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

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Tejas tedi

Senior Member
Feb 22, 2014
306
170
Bangalore
Amazon Fire TV
Xiaomi Mi Pad
Can't do without adding extra delay.
Done the same with tasker bruh its fast. used tasker adb wifi and added kill app on home press and its fast and no glimpses of stock launcher
adbwolf.png
 

meccs

Member
Apr 17, 2015
27
7
I am a bit confused by the first post. What method do I use when I have the 3rd Gen Cube with the latest Firmware? Thanks
 

ersan191

New member
Nov 29, 2022
4
2
I appreciate the update to LM but it always stops working after awhile for me. After a day or two when the TV gets turned on it starts on the Amazon home screen and the home button also returns there until you reboot the Fire TV (4K Max in my case) and it will work again for another day or so until it stops again. Tried all 4 different triggers and they all do the same thing. Opening LM and changing settings doesn't fix it either, you have to reboot.

EDIT: Or Force Stop launcher manager and open it again, maybe its ADB access times out or gets overridden by another app?

This is using the "Fixed" 1.1.8 APK where ADB doesn't get unchecked. With Wolf Launcher
 
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alex78ita

Member
Sep 14, 2019
8
0
hello, the method with total commander is still valid for 4k (not max)? i'm trying after a factory reset but nothing happens
 

Finnzz

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2017
405
208
hello, the method with total commander is still valid for 4k (not max)? i'm trying after a factory reset but nothing happens
That method only works if you were already using a custom launcher before March 2022. In any case, I think a factory reset might wipe away any chance of that working.

Check ADB
pm list packages -d
If you don't see com.amazon.firehomestarter listed in the disable list, the total commander method won't work.

I am a bit confused by the first post. What method do I use when I have the 3rd Gen Cube with the latest Firmware?
Use the "new method", with any of the home button hooks except the first one
 

cdub74

New member
Mar 23, 2023
3
0
Is there anyway you can Remap Firestick Remote Shortcut Buttons only without changing the launcher (i.e keep the Amazon Launcher), I have tried following this guide


This changes the shortcut buttons, but after turning on Home Button Hook and Use ADB for home, I then assign my shortcut keys, I notice the Active Custom Launcher is automatically set to Launch Manager so when I press the home button to go back to the Amazon Default Home screen, it wants to open up Launcher Manager again after a few seconds. It won't stay on the Amazon Stock launcher.

Is there any way to stop the Active Custom Launcher from becoming active or is there a way to set the Stock Launcher as the Active Launcher.
 

Schem0t4pe

New member
Jun 17, 2021
4
0
Change the triggers, I've added 4 triggers, choose any one which works for you.
And you'll have to uninstall LM before installing this, do not update. I've somewhat changed the location of settings, so here's the steps.
Open LM > Launcher Option > Home Button Hook
Enable "Home Button Hook" and "Use ADB for Home" then select trigger of your choice.
The go to previous screen, go to "Custom Launcher Options"
Select custom launcher
Reboot once.

[EDIT]
The newly attached apk file fixes the issue where adb is disabled when the app is started. Default trigger is also changed.
Hello, what is the difference between the triggers, how do I know which one to use?
 

Finnzz

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2017
405
208
Hello, what is the difference between the triggers, how do I know which one to use?
Functionally there is no difference. They are just different options for capturing button press activity in the logs. There are multiple options because there may be differences between what appears in the logs between FireTV models and firmware versions.

Pick any trigger that works on your device
 
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TheTechDude48

Member
Jun 20, 2021
13
5
I'm using an Insignia FireTV and the new ADB home hook in version 1.1.8 works great, the home button takes me back to Wolf, quitting an app like Silk also takes me back to Wolf and after a hard reboot Wolf comes up after a little delay upon startup.

I did however quickly notice when I press the power button on the remote to put the TV into sleep/standby then press it again to wake the TV up I get taken back to the stock Amazon launcher, even if I was at Wolf launcher previously. This is super annoying as I have to press both power to wake it up then home to get to Wolf and I'm wondering if this can be fixed especially since everything else works so well
 
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xnappo

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2003
194
56
I'm using an Insignia FireTV and the new ADB home hook in version 1.1.8 works great, the home button takes me back to Wolf, quitting an app like Silk also takes me back to Wolf and after a hard reboot Wolf comes up after a little delay upon startup.

