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Easiest way to install any App to the Fire OS with Amazon Fire TV Utility App and Es File Explorer .
Here is the video, Enjoy
http://youtu.be/JGIgNaweISM
Download the following files:
Download Amazon Fire TV Utility App:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
Download ES Files Explorer:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en
Download XBMC Kodi:
http://kodi.tv/download/
Useful APKs
Setting APK for AFTV:
https://mega.co.nz/#!2QxmQY7Q!34Ypey9U2sdj5mrOCD0bg2Dd7GNNiP-iIcvx3X9VKXc
TVMC (XBMC)
http://www.tvaddons.ag/tvmc-android/
Very Useful:
Awesome setup and Must have apps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/fire-tv-stick-awesome-setup-apps-t2965825
Install Free & Paid apps with AKG Fire app for Android
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/fire-tv-stick-install-free-paid-apps-t2969097
Fun:
How to setup Game Boy Advance for AFTV
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/fire-tv-stick-ultimate-game-boy-advance-t2975641
inwisso said:
Easiest way to install any App to the Fire OS with Amazon Fire TV Utility App and Es File Explorer .
Here is the video, Enjoy
http://youtu.be/JGIgNaweISM
Download the following files:
Download Amazon Fire TV Utility App:
https://sites.google.com/site/amazonfiretvutilityapp/
Download ES Files Explorer:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en
Download XBMC Kodi:
http://kodi.tv/download/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot, worked great. do the fast forward and rewind buttons work for you?
I understand that that there is a setting.apk for bluetooth. It would be nice if you include in this thread. Thanks
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Welcome, Oki doki I will add it
You are welcome, I think they should work jute fine. Once I have the chance I will try it for you
Will also try the settings.apk posted here and report back
Not sure what I'm doing wrong but I'm not able to install any apps on the fire stick using the tool. Command window just states,
error: device not found
- waiting for device -
Waited for about an hour and tried again but no luck.
I have turned on for ADB and installation of unknown apps on the fire stick. Also both the computer is on the the same network. Any advice?
Software version is 54.1.0.1
moman85 said:
Not sure what I'm doing wrong but I'm not able to install any apps on the fire stick using the tool. Command window just states,
error: device not found
- waiting for device -
Waited for about an hour and tried again but no luck.
I have turned on for ADB and installation of unknown apps on the fire stick. Also both the computer is on the the same network. Any advice?
Software version is 54.1.0.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you do the right commands? you have to connect to the firetv first using "adb connect ip of fire stick"
example: adb connect 192.168.1.17
inwisso said:
Easiest way to install any App to the Fire OS with Amazon Fire TV Utility App and Es File Explorer .
Here is the video, Enjoy
http://youtu.be/JGIgNaweISM
Download the following files:
Download Amazon Fire TV Utility App:
https://sites.google.com/site/amazonfiretvutilityapp/
Download ES Files Explorer:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en
Download XBMC Kodi:
http://kodi.tv/download/
Useful APKs
Setting APK for AFTV:
https://mega.co.nz/#!2QxmQY7Q!34Ypey9U2sdj5mrOCD0bg2Dd7GNNiP-iIcvx3X9VKXc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you side load just about any app, on a unrooted fire tv on the latest update 51.1.4.1_user_514013920 ?
Yes you can side-load any app that are free & paid app only work with a rooted Fire Tv
anybody try setting.apk working for bluetooth in latest software update?
pbanj said:
did you do the right commands? you have to connect to the firetv first using "adb connect ip of fire stick"
example: adb connect 192.168.1.17
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thank you. I had to do it through the terminal to get it to work. Couldn't get it to work using the Amazon Fire TV Utility App. Also I had to be in the folder where the Android SDK was in the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder that contained fastboot.
Es File Explorer Sideloading without adbfire (after installing it at the fire stick)
I have been able to install apk without using any adb shell after installing ES file explorer and settings apk. You need to open ESFE in the FSTV and in your android device , go to apps in the ESFE fast menu, select those you want to share, select send, select the device with ''ip address: AFTM'' and click send., that will promp your ESFE at the FSTV. Choose the Downloads folder to receive the files, open the location and install those apks.
