yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire TV General] Selocan20:
Sorry but i‘ve to ask again:

I‘ve got a new fire stick 4k with 6.2.8.1 and succesfully installed LM and WL.

I‘ve then used update blocker in LM and deleted ota update via adb.

Is it enough to protect from getting updated again?

Or should i set up dns too? My router does not block https :(
[Fire TV General] sibok:
I own a FireTV 4K MAX for the last 5 month and been running ATV Launcher 1.1.5-pro (I know it's abandoned and outdated). It was set as default launcher through LM.

Two days ago it got updated to version Fire OS 7.2.7.3 (PS7273/2625) and even I installed LM 1.1.7 I'm not able to set ATV Launcher as default launcher (Enabled LM Handler, chose ATV, and enabled Custom Manager).

Could anybody clarify if there's something I'm doing wrong, I mean some tip i'm missing in order to be able to set ATV launcher as default?

Thank you so much! :)
[Fire TV General] unixrule:
custom launcher for Fire OS 6.2.8.7,

No Root Required​

install wolf or other custom launcher

install total commander on amazon app store

open, go to installed app, copy somewhere default launcher if you want(backup), after that delete default launcher.

And now you can use custom launcher again.

enjoy
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
I'm assuming you have root / admin rights to be able to delete the Amazon launcher lol?

I think most people here asking about re-enabling their custom launcher don't have root access. And if you didn't root before 6.2.8.7 it's too late with the current available methods.
[Fire TV General] unixrule:
No Root Required​
[Fire TV General] amazonisevil:
I didn't even think of that, but yup, that's my situation. I don't have root access so can't delete the stock launcher. :(
[Fire TV General] unixrule:
you dont need root
[Fire TV General] myrwon:
I followed your steps until you said..."copy somewhere default launcher, after that delete default launcher"

I only see the apps in have installed. such as LM, WL, Total Cmd, yada yada but don't see Default Launcher (KFTV Launcher/stock launcher)
[Fire TV General] mmortal03:
Also, what is the path and filename for the stock launcher?
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
What is the full package name of the Amazon launcher you are deleting? Since the Amazon launcher is a protected system app I'm not sure how you are deleting it without root?
[Fire TV General] myrwon:
via search, I found com.amazon.tv.launcher under the following:

mnt/sdcard/Andriod/data

storage/emulated/0/Android/data

system/priv-app/CaptivePortalLauncher

system/priv-app/

should I deleted them all? :)
[Fire TV General] myrwon:
found the KFTV Launcher under /system/priv.app/com.amazon.tv.launcher but it won't let me deleted it or rename it. couldn't be that easy, right?
[Fire TV General] unixrule:
open total commander and go in installed app, there you will see KFTV Launcher
[Fire TV General] myrwon:
KFTV is not in the “installed app”
[Fire TV General] ohbreeeezy:
I did that and I got my Wolf Launcher back with home button working.

I did backup the apk tho.
[Fire TV General] Mister-XY:
if i uninstall the KFTV Launcher, i have no access to the android settings.
[Fire TV General] alex78ita:
it works for me thanks a lot man! i also can access to the ftv settings... good job!
[Fire TV General] Klexer:
Is a factory reset still possible after deinstalling KFTV stock launcher or will the TV stick get bricked then?
[Fire TV General] myrwon:
what did you do? if I dont have KFTV in the Installed app what do I do? I can run WL if I open it but it doesn't boot to WL and the home button takes me back to KFTV launcher...to the Launch Manager isn't working..

any help would be great. TIA
[Fire TV General] unixrule:
can you check wich version you use, i use Fire OS 6.2.8.7 ??? maybe you need update
[Fire TV General] xtrap225:
so to be clear folks backup the apk just in case, then kill/uninstall the KFTV launcher?
[Fire TV General] ohbreeeezy:
Yup. That's correct. Delete KFTV launcher from Total Commander.