I did however quickly notice when I press the power button on the remote to put the TV into sleep/standby then press it again to wake the TV up I get taken back to the stock Amazon launcher, even if I was at Wolf launcher previously. This is super annoying as I have to press both power to wake it up then home to get to Wolf and I'm wondering if this can be fixed especially since everything else works so well
I know this isn't what you are looking for, but the home button at least for me also turns things on. I actually use them as discrete buttons, Home=On, Power=Off. This allows me to assign other 'stuff' to those events as well for home automation..
 

xnappo

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2003
194
56
Ok. That would be better than LM then. It is a bit annoying that when using a fire stick you have to purchase tasker per device. If you purchase it through the play store it is a one time purchase.
You can install microg and your Google Play Tasker license will work. See this post and the one after:

However I don't think the license you get from Joao's Patreon is per device..
 

realwheel

Member
Jan 17, 2007
18
6
You can install microg and your Google Play Tasker license will work. See this post and the one after:

However I don't think the license you get from Joao's Patreon is per device..
It says this on the website https://tasker.joaoapps.com/faq-ov.html#d6

Is Tasker transferrable to other devices ?​

Each order code is valid for one device at one time. If you know you are moving to a new device, you can 'release' your order code via Menu / More / Order Validation / Release Code. The code will then be free to be entered in Tasker on your new device.
 
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xnappo

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2003
194
56
It says this on the website https://tasker.joaoapps.com/faq-ov.html#d6

Is Tasker transferrable to other devices ?​

Each order code is valid for one device at one time. If you know you are moving to a new device, you can 'release' your order code via Menu / More / Order Validation / Release Code. The code will then be free to be entered in Tasker on your new device.
Thanks, I have one and never noticed it was only for one device :)
Do you think it is possible to package that in an APK, using app creation from within tasker. I expect that to be difficult because you need to pair adb.
Quite possibly? @Pro-me3us actually made one for me to test, but I never got around to it as Wolf released his update..
 

Top Liked Posts

  • 1
    How about using Tasker or Macrodroid?

    Actually I just restarted my firestick and Rethink is on and working automatically. As long as you click on START in the Rethink app and have in on, it remembers the last state and stays on even after restart. At least in my case, that is what I see.
  • 2
    I haven't tested this personally, but it's worth a shot. You can use a firewall app like RethinkDNS to block Internet access to individual apps. Use this to firewall the com.amazon.arcus.proxy app. I think RethinkDNS logs the domains that it has blocked, so you may be able to use it to determine what server addresses arcus proxy is trying to communicate with, and later block them with pihole.

    After firewalling it, also clear the data (pm clear com.amazon.arcus.proxy).

    If it's actually another app on the FireTV that gets the app ban information, and it relays it to arcus proxy, this might not work. With RethinkDNS you can play around with blocking internet to various apps to narrow it down. I have seen a couple other suggestions for apps that may be involved like nihm, but I'd start with arcus proxy.

    THIS is exactly what I did based on your advice back on May 23rd and right now it's past DAY 2 and so far so good on my firestick 4K!! LM 1.1.8 working like a charm with Wolf Launcher launching automatically.

    In RethinkDNS + Firewall the app is actualled named "Arcus Proxy" so you just need to block both unmetered and metered traffic from accessing it. But I found you also need to make sure to use the system DNS and not Rethink's DNS or it might prevent some apps from accessing the net. Well, in my case, I also have OpenVPN setup on my router with custom DNS so that might be the thing conflicting with Rethink's DNS but you can just disable that as I did.

    I'll report in a few days to see if it's still working or if I need to block other apps and/or IPs. If others can try and report it, we can figure out if this is a permanent solution! Thanks Finnzz for the suggestion!!

    PS My $20 ONN TV box which I discussed previously is also working great with LM/WL for regular apps but just don't like that A12 prevents IPTV apps from allowing you a choice to select the default app for YT links which is why the older firestick is much better for now as IPTV is the most used app in my case.
    2
    The FireCube v3 allows me to connect my switch to the back and save a HDMI port. I don’t play my switch on the TV very often so just realised I have no idea how to switch to that input using this launcher.