Download wukong TV ROMOTE Control ( typo is there ) from the market, look and the screen shoots for some ideas and enjoy your new FSTV mouse.
Thanks to all of you for your know hows and turn the FSTV into a SUPERIOR experience.
If this have been reported before, my bad.... Amazon Fire Stick
dony71 said:
anybody try setting.apk working for bluetooth in latest software update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not able to go beyond bluetooth settings after installing setting on the stick. Whenever I click on the bluetooth setting, it kick me out of the setting application.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Here
desztan said:
I'm not able to go beyond bluetooth settings after installing setting on the stick. Whenever I click on the bluetooth setting, it kick me out of the setting application.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory settings restore to the stick will fix it
are there written instructions for this anywhere??
Please disregard, I was wrong
I erased this warning because I discovered I was mistaken. I apologize.
ONLY DOWNLOAD FROM THE #1 Post in the developers thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
PLEASE TAKE DOWN YOUR FALSE WARNING...
muncrief said:
I just downloaded the Fire TV Utility (FTV v0.36.zip) from the link in this post and it is infected by the Android/Deng virus. This was confirmed by virustotal.com
Does anyone know of an alternate link with a clean file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a false positive... TowelRoot which is what we all use for Rooting is the only thing that gets flag as an exploit/trojan... Since TowelRoot is included in the package the FTV gets flagged incorrectly.. Unless you've downloaded from a different link then the two links in the OP's post... Then there is nothing to worry about. FTV Utility v0.36 or any of the other versions have any viruses... I am using Eset Smart Security to check...
TR.apk = TOWEL ROOT.. PLEASE DO NOT SPREAD MISINFORMATION..... FTV IS FULLY SAFE TO USE. PERIOD. (You can test this by deleting TR.apk from the apps folder & running the test again.. No False positive then.)
I apologize.
I apologize for my mistake. I did not know the app was subject to false positives. I downloaded and used it and it works great! I will do more research next time.
Y314K said:
ONLY DOWNLOAD FROM THE #1 Post in the developers thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
PLEASE TAKE DOWN YOUR FALSE WARNING...
That's a false positive... TowelRoot which is what we all use for Rooting is the only thing that gets flag as an exploit/trojan... Since TowelRoot is included in the package the FTV gets flagged incorrectly.. Unless you've downloaded from a different link then the two links in the OP's post... Then there is nothing to worry about. FTV Utility v0.36 or any of the other versions have any viruses... I am using Eset Smart Security to check...
TR.apk = TOWEL ROOT.. PLEASE DO NOT SPREAD MISINFORMATION..... FTV IS FULLY SAFE TO USE. PERIOD. (You can test this by deleting TR.apk from the apps folder & running the test again.. No False positive then.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muncrief said:
I apologize for my mistake. I did not know the app was subject to false positives. I downloaded and used it and it works great! I will do more research next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem... I had to double check at first too to make sure... Until I realize it was the root apk... Someone has been flagging the app on the hosting google site... Which is the reason for the backup link. Just trying to help the developer out... No worries... Let me know if you ever have any ?'s about the Utility.. Been using it on my 4 Rooted FTV's (For everything) & on 2 FireTV Sticks... :good:
Hey guys,
Because I wanted to update my Kodi on firetv to Jarvis,
last week I found out, that my gold old apps for sideloading don't work anymore with firetv software version 5.x.x... So and yesterday I found an App on play store which discribes the only way that worked for me. It's a "Guide" app. He describes a nice way with ES File Explorer. I think this way is also very comfortable. As apk download from the net is allready blocked on ES File Explorer on AFTV, I think you should block updates on ES at firetv.
Here's the link...if you like it may give the dev a positive rating for keeping it up
https:// play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pheedev.Kodifiretuts
This way it's also very easy to "sideload" very many files, for example if you using NES emulators as me and would sideload some ROMS
Just out of curiosity, why don't you just copy the apks of the apps that you want to install onto a fat32 formatted USB drive and use es strong file explorer or that other file explorer from the market and install the app from there instead of using an app from your pc?