Also I'm on latest version of Fire TV Stick 4K.
[Fire TV General] joschi3007:
Can't find it on the OS 7 update sadly. Had anyone else more luck?
[Fire TV General] joschi3007:
Have you tried deleting it through adb? I'm new to all this, so I don't know what would happen lol

nvm I tried, it doesn't work: Read-only file system
[Fire TV General] unixrule:
can you try sideload new version of kftv launcher, and after that delete with total commander in installed app, and see what will happen ?
[Fire TV General] joschi3007:
It does appear but when I delete it, it asked if I want to deinstall and restore system settings. Doesn't delete the original file
[Fire TV General] Tejas tedi:
Yeh that's what he meant by delete,

just uninstall the update of kftv launcher and try to use wolf launcher with launcher manager.
[Fire TV General] Okay__:
By access the ftv settings do you mean from the launcher itself (e.g. "Android Settings" option) or just opening Launcher Manager? Because yes opening Launcher Manager works for me but the android settings button doesn't do anything.
[Fire TV General] joschi3007:
that doesn't work. If I uninstall the update of the KFTV launcher, it just runs the og file of the KFTV launcher. It won't allow to switch custom launchers
[Fire TV General] myrwon:
yep exactly...

Its time for a non-amazon stick. Any recommendation's? that might be a question for another channel...
[Fire TV General] joschi3007:
I just got my 4k max stick, so not the right person to ask haha. I'm now running with what has been recommended earlier in this thread: Launch Manager for 1.0.7 + remapped remote. Not perfect but it works
[Fire TV General] Okay__:
Can you reenable the default launcher after you do this? Downloading the apk again didn't help.
[Fire TV General] ohbreeeezy:
I can try to reinstall the KFTV launcher and get back to you.

EDIT: It look like I can't go back to stock launcher. Maybe If I uninstall Wolf Launcher which I don't wanna do.
[Fire TV General] mmortal03:
The latest Fire TV Stick 4K update has corrected Amazon's previous oversight -- KFTV Launcher is back and the default now for me, without having done anything. Interestingly, a separate issue, Kodi wouldn't load following this update, but re-installing Kodi fixed the problem.
[Fire TV General] lahm12:
If I do a factory reset on my firestick which is on the latest fire os 7, will this reset to factory version, giving me the ability to block updates and get launcher manager working again?
[Fire TV General] Gantori:
I was using LM (FOS) version 1.1.5 [LM (FOS) - 1.1.5.apk] to launch initially TV Launcher and eventually my own app.

It worked beautifully for a couple of days, both the HOME and BACK button on the remote would take me to my app.

Suddenly, I believe with the recent FireTV stick 4K update on 2022/04/10 (yesterday) trying to set a custom launcher does nothing.

I am able to select "TV Launcher" or my app as a custom launcher and set it as "active" but selecting "Enable custom..." does not display my app as the active launcher, instead it remains stuck on "stock launcher"

I have also tried the 1.1.6 version but I am got the same results

Is Launcher Manager an open source project? on GitHub?

All I want is for my app (an ionic/angular web app compiled as an APK) to take over the whole garbage of the FireTV stick. I do not want to run anything stock app on any TV Box out there except for my app. My app does not provide a UI for setting the internet/wifi, timezone, etc. So it needs the bare minimum OS foundation on the box to achieve that with end users.

If you have suggestions of other cheap boxes < $70 with BT for a keyboard, decent performance to play YouTube&other content with my own app integrated players, I would appreciate it very much. I have tried TiVo 4K dongle but [Launcher_Manager_Shield - Android TV.apk] did not work and caused a blank screen.

Sorry for the length. Thank you.
[Fire TV General] mfg81:
This worked perfectly -- I'm on Fire OS 6.2.8.7
[Fire TV General] Runlevel3:
Thank u very much it works perfectly on my Fire Stick TV 6.2.8.7 without root thumbs up !!!
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
No, factory resets leave you on the latest installed firmware, they don't revert you to an earlier firmware version. You'd need to unlock the device to downgrade.
[Fire TV General] lesorub3:
without root you cannot delete system files !!!
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Yes, but you can delete updates to system apps that are stored in the user accessible area. This is all Total Commander is doing. And apparently deleting that Amazon launcher update is enough to allow custom launcher use again.

I see people confirming this works on FireOS6. How about FireOS7?

