yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android TV General] marcelopc:
Thanks for your answer. Finally, it automatically updated to the latest version. 12.1.a7
[Android TV General] perfectswanson:
Funny, mine wouldn't update. But that's good, less hassle. Does yours still have Netflix and Hulu? Now I cannot find Hulu, Netflix or HBO Max on the Playstore, when they were before.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Use the APKPure app, mine came with Netflix. Although when it comes to live tv or movies and series I use other apps
[Android TV General] bert+xda:
Hello Guys, I am getting a virus warning from post #19. When I extract the .zip file, Panda Dome deletes several files immediately (see attached screenshot). Is this a false positive? Has anyone else gotten that result?

Thanks for all the info. My T95zPLUS is BigdroidOS 2.0.1, and is not rooted. System Update gives 12.1.A4_20220923-111
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
There is no virus.. I have them on my PC and have opened them to read the instructions and watch videos. Go to post #33 and download the rooted A7 firmware. If you don't know how to flash it let me know. But the guides are very helpful.
[Android TV General] bert+xda:
Thanks Ghost, I shall try it on a Win10 PC that has no antivirus on, and report back
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
I download everything to downloads folder and add that folder to exclusions in windows security...unzip the download to a new folder under downloads folder.....you will be ok!
[Android TV General] perfectswanson:
If you're looking at the box from the front and you can read the time, then it's the port on the right. I couldn't get the it to recognize it until I installed phoenix suite, it had the rest of the drivers. I interacted with fastboot, but couldn't boot the custom recovery, it stops at "booting" not frozen but stays still. Then I tried booting an img file, and that didn't work, but I didn't expect it to. So, DO NOT flash that TWRP img, unless you get it to boot first. Also, whatever mode it goes into while holding reset while powering it on isn't fastboot. you'll want to go to recovery, and then select bootloader from there. You can also try disconnecting the power, because you shouldn't need it when it's plugged into your PC. It doesn't even reboot when you switch from power jack to only USB, which I thought was interesting, but you probably knew that already from flashing it. It will also accept the adb commands to get into recovery or Bootloader. adb reboot recovery and such. I also never got ADB working with just the cable ; I've been connecting to it through lan.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
You are saying that with power applied and connected to PC, boot the box to recovery then to bootloader. Then you can use fastboot commands to flash zips etc that the box is recognized as android USB?
[Android TV General] bert+xda:
I retried the link with panda disabled, but defender complained about the same files, calling them Worm:Win32/Ramnit.A. I found a newer version of Phoenix card from here https://chinagadgetsreviews.com/download-latest-version-of-phoenixcard-v4-2-4.html . That one didn't show any threats when scanned so i burnt a card with T95Zplus-H618-A7-org.img. That produced a card with many partitions, see screenshot. Is that what is expected?

I mainly use linux, so am clumsy with windows
[Android TV General] marcelopc:
The best place to get apps that are up to date and work on all devices : https://www.apkmirror.com/
[Android TV General] Oranguman:
I think you would see the defect if it was there. It was pretty obvious on very close inspection that one of the contacts was not seated. Once I had figured out that the problem centered around the boot switch I poked at it with my multimeter to try and verify where the break was. Bridging a contact involves sottering a small bit of conductive material that connects or bridges the unseated contact. I would continue trying to flash normally unless there was a visible, detectable defect- it will likely work eventually.
[Android TV General] Oranguman:
I'll have to try that when I get time.
[Android TV General] Oranguman:
Yes, that is what is expected in terms of the partition table as far as I can recall. Are you able to flash from it? Mounting your card in Linux between creating it and deploying it could cause read errors in some cases I thinkk
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Don't worry about the results. As long as it was done by the card tool, just insert it in your box, pull power then wait 15 secs and plug power back in and it will flash the img.
[Android TV General] bert+xda:
Thanks Oranguman, thanks Ghost.

I don't think the sd card was mounted in Gparted, but if any trouble I shall re-write it.

