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

[Finnzz]

On your FireOS version disabling updates using the Launcher Manager disable updates option is enough. It's after 7.2.5.5 that you have to start doing more elaborate things to block updates

 

[tinybilbo]

On your FireOS version disabling updates using the Launcher Manager disable updates option is enough. It's after 7.2.5.5 that you have to start doing more elaborate things to block updates

Thanks for the info. I just wanted to make sure.. I'm familiar with the original rooted 4k just not the Max, so was being careful.
Btw do I lose anything by not being on 7.2.5.5?

 

[Finnzz]

Thanks for the info. I just wanted to make sure.. I'm familiar with the original rooted 4k just not the Max, so was being careful.
Btw do I lose anything by not being on 7.2.5.5?

7.2.4.8 is the 4k Max release version so I would expect a bunch of new device bug fixes between that and 7.2.5.5. I don't know of specifics though. I think using the 4K Max as an eARC hub for Echo audio wasn't enabled until 7.2.5.5. This let's you route audio from any HDMI attached devices on a TV with eARC to the 4K Max and out over WiFi to an Echo or Echo pair in home theater configuration. This is a pretty niche feature.

I would just check that Netflix or any other streaming apps you use work. If they do, I wouldn't worry about further FireOS updates. FireOS updates tend to be more about serving Amazon than the customer.

 

[simonho1989]

i have a question for those whose custom launcher is still working.
What is the package state of "com.amazon.firehomestarter"
and what is its version code?

my fire tv 4k accidentally updated to 6.2.8.9 (i set dns to block update before, not sure why i got updated)

but luckily my home was disable by LMU before, and still working. My com.amazon.firehomestarter is 1.0.17.0_2310 do you need the apk?

 

[tinybilbo]

7.2.4.8 is the 4k Max release version so I would expect a bunch of new device bug fixes between that and 7.2.5.5. I don't know of specifics though. I think using the 4K Max as an eARC hub for Echo audio wasn't enabled until 7.2.5.5. This let's you route audio from any HDMI attached devices on a TV with eARC to the 4K Max and out over WiFi to an Echo or Echo pair in home theater configuration. This is a pretty niche feature.

I would just check that Netflix or any other streaming apps you use work. If they do, I wouldn't worry about further FireOS updates. FireOS updates tend to be more about serving Amazon than the customer.

Thanks again for the info.

The Max will be plugged into a receiver rather than the TV (as well as everything else) so I think I will probably turn off eARC anyway.

Every app I need is working and nothing has forced closed so far... so I think all is good - I'm happy to stick at the current firmware.
The last thing I need to test is Plex or KODI audio passthrough. I'll do that when I actually install it tomorrow into my living room setup.

The only issue Is that my Alexa search doesn't seem to fully work but I think that's more to do with the fact I have disabled a stack load of (background) apps.
I'll re-enable them tomorrow to narrow down the ones I need.

 

[Finnzz]

The only issue Is that my Alexa search doesn't seem to fully work but I think that's more to do with the fact I have disabled a stack load of (background) apps.
I'll re-enable them tomorrow to narrow down the ones I need.

If you mean that using voice search on the 4k max doesn't search for episodes across apps, that feature won't work with Launcher Manager. General episode / movie / app store search depends on the stock Amazon launcher which Launcher Manager disables to let you use a custom launcher.

For app store searching you'll have to temporarily enable Amazon launcher, search for what you want, then re-enable the custom launcher when you are done.

 

[RiCkLaR]

...
The only issue Is that my Alexa search doesn't seem to fully work but I think that's more to do with the fact I have disabled a stack load of (background) apps.
I'll re-enable them tomorrow to narrow down the ones I need.

Edited:
There might be a bug in the old Alexa system app, usually gets updated a lot, at minimum once a month. Latest Alexa app is version 3.0.757.0-com.amazon.vizzini.645.0.0_645131910 as viewed on a Cube.

If you have blocked OTA's and debloated all the junk system apps, then you can pull the system apps from another FireTV OS7 device and manually update whatever system apps you may use like Alexa.

You can enable the SYSTEM App Updater's individual package:com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 with the Debloat Toolbox or via ADB, then Check-For-Updates under MyFireTV settings to get all the latest Amazon system-apps updated. And because you have already blocked/stopped the other packages that download the entire full OTA firmware update you should have no problem disabling any of the unwanted System apps that will get updated again like AmazonShopping and FTV-Launcher. Just remember to disable package:com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 after the apps are updated.

Tip: use a file manager app like TotalCommander you can sort the Installed Apps by "Date/Time" & "Descending" to see what apps get pushed/installed to know what might need to be disabled again.

