for connection or wifi (besides its on and chrome and its downloads are working just fine)