I found a note in the tiny manual that came with the box about flashing it. There is a hidden reset button set at the back of the AV port. Manual says to hold that in whilst applying power, and to ensure no usb card is plugged in at that time: see attachment.

I shall look forward to seeing the "Robert Logo".

What do ya think?
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Two ways to successfully flash firmware on this box. (1 use PheonixCard tool to create a micro SD card using the firmware img, unplug the power from the box, insert the micro SD card created, plug in the power cord. It will automatically flash the firmware. Once done, remove the micro SD card, unplug power, wait 15 secs them plug power back into box and it will boot to new firmware. (2 Use Pheonix Suite, select the anchor tab, load firmware. Then with just the box with no power applied, (clean one end of a q-tip) insert the q-tip into the audio port gently until it bottoms out and you feel a click. Keep it inserted while you connect the box to the PC with an A to A USB cable and then follow the prompts.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Here you go guys.... Firmware upgrade instruction videos.....
[Android TV General] bert+xda:
Cheers, will try the card tomorrow
[Android TV General] perfectswanson:
Just don't write it over your recovery partition.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Explain.... When you flash firmware, everything gets overwritten.
[Android TV General] perfectswanson:
If there's an update to recovery, recovery is overwritten. Recovery isn't always included in roms. Besides you don't want to get stuck in a boot loop, and learn later. You can test it with

Fastboot boot TWRP.img

. If it works well enough, then you can flash it.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
My PC doesn't recognize the box connected to be able to use fastboot commands....
[Android TV General] Battletux:
Finally! a thread on this Android box with useful info in! Thank you. I have managed (somehow) to flash the A7 rooted rom (My box had updated to A7 earlier today).

What I'd like to know is if there is the chance of any new roms that would allow it to run either a proper AndroidTV build or to at least have the HDMI output treated as the 'Internal' screen.

Also does anyone know why some apps just flat out refuse to start? Proton VPN being one of them for me.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Not at this time. Mainly because it so new...
[Android TV General] WatchMeBuild:
I think there's something with VPNs, because I can't get PIA, or NordVPN to load either. They just hang for a few seconds, and then disappear. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
[Android TV General] perfectswanson:
I just connected via network, then "adb reboot bootloader" then you'll see a Droid guy on screen, and then your PC should recognize the fastboot with USB. Bootloader unlock commands don't seem to be recognized, but it tries to boot twrp when I attempted to boot to it, as opposed to getting a locked bootloader error message. So I think it's unlocked if you tick that option in developer settings. I looked up what command they used for the h616 SOC, and that didn't work either so I am assuming it's unlocked.

I also noticed that on the a7 ROM you can't download Hulu and HBO Max and some others from the Play store anymore, also the USB doesn't seem to recognize while running, and there are some other things that are restricted when they weren't on the stock ROM or at least the one that came with my model. I installed majisk and it seems to work but it's aware of the competing route app I wonder what app is their root app because I don't see supersu.

I also think that all of the Brahms were already rooted most of these boxes come rooted. I think that to get some of their proprietary software to work correctly it requires root so they have to make it rooted otherwise why else would they restrict some other parts. I never tried the VPN but I don't remember seeing it in the settings, which is interesting they must not want you on a VPN while the machine phones home to China. I suppose it wouldn't make a very connected bot net. Lol anyone tried connecting to their VPN through Kodi? The other thing I noticed is that while it used to think that it was a pixel 3 now on the A7ROM it thinks it's a pixel 5.

Do you need driver source to compile Android? Or can you just use the drivers that are already compiled on a specific ROM?

I chose this box because I know that they don't update these things past the version that it comes with. So I picked one that was 12, but I knew I should have gone with an Amlogic SOC. Damn software isn't even 64-bit while the SOC is. Can't run dolphin. We should probably check out freak tab or the Russian for PDA forum or whatever. But I doubt there's going to be much development for this POS.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
you are correct on all matters......
[Android TV General] mattpant:
Hi, I've just purchased an T95z Plus from Amazon - it's showing as:-

BigdroidOS 2.0.1

Android OS Build 12.1.A7

Kernel Version 5.4.125

I have an app installed on the device which is suppose to Auto Start - but it's not auto starting when the device is switched on - I can see it's set to auto start - I've also tried Start on Boot app and have listed the app to load and the auto start app - but nothing will make this app launch automatically.