It's no app for Pc, it's for android. And if you have a FireTv stick, there is no USB port to plugin a external storage
Oo sideloading still works with FireOS 5.x.x.
Mhhh can only say it for FireTV-stick 1st gen...for me it's no more working. Can't even take a screenshot via adb from my PC
Try right clicking on the sideload app in windows and then click on run as administrator had the same problem on my stick on windows 10 that solved it for me
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk
i just use apps2fire... super easy.. doesnt work with 100% of apps but id say a good 75%+
Yeah since update doesnt work for me anymore, reviews at the play store say the same....
Found the same, but fine after a factory reset. Pain but it worked.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA Free mobile app
Ouuhhh...factory reset would cost me too much time...for me the ES-Way is quite good
odd.. i nvr did a factory reset and works fine. you could always use wifi adb and sideload using terminal shell on android to push files.. but more workand youd need to first sideload wifi adb to the fire tv..
i use this method when apps2fire doesnt work
iOS have rooted my NSTG using glownooter and all went well in that it boots and everything is there as expected. Unfortunately I can see no way of getting apps on it. I have tried the following
-installing using browser, it crashes
-Opera mini does not work
- installing new browser, none available in market (I'm sure I've found dolphin there previously. )
-Amazon AppStore, does not work
-gmail attached app, cannot download
-email app, crashes
-google drive, box, Dropbox links in gmail, launches browser which crashes
-super manager crashes
I would really appreciate any help, all I really want is the kindle app working as the nook store is no more.
Thanks in hope
Frank
djchem said:
iOS have rooted my NSTG using glownooter and all went well in that it boots and everything is there as expected. Unfortunately I can see no way of getting apps on it. I have tried the following
-installing using browser, it crashes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable the native Browser.apk (rename Browser.apk.bak)
-Opera mini does not work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for installing an app. AFAIK, the last working version of Opera Mini is attached below.
- installing new browser, none available in market (I'm sure I've found dolphin there previously. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better than Opera Mini (IMHO) although more ancient, is the Opera Mobile I've attached below.
-Amazon AppStore, does not work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that is dead. Either uninstall it or disable the app (as for Browser, above)
-gmail attached app, cannot download
-email app, crashes
-google drive, box, Dropbox links in gmail, launches browser which crashes
-super manager crashes
I would really appreciate any help, all I really want is the kindle app working as the nook store is no more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, well, you've tried just about everything that can't/won't work
How about something that will? Copy the apps onto your SD card and locate them with a file manager (nice older version of ES File Explorer attached below). Tap the apk file and it should install. You can do this with the Kindle app as well. Unless you've got GApps working and can access the Market via the SearchMarket app, side-loading like this is your only recourse (well, almost....there's also ADB).
nmyshkin said:
Disable the native Browser.apk (rename Browser.apk.bak)
Not for installing an app. AFAIK, the last working version of Opera Mini is attached below.
Better than Opera Mini (IMHO) although more ancient, is the Opera Mobile I've attached below.
No, that is dead. Either uninstall it or disable the app (as for Browser, above)
OK, well, you've tried just about everything that can't/won't work
How about something that will? Copy the apps onto your SD card and locate them with a file manager (nice older version of ES File Explorer attached below). Tap the apk file and it should install. You can do this with the Kindle app as well. Unless you've got GApps working and can access the Market via the SearchMarket app, side-loading like this is your only recourse (well, almost....there's also ADB).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi thanks for the comments. I would love to get ES file explorer on the Nook but I have no way of installing any apks so I can't see how I can side load the apps. Previously I have got the first app from the market and gone from there but there does not seem to be any apps I can use to do this. I'm guessing I'll have to investigate ADB.
