yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Thanks for the brilliant helper. I have been looking for a Fire TV stick 4k max + Wolf fix for quite a while. Today, knowing very little about what I was doing I followed your guide. It did not go smoothly but several hours later it works! My biggest problem was that the Firestick web keyboard kept getting in the way. But this also may have been the virtual keyboard of Termux. I'm not sure, I read that I had to turn Termux's virtual keyboard off. But never knew if I had succeeded.

Now I just hope that Amazon don't kill it in 24 hrs time.

For reference. the 4k max is ver OS 7.6.3.3 (PS7633/3445). Termux ver 0.118. Tasker ver 6.1.32 Note, I also had to run the Tasker-permissions app on the PC as requested by Tasker. This isn't mentioned in the procedure.

Now I have to try to repeat this on my other two firesticks :(

Question. 1). What is function is Termux providing? I cannot see the connection.

2). I am blocking Amazon updates using the router, is this really necessary?

Thanks again!
[Fire TV General] Falcon_X:
Don't know about the keyboard problem, I am using LeanKeyboard and I did this remotely with scrcpy (copy & paste commands). Maybe this only happens with the original FireTV keyboard app. I can recommend LeanKeyboard over the standard one anyway.

I didn't use the Tasker Permissions App on the PC - this might be an alternative to Termux.

I think you send the ADB permission commands via PC, instead of doing it with Termux directly on the FireTV itself.

And I use an older version of Tasker: 5.14.6 (without google apps).

I think it's not neccessary to block Amazon updates. I don't think that Amazon will block the Tasker app with an update.

I had some updates and it's still working. The main Amazon home button functionality is still there, it's just Tasker, which runs the command to open Wolf Launcher after Home was pressend. But bascially nothing was changed in the system.

Nevertheless of course you can block updates, if you want to be on the safe side.
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
I made our firestick's UI simple, much like a Roku, using Wolf's launcher. These past weeks using the Amazon UI has been hell (family complaining). I was literally at the point of selling them and getting Nvidia Shield's. So your solution has been a lifeline.

Based on what you write, I suspect that the Termux part did go wrong for me. If it was only used to set the permissions for Tasker, then I assume now that I can remove it?

I will now attempt the next Firestick. But will try Tasker on its own and see if it prompts for the Tasker Permission app to be used. It just might work, and is simple to perform.

The only downside is that I was using the Techdoctor screensaver app + Apple Aerial Dream. Sadly this is no longer is working. I dont know why there is a conflict. Perhaps Tasker could be used, but I don't know how to get Aerial to run the videos. I can live without it.
[Fire TV General] Falcon_X:
After everything was set up, yes you can remove Termux.

I am using Techdoctor screensaver app + Aerial, for me it's working.
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Aerial's working, ah, that's good news. I will try a fresh install. By chance, I was just looking into something similar called Aerial Views screensaver. Thanks!
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Hi, I need some help. I have just got Tasker working on a Firestick. I did the direct download of Tasker, so assume I'm on the 7 day trial. So it's time to pay. But it's a Firestick, so Google Play isn't used, I see Tasker is about €4 there. So I assume that I cannot buy it on a Google Play account and use it on the Firestick? I can not find Tasker on the Amazon app library. Well, I did find a Tasker, but not the right one. Then I looked at Jao's website. I see that a direct purchase on Patreon is available at €4 + VAT p/m, so lets say ((€4 + 20%) x12) -12% yearly discount which is about €50 per year. I can't justify that.

More..... I purchased Tasker for my phone (€4), then exported the APK to the Firestick. Ran it on Firestick and it says that I must purchase the already purchased App on Google Play. So there must be another way??
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Sorry to bug you again. But I cannot find a way to purchase Tasker (at least for a reasonable cost that I can justify). Question. Quote And I use an older version of Tasker: 5.14.6 (without google apps). Unquote.

Can I buy this older version. Because the current Patreon version costs €50 per year and I need three instances.
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Yes you buy the Google Play version on another Android device and see the information on installing Google services here: https://xdaforums.com/t/4k-max-with-tasker-to-launch-wolf-on-home-button.4541521/post-88046371
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Thanks! I did glance at this, but it seemed complicated. I really thought that I could purchase Tasker for a one time justifiable cost and move on. But at €50 per year per Tasker instance it is just too much. Anyway, I will give MicroG a shot. If I fail I will dump Amazon and look for something less stressful.