Is there something in this firmware stopping apps from launching automatically - is there something I can do to change a setting that will allow me to launch the app automatically - I'm using the device to launch an app for a Digital Signage type screen - where there will be no keyboard / mouse / remote interaction.

I tried this on an X95 Pro device and the app launched automatically on boot with no issues.

Hoping somebody can point me in the right direction!

Thanks

Matt
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
I have the same issue as you but no answer yet. If an answer is found post here to help others!🙂
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Which TWRP do you suggest? Also you might try the free version of ProtonVPN app....
[Android TV General] SebZ24:
I see that the link to Mega is down. The file on androidfilehost is good? Ans any body work on A8 Firmware?

Thanks
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Not that I am aware of. Which Mega link were you looking for?
[Android TV General] SebZ24:
The one that you post number 32. If i understand right is the one i need to flash my T95Z? I want to make Microsoft Teams work on those box. But i have problem with newer version on Teams.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
I will check the link and if need be will repost it...👍
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
New link for A12 version 7

File on MEGA

mega.nz
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Also the update app in the app drawer should update the box to A7. Don't us update in settings.
[Android TV General] Spaik89:
Hi there guys. I just get mine T95Z Plus and I cant install netflix, disney plus or other apps. Even I try search in Google store nothing show up. When I type in browser netflix app and registering to Google store I see this version is nor compatible with my device. What I can do now ? I have to downgrade android ?
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Try uptodown or APKPure websites...I have both Netflix and YouTube. I can install apps from play store. Some apps on the play store are not compatible with the android tv box. I believe that Netflix came with my box. I will try and help anyway I can.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Look at this website,

Download latest Netflix TV APK for Android TV and Box

The Netflix Android TV APK is here for download. Netflix just recently updated the Android TV app for better compatibility with several bug fixes.

www.androidsage.com
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
Hi guys, did someone get an upgrade to version A8?
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
Is this A7-1434 or A7-1615 version?
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
Are you aware that version 12.1.A7 20221216-1615 is unavailable for about 80% of apps on Google Play?
[Android TV General] Spaik89:
Exactly i bought with this version. And cant install netflix, disney plus and a lot of more. How I can go down ? Or the best for me should be install software with android 7. It is possible ?
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Beats me, how can you find out. All I see is 12.1.A7
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
Click on about and you will see update and there will be the full firmware number
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Will let you know shortly....
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Here..
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
You have a bad version 1615, it does not work in the Google Play Market
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
Install version A5 from here, it is already being updated to A8 T95Zplus-H618-A5.img
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
For my needs I don't use the Play Store anyway. APKPure, uptodown etc for me. Try to avoid Google as much as possible!😁
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
Even if you do not use the Play Store, it is better to upgrade to the new version 12.1.A8_20230206-1919
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Don't have it to upgrade, do you?
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
It is updated only from version A5 immediately to A8, the update size is 25 MB.

From other versions of A7 - 4 MB and error
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Anyone using the A8 version mentioned in this thread? If so, are there any more features added especially in the settings. I am using Adguard and every time I boot up I have to re-activate the app. Also hope to see a status bar and navigation bar implemented somewhere along the way....
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
As for Netflix in the play store not being compatible, that was the same issue I have with my amlogic H96 Pro Plus boxes running android 7.1. I had to Google search for the Netflix app made specifically for Android boxes. The same holds true for other apps as well. I have been active in android box usage for many years now.
[Android TV General] jozino:
In version 12.1.A8_20230206-1919 are Play Store & Google apps OK? I need it especially for kids - Youtube Kids app :) And what about Disney+ and Netflix? Still not fully supported without installing it from apkmirror and streaming in bad quality? Thanks...