Thanks again
Frank
djchem said:
Hi thanks for the comments. I would love to get ES file explorer on the Nook but I have no way of installing any apks so I can't see how I can side load the apps. Previously I have got the first app from the market and gone from there but there does not seem to be any apps I can use to do this. I'm guessing I'll have to investigate ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is a bigger issue. I'm not familiar with glownooter but I did look it up. Whether you used that exact same version or not, it sounds like you have the makings of Market access, not to mention abdwireless. If you can get the Market up and running then you can download any old file manager that will install just to get going, or you can get apps directly from the PlayStore (though the pickings are somewhat limited for Android 2.1
So what's the real issue? Have you tried the GApps sign-in procedure? Did it not work? The glownooter package is supposed to include Market and then you get SearchMarket from the PlayStore once you're signed in. From there, the rest is easy.
If you don't have any apps on your NTG like Market, or YouTube, or GMail, then something is not right about your rooting process.
nmyshkin said:
So there is a bigger issue. I'm not familiar with glownooter but I did look it up. Whether you used that exact same version or not, it sounds like you have the makings of Market access, not to mention abdwireless. If you can get the Market up and running then you can download any old file manager that will install just to get going, or you can get apps directly from the PlayStore (though the pickings are somewhat limited for Android 2.1
So what's the real issue? Have you tried the GApps sign-in procedure? Did it not work? The glownooter package is supposed to include Market and then you get SearchMarket from the PlayStore once you're signed in. From there, the rest is easy.
If you don't have any apps on your NTG like Market, or YouTube, or GMail, then something is not right about your rooting process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, patience appeared to be the key. I checked after a couple of days and the ntg had appeared as a device on the play store which it wasn't originally. I now have a file explorer and Amazon. Unfortunately Amazon won't download any books but one thing at a time. Thanks for the help, Frank.
djchem said:
Ok, patience appeared to be the key. I checked after a couple of days and the ntg had appeared as a device on the play store which it wasn't originally. I now have a file explorer and Amazon. Unfortunately Amazon won't download any books but one thing at a time. Thanks for the help, Frank.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good! Yes, the PlayStore dance takes time for whatever reason.
If by "Amazon" you mean Kindle, then you will need to update your certificates in order to interface with the books you have stored with Amazon. See here for more info.
nmyshkin said:
Good! Yes, the PlayStore dance takes time for whatever reason.
If by "Amazon" you mean Kindle, then you will need to update your certificates in order to interface with the books you have stored with Amazon. See here for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, got it sorted! Thanks for the help, updated the caverns.bks file and all is good!
Thanks again
Frank
How to rename-to-"remove" apps.
nmyshkin said:
Disable the native Browser.apk (rename Browser.apk.bak)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm a very new user here. How do I rename this like you suggest? I've tried doing it through the adb shell (via ADB Konnect utility) and it complained about being read-only (yes, I am root and even su'ed to be sure)
# mv Browser.apk Browser.apk.bak
failed on 'Browser.apk' - Read-only file system
Then, I installed ES File Explorer (v3.1.0.1) and tried doing it through that interface, where it complained simply "Task failed". Then, I thought "wait...I should make sure I have root permissions given to this app", found the setting, got root, tried again and got a message indicating success! Except...the file didn't actually get renamed.
I'm out of ideas and time for now. Help is greatly appreciated!
bjswift said:
Hi, I'm a very new user here. How do I rename this like you suggest? I've tried doing it through the adb shell (via ADB Konnect utility) and it complained about being read-only (yes, I am root and even su'ed to be sure)
# mv Browser.apk Browser.apk.bak
failed on 'Browser.apk' - Read-only file system
Then, I installed ES File Explorer (v3.1.0.1) and tried doing it through that interface, where it complained simply "Task failed". Then, I thought "wait...I should make sure I have root permissions given to this app", found the setting, got root, tried again and got a message indicating success! Except...the file didn't actually get renamed.
I'm out of ideas and time for now. Help is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not used adb to rename, but I have used both Root Browser and ES File Explorer to rename apk files (never know when you might want it back....) without any problem. It should not be necessary to change the permissions on the system/app or data/app folders--or the apk files themselves. The file explorers do require root access, but it sounds like you have that covered.