What is encouraging is that you found this as a solution to the google play issue
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Further to this thread. I got the following reply from Joa's in his Tasker forum. I will try it. I am still not sure how the app recognises that I have a licence. Or even how I can aquire two licences. I hope that it becomes clear.

QUOTE

joaomgcd

unread,

10:50 (5 hours ago)

to Tasker

Hi. On Patreon you only need to subscribe until you have the amount of life-time support needed for a license :) Each license is $4 so if you subscribe for $4 and then unsubscribe right away you still get to keep the 1 license. Hope this clarifies it!

Thank you for your contact.

UNQUOTE
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
It is a different version than the one you have installed. Once you subscribe and email him for a license, he will send you a link to a different one that works with a key.

The Google Play things isn't TOO bad, but I definitely prefer the Patreon route.
[Fire TV General] Falcon_X:
Someone knows this command "amazon.intent.action.HOME_PRESSED" for the Power button on the remote?

I would like to set a Tasker action that the FireTV goes to sleep after a short delay, when Power got pressed.

Would prefer to shut it down completly, but looks like Amazon doesn't want this to still listens with Alexa what we do...
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Its about the same price if you use the direct install download and purchase a licence on Patreon It's a one time cost €4+VAT per instance. Much easier than trying to work around the Google Play version
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
I have a bit of a problem with Tasker. I am using the direct download version, and have applied a licence. The issue is that it works fine all day. Then often, when I start using the fire TV stick again I find that Tasker is not working (I see the Amazon UI). But if I go to Developer - and toggle "ADB Debugging" OFF then ON again I get an immediate prompt to "Allow USB Debugging". I click always allow and Tasker works again.

So the Fire TV Stick is somehow forgetting to remember the "allow USB debugging" for Tasker.

Oh, when I installed Tasker, I did not use the adb commands to set the required Tasker permissions, but instead used the utility named Tasker.permissions.portable.exe on my PC. Obtained from here https://github.com/joaomgcd/Tasker-Permissions/releases/tag/v0.2.0 This appeared to work fine.

I would appreciate some advice on what is needed to be done to fix this little niggle. Other than that everything works great.
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Indeed - I mention that in a later port, but I realize this is a very long thread :)

Unfortunately if I remember right, someone else with a 'FireTV Stick' mentioned this. I can just say that this is not the case with the 'FireTV Cube3' nor, from my understanding with 'FireTV 4K'.
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Thanks for this. I mentioned how I set the required Tasker permissions, thinking maybe that was the error on my part. But today Tasker worked fine. So I will just see how things go.
[Fire TV General] cityhunter_1919_xyz:
action=ACTION_DOWN, keyCode=KEYCODE_POWER
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Oops ignore. Cannot find how to delete
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Watch the video here for and idea of how to make a logcat event:

On FireTV, when you do this, you won't be able to get to the floating 'Click to start logging' thing from the home screen, so launch an app that allows mouse, then hit it, then hit the button you want to find, launch the mouse-enabled app again, hit stop logging.

Once this is done, it will bring up a window with the log. Go through the log and look for the button you pressed.
[Fire TV General] grahamgo:
Thanks!
[Fire TV General] Smiechol77:
Just wanted to say thanks for the author. This method works flawlessly on FireOS 7.6.5.2. Much more stable and reliable than LM method
[Fire TV General] Cyphross:
Edit: Worked it out.
[Fire TV General] Meitei:
When I enter the last two adb commands I get the following error:

error: more than one device/emulator

I launched scrcpy with the parameters from the cmd shell, since trying to edit the properties would give me another error.
[Fire TV General] pitsensas:
Hello,

Since yesterday, I have an error with Termux : "ADB Offilne"

I have removed ADB Debug on the box, re-started it and re-activate ADB Debug but same error

I have powered-offf the box et re-start it but same error !