EDIT: I can answer to myself - Google services still not working in version "12.1.A8_20230206-1919" :(
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Where is the A8 version that I can test? Not having any issues with with A7 1615.
[Android TV General] jozino:
As lolmilispi wrote in #125: update FW to this: T95Zplus-H618-A5.img and then autoupdate to version 12.1.A8_20230206-1919. BTW can't see any changes in A8 vs. A7 1615.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Sorry I didn't see the link, must have had a senior moment.😁
[Android TV General] SebZ24:
One of my box update to A8 (Stock one) but not the one with your A7 img Ghost. Still looking to be able to make a img of my stock box. Maby i'm begin to be old :P
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
I read in this thread to update to A8, you need to be running this A5 firmware then it will update to the A8....

File on MEGA

mega.nz
[Android TV General] tallo81:
Hi, just one newby question (not sure it is the good thread but it is active).

All these firmwares (thanks for compiling) are running on 32bit mode right?

Is it is so, do you know why and whether 64bit possibility exists?

Thanks all
[Android TV General] lolmilispi:
Yes, all consoles on h618 run on android 12 32 bit

If you need 64 bits, then look towards Rockchip rk3566/3568
[Android TV General] fadex:
Hi everyone, new guy here who just bought a T95Z Plus from AliExpress.

Q1) How do i confirm i have a AllWinner H618 Soc?

Box says T95Z Plus, 64-bit CPU, 4xCPU CortexA53, GPU Mali G31 MP2. 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage.

Android says box is on 12.1.A7_20221215-1434

Q2) Is there a way to root this? Magisk maybe? Where do i download and how to flash that? Can I get any magisk version and flash that in this box's recovery via "apply update from sd card"? Does it have to be a magisk version specific to this box?

Q3) Same question for TWRP? Where can i download a version compatible with this and how do i go on flashing it?

Q4) Is there a way to install a terminal in Android? I enabled Developer mode but i don't see it there.

Thank you very much to all in advance
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
1) install "Device Info app" from anywhere you can.....

2) It is pre-rooted, so just install magisk App Magisk when you first open it will give you an error about SU but it is ok for now. I will post later how to correct it.

3) no answer yet

4) install Termus.app from internet or Google Play Store.....
[Android TV General] fadex:
Thank you very much Ghost. Appreciated.
[Android TV General] fadex:
I managed to get the apps installed and just like you said, Magisk complains about the pre-installed su binary.

Do you know a way to create a .img file from the current system?

I will try to connect via adb, to see if i can backup partitions that way.

Thanks for your kind support
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
You can use root explorer and navigate to /system/xbin and rename "su" to "us.old" and that will solve that problem. As for adb, find the IP address of the box on your router and the you can use adb command "adb connect xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" and communicate with the box that way.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Also check post #98 in this thread...
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Make sure magisk is installed and indicates that it is active before changing the su name.....otherwise you will have to re-flash the box....
[Android TV General] fadex:
Yeap, it worked like a charm. Magisk doesnt complain. Apps that i set in magisk still get root.

Thanks a lot.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Ok everybody, running a test on a script that will give full root capabilities by adding space in the "Super" Partitions with full R/W permissions! Stay tuned to see if this works!
[Android TV General] LongIronMcBogey:
You Need to Enable Developer Mode by tapping the BUILD NUMBER like 7 times, it will tell you 3,2,1 NOW YOU'RE A DEVELOPER, then you can go down the list and enable ADB connections.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Thank you but I have already figured it all out. I am now working with a script to enable full root with adding space to the Partitions. But thank you for the input!
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Having an issue with editing the generic.kl file to change the key 28 from dpad_center to enter and saving the file. The file save is in error and it empties the contents of the text. Can't delete the file and paste an edited file in it's place stating no room.... anybody have any ideas?
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
I don't have wireless debugging setting in developer options....
[Android TV General] fadex:
where is that file located?

ok seems to be /system/usr/keylayout

Have you tried to remount /system via adb (as root)

adb start-server

adb connect <IP:5555>

adb devices

adb root

adb remount

adb shell

then in the shell

cd /system/usr/keylayout

(...)

edit the file OR

create the file in /storage/emulated/0/... using an editor in the box and use adb to copy over from there
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Thank you for the reply! Got it fixed a little bit ago. Deleted some un-needed apps from /system/preinstall. Again thank you for replying! One issue is I don't have a setting for wireless debug in order to connect adb by wifi network. Additionally, when i set an app to start when boot completes, i dont have the Auto-Run setting in the box settings.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
here, sorry for being late...