If this is working for you, now would be the time to block updates (router or DNS methods of you have to). I wouldn't expect Amazon not to patch this loophole soon.
[Fire TV General] Gantori:
I am on Fire OS 7.2.7.3, Fire TV Stick 4K Max model paid $54

I tried both with Total Commander and X-plore to move the file (KFTV Launcher [6360040.1].apk), and it gets replaced immediately with a factory copy.

I am new to all this Amazon garbage sticks.

So basically this stick cannot be rooted as Amazon has put hardware circuit lock against replacing the core or portion of it, correct?

Please let me know if you have suggestions of other boxes I can take control over to run only 1 app (myapp.apk)

Thank you.

PS. perhaps I missed to spot the Amazon Launcher update under system folder, please let me know file/apk to look for.
[Fire TV General] MrTooPhone:
Thank you!

However, I do not have access to Android settings now. Any recommendations how to access Android settings?
[Fire TV General] ohbreeeezy:
Click the Launcher Manager app? I can't access it with using the shortcut. So I use the app instead.
[Fire TV General] unixrule:
Use blokada 4 for blocking update, add this hosts in blokada- blocked hosts:

d1s31zyz7dcc2d.cloudfront.net

amzdigital-a.akamaihd.net

amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net

softwareupdates.amazon.com

updates.amazon.com

Check option in blokada startup on boot., got to amazon update and you will get error that mean update is blocked, restart your firestick and go to amazon update, check is update still blocked if is that mean blokada startup on boot.....

Adaway, or adguard dont startup on boot, use blokada 4
[Fire TV General] Sertralina:
So, on 6.2.8.7 (the dreaded). I lost the launcher like anyone else.

Sadly the trick using total commander did not.workmfor.me.

What it DID work though, was using wolf's fire tb settings and making sure to check the prime video acessibility workaround.

Now my atv launcher is back, though it takes like 2s to open the home screen.
[Fire TV General] nmd87:
Just to follow up on this, I turned on the Fire TV Cube for the first time today.

I have Amazon update domains blocked by my DNS resolver (pi-hole).

As per the link, I couldn't proceed with the set up because checking for updates failed, however following the instructions to activate and then deactivate VoiceView let me get past this point and I was able to finish set up.

This might be in vain anyway as following completion of set up, I checked the installed OS and it's on version 7.2.2.9 out of the box. Am I too late for using LM?
[Fire TV General] Sertralina:
Img and video just to clairfy. The first load takes more time, as it was done right after the setting, but after that the waiting time is doable..

Also, it needs to be done again if the firetv reset, so i had to plug into the wall instead of just using with the tv (so the fire only goes to sleep when the power button is pressed and not shut down)
[Fire TV General] Klexer:
I am on Fire OS 7.2.7.3, using Fire TV Stick Lite. Since I prefer Mixplorer (v6.58.4), I found the KFTV launcher under the App section there. After being warned that the app will be replaced with the factory version, I uninstalled it. Finally, I changed the custom launcher to “Wolf” via Launcher Manager and restarted.

The custom launcher works again as before. Only downside, I can't access the Launcher Manager settings from the ActionBar (remote)/Android menu. I need to go to the Launcher Manager (v1.1.7) app icon to do this.
[Fire TV General] Friendlyx33:
I just wanted to confirm that using a file manager like total commander allowed me to "delete" the stock launcher. As others have stated, you are only removing the updates to the launcher BUT it works. Pressing the home button now brings me to the wolf launcher as it did before the 7.2.7.3 update. I have also blocked updates using openDNS and my router. Thank you all for the help and especially @SweenWolf for the launcher and for everything you do for the scene.

I would also like to add that by holding the home button for 3 seconds you can get to the settings menu and such from the stock launcher. I noticed some people were worried or had trouble with this. Trying to access "android settings" from wolf launcher doesn't work for me, the screen just flickers.

version 7.2.7.3
[Fire TV General] Klexer:
... Or if we uninstall the Launcher Manager which I don't wanna do. I have the same issue, cannot go back to stock launcher.
[Fire TV General] myrwon:
yes I'm on 6.2.8.7, with Total Cmder 3.24. Under Installed app, I'm not seeing KFTV? if I don't have to be rooted are some files hidden?
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
You are fine, 7.2.2.9 is about a year old. You should be able to disable updates in the device with ADB / launcher Manager's update blocker. Just make sure you do disable updates.
[Fire TV General] ohbreeeezy:
As long Wolf Launcher works. I hate stock launcher.
[Fire TV General] nmd87:
Thanks. That worked. Initially I tried to install the launcher manager 1.15 I had on my outgoing Stick 4K but that didn't work, however latest version 1.17 does.