    Anyone know how to do that using launcher manager and wolf launcher?
    I'm having the same issue here also. I'd have to disable the launcher i.e (Wolf Launcher) to get on the main launcher and it shows the setting. Launcher Manager would need an update to add that setting for the Cube V3
    2
    The LM ADB method is doing the same thing as Tasker, but without the extra setup. The extra complexity may be enough that Amazon ignores Tasker, for now.

    Yes - for the Love of God - please no one make a freaking YouTube video for Tasker :)
    2
    Why You didn't said it before !!!!! :giggle:

    Now, I can not test due to an error with ADB debugging. I don't know if this is due Termux+Tasker or if this is due the cloning of LM 1.1.8 through this method : https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-clonemyapp-android-apk-cloner.4513777/#post-87668059.

    Because each 2 days, Amazon removes LM 1.18 !!!!
    Sorry, I didn't know you were experiencing a delay.

    You can't clone LM, it breaks the ADB function.

    Considering LM is getting uninstalled after a certain amount of time suggests that Amazon is communicating those instructions to the FireTV, and you need to block that.

    I use LM on my cube and it's never been uninstalled. My best guess is because I've disabled com.amazon.arcus.proxy like in the instructions here

    You can't disable that app without root, but you can firewall it so that Amazon can't communicate with it. Try RethinkDNS, you can also use it to firewall / block the OTA app. RethinkDNS and a VPN can't be used simultaneously, it's one of the other.

    I haven't tested this, but it's worth a shot.
    1
    How about using Tasker or Macrodroid?

    Actually I just restarted my firestick and Rethink is on and working automatically. As long as you click on START in the Rethink app and have in on, it remembers the last state and stays on even after restart. At least in my case, that is what I see.
  • 43
    LAUNCHER MANAGER (FOS 6+)
    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 install on your FireTV.
    (Latest: 1.1.8)
    2. Install a Custom Launcher and then open Launcher Manager.
    3. To Enable Custom Launcher, Click on "Launcher Options" and go to "Home Button Hook".
    Enable "Home Button Hook" and "Use ADB for Home" then select Trigger of your choice.
    4. Go to previous menu, then go to "Custom Launcher Options" and select "Active Launcher"
    to select launcher of your choice.
    5. Press [Home] to open your custom launcher.

    STEPS TO DISABLE CUSTOM LAUNCHER:
    To Disable Custom Launcher, Click on "Launcher Options" and go to "Home Button Hook",
    Disable "Home Button Hook" and "Use ADB for Home".
    INFO:
    • If you get "CONNECTION FAILED", click on "OPEN ADB SETTINGS" and enable "ADB DEBUGGING" and Press BACK Button. If you still get this error Restart your Device (Long Press SELECT + PLAY/PAUSE Button) and disconnect from PC if Connected.
    • If your Current Launcher says "Launcher Manager", it means you don't have a custom launcher Installed, just install the launcher and you'll be good to go, no need to enable stock.
    LAUNCHER MANAGER (1.1.5):
    _____________________________________________________________
    Short Link for Downloader
    Launcher Manager 1.1.8 (FOS 6 & 7)
    https://bit.ly/SWLMF118

    _____________________________________________________________

    Credits:
    @Finnzz

    _____________________________________________________________

    Changelog:
    1.1.8 (14-Mar-23)