Any idea ?
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
nvm
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Yep, latest FireTV update blocks app ad access:

Update blocks apps from using ADB -- NS6702/5093 -- PS7669/4007 -- RS8103/2083

The new PS7669/4007 update that began rolling out the last few days, blocks apps from being able to use ADB. This breaks many 3rd party apps, like Mouse Toggle and Launcher Manager. I'm assuming that Amazon is doing this to put a final death...

xdaforums.com

I got lucky and blocked it in time.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
@xnappo How do I block it?

I’m still on Fire OS 7.6.6.4 (PS7664/3772).

I just disconnected my firetv from my wifi...

@xnappo

There are some good methods in this page:

[https://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-blo...ates-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/)

But I ended up using this easy method (no root, router or open dns config needed) which turned to work for me (credit to @Ighor):

[https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...lock-updates-dns-way-no-root-needed.4397079/)

But I’m not sure anymore it’s actually working given that my version right now is higher than what I had (I used to have version 7.2.9.2).

@Ighor Does it still work for you? What version are you on?

Do you have a more reliable way to block updates that you recommend?

Thank you.

P.S. Is this a good method I just found:

“I use the NetGuard APP and block everything that doesn't matter, including the update processes.

NetGuard - no-root firewall - Apps on Google Play

A simple way to block access to the internet per application

play.google.com

update processes which should block:

com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2

com.amazon.device.software.ota

com.amazon.device.software.ota.override

“

nvm on this last method someone said few years ago that: “

This approach has proven unreliable on various Amazon device going all the way back to 2nd gen Tate:

- you can't block the relevant OTA services without root

- blocking by IP is only a temporary fix as Amazon rotates addresses

Despite claims to the contrary no local 'firewall' can be 100% effective without root access.”

@xnappo @Ighor Will something like this work:

Net Blocker - Firewall per app​

Net Blocker - Firewall per app - Apps on Google Play

A simple tool to block Internet access per application.

play.google.com

Basically block all apps access to the internet except the ones that we use? Will it be able to block system services and amazon apps without root? Nvm it says it can only block non root apps... Arghh we got to get this right this time, this is our last chance...
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Yes, unfortunately I believe your are already too high a version to use the temp root.

I just used my router, which happens to be easy with my particular router...

[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
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
Got it, hopefully it works.

Btw, I don't always have access to the router when I connect the firetv to the internet, do you think using an app like Blokada and adding these URLs to the ad block blocked URLs will help preventing it from happening? And then use Tasker to help keep Blokada always running, what do you think about this idea? Edit: Actually looks like Blokada comes with two settings "start on boot and keep alive". The question if the app is powerful enough to block root amazon apps from downloading/installing the OS update?

Here is what I found about it for reference:

OTA update block with AdAway (no root)

Edit: WARNING A few reports of AdAway temporarily stopping the service. You could possibly double up with Adguard or a similar connection blocker. But it's not going to be 100%. Router blocking or a Pi-Hole setup is going to be more secure, so...

xdaforums.com

Thanks.
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Dunno, my guess is it better than nothing, but not bulletproof. I hate that Amazon does this crap. I would literally give them $50 just to let me use my own launcher.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
Do you think the router method is bulletproof? Or how does it compare to the Blokada method?
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Router method is definitely safer, because it is 100% always in the lookup path. It only takes blockada closing one time and allowing access to fail.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
So you can make tasker monitor for blokada and relaunch it, no?
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Naw, same problem with tasker running. I mean you could try and maybe it would be better, but basically relying on anything running in the device itself is somewhat risky. It will probably be fine. But only probably :)
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
What are the odds Tasker going bad and Blokada at the same time?

The real question: If Blokada never stops, does the ad block actually blocks the OTA.

@xnappo https://community.blokada.org/t/automating-blokadas-behaviour-with-tasker/78
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Sorry, I am at the end of what I know. All I can say is I am more confident in blocking at the router.
[Fire TV General] BookCase:
I use my phone as a tether and install F-droid then install "DNS66" from there and add my own DNS servers (I highly recommend more than 1 DNS server).

Spoiler content hidden.

If you set DNS66 to auto start and auto update it will run in the background after every boot within about 1-2 minutes. I use the "VPN Monitor Dot" (default settings) to make sure it's running.

