[GUIDE] Make FireOS looks and feel like normal android

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B1ackByte

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2014
108
22
Disclaimer:i am not responsible for any device crashes and rombricks - you act on your own responsibility

If you have Fire OS 3.6.8 installed please do not downgrade! It can make your device crashing and some other nasty things!


How to make your FirePhone look and act like a normal Android Smartphone

Hello,
you got an Amazon Fire Phone and you don't like the User Interface? No Problem, you can change it in the way you like.
The only little Problem is that the other FireOS I use is an English Version - but you can read this, you wil handle the Phone :)
When you downgrade your phone you can upgrade back easily with 3.6.2 Firmware image - it contains german, english, spanish etc. ;)

You need some google Apps, please get them from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365224
Edit: You also can look at the bottom of this post for a download link!

1. Downgrade your Fire Phone to FireOS 3.5.0 (need for root access) (only Version below 3.6.8, see top)

a)Load and install FirePhone SDK https://s3.amazonaws.com/android-sdk-manager/redist/Fire_Phone.zip (On Win 8 and Up you may reboot your pc and enable unsigned drivers)
b)Enable developer mode on your Device (Settings->Device->GetInfoAboutYourFire->Tab several times on Serial Number etc) and choose USB Debugging
c)Now you have to download Android SDK (ADB Utility) More Information: http://galaxy-note-3.wonderhowto.co...-debug-bridge-adb-utility-windows-pc-0149131/
d)Download FireOS 3.5.0 from Amazon Server https://s3.amazonaws.com/fire-phone-updates/update-fire-phone-121_1.0.1_user_101012120.bin
e)open adb in command prompt and type: adb start-server
f)connect your phone to your pc
g)get devices by: adb devices -> when your device is shown you can continue | when not you may have to choose a driver in Device Manager
h)Boot phone into recovery by holding PWR + VOL UP or Type in adb console: adb reboot recovery
i)Now you have to sideload FireOS 3.5.0: type in adb console: adb sideload c:\YOURPATH\update.bin -> this will wipe & reboot your phone
j)When you successfully downgrade your Phone go to Settings->Application&ParentalControls->Prevent non-Amazon app installation
​


2. Make your Phone Root your Phone with towelroot https://towelroot.com/ - klick on the Logo, download, install and start the App -> klick 'make it ra1n'

a)When you successfully root your Phone you can go on with install some Apps you will need:

i)Disable all the **** like 3D effekts in Settings an install an App like SuperSU
ii)de.robv.android.xposed.installer (for the XPOSED Framework - Please open and install it)
iii)Some google apks: Google_Services_Framework, Google_Login_Service, Google_Play_services and HDXPosed-1.3 -> Please go to XPosed in your Apps and enable HDXPosed in Modules
iv)Restart your Phone
v)Install Vendig.apk and Google_Play_Store
vi)Restart your Phone -> Now you are able to use Google Play Store :)
​
b)You dont like FireOS GUI? No Problem:

i)Install googlequicksearchbox and google launcher from Playstore (make this Apps system Apps with a tool like Titanium Backup and make the FireOS 'home' App to userapp)
ii)Reboot your Phone - Now you can choose your preferred Launcher and choose a background
iii)If you miss the Navbar on the bottom install: Ultimate Dynamic Navbar and enable it in XPosed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270198
iv)Customize it in the way you like!
​

If you want an other lockscreen i recommend SlideLock http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2631047
For the original settings App you may exchange your current settings.apk with Android4.22 settings.apk (this dont work completely) http://sourceforge.net/p/sreborn/code-0/53/tree/system/app/Settings.apk

congratulation your Phone looks and act like a normal android smartphone! :)


Edit: now you can go back to stock easily - take a look at fireos 3.6.2 image - it contains english, german, spanish etc.

Edit: download link for google services
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zz4ifx04svaav1b/AACwWJ1RTXTHhIvqCQqsGbYTa?dl=0
 
Last edited:
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B

B1ackByte

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2014
108
22
le-grx said:
How is Google Launcher behaving with this Navbar? Is it hiding the dock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

you can make the navbar hiding and become active on tap - so no its not really hiding the dock (see attachment)
IMG_20141008_112145.jpg

IMG_20141008_112150.jpg



by tapping on the triangle the navbar is shown
 

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Last edited:
L

le-grx

Senior Member
Sep 21, 2012
51
12
LEJ
OK, that's what i have too. Would like it to have persistent.
What i would like is a Original Android Keyboard. Tried the way, described in the other thread, with moving the Swype.apk away, and copying the new one, but it's crashing constantly (LatinIME.apk from CM 10.1.3, Nexus4)
 
L

le-grx

Senior Member
Sep 21, 2012
51
12
LEJ
le-grx said:
OK, that's what i have too. Would like it to have persistent.
What i would like is a Original Android Keyboard. Tried the way, described in the other thread, with moving the Swype.apk away, and copying the new one, but it's crashing constantly (LatinIME.apk from CM 10.1.3, Nexus4)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yes! The LatinIME.apk from Cyanogenmod 11 (nexus 5) works.
 