I am a little distrustful of the newer ES File Explorers, as they are mucho bloated and troublesome to use on the NST/NTG sometimes. Maybe try the one attached to this post? It's what I finally settled on (but you have to go to SearchMarket first and mark ES FE as "do not autoupdate" or the older version will just be wiped out).
nmyshkin said:
Maybe try the one attached to this post? It's what I finally settled on (but you have to go to SearchMarket first and mark ES FE as "do not autoupdate" or the older version will just be wiped out).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah, I tried that one out earlier, but I couldn't see right away how to browse around in / like I could easily do in a 3.* version of ES FE which I had tried out first. Will play around with it more now...GOT IT! :laugh:
I'm also intent on disabling the Amazon Appstore now, but I can't figure out which apk(s) to rename. Should I just do a regular uninstall then?
While at it, I disabled some of the apps recommended here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1933615) because I saw how damn much the phone utilities were killing my battery life!!
So I can't find the thread where I found this earlier, but here are a ton of older versions of that apk if anyone things that's useful: http[://]es-file-explorer.en.uptodown[dot]com/android/old (sorry, about the [dot] stuff, as a new user I can't post external URLs yet).
bjswift said:
Thanks. Yeah, I tried that one out earlier, but I couldn't see right away how to browse around in / like I could easily do in a 3.* version of ES FE which I had tried out first. Will play around with it more now...GOT IT! :laugh:
I'm also intent on disabling the Amazon Appstore now, but I can't figure out which apk(s) to rename. Should I just do a regular uninstall then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's something like com.venezia...blah-blah...near the end of the app list in data/apps. Just uninstall it. When it was still working back in the old days it was always giving me trouble with nags of one sort or another. It's just one piece and useless so might as well uninstall.
While at it, I disabled some of the apps recommended here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1933615) because I saw how damn much the phone utilities were killing my battery life!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be surprised about some of the "phone stuff" and power consumption. The mechanism for reporting battery use on the NST leaves something to be desired. See my post here. In any case, the actual phone.apk is responsible for android media volume control so if you ever pursue USB Audio, you'll need it. The telephony.apk, not needed.
So I can't find the thread where I found this earlier, but here are a ton of older versions of that apk if anyone things that's useful: http[://]es-file-explorer.en.uptodown[dot]com/android/old (sorry, about the [dot] stuff, as a new user I can't post external URLs yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, that was from me There are a number of threads with packages/lists/links of older versions/working versions of apps. One of the more recent is here.
nmyshkin said:
It's something like com.venezia...blah-blah...near the end of the app list in data/apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There it is...ended up being called com.android.venezia.apk. I deleted it from the ES FE interface after failing to be able to do it through adb uninstall on my computer. Still need to figure out how to get write permissions there, apparently.a
nmyshkin said:
In any case, the actual phone.apk is responsible for android media volume control so if you ever pursue USB Audio, you'll need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that sounds fun! I'll get there eventually, I hope.
Thanks for all the info!
I've been searching for a couple of hours and there's no guides or even clarification about what is possible with regards to running non-tv apps on the shield / android TV.
I really need to install a custom internet browser, VoIP apps, syncthing, firewall, maybe libre office who knows etc.
So:
- How do you install Full Google PlayStore?
- Do you need to root? (guide 1)(guide 2)
- I heard you can alternatively sideload apps via ADB. So I guess you need TWRP, and root? And where do you get the apks from?
In general, are there any non-UX limitations of android TV that would cause apps to not run? Or does it have the same capabilities as plugging in a mouse & kb into my phone's OTG port and then casting its screen to a TV?
Well here's a few thoughts without going into too much detail as I'm at work:
Full google play will need a custom rom I believe and you'll need to give up the android tv version of play and leanback functionality (I think)
There may be another method (still losing androidtv but probably needing root)
You can sideload via ADB or via a sideloading app. Or using network shares, USB storage, USB transfer etc.
