yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire TV General] TheMovieMonk:
Hey @canadave ,

This might be a long shot but might be worth the try:

1. CLEAR DATA + FORCE STOP LM

2. UNINSTALL LM

3. RE-INSTALL LM 1.1.9 (CHECK IF THE ONE ON TDUK PAGE AND THE ONE PROVIDED HERE ARE THE SAME AS I THINK I MAY HAVE DOWNLOADED THAT VERSION)

4. ENABLE THE HOME BUTTON HOOK.

5. SET ALL THE TOP 3 SETTINGS TO ON INCLUDING THE OVERLAY

6. SELECT WOLF LAUNCHER AS DEFAULT.

7. HIT THE HOME BUTTON, THERE SHOULD BE A 2-3 SECOND DELAY, THEN WOLF SHOULD START. YOU COULD ALSO TRY THE DIFFERENT TRIGGER KEY COMBOS TO SEE WHICH ONE WORKS FOR YOU.

Good Luck & Warmest Regards,

TMM
[Fire TV General] Vladomo:
Hi All, after successfully using Launcher Manager 1.1.9 (with a custom/edited package name) on several Firesticks 4K Max Gen 1, I installed LM on a new 4K Max Gen 2 stick but it doesn't work. No matter what I try. When I first installed LM on the new Gen 2 stick a few days ago, the 'old method' to disable the stock launcher worked but now it seems that Amazon has pushed another update and neither the old, nor the new method, work. I am on Fire OS 8.1.0.1 (RS8101/1856). The 'old method' shows an exception error when trying to disable user, the 'new method' does not show an error but doesn't do anything. Not sure what is going on but it seems that Amazon has found a new way to block the LM ADB commands and/or has changed the firehomestarter and tv.laucher into protected packages?

As a last resort I have tried to use the LaunchOnBoot app, and the Autostart-ATV app, to autoload my customer launcher but they don't work anymore either.

If anyone has any ideas of what is going on, or has a suggestion for a new method of enabling a custom launcher, I would be most grateful!

TIA
[Fire TV General] canadave:
lol...literally read my post on the previous page. I wrote about the exact same issue.

The "fix" was to simply return the 4K Max and get a new one. The launcher installation process worked perfectly on this new one after failing every single time in the exact same manner as you described on my old one. So I think maybe these things are prone to some sort of corruption somehow. Just return it and get a new one.
[Fire TV General] Vladomo:
Hey @canadave, thanks for providing an update on what 'fixed' if for you! That's great to hear! Very strange though that it works fine on the new one. Is that by using the 'new' or the 'old method' in LM? I have factory reset mine now but still no joy with any of the methods. I will also return my Firestick and ask for an exchange. Hopefully it works on my new one also! Cheers and enjoy!
[Fire TV General] canadave:
I used the "old" method and it worked fine. Yeah factory reset doesn't do anything to fix it if it's corrupted and doesn't let any method work, unfortunately.
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
If the old method is working it's because Amazon forgot to implement package protection on the early firmware. Expect that to stop working very soon, since you and @Vladomo are indicating there is already a new firmware that kills this ability.

Can you verify a couple things in ADB, by running:

pm list packages -d

What's the output?

Try disabling these packages to see if you get a success message or error

pm disable-user com.amazon.device.software.ota

pm disable-user com.fireos.arcus.proxy

pm disable-user com.amazon.adep

pm clear com.fireos.arcus.proxy

pm clear com.amazon.adep

This would disable updates, package protections, and the Amazon blacklist respectively.
[Fire TV General] canadave:
On the non-working fire stick, right? Yes, I can do that (but probably not until tomorrow, busy rest of today and evening.)
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
No, do that on the working stick.

When Amazon updates it, it will lose the ability to use the old method for custom launcher like Vladomo & you suggested.

Can you also report what firmware version is running. Look in FireOS settings under about.
[Fire TV General] canadave:
Oh okay. I can look at doing that for sure, but is there any risk I'm going to make something worse? Right now everything's working perfectly, so I'm loathe to start messing around with ADB commands and disabling packages...just want to know a little more about what you're asking me to do :)

The version I'm running is FireOS 8.1.0.1 (RC8101/1856).
[Fire TV General] Vladomo:
Just out of curiosity I ran the commands you suggested on the non-working 4K Max Gen 2 also. I get the following output:

- pm list packages -d gives me no output at all.