    • Uses ADB to launch Home
    1.1.6 (02-Mar-22)
    • Added Some more Translation
    • Added System apps to LMU Handler
    • Added Password protection for LM
    • Fixed app conflict issue
    • Fixed icon on Fireos 7
    • Added option to execute saved adb shell commands
    • Integrated Update Blocker in LM (Doesn't work with latest release of FireOS)
    1.1.5 (03-Jan-22)
    • Added German and Spanish Translation
    • Some Bug Fixes
    • Some minor changes
    1.1.4
    • Ability to change Screensaver
    • Ability to change System Language (on Request)
    • Added / Changed some Icons
    • Some minor changes
    1.1.3
    • Re-added option for Selecting any app as launcher (LM Handler), can be accessed within Launcher Options.
    1.1.2
    • Added Keyboard Change Options (in Display & Sound section) (moved to Other Settings)
    • Reuploaded version
      • Fixed 4K detection for Display Resolution
      • Fixed Crash for Devices with non-usable overscan values
    1.1.1
    • Added Display & Sounds Option (Display, Sounds, Overscan, CEC)
    • Changing Display Resolution requires System Restart
    • Fixed Equipment Control
    1.1.0
    1.0.9
    • Boot Delay is fixed by Amzon on newer Roms.
    • Settings from Amazon Hud opens Launcher Manager (On updating to 1.0.9 from older version its mendatory to click on "Enable Custom Launcher" just one time for this to work)
    1.0.8
    • For the Devices with New Updated Amazon Interface
    • Removed Launcher Choices
    • Now using single key for all the apps. (Remove older version first to update the key.)
    • Delay is still there, needs logcat
    1.0.7
    • In-app Updates
    1.0.6
    • Fixed some bugs
    1.0.5
    • Changed UI
    • Changed Package Name
    • Changed Install location to Internal Only
    • Added System and Developers Shortcut
    • Fixed issue where launcher is stuck sometimes
    • Added option to choose any Custom Launcher *
    • Can be Launched from Amazon Hud *
    * Needs Launcher Manager to be set as Default Launcher. (LM is auto selected)
    * If launched by Amazon HUD, Long press will open Launcher manager, press back to exit from there. (Fixed in 1.0.6)


    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    FireOS Update Blocker (FOS 6+)
    This app can be used to Enable or Disable Amazon System Update.
    Update Blocker (Click to Download)

    _______________________________________
    Short Link for Downloader
    Update Blocker
    http://bit.ly/SWUB12

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    LAUNCHER MANAGER (Android TV)
    STEPS TO ENABLE CUSTOM LAUNCHER:
    1. Download Launcher Manager by clicking or by using short link and install on your AndroidTV. (Latest: 1.0.4)
    2. Install a Custom Launcher and then open Launcher Manager.
    3. To Enable Custom Launcher, Click on "Enable Custom Launcher".
    4. Press [Home] to open your custom launcher.

    STEPS TO GO STOCK:
    Click on "Disable Custom Launcher", press Home.

    _______________________________________
    Short Link for Downloader
    Launcher Manager 1.0.4 (ATV)
    https://bit.ly/SWLMA104
    _______________________________________
    Changelog:
    1.0.4

    • Added Custom Launcher support
    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    FIRETV SETTINGS (3.0)
    *ANY FIREOS (Version 71 or lower) or 6.2.8.0 with patched Accessibility
    pm grant com.wolf.firetvsettings android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
    needed for proper working of this app

    pm grant com.wolf.firetvsettings android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW (not necessary for app working)
    needed to show mouse/package overlay

    pm grant com.wolf.firetvsettings android.permission.PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS (needed for package overlay only when accessibility services are disabled) (not needed)

    pm grant com.wolf.firetvsettings android.permission.READ_LOGS
    (needed for prime accessibility workaround) (prime workaround will disable accessibility services temporarily so prime video will auto hide the bar, it will restart the services once home button is pressed).

    To start service for first time click on (START SERVICE) on Top Right.

    To toggle mouse mode long press "Play/Pause", to scroll use Fast Forward/Rewind
    press menu button to switch scrolling direction.

    Key Bindings:
    Menu (Long Press) + Home (Long Press) = Traditional Amazon Menu
    Menu (Long Press) + Home (Single Click) = Amazon Home
    Home (Long Press) = Shortcuts & App Drawer
    (In App Drawer) Long Press on Item = App option & Appstore link

    Mouse functionality added from this source. MATVT (GitHub)

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    LAUNCHER MANAGER (1.0.7) (FOS5)

    STEPS:

    1. Steps to install app on FireTV
    Download Main File via this link Launcher Manager (FOS5)
    then install it on Your FireTV running FireOS 5

    2. Steps to be setup the App

    If you know how to use ADB then here are the commands
    adb shell pm grant com.wolf.fos5.settings android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
    adb shell pm grant com.wolf.fos5.settings android.permission.READ_LOGS
    [OR]
    or you can download FireTV Toolbox
    install it on any Android device (not on the Main FireTV device)
    Enter the IP address of your FireTV in this app and click on Connect
    Click on "GO" button after "Setup Launcher Manager"
    it will auto launch the app on FireTV.
    Select the launcher of your choice and enable Launcher Detection, click on save.
    ___________________________________
    Short Link for Downloader