In the past I've used Titanium Backup (rooted naturally) installed a load of games to my phone then moved the backups to an SD/USB to restore on the SHIELD.
There are also dubious website and alternative stores you can install or visit on the SHIELD. Not a fan of those tbh.
You can get APK downloader addons for web browsers that allow you to download directly from Play Store website. Chrome android doesn't support these I am lead to believe... but installing Yandex broweser and installing the chrome addon to that apparently might work. So then load Play Store in Yandex browser and you can get your apps direct from google... just sadly not the paid ones.
I've been meaning to get on this again myself. I'm really quite pissed that most of my paid Rockstar android games won't install from AndroidTV Play store. These games run fine on SHIELD but are flagged as unsupported. Thus forcing you to download them from dubious sources to get running due to the DRM. The TV store is very disapointing, the layout is bad, there's no reviews and developers just don't seem interested in keeping their apps accessible on the platform when they otherwise should be. The Rockstar games in particular run fantastic on the SHIELD and if I were Google or Nvidia I'd actively be trying to encourage Rockstar to promote these games as SHIELD compatible or enhanced!
I don't know about any technical disadvantages to the platform that hold things back but I'm sure many people here will be far more knowledgable. I just assume an app has to be fully functional with just the remote or joypad to be ATV compliant. I'm not entirely sure on this last question but I will say this, every app I've sideloaded has worked as long as it doesn't require touch control in games. I use a 5way hub so I've always got mouse/keyboard and additional storage options etc. If it can be controlled with one finger you can use a mouse to facilitate that.
thanks for the input. Yeah it sucks for paid apps and games. First I'll see if I can get by with just root and these methods, because I couldn't find any good custom roms for the shield. There is one on another forum but I couldn't get it installed (got stuck at nvidia logo after a successful install)..
I'm a noob to android TV, what's "leanback functionality"?
Twodordan said:
thanks for the input. Yeah it sucks for paid apps and games. First I'll see if I can get by with just root and these methods, because I couldn't find any good custom roms for the shield. There is one on another forum but I couldn't get it installed (got stuck at nvidia logo after a successful install)..
I'm a noob to android TV, what's "leanback functionality"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sideload any apk to the shield if rooted but there are apk's made for android tv and just mobile apk's with mobile apl's you lose some functionality of android tv however a keyboard mouse combo or even nvidia shield tv app will help you navigate through those apk's that are not made for android tv
As far as I know, sideloading apps means finding an apk, placing it on the device, and then running it (and allowing installation from unknown sources).
So at what point in this process do I require root? Do I need the root if it's an apk not made for Android TV? What is that process exactly?
Twodordan said:
As far as I know, sideloading apps means finding an apk, placing it on the device, and then running it (and allowing installation from unknown sources).
So at what point in this process do I require root? Do I need the root if it's an apk not made for Android TV? What is that process exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I side load stuff to my non rooted shield all the time its true not all apps will work but a majority of them will for some apps that have only a vertical view you can use apps like set orientation to have it in landscape mode just allow install of unknown apps for the file browser you use on the shield.
https://apkpure.com/set-orientation/com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation
You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine.
Yeah I always keep my SHIELD rooted for this reason. I don't know what the situation is with TWRP recovery at the moment but I know it stopped working in one of the recent updates. By being rooted you can use Flashfire app to flash zips to the SHIELD if you need to flash let's say GLTools or something like that. I mainly use that to force antialiasing for certain games. One thing you will want is either Sideload Launcher (on Play Store) or TV App Repo. Sideload launcher just loads a launcher that includes your non TV apps (They don't all work with the leanback launcher) or you can use TV App Repo to make shortcuts to them on the leanback launcher. TV App Repo will also need root to work, so yeah that's a great reason to have root when sideloading.
I could adb install the sideload launcher apk (got it from apkpure) to my 16gb shield tv 2017, via a usb-to-usb cable, and it works just fine without root.