- "Exception occurred while executing 'disable-user': java.lang.SecurityException: Cannot disable a protected package" errors for the 3 pm disable-user commands.

- "Success" for pm clear com.fireos.arcus.proxy and pm clear com.amazon.adep.

Sorry, I am new to all of this but this would explain why the "old method" no longer works but I am still scratching my head about why the "new method" (i.e., home button hook via ADB) doesn't work?

Thanks for all the input!
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@Vladomo those are the results I'd expect.

If LM old method was working before, then com.amazon.firehomestarter at a minimum wasn't working at the time, possibly disabled.

@canadave run just

pm list packages -d

That will only list what apps are currently disabled. It won't affect how your stick is running.

I'd like to see if these two apps that LM old method disables, are really disabled:

com.amazon.firehomestarter

com.amazon.tv.launcher

@Vladomo I don't know bout the new method and FireOS8. It might be that Amazon has made changes that broke that.

Edit: @Vladomo & @canadave what is the FireOS version of the Stick that doesn't work with the 'old method'?

Working on this version

FireOS 8.1.0.1 (RC8101/1856).
[Fire TV General] canadave:
Ohhh, okay, gotcha. I ran the pm list packages -d command in ADB shell (on my new fire stick that successfully has Wolf and LM installed) and it just listed those two packages:

package:com.amazon.firehomestarter

package:com.amazon.tv.launcher

The version that wasn't working, on the old Fire stick, is the same as the one that's on the new version--the 1856 one you listed. In fact, now that I think about it, I think I *had* Wolf Launcher/LM working originally, and then while playing a VOD via IPTV the stick seemed to have trouble playing videos from that point on, so I factory reset--and THAT is when I was unable to get it to work and got those "exception" errors. So it was almost like something somehow corrupted the fire stick's files, even after a factory reset.
[Fire TV General] Vladomo:
My Gen 2 4KMax, on which neither the old nor the new method work, is running Fire OS 8.1.0.1 (RS8101/1856) and Fire TV Home Version 6470220.1.

This info is taken from the My Fire TV - About section on the stick. If I look into the This Device section in ProjectIvy Launcher, which is installed on the same stick, it shows that the Build number is RS8101.1856N (so the same but with the addition of the 'N').
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@canadave So your device really didn't have any package protections preventing those two apps from being disabled.

That could have changed. You can check by trying to disable com.fireos.arcus.proxy, it oversees package protections.

pm disable-user com.fireos.arcus.proxy

Success would mean you might be able to disable updates too, and keep using the old method as long as you like.

Might also want to clear it too

pm clear com.fireos.arcus.proxy

An error would mean the old method would stop working after the next update to FireHomeStarter.
[Fire TV General] canadave:
Thanks for that. Do I really want to disable updates, though? From a security standpoint, wouldn't it be better to leave updates enabled (albeit with the risk that Wolf/LM stop working)?
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@canadave first you'd need to check if you can disable com.fireos.arcus.proxy, I bet it's already been protected.

It's up to you if you want to block updates. I've never seen any reports of old Fire TV firmware being hacked by anyone other than the owner.

IMO Amazon updates are to maintain control over their advertising platform, and less about your security.
[Fire TV General] canadave:
Gotcha. OK, I tried disabling it, and got the error I got when I tried to use the old LM method to use Wolf Launcher on my old fire stick--exception error for disable-user. That's too bad....
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
You got lucky and disabled Amazon launcher while there was some problem on Amazon's end and FireOS8. It's hard to know the specific details.

I'd also assume that FireHomeStarter is protected now too. When Amazon added package protections in 2022, many people that had already disabled Amazon launcher were able to keep using their custom launcher for many updates. Maybe even some are still using the old method, IDK?

When FireHomeStarter gets an update, it will re-enable Amazon Launcher. But this app is rarely updated. When Amazon launcher gets an update, it will also re-enable the the launcher. You can uninstall the Amazon launcher update, press home to reassign your custom launcher, but only if FireHomeStarter is still disabled.

@Vladomo for the new method someone with a FireOS8 device will need to gather logs to see what appears when the home button is pressed, to figure out why it's not working.
[Fire TV General] Dallasdondarrion:
Just to piggyback off what you’re saying— I just got the 2nd Gen Max, and I’m able to use the old launcher method.

com.amazon.firehomestarter is disabled, like you thought, and I can disable com.amazon.adep

I can’t disable com.amazon.device.software.ota

nor can I disable com.fireos.arcus.proxy

Not sure if any of this helps but thought I’d chime in.