File on MEGA

mega.nz
[Android TV General] fadex:
Humm.. For me, connecting adb using LAN works. Cant remember if i tried Wifi too.

In Developer options I only have OEM unlocking and USB debugging activated.

I have the laptop and the box behind a router (same network), both cabled.

But ADB only works if box started in "normal mode". Cant connect via adb if it started in recovery. or fastboot.

Not sure if thats normal. I wanted to backup the mmc blocks (.img files) when the box was not in use in recovery. Ended up copying them in normal mode.

On the other hand, while network works, I cant make it work using the USB cable directly, as I do with my phone :p

It would be great to have TWRP. Then we dont need this. :)
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Hey everybody, I have found a better firmware for the T95Z Plus H618 TV Box. It comes with superSU installed and the superuser app as well. A few extra options over the original firmware. Test it out. I flashed my box with the phoenix suite. With this firmware, no need for Magisk. It is pre-rooted with SuperSU...:giggle:(y)

File on MEGA

mega.nz
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Here is a link to firmware of different boxes that are compatible with the H618 chipset..... Just download them and use Phoenix Suite to flash....

H618 | AndroidPCtv

androidpctv.com
[Android TV General] fadex:
Thanks Ghost. I will try it soon.

You are the best (Y)

P.S. Why do you like SuperSU better than Magisk? I'm curious.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
At 71 I'm just an old goat and it has always served me well! 🤣
[Android TV General] fadex:
Tried it.

Impressions:

Slow performance on initial boot after flashing. I guess it just processing initialization stuff, but I didnt get any of that with stock. Give it a couple of reboots until it gets back to normal.

The launcher/interface is much nicer than the one we had stock.

Like Ghost mentioned SuperSU comes installed by default, so no need to override the stock su.

Other apps, coming in this ROM include, Emotn Store, Firefox, Nova Video Player, Prime Video, Smart Tube, TikTok TV, X-Plore

In this ROM, ESC key in the keyboard doesnt go back to previous menu, right mouse button does. Thats also different.

Unfortunetely, my remote doesnt work with this ROM. Moreover if i go to recovery (looks the same btw) both my keyboard and remote dont work. So I cant even select anything in that menu/screen.

So i am just copying these .apks and going back to our stock rom. Hopefully i can install the launcher app, still havent figure out its name.

Even though its not for me (remote not working is a show stopper), you guys should try it out and see if it works or not.

Thanks Ghost for all your help and suggestions.

Really appreciate it! Keep them coming ;)
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Yeah, IR remote didn't work but I rarely use it anyway. I use ipazzport mini USB keyboard and mouse pad. I use the box mainly for streaming video. As for the launcher name, it is in the list of system apps, I think "mslauncher" that I believe if you enable system apps in SwiftBackup you might be able to transfer it that way. As for me I use Microsoft Launcher that has backup and restore feature.... Good luck in your ventures! Ghost
[Android TV General] fadex:
Ghost,

Not sure if its matters to you but with this Apollo ROM, when running "adb root" I get:

"adbd cannot run as root in production builds"

I also couldnt pull any mmc blocks for backup either.
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Did you try using adb su first? That gets you the root authorization.... Also, once you get root, install the app Partitions backup and you can get all partition images and copy the folder to PC, then if needed, when rooted, copy the folder back to phone, re-install the app and you can restore all the images back to phone...similar to a android backup!
[Android TV General] TheGhost1951:
Make sure you are using the update app in the app drawer.... What version are you on?