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
[Edit] Installed TV Launcher instead of sideload launcher. It can replace the default launcher and it is also so much nicer: https://apkpure.com/tvlauncher/com.awe.dev.pro.tv
[Edit] So a custom launcher like TV Launcher will insert itself as a suggestion whenever you press the home screen, and you can set it to Always use this launcher, however in many situations, like restarting your shield, it will default back to the stock launcher. You can read this but it's still fine to always have a prompt whenever you press home: https://www.reddit.com/r/ShieldAndr...hange_default_launcher_on_shield_2017_nougat/
I use Yalp store and set it up as different device (in my case Samsung Galaxy Tab S3). Works really fine for 95% of the time.
Question Please?
Can you please say which shield TV you have? I am thinking of buying one but am put off by the lack of full play store. Being able to install any apk from a USB stick may sway me (but still not sure). What I plan to do is install any apps I want on my phone, use an apk extractor to get the apk, put it on USB then use CX file explorer to click and install. Does that sound all possible on non-rooted latest full Shield?
Cheers.
Eric.
"You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine."
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:44 AM ----------
PS Since you can install apk's easily did you ever try to sideload the Google play store apk (along with Google Play Services apk to see if they will install?
That would be interesting.
Gaps download for HUAWEI Chinese phones would be easy to obtain.
DBCAB said:
I side load stuff to my non rooted shield all the time its true not all apps will work but a majority of them will for some apps that have only a vertical view you can use apps like set orientation to have it in landscape mode just allow install of unknown apps for the file browser you use on the shield.
https://apkpure.com/set-orientation/com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation
You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twodordan said:
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need the developer image to get root.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tv/development/kernel-overclock-kernel-2-22-ghz-t3943079
And if you don't flash twrp, getting updates will work fine, you will just have to root again.
Twodordan said:
I could adb install the sideload launcher apk (got it from apkpure) to my 16gb shield tv 2017, via a usb-to-usb cable, and it works just fine without root.
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
[Edit] Installed TV Launcher instead of sideload launcher. It can replace the default launcher and it is also so much nicer: https://apkpure.com/tvlauncher/com.awe.dev.pro.tv
[Edit] So a custom launcher like TV Launcher will insert itself as a suggestion whenever you press the home screen, and you can set it to Always use this launcher, however in many situations, like restarting your shield, it will default back to the stock launcher. You can read this but it's still fine to always have a prompt whenever you press home: https://www.reddit.com/r/ShieldAndr...hange_default_launcher_on_shield_2017_nougat/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is rooting a nightmare ? Once your bootloader is unlocked it literally takes 5 minutes to root..
Unlock bootloader
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot boot twrp.img
install magisk zip
Reboot , you're rooted..
I don't understand why people suggest any other file explorer besides "x-plore". By far the best file explorer out there, 100% crap free. You can install any APK from any location using x-plore.. Most of the time I leave the APK on my network , that network drive is mapped in the shield settings, I simply browse to it with x-plore , and install any APK. If it doesn't make a shortcut in the android tv menu , then simply use "sideload launcher" by chainfire to launch whichever app doesn'T show up on the main menu.
ericritou said:
Can you please say which shield TV you have? I am thinking of buying one but am put off by the lack of full play store. Being able to install any apk from a USB stick may sway me (but still not sure). What I plan to do is install any apps I want on my phone, use an apk extractor to get the apk, put it on USB then use CX file explorer to click and install. Does that sound all possible on non-rooted latest full Shield?
Cheers.
Eric.
"You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine."
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:44 AM ----------
PS Since you can install apk's easily did you ever try to sideload the Google play store apk (along with Google Play Services apk to see if they will install?
That would be interesting.
Gaps download for HUAWEI Chinese phones would be easy to obtain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Roamin64 said:
How is rooting a nightmare ? Once your bootloader is unlocked it literally takes 5 minutes to root..
Unlock bootloader
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot boot twrp.img
install magisk zip
Reboot , you're rooted..