Running 8.1.0.1 (RS8101/1856)
[Fire TV General] Vladomo:
@Finnzz I would be very happy to gather and provide those logs but not sure how to go about that and get access to that information? Is there an easy way to gather logs? I use Adblink to connect to my Firestick from a PC. Adblink has a Logcat function in it but the information in that is scrolling by so quickly that I can't make sense of it.
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@Vladomo you can use logcat. Clear logcat, start logcat, press home button, press Ctrl+C to stop recording.

With ADB

logcat -c

logcat > /sdcard/download/home.log

Press home on remote

Press Ctrl+C on keyboard

The faster you can do this the better to cut down on extraneous logs. home.log will be in your FireTVs download folder.

You can also try the Tasker version that accomplishes the same thing as LM1.1.9, but in more steps. Figuring it out with Tasker could help finding a fix for LM easier.

4K Max with Tasker to launch Wolf on Home button

Bascially this one is by xnappo but I had quite some problems to follow his guide here: https://xdaforums.com/t/app-firetv-noroot-launcher-manager-change-launcher-without-root.4176349/page-66#post-87928085 I wrote it again to make it a bit...

xdaforums.com

@Dallasdondarrion sounds like package protections are in place, just FireHomeStarter and Amazon Launcher are missing. Maybe Amazon is leaving them off for the week to pump holiday sales numbers 😆
[Fire TV General] Vladomo:
@Finnzz thank you for those instructions! Please find home.log attached. (I entered all the Logcat commands as quickly as possible).
[Fire TV General] TheMovieMonk:
Hey guys anyone got any experience with FS4K stuck on "connecting to amazon.com" then "successfully registered" loop? It just doesnt end. It happened while registering the stick to a different account.
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
If you already tried everything else including unplug/replug, than your only option is to factory reset it (settings>about>reset to factory) or press and hold the Back button and the right directional button for at least 10 seconds. Finally, click Reset when you see the pop-up message.
[Fire TV General] TheMovieMonk:
Thanks for the prompt reply boss, but I'm trying to figure out a solution that doesnt require a reset as this immediately forces an update an I will lose LM.
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
In case you don't find one, you can block it in your modem/router before a reset.

I blocked mine under the "firewall/parental controls/web site filtering" in my modem before setting up my FS for the first time and it blocked updates. I added the usual five sites plus four others to the filter list.
[Fire TV General] Meitei:
Which sites did you add?
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@linuxlad I saw you have a device on RS8100/1721. Are you able to disable the OTA package on your Fire TV?

pm disable-user com.amazon.device.software.ota

You are running the oldest FireOS8 firmware I've seen, so I'm curious if there were any package protections on that version.
[Fire TV General] Inception_8:
Hi everyone, following messages here I successfully installed the modified apk launcher manager 1.1.9 and it works good on my Firestick 4k max 1stgen. But the link on the first message to the apk for blocking future updates doesn't work to me. It's still necessary to do it? or maybe any suggestions to do anything else to keep this work? Don't know if i lost something in the comments.

I'm using projectivity launcher and it works with home button, but the default launcher is still enabled because on the startup it first launch the default, and after 10seconds go automatically to the other. Something missing?

Thanks to everyone can help me figuring it out

Edit: I'm on Fire OS 7.6.6.4(PS7664/3772)

Tried these commands:

-The output of the disabled packages is:

package:com.android.nfc

-Tried disabling those 3 packages but "Security exception, cannot disable a protected package"
[Fire TV General] Timbo303:
Can no longer open the launcher manager 1.1.9 app as its blacklisted it seems. The wolf launcher one is the only one I can try to open. Seems amazon made it impossible to open this app or something so now I cant setup the fire tv settings if I wanted to. Fyi the old method worked for me with the glitch that happened must had gotten lucky since I recently bought the stick 1-2 months ago for more storage. With amazon introducing the stupid home screen ads I had sideloaded launcher manager to try block the stupid ads. Who in their right mind decided it was a good idea to make it so you have to press down as soon you hit the home screen. I might have to setup my onn 4k stick if this becomes a problem that cant be fixed amazon should be ashamed of themselves they were one of the best tv sticks you can buy.
[Fire TV General] m00zart:
Same issue here. I noticed it works again if you reinstall for some time.

So I disabled com.amazon.adep and com.amazon.firehomestarter. Let's see for how long it lasts.