X

Xerx3sHipe

Member
Oct 7, 2014
38
3
change language

Nice Thread ;)

not completly working but a step closer to language settings:
udhyantimilsina.com/2013/08/15/how-to-unlock-developer-mode-to-set-multiple-languages-on-android-os-4-2-2/

It's a guide to change language settings through an app... but still the OS sticks to english.
I will do further research.

Cheers,
Xerx
 
B

B1ackByte

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2014
108
22
Xerx3sHipe said:
Nice Thread ;)

not completly working but a step closer to language settings:
udhyantimilsina.com/2013/08/15/how-to-unlock-developer-mode-to-set-multiple-languages-on-android-os-4-2-2/

It's a guide to change language settings through an app... but still the OS sticks to english.
I will do further research.

Cheers,
Xerx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

be careful! i used this tool and clicked korean.... i'am no korean... everything stops working and i had to reset my phone again.
it changes only parts of the system, too. when you choose german - google play store is german - but: settings still english
 
X

Xerx3sHipe

Member
Oct 7, 2014
38
3
B1ackByte said:
be careful! i used this tool and clicked korean.... i'am no korean... everything stops working and i had to reset my phone again.
it changes only parts of the system, too. when you choose german - google play store is german - but: settings still english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Sorry :( didnt want to destroy your phone. hope its not too much work to get it back!
Yes still looking for a better way.

Cheers,
Xerx
 
B

B1ackByte

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2014
108
22
Xerx3sHipe said:
Sorry :( didnt want to destroy your phone. hope its not too much work to get it back!
Yes still looking for a better way.

Cheers,
Xerx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

no problem :D i had already reset it several times
you can do it in under 10min


maybe we can use some language-files etc from other phones... i will check it out :good:
an other cool gadget is that you can use with XPosed apps like MinMinGuard or XPrivacy
 
X

Xerx3sHipe

Member
Oct 7, 2014
38
3
B1ackByte said:
maybe we can use some language-files etc from other phones... i will check it out :good:
an other cool gadget is that you can use with XPosed apps like MinMinGuard or XPrivacy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I think this isnt that easy... You will probably need the exact files from fire OS to get this really running smooth.

Cheers,
Xerx

---------- Post added at 02:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------

Another thing: does anybody got CWM or some other full backup system running on his phone? Im still without any backup ^^ makes me feel slightly uncomfortable...

Cheers,
Xerx
 
L

le-grx

Senior Member
Sep 21, 2012
51
12
LEJ
Xerx3sHipe said:
I think this isnt that easy... You will probably need the exact files from fire OS to get this really running smooth.

Cheers,
Xerx

---------- Post added at 02:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------

Another thing: does anybody got CWM or some other full backup system running on his phone? Im still without any backup ^^ makes me feel slightly uncomfortable...

Cheers,
Xerx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a backup system running, from Amazon ;)
 
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    B
    B1ackByte
    Disclaimer:i am not responsible for any device crashes and rombricks - you act on your own responsibility

    If you have Fire OS 3.6.8 installed please do not downgrade! It can make your device crashing and some other nasty things!


    How to make your FirePhone look and act like a normal Android Smartphone

    Hello,
    you got an Amazon Fire Phone and you don't like the User Interface? No Problem, you can change it in the way you like.
    The only little Problem is that the other FireOS I use is an English Version - but you can read this, you wil handle the Phone :)
    When you downgrade your phone you can upgrade back easily with 3.6.2 Firmware image - it contains german, english, spanish etc. ;)

    You need some google Apps, please get them from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365224
    Edit: You also can look at the bottom of this post for a download link!

    1. Downgrade your Fire Phone to FireOS 3.5.0 (need for root access) (only Version below 3.6.8, see top)

    a)Load and install FirePhone SDK https://s3.amazonaws.com/android-sdk-manager/redist/Fire_Phone.zip (On Win 8 and Up you may reboot your pc and enable unsigned drivers)
    b)Enable developer mode on your Device (Settings->Device->GetInfoAboutYourFire->Tab several times on Serial Number etc) and choose USB Debugging
    c)Now you have to download Android SDK (ADB Utility) More Information: http://galaxy-note-3.wonderhowto.co...-debug-bridge-adb-utility-windows-pc-0149131/
    d)Download FireOS 3.5.0 from Amazon Server https://s3.amazonaws.com/fire-phone-updates/update-fire-phone-121_1.0.1_user_101012120.bin
    e)open adb in command prompt and type: adb start-server
    f)connect your phone to your pc
    g)get devices by: adb devices -> when your device is shown you can continue | when not you may have to choose a driver in Device Manager
    h)Boot phone into recovery by holding PWR + VOL UP or Type in adb console: adb reboot recovery
    i)Now you have to sideload FireOS 3.5.0: type in adb console: adb sideload c:\YOURPATH\update.bin -> this will wipe & reboot your phone
    j)When you successfully downgrade your Phone go to Settings->Application&ParentalControls->Prevent non-Amazon app installation
    ​