Don't worry tested this on my 4K-Max stick on the old firmware before letting it do the full OTA firmware updates. If you still can use LauncherManager to enable/disable the FTV-launcher whenever you like. Test to make sure package is not 'protected" with ADB shell:

pm disable-user com.amazon.tv.launcher

Then you can turn on/off that SystemAppUpdater individual package whenever you want to look for Amazon apps. If you don't care about PrimeVideo, AmazonMusic, Alexa, IMDB/Freevee working perfectly or about having the latest features for those apps then don't bother.

EDIT reason: was wrong completely, my notes had me convinced it was possible, maybe at the time that I was messing around with the 4K-Max it already had a buggered firmware that let it/me upgrade the systems apps independent of the full OTA.

 

[RiCkLaR]

i have a question for those whose custom launcher is still working.
What is the package state of "com.amazon.firehomestarter"
and what is its version code?

Don't think the version code matters, as long as the package was previously disabled before getting any of the 2022 OTA firmware updates for FireOS 6 & 7.

Don't know if it is the new firmware's themselves or if its the FTV-launcher updates, but some GLOBAL Settings keys keep getting reset.

#adb shell settings list global

1D_DISAMBIGUATION_PACKAGE=com.amazon.tv.launcher
FF_SEARCH_PACKAGE=com.amazon.tv.launcher

Have set to null for those 2 settings keys for {global/secure/system} to not have it be re-enabled. Just deleting the global setting or setting those global keys to null didn't work and it would revert, but with all three set to null and it stopped the keys from being reset.

Don't know what those settings are actually doing, but since they point to the original FTV-launcher thought it prudent to try to disable them.

 

[E3Im0]

Hi I brought a 4k max Last week and have been trying to see if I factory reset it ot would downgrade to an older firmware or would it stay with the one I installed

 

[Finnzz]

Hi I brought a 4k max Last week and have been trying to see if I factory reset it ot would downgrade to an older firmware or would it stay with the one I installed

No, factory resetting only clears data, it doesn't revert you to an earlier FireOS version. Downgrading is not possible. If you just got the Max last week and didn't mean to update it, return it and get a new one.

Skipping updates during registration is pretty easy:

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

Then block updates immediately once you are at the homescreen.

 

[tinybilbo]

If you mean that using voice search on the 4k max doesn't search for episodes across apps, that feature won't work with Launcher Manager. General episode / movie / app store search depends on the stock Amazon launcher which Launcher Manager disables to let you use a custom launcher.

For app store searching you'll have to temporarily enable Amazon launcher, search for what you want, then re-enable the custom launcher when you are done.

Thanks mate! that was exactly the issue I was facing,,, It's not a major issue as I don't really use a lot of apps beyond the UK catch-up apps, kodi,plex & tivimate which I have already sideloaded.
Is there any chance of a system update whilst I re-enable the Amazon launcher? (for future app searches),

There might be a bug in the old Alexa system app, usually gets updated a lot, at minimum once a month.

You can enable the SYSTEM App Updater's individual package:com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 with the Debloat Toolbox or via ADB, then Check-For-Updates under MyFireTV settings to get all the latest Amazon system-apps updated. And because you have already blocked/stopped the other packages that download the entire full OTA firmware update you should have no problem disabling any of the unwanted System apps that will get updated again like AmazonShopping and FTV-Launcher. Just remember to disable package:com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 after the apps are updated.

Tip: use a file manager app like TotalCommander you can sort the Installed Apps by "Date/Time" & "Descending" to see what apps get pushed/installed to know what might need to be disabled again.

Don't worry tested this on my 4K-Max stick on the old firmware before letting it do the full OTA firmware updates. If you still can use LauncherManager to enable/disable the FTV-launcher whenever you like, then you can turn on/off that SystemAppUpdater individual package whenever you want to look for Amazon apps. If you don't care about PrimeVideo, AmazonMusic, Alexa, IMDB/Freevee working perfectly or about having the latest features for those apps then don't bother.

Thank you that info, I do use Alexa.
However after enabling com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 (via Debloat Toolbox), When I go into MyFireTV--> About the " Check for Updates" just displays "Last Checked, Checking now..."
and if I click on "Check for Updates" it just says "Update Error try again later". Maybe I'll re-activate all apps apart the os update ones and try again...
Or do I need to reboot after activating com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2?

 

[E3Im0]

What version does the firestick 4k max come with because I want to make sure it's worth it

No, factory resetting only clears data, it doesn't revert you to an earlier FireOS version. Downgrading is not possible. If you just got the Max last week and didn't mean to update it, return it and get a new one.

Skipping updates during registration is pretty easy:

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

Then block updates immediately once you are at the homescreen.

 

[Finnzz]

What version does the firestick 4k max come with because I want to make sure it's worth it

@tinybilbo said he just setup a new 4k Max and it came with 7.2.4.8, so they still come with the release firmware version from last October.