I'm planning to recompile the app to a total different package name, maybe that helps. Any ideas?
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
LM downloaded from TUK will probably get blacklisted faster. I would first try these two versions:

[APP][FIRETV][NOROOT] Launcher Manager (Change Launcher without Root)

LAUNCHER MANAGER (FOS 6+) BLOCKED BY AMAZON, USE LAUNCHER MANAGER (MINI) STEPS TO ENABLE CUSTOM LAUNCHER: Before installing version 1.1.8 uninstall any previous version. 1. Download Launcher Manager by clicking or by using short link and...

xdaforums.com

And if those are on the blacklist, try this:

[APP][FIRETV][NOROOT] Launcher Manager (Change Launcher without Root)

LAUNCHER MANAGER (FOS 6+) BLOCKED BY AMAZON, USE LAUNCHER MANAGER (MINI) STEPS TO ENABLE CUSTOM LAUNCHER: Before installing version 1.1.8 uninstall any previous version. 1. Download Launcher Manager by clicking or by using short link and...

xdaforums.com

Any version used by enough people will get Amazon's attention, and blacklisted.
[Fire TV General] cdub74:
Is there any chance you can give us a step by step guide on how to recompile the app with a completely different name? I am a novice at this and have no idea where to begin doing this but am keen to learn.
[Fire TV General] Gravarty:
Okay, renaming the package file works and stays on the device but unfortunately all of the trigger methods don't really work well. After setting it up it works okay for the first 20-30 minutes but keeping the device on idle and then pressing the home button does absolutely nothing. I have to relaunch LM, set everything to default and then choose my launcher and home bypass method again. So it seems Amazon fixed in every way possible :/
[Fire TV General] pitsensas:
Hello,

There is the new version of the FireStick 4K (gen 2 : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP9MDCQZ). Do you know if this is still possible to change the Launcher by installing LM before the 1st update (https://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-ski...reset-on-a-fire-tv-firestick-or-fire-tv-cube/) ?
[Fire TV General] Skel40:
Yes there is and even the current Fire OS RS8101.1856N/1856 allows the LM to work before its patched forever based off the 4K Max (karat) setup I have. The 4K version is on the same version as the 4K Max Gen 2.
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
http://d1s31zyz7dcc2d.cloudfront.net

http://amzdigital-a.akamaihd.net

http://amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net

http://softwareupdates.amazon.com

http://updates.amazon.com

http://prod.ota-cloudfront.net

http://d1s31zyz7dcc2d.cloudfront.prod.ota-cloudfront.net

http://arcus-uswest.amazon.com

http://arcus-useast.amazon.com
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
I never tried it since that command no longer works afaik.

I blocked the update sites in the modem prior to the initial setup, which prevented it from getting the updates and after I completed the setup, I installed Netguard 2.3 which also blocks it from getting any updates.

I installed NG in case I use the device from a different location.
[Fire TV General] simonchunk:
Bizzare bug?

I don't know what's going on, but I've managed to set Wolf as the default launcher using LM1.1.8 using the old method on three separate 2nd Gen 4k max (2023). Brand new units. 2x 8.1.0.0 and 1x 8.1.0.1

Testing more now, but its instant and theres no waiting, just like it used to be.

Try hitting the old method on yours and see what happens
[Fire TV General] radar3860:
Just got a new Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2 (Karat). Stupidly let it auto update so it is currently at FireOS 8.1.0.2 and activated.

Before I try to exchange it to get something on 8.1.0.1, is there anything I can test to provide debug info? I'm well versed in the CLI and have adb installed.
[Fire TV General] edan13:
hey

just got a 4k Max Gen 2.

what's the best approach for initial set up to prevent any amazon dark magic from happening?

ideally i'd want to use a custom launcher + custom apps. Internet connectivity for the 4k max is not necessary in my case

thanks!
[Fire TV General] Yangkee:
Yestoday bought 4k Gen2.

I used router (openwrt) to limit the speed of downloading updates, preventing system updates. It's stuck at the original 8.1.0.0 firmware. Successfully installed LM and used NG to block "com.amazon.device.software.ota" from networking.

I am not sure if the new FireOS 8.1.0.2 has the stock launcher protection.

In fact, I don't need a new FTV now, but when I learned from here that FireOS8 does not have stock launcher protection, I bought a spare one. I was worried that I would need it in the future, but Amazon's factory firmware has fixed this bug.