Also, I installl "Shizuku", "aShell" and "Canta" to disable the Amazon Update apps.

List of Amazon Bloat Removed (Tested Safe and With No Errors or Issues)

Spoiler content hidden.

Bloat From FireOS 5.2.1.1 (TESTED WORKING WITH REMOVAL)

Spoiler content hidden.

The "Permissions Manager" & "Debloat Toolbox" from THIS post are also very good.

"LTE Cleaner" is great for keeping the system running smoothly. I delete all downloaded .apk's & try to keep at least 1GB free space.

"Fast Task Killer" used to work but, it doesn't seem to be working currently. Amazon has all apps running in the background upon boot. You should "force stop" all the apps that are not nessessary.

I recommend using "Downloader" to download apps directly into the firestick and "Send Files to TV" from Amazon or Google to shoot apps into the firestick from your phone over Wifi.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
Thanks isn’t your os is much lower than mine and do you need root for all this to work?
[Fire TV General] BookCase:
You do not need root nor do you need to unlock the bootloader as long as you use "Shizuku".

View attachment 6072671

Also, check out the "Awesome-Shizuku" list for more apps and options.
[Fire TV General] crazyazz:
Hi, I installed this on my firestick 4k max running 7.6.6.9. Its running but how do I add something like launcher manager so it has USB debugging? I just want to get a customer launcher running with the home button etc.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
Question about the method itself - I noticed that when I use Netflix key press (1) as the adb logcat condition and I use the task to launch Kodi and kill netflix app, it results in the Wolf Launcher home screen instead. This is happening especially when the tv is closed, and I press Netflix remote button.

It doesn’t seem to happen when I do it with Hulu remote button and another app to replace it with.

Any idea how to resolve this? I tried to add a wait of 2-3 seconds before killing the Netflix app in the task and repeat the adb wifi command of relaunch Kodi after killing Netflix app, but it doesn’t seem to help. I still end up going to to the Wolf home screen. If I’m already with the tv open, and I press the Netflix remote button, then it launches Kodi as expected.

Any idea how to resolve this?

Thanks.
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
That is really odd. Are you sure you don't have launcher manager set up to monitor keys? I haven't used LM in a long time, but I think it does have some options for that?
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
No, launch manager is uninstalled long time ago as it doesn’t work.

Edit: Ok looks like it's caused by the event when Display On -> Open Wolf Launcher.

If I disable it, then it works as expected.

The Display On event was mentioned in this post on one of the pages, but I'm not sure if it's absolutely needed? I believe it was meant for when you first start the device, but maybe this would be more suited for the Device Boot event instead?
[Fire TV General] BookCase:
Try this NEW METHOD.
[Fire TV General] crazyazz:
Tried that before , it cant work as apps cant use USB debugging, that's the whole problem.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
The only method you can do now is the “external forever loop”:

Workaround to remap home key

Hello! So I gave up a lot of time ago on having a custom launcher that was opened automatically instead of the stock launcher, but a while ago I thought about a way of using adb logcat to catch the events that launch the stock launcher and...

xdaforums.com
[Fire TV General] BookCase:
I would suggest doing a factory restore and blocking the updates before they install. ADB works on every version before the latest. Refer back to THIS post to block the updates.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
This gives me an idea...

If I got my FireTV stick 3rd generation 2 years ago, if I factory reset my firetv stick, will it take me back to an older os version from 2 years ago, which I can then block updates and then be able to get temp root to permanently block updates?

Referring to this guide:

[Temp ROOT] FireTV 3rd gen Cube (gazelle) ≤ PS7652

Overview This rooting method is based on a new vulnerability in the ARM Mali GPU driver (CVE-2022-46395) discovered by security researcher Man Yue Mo at GitHub Security Lab, to gain root access to the 3rd gen Cube that is on firmware PS7652/3564...

xdaforums.com
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
According to @Pro-me3us “OTA updates overwrite the old firmware, a factory reset won't rollback the firmware version. It will only wipe the user data.