Is there any chance of a system update whilst I re-enable the Amazon launcher? (for future app searches),

No, enabling / disabling the custom launcher with launcher manager is independent of disabling updates with launcher manager. Updates will only be re-enabled if you go back in the sub menu and press the re-enable option, or use another app to re-enable them.

com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 as far as I remember is specifically for new device setup and after a factory reset to force install an OTA update. I don't think it has anything to do with updating system apps. The OTA update block only blocks firmware updates, but app updates still occur with all three of those packages disabled.

 

[E3Im0]

@tinybilbo said he just setup a new 4k Max and it came with 7.2.4.8, so they still come with the release firmware version from last October.


No, enabling / disabling the custom launcher with launcher manager is independent of disabling updates with launcher manager. Updates will only be re-enabled if you go back in the sub menu and press the re-enable option, or use another app to re-enable them.

com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 as far as I remember is specifically for new device setup and after a factory reset to force install an OTA update. I don't think it has anything to do with updating system apps. The OTA update block only blocks firmware updates, but app updates still occur with all three of those packages disabled.

Ohh ok so I should return it get a new one and block updates on the initial setup but what if i do it wrong g do I just unplug the firestick

 

[tinybilbo]

@tinybilbo said he just setup a new 4k Max and it came with 7.2.4.8, so they still come with the release firmware version from last October.


No, enabling / disabling the custom launcher with launcher manager is independent of disabling updates with launcher manager. Updates will only be re-enabled if you go back in the sub menu and press the re-enable option, or use another app to re-enable them.

com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 as far as I remember is specifically for new device setup and after a factory reset to force install an OTA update. I don't think it has anything to do with updating system apps. The OTA update block only blocks firmware updates, but app updates still occur with all three of those packages disabled.

I bought my 4KMax about 3 weeks ago (amazon.co.uk)... It's been sitting on the side waiting for me to setup which I did yesterday.

Thanks for all the info... Much appreciated I think I can just install it into my living, there's not much more for me to do.
Good to know that I can re-enable the amazon launcher when I need to without fear of an update and that the apps will update properly.

Ohh ok so I should return it get a new one and block updates on the initial setup but what if i do it wrong g do I just unplug the firestick

Finzz kindly linked to a guide on how to skip the initial update during 1st setup

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

LAUNCHER MANAGER (FOS 6+) STEPS TO ENABLE CUSTOM LAUNCHER: 1. Download Launcher Manager by clicking or by using short link and install on your FireTV. (Latest: 1.1.6) 2. Install a Custom Launcher and then open Launcher Manager. 3. To Enable...

forum.xda-developers.com

I roughly listed what I did to setup a new 4KMax in my earlier post

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

LAUNCHER MANAGER (FOS 6+) STEPS TO ENABLE CUSTOM LAUNCHER: 1. Download Launcher Manager by clicking or by using short link and install on your FireTV. (Latest: 1.1.6) 2. Install a Custom Launcher and then open Launcher Manager. 3. To Enable...

forum.xda-developers.com

 

[Finnzz]

Ohh ok so I should return it get a new one and block updates on the initial setup but what if i do it wrong g do I just unplug the firestick

The update that Amazon will push your 4k max will be large (hundreds of megabytes), so that you will have enough time to disconnect the internet before it finishes.

I would throttle your internet connection at the router so that download speeds are less than 1Mbit/sec, giving you even more time. If you aren't sure how to do that, just be close to your router so that you can unplug it when you seen the checking for updates.

Read the AFTVnews article it's though, and the process really is easy, I've done it a handful of times. Worst case, if it updates for some reason, you can just return it again for a new one.

 

[E3Im0]

The update that Amazon will push your 4k max will be large (hundreds of megabytes), so that you will have enough time to disconnect the internet before it finishes.

I would throttle your internet connection at the router so that download speeds are less than 1Mbit/sec, giving you even more time. If you aren't sure how to do that, just be close to your router so that you can unplug it when you seen the checking for updates.

Read the AFTVnews article it's though, and the process really is easy, I've done it a handful of times. Worst case, if it updates for some reason, you can just return it again for a new one.

Ok thank you

 

[E3Im0]

Also as a side note to anyone who is stuck to the latest version I use launch boot and tasker to emulate the launch manager as I have an app that launches tasker and launch on boot launches wolf launcher if anyone wants to know how I can explain it

 

[tinybilbo]

Anyone know of some good widgets for Wolf launcher? that run without google play services...
I can't even seem a weather one.
thx

 

[E3Im0]

Anyone know of some good widgets for Wolf launcher? that run without google play services...
I can't even seem a weather one.
thx

I use yowindow but the one from techdoctoruk didn't qork for me so I went to my phone and installed the latest yowindow for free and the app transfer app that transfer your phones apps to your firestick.

You install both of the apks below and make sure you have adb enables on your firestick and then connect to it through the app2fire app and make sure you allow it on your firestick and then you install the yowindow apk don't open it then transfer it to your firesrick from you phone using the app2fire app.