View attachment 6045163

View attachment 6045164

View attachment 6045166
[Fire TV General] edan13:
Hi @Yangkee

thank you for your post! i am new to the FireTV so i hope it is okay if i ask for a couple of details .

1) you wrote you limited the speed of the forced initial update. help me understand: is the reason for this that the update goes so slow in the background that you can block the update url while it is downloading?

2) you wrote you installed NG to block the update URL. Pardon my ignorance but what is NG? :D and how did you go about blocking said url?

2) NG NetGuard (well duh)... so you installed the app while the "slow" update was downloading blocking the URL the update-processes afterwards? Can't i just block the update URL on router level?

if anyone could give me some details it would be much appreciated. the device is still sitting here in the box meanwhile. thanks!
[Fire TV General] Yangkee:
If you just block the update URL on router level, new Fire TV stick will not continue setup process.

"How to Skip Software Updates during Initial Setup or Factory Reset on a Fire TV, Firestick, or Fire TV Cube"

How to Skip Software Updates during Initial Setup or Factory Reset on a Fire TV, Firestick, or Fire TV Cube

Since the latest software update for Fire TV devices is blocking the ability to use custom launchers, you may want to avoid updating a new or factory reset Fire TV.

www.aftvnews.com

I use QoS/SQM bandwidth limiter lower to 200 kbit/s, it will take several hours to complete the new firmware download. So that you have enough time to complete the Amazon account registration and other initialization processes without worries. You don't have to disconnect and connect its internet connection during process.
[Fire TV General] edan13:
thanks again! that is very helpful

i figured i'd just create a hotspot on the phone and limit download speeds of the hotspot via developer options on the phone to 128kbit/s (minimum) and only after everything is set up connect the FireTV to the home network wifi
[Fire TV General] pitsensas:
Thanks for your feedback.

But I have heard this is not possible to by-pass the update. Previously, the instructions were to stop the internet connection during the download of the update, open Voiceview by pressing Home and Back buttons, exit Voiceview and after, the login menu appeared !

Seems that Voiceview tip to exit the update screen is no more working....

Please to let me know if someone has tested it !
[Fire TV General] pitsensas:
But during the initial configuration, after internet setting, you're in the update screen and you can not exit it before the end of the downloading ?
[Fire TV General] pitsensas:
With Launcher Manager and an alternative Launcher, you can check if KFTV is still the current launcher : https://www.techdoctoruk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/image-3.png
[Fire TV General] Yangkee:
It works on FireOS 8.1.0.0 and I did it.
[Fire TV General] radar3860:
I hadn't replied yet, but I was able to rename the LM APK and install it on my Fire Stick 4K 2 running 8.1.0.2, and it worked with the Old Method setting. While blocking updates in app didn't work, I was able to disable some things through the ADB shell.

I also blocked a bunch of domains with my Pi-Hole for protection against future updates. It's been running Wolf Launcher with no issues.
[Fire TV General] mv522:
Can we get a launcher manager update
[Fire TV General] edan13:
it seems to have worked with the 4k Max as well

i limited wifi Hotspot speed to 128 kbps on the phone and connected the FireTV to the hotspot. Cancelled out of the update dialogue and set up everything including netguard blocking the update processes.

then i reconnected the FireTV to my home wifi where the update URLs are already blocked router-wide.

the stick never had the chance to update BUT

version: 8.1.0.1 (RS8101/1851)

so it seems the new 4kMax Gen2 are already shipped with said firmware? haven't tried installing LM yet
[Fire TV General] mv522:
I received 8.1.0.0 and it updated to 8.1.0.1
[Fire TV General] edan13:
weird

meanwhile i installed LM succesfully (somewhat). After sideloading the apk and selecting the "old method" i got an ADB prompt followed by some errors about "disabling user" or something and some java stuff? Also tried the "new method" but home button wouldn't launch desired app. However after a reboot the Stick now always launches KODI the way i wanted it to, so i dunno, maybe reboot was necessary but so far this seems to have worked.

what's a bit unfortunate is that my firmware doesn't have the storage permission iiuc bc that was enabled in 1854.

is there any way to manually update to 1854 with the .bin file forgoing the amazon updater (which i have just locked down)?
[Fire TV General] doudoule83:
Hello,

I have bought a fire stick (3rd Gen) about 2 years ago, it's up to date, if i run a factory reset, will it revert to stock version and will it be able to run custom launcher with the old method ? (new method doesn't work very well)