    2. Make your Phone Root your Phone with towelroot https://towelroot.com/ - klick on the Logo, download, install and start the App -> klick 'make it ra1n'

    a)When you successfully root your Phone you can go on with install some Apps you will need:

    i)Disable all the **** like 3D effekts in Settings an install an App like SuperSU
    ii)de.robv.android.xposed.installer (for the XPOSED Framework - Please open and install it)
    iii)Some google apks: Google_Services_Framework, Google_Login_Service, Google_Play_services and HDXPosed-1.3 -> Please go to XPosed in your Apps and enable HDXPosed in Modules
    iv)Restart your Phone
    v)Install Vendig.apk and Google_Play_Store
    vi)Restart your Phone -> Now you are able to use Google Play Store :)
    ​
    b)You dont like FireOS GUI? No Problem:

    i)Install googlequicksearchbox and google launcher from Playstore (make this Apps system Apps with a tool like Titanium Backup and make the FireOS 'home' App to userapp)
    ii)Reboot your Phone - Now you can choose your preferred Launcher and choose a background
    iii)If you miss the Navbar on the bottom install: Ultimate Dynamic Navbar and enable it in XPosed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270198
    iv)Customize it in the way you like!
    ​

    If you want an other lockscreen i recommend SlideLock http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2631047
    For the original settings App you may exchange your current settings.apk with Android4.22 settings.apk (this dont work completely) http://sourceforge.net/p/sreborn/code-0/53/tree/system/app/Settings.apk

    congratulation your Phone looks and act like a normal android smartphone! :)


    Edit: now you can go back to stock easily - take a look at fireos 3.6.2 image - it contains english, german, spanish etc.

    Edit: download link for google services
    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zz4ifx04svaav1b/AACwWJ1RTXTHhIvqCQqsGbYTa?dl=0
    View
    2
    clsA
    clsA
    alfick3 said:
    Oh, so we can follow all the instructions to install the Google services without down grading? That's great!

    Sent from my XT1034 using Tapatalk
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    His method did not work for us on 3.6.8 software .. he never says his phone was on 3.6.8 and he picked it up in store
    Garrett92C said:
    Yep. The guy over here seems to have gotten it working.

    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57095260&postcount=9
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    Again he never says he's on 3.6.8 like the ones that are shipping now

    Mine would not install the google play services and the google play store that does install has no internet connection, even with the phone on wifi and 4g lte data.

    Trust me I tried everything the phone will not work correctly on the 3.6.8 software
    View
    2
    bveditz
    bveditz
    Had a hell of a time finding a live wallpaper picker apk that worked, but I finally did and so I now have live wallpapers on nova. Just thought I'd add it to this thread since it seemed like this was the best thread on the 'fixing' the phone to be like real android :) . Still not happy with the whole navbar situation (using gravitybox, didn't care for the other one), so that'll be next. Anyway, here are the live wallpaper files that worked for me (you probably just need the picker, but whatever..). The standard install worked, didn't need to move them to system or do anything special, and these didn't crash like most did.
    View
    1
    Garrett92C
    Garrett92C
    It looks like we can still use Google Services without downgrading.
    alfick3 said:
    So, with the price drop recently, I was thinking of getting one of these for my wife shortly after the first of the year (waiting on tax refund). So am I reading that with the newest update we can't down grade so we can install the Google play services? Has any one figured out if Google play services can be installed on the newer firmware? She needs Google on her phone so odd like to find out before hand. Thanks for any info you can provide.

    Sent from my XT1034 using Tapatalk
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    View
    1
    bveditz
    bveditz
    Viperise152 said:
    Which version of Nova are you using? Nova crashes when I try to select wallpapers and some widgets.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    It's been whatever is newest in the Play Store (from my settings it says 3.3).

    FireOS is a bit buggy. I had an issue where the phone would only work on Edge, I then reset the phone and couldn't get the play store to work at all (I might have done it in a different order accidentally, and no matter what i did, I could never make it connect), so I reset the phone again... now everything seems to be working except Play Store's IMDB which now crashes upon opening (and that used to work - haven't tried installing from amazon store, if it even exists there). So, the point being, it probably will work if you reset, the OS gets corrupted really easily with all these mods.
    View

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