Does anyone know what the latest version number of Wolf is, please?
[Fire TV General] gotovanko1:
Where i can find this wolf's fire tb settings apk .. Guys i try it on amazon 4k stick and wont work. I Uninstall restart try launcher manager 1.1.16 or 17 and launcher wont change. Please, someone to put apk file of td settings or video or both -step by step . Is this necessary to reset stick first .Mantis doesn't work so far by steps u say ..last update on stick
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Download and install Launcher Manager 1.0.7 from the main post. I believe this is basically the same method of implementation as the settings app. The caveat of this implementation is that it takes a couple seconds between pressing home and your launcher displaying.

the last version was 0.1.9.
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Thank you for your work on this!

If you are taking requests, it would be great to see an option added to the launch manager to block amazon software updates.

A second more frivolous request would be an option to rotate through wallpapers in a folder once a day or some other time interval
[Fire TV General] d4nielr:
Does this still work? Amazon fire tv 1st gen.
[Fire TV General] gray_wolf:
Can you please update the FOS 5 link and confirm that it still works on FOS 5.

Thanks a lot
[Fire TV General] llukezz:
Hey Sween, love the layout of your Wolf Launcher. One thing that I absolutely need is password protection to the settings menu (currently using HAL as well which has it).

Any chance that is something easy to add to the launcher? I see you have it for creating a password protected folder already, can you apply the same thing to the settings menu? (pressing settings button on remote would ask for password first)
[Fire TV General] Akki:
Followed the guide

Double tap to recent is not working

I can't access recent apps fireos7

Or I'm missing something please tell
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Confirming Wolf Launcher still works on

FireOS 7.2.2.9 (PS7229/1850)

Fire TV Home Version 6242054.1

FireTV Cube 2nd gen (2019)
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
Are you sure? I'm thinking about switching to 7.2.2.9, but I'm reading everywhere that wolf launcher doesn't work properly from 7.2.2.4.

At least the home button does not.
[Fire TV General] nicomarlet:
Hi,

I have différent fire sticks. I hate the stock launcher. On the fire Stick and on the lite, I succeed using the launcher manager and the wolf launcher. This is great.

But, on the first stick 1st gen and 2nd gen. I was not able to replace the stock launcher. I think I tried all solutions. But without any success. All my sticks are up to date. Is there someone to help me ?

Thanks !
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
I can't speak to what others might be saying, only that I have been on 7.2.2.9 for over a week and everything works as it did before, home button included. I'm using the copy of Launch Manager & Wolf Launcher from the first post on this thread, on a 2nd gen Cube.

Edit: 7.2.2.4 worked fine as well, and there is at least one other confirmation of that on this thread. You might be mixing up Sweenwolf's Launch Manager with the FTVlauncher which doesn't work after 7.2.2.4.
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
Currently I am still on 7.2.2.4 on my Fire TV Cube (2.gen).

Yesterday I downloaded the APKs from the first post again and after the second try it worked.

OK then I will update to 7.2.2.9 today after work and then disable the automatic updates again afterwards.

Thanks for your feedback @Finnzz !

[Edit]

I can confirm that the Wolf Launcher works very well even after the update to 7.2.2.9 (y)
[Fire TV General] richie19rich77:
I have this working fine with 7.2.2.8 and Wolf 0.1.7.

But cannot get it working on 5.2.7.6 and Wolf 0.16 or 0.17.

Whatever I do when I click on Disable Stock Launcher it says ADB is not enabled even though it is enabled. And then it will just get stuck on the grey screen with Launch Manager and restart this device if this shows for more than 10 seconds.