    FireTV Toolbox
    http://bit.ly/SWFTB16
    Launcher Manager (FireOS 5)
    http://bit.ly/SW5LM107
    14
    LAUNCHER MANAGER ULTIMATE

    This app can disable Stock Launcher of Any Android TV (except anything running on Fireos 5), it requires Network Debugging to function.
    The way it works is it finds the stock launcher and disables it.
    It does that in a loop until "android" itself is set as default launcher.
    at this point if there are no Custom launchers are installed on the system then you will see only a black screen.
    So a custom launcher should be installed prior to enabling the custom launcher.

    some apps also broadcasts themselves as launcher and if they are installed as system app and are set as default launcher then it will also disable them.
    some launcher integrates settings in them so disabling the launcher will disable settings also.
    the apps who broadcasts themselves as Fallback home will not be disabled.

    There were certain cases where user uninstalled launcher and got blank screen, to mitigate that issue LMU will set itself as the launcher and call the other launchers on its behalf. so if the launcher is deleted then pressing the home button will launch LMU, from where you can disable custom launcher support.

    If it detects that after disabling everything it doesn't reach the "android" itself and is unable to find a launcher then it will rollback itself, enabling every single thing it disabled.

    Changes:
    1.0.8
    Fixed Settings Shortcut for Amazon Hud.
    Fixed Disabling of "Android"


    All other functionalities are similar to Launcher Manager from the First Post.
    Screenrecord:
    Launcher Manager Ultimate







    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    PERMISSIONS MANAGER
    Version: 1.0.3 (1-Mar-22)

    This app uses shell to grant or deny any permissions that an app requires.
    Usage:
    Select an app and click on it
    From the list of permission which you want to grant or deny the access and click ok
    select "Allow" or "Deny"
    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    DEBLOAT TOOLBOX (FireOS 6 & 7)
    Version: 5 (19-Jan-22)
    Debloat System Apps on FireOS 6 & 7
    14
    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
    12
    This isn't a confidence-inspiring reply.

    I don't actually care if you took an abandoned app and updated it making it your own, but the second half of your reply is just unnecessarily confrontational.

    You could have just reassured me that your edits were safe, but you choose to be defensive instead.

    I think I'll remove your launcher and look for something via the Play Store.

    I've lost all confidence in Wolf Launcher.
    Look I'm gonna tell you and everyone what I've done with the launcher till now,
    I have changed the way it launches the app, on latest pro (any pro) it used to crash the apps.
    I fixed the title bar. I then optimized it for FireTV (not any other OS, which caused it to misbehave on some device) which i later fixed. Then some people were having trouble installing both ATV and Wolf simultanously. so i had to change package name which made me to change the launcher name also (that might have been wrong on my side). then i optimized the app once again for FireOS (it caused some freeze issue). Then to fix Setting of Amazon HUD (older version of FireOS), I had to add a code to handle settings (it only works on Amazon and no other device). I changed some sections to give user large wall (that was temporary fix). I removed some http links, but they are used either for update check or to change Network State in the launcher.
    Then i added "App Info" to the launcher, which i only added for non-system apps.
    Later i removed the large section mod and unlocked the widget for Firestick 4k.
    Then I added "Other Settings" which contained option to clear cache and Backup/ Restore function.
    i also added a code which starts the services of Launcher Manager (thats also mainly for FireOS and thats because of Boot Delay). I also added a stroke for tiles.
    thats all i have done to the apk. I have not done this mod to make any money, and i can assure you this app is safe to use. My only intention to mod this app was that this app was almost perfect and there was some bugs which i had to fix myself because the support of this launcher were down. And the only issue at that time was app crash for which i decided not to compile a launcher by myself. I am not forcing you to do anything, I am just clarifying myself, The apps which i have created are safe. and are to improve the user experience only.
    i do not like to or want to rip someone off. I started this mod for FireOS only and no other OS.
    9
    Test boot delay on this.
    Enable custom launcher handler, select launcher from list, press home, select LM Custom launcher and click on always, reboot.

    This will not work with protected packages