Root (preferably an unlock) is needed to downgrade.”
[Fire TV General] BookCase:
That's terrible, I was unaware. I'm sure there's a way to downgrade or block the updates. I fired up a brand new 4K Max and didn't connect to the Internet and before logging into Amazon, I was able to get into the settings with the settings button on the remote and enable the adb. I was hacking the HTC Dream (G1) in October of 2009 (alousing a usb wire and a laptop.

Look here for how to skip/block OTA updates.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
Yes you can maybe skip updates when you buy a new device, but it doesn’t seem like there is an easy way to downgrade, unless you root the device.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
@xnappo if you are willing to pay $50 or even $20 here is some idea/solution for you which I might consider myself as I’m getting tired of FireTV bs:

“No I gave up on Firesticks, Amazon is just too hostile to their customers. Chromecasts let me change launchers and remap app keys with no issues. Being forced to use the stock Firestick launcher with all those ads and only like 6 app buttons is a dealbreaker for me.

As far as your issue, my understanding is that Amazon added a check after each app button, including the Home button, is pressed, to confirm that the "proper" app launched. If not it launches it and doesn't allow the other app to spawn.

But again I haven't used a Firestick in awhile now. There might be another workaround that works now, but then Amazon will shoot it down in a month or two and the cycle will repeat. Really not worth the hassle as a user in my opinion.

Yup, full name is "Chromecast with Google TV". It's exactly like the Firestick except it's much more friendly to the end user. Can use Launcher Manger to change to whatever launcher you want (I like Wolf but there's lots, Projectivity is popular). And Button Mapper to remap the app buttons.

I like the Firestick's remote much better, but the Chromecast beats it in every other way. I use the "Chromecast HD" ($30), which is 1080p, since that's enough for my TV, but I picked up my friend a "Chromecast 4k" ($50), which does 4k, and it works well too.

All the devices including the Firesticks could use more RAM, but they work well enough.

It's my understanding that the current top of the line is an Nvidia Shield, but they cost much more ($200).

Works exactly the same as a Firestick, so if the Firestick works, the CC will too.

If you have a 4k tv:

Amazon.com

Personally I'd get the used version at that link, since it's just a return.

If you don't need 4k:

Amazon.com

On sale for $20!”

Enjoy!
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
@ptstr Yeah, I know about CCwGTV and have one. It is too slow for Kodi IMHO and not enough memory vs FireCube. Definitely it you are using a FireStick I would recommend CCwGTV. I am hoping they release a new one soon.

I also have two Shields, but they don't support LLDV conversion or HDR10+...
[Fire TV General] babyjava:
Hi,

I'd like to try but i want to use Projectivy Launcher.

I this case, what is the string for start the app?

am start -n "???"
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
adb shell am start -n fullPackageName/ActivityName

To find the full package name:

pm list packages | grep name

Where name is the name of the app then once you find the package name, put it here to find the full package name and activity:

cmd package resolve-activity --brief packageName | tail -n 1
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
Is CCwGTV has more memory than fireTV?

So if you were to rate them, would it be:

1. FireCube

2. CCwGTV (HD version)

3. FireTv (Gen 3 HD version) - That’s the one I have
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Yes, I would rate them in that order. From Versus.com (FireCube, FireStick 4k Max, Chromecase w/GTV):

View attachment 6085645

I really wish Google would release a new one.
[Fire TV General] ptstr:
I compared https://versus.com/en/amazon-fire-tv-stick-3rd-gen-vs-google-chromecast-with-google-tv-hd

Looks like it has 1gb in fire tv stick 3rd gen (hd) vs 2gb google Chromecast with google tv (hd) of memory

not sure if it makes much difference for Kodi:

RAM

Recommended: 1GB or more in a HTPC media player appliance-like computer dedicated for Kodi, and 2GB or more in a computer for multipurpose use.

Maybe it's slightly slow and running out space sometimes, but it is what it is, it's probably going to be a little hassle to copy all apps and setup from firetv to google chromecast.
[Fire TV General] xnappo:
Yeah, it will work fine, and be way less annoying to customize.
[Fire TV General] Cieplasek:
Cześć. Mam pytanie. Czy to działa również na najnowszej karcie Fire Stick Max Gen 2?