I know this version is not stable, but has anyone got it working?
[Fire TV General] DirtyAngelicaSecured:
Your Launcher is excellent, but it leaks some data because it contacts Google domains over port 80. The IP differs each time, but each time it belongs to Google and Wolf Launcher is the app using it. Why does it contact Google anyway?
[Fire TV General] SweenWolf:
I do not own the launcher, its just a mod of ATV launcher "pro" with some mods and bug fixes.

I haven't changed everything of the launcher.

I also don't have a source code of this launcher, but i changed its name so if some people gets problem using the modded version they don't blame the original developer.

About the app connecting with google, most likely its connecting to Google Firebase Google Analytics.

Do not worry, I'm not stealing you data. Enjoy
[Fire TV General] SweenWolf:
Launcher Manager does not works on FireOS 5 i.e. Android 5
[Fire TV General] DirtyAngelicaSecured:
It is not a matter of stealing or selling information, but general leaking over WiFi, especially if you can't control the network and can't get proper VLAN isolation from all the multicast packets. I can't root the device at the moment to run TCPDump and don't have network control to fully analyze the traffic.

Our university penetration testers (WiFi-interception) are improving network security and they are good enough to ask me "What's Wolf Launcher? It leaks your data over HTTP, stands out like a sore thumb".

Please don't take offense. I am just trying to remedy the situation and hopefully find a way to resolve it for myself and others who value security.

Edit: The Wolf Launcher APK doesn't contain any Firebase Analytics files like most Google Play Store apps do... I think it has something to do with captive portal. The entry of the log I have permission to access always shows that port 80 Wolf Launcher packet immediately after Wolf Launcher "Generate_204" entries, which also don't use encryption (HTTP-only, no SSL). Those entries can be blocked with Pi-Hole or AdGuard, but the problematic Wolf Launcher port 80 packet uses a different Google IP each time...
[Fire TV General] SweenWolf:
I am not offended, i have never checked what the launcher is doing, i never needed to i guess, but i will have a look into it, kinda busy nowadays.
[Fire TV General] SweenWolf:
Thanks for the info,

I have attached two versions (both are patched)

try both

WL (withoutInternet) will not be able to connect to internet at all, but it will break the Network icon on the status bar.

WL (withInternet) should not do any funky things but you have to tell me if its doing something else again, in this version you will not loose any functionality.
[Fire TV General] APC73:
Can you make it so a app icon can by changed and a option to enter pin to start the app? a bit like folder pin

Also if a folder as a password set, have a option so the apps don't show up in hidden apps

Thanks
[Fire TV General] DirtyAngelicaSecured:
You're awesome! The No-Internet version worked perfectly and it didn't actually change my WiFi icon. The requests for Generate_204 over HTTP and attempts to contact Google stopped for good!

BTW, could you enlighten me as to what information was being to Google in previous Wolf Launcher versions? Did it include Device ID/name information, usernames, passwords, or anything like that?
[Fire TV General] ASCiiDiTY:
Can launcher manager and wolf launcher be updated without uninstalling/losing settings from older version/s?
[Fire TV General] nmd87:
Thanks. That confirms I have the latest ver.
[Fire TV General] HillsmanUp:
I'm in the latest version of bot Launcher Manager and Wolf Launcher and it still doesn't work... Removing KFTV only takes it back to its factory version and pressing home button will get me to the messy Amazon homescreen again...

Any tip please?
[Fire TV General] Klexer:
Probably, you forgot to change and activate the custom 'Wolf' launcher in Launcher Manager's menu.
[Fire TV General] HillsmanUp:
Nope... It's all set up correctly...
[Fire TV General] EngineerMind:
I don't know if this idea was previously posted, but as a worse-case solution (when you can't get the Home button to launch wolf), you should be able to map one of the unused buttons on the new firestick remotes to instantly start Wolf Launcher:

How to remap the App Buttons on Fire TV Remotes with Remapper — Updated January 2023

The app buttons at the bottom of the newest Fire TV Remotes and Fire TV Smart TV remotes can either be fantastic or useless. They're great if it's an app that you use often, but they're a complete waste if you don't even have the app that they're for installed.

www.aftvnews.com
[Fire TV General] RiCkLaR:
If the FireTV device has updated to a recent 2022 firmware release, then Elias' Remapper Apps have stopped working, another thing Amazon is intentionally breaking.