I don't understand why people suggest any other file explorer besides "x-plore". By far the best file explorer out there, 100% crap free. You can install any APK from any location using x-plore.. Most of the time I leave the APK on my network , that network drive is mapped in the shield settings, I simply browse to it with x-plore , and install any APK. If it doesn't make a shortcut in the android tv menu , then simply use "sideload launcher" by chainfire to launch whichever app doesn'T show up on the main menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont understand y ppl think their preferred app is the same or should be everyones preference.. never really used xplore so cant comment on it but this is bcuz i use fx file explorer.. it has been good to me for years and still counting.. you can access network and more if u get an fx license which is cheap.. u can set up windows, ftp, ssh, webdav over network... set up cloud storage... bluetooth... web access.... fx connect and other means using it.. root installer.. text editor... binary viewer... deals with archives... themes... multiple root settings and other settings... diagnostic tools... has builtin busybox or u can use any other busybox you have installed and more
agreed though, roots easy if you dont have troubles.. not sure what ur runnin but nstv pro 2019 unless its been updated since i last checked cannot simply install magisk.. u need modified magisk.zip which is an older version then need to do some trickery in twrp to get it to flash right then still might need some trickery to get it to boot.. i have to use adb root to change bootstate to orange before itll load and if u dont got adb authorized yet then i use twrp to set a script tochange bootstate on boot.. tyen if u still have problems might need towipe and/or mess with vbmetaand/or dtb partitions.. and im an experienced person when it comes to root, exploits, twrp utilization and fastboot (not claiming to b pro or anything crazy, just know how to use them fairly well and general idea of how things work) so i can imagine some ppl that maybe arent as experienced or new to this particular device would have a difficult time indeed.
DBCAB said:
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks.
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------
DBCAB said:
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
have you tried the Aurora store? i find stuff there ibcant find in tv play store
elliwigy said:
have you tried the Aurora store? i find stuff there ibcant find in tv play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elliwigy suggested the best way to have full playstore, Aurora is a frontend for the real playstore, you are not downloading from an unknown source and also allow to install and validate the apps that you have purchased, also it's possible to spoof your shield as other devices making possible to install apps that in other ways aren't available for your device
Hi
it is a long time ago.
Lastweek I got the fireTV update on the Amazon echo show 15. Without this change/update no chance for me to sideload apks. Funny is before the update the firmware is V7.5.5.5 and after firetv installation it is V7.5.0.1. Don't ask me why. Maybe they drunk to much.
But it took me 20 min to find a workaround to sidekoade apks.
@Amazon_Devs: Stop reading here. DO NOT BLOCK this workaround, make the launcher selectable again and bring the same Dev functions like on fireTV! THANK YOU!
I am not responsible for any damage or warranty loss
So end of the political messages.
For the first apk i would install Firefox apk(with it you can download more apps more comfortable)
1. Open FireTV Icon
2. Open appstore
3. Get Downloader, Totalus (launcher) and Total comander from Amazon fireTV appstore
(All the Apps do not work with touch.)
4. Open App Downloader
5. Select with onscreenremote "Browser"
6. Look for a page where you can get Firefox apk. I used uptodown
7. Download the apk (i recomend Firefox)
9. Go to total comander
10.Move with total comander the downloaded file from path Downloader to Downloads
11. Open totalus launcher
12. Open the blue folder (system file explorer)
13.Klick on Downloads
14. There should be your downloaded apk.
15. Install it
Ok done
When you install Firefox nextime you will have a browser which support touch functionality and when you download the next APK it will be directly stored in the Folder Downloads
Then just repeat the last steps 11-15.
Limitations:
Getting permissions is like Russian roulette storage is no problem. Special rights or higher permission can't confirmed in the system settings.
Dev options are available but it is the same **** as before.
Ok so now to the use cases:
I use this (now) awsome 15.6 zoll screen in my citchen to controll everything via homeassistant.
If you a owner of a Fritzbox Cable you can install Fritz TV apk direktly from AVM and you get a nice TV.
Homeassistant (you can enable in the app settings stay activ)
Spotify
Firefox
Total comander as an apk (not the Amazon appstore version. Remove it and install total comamder apk and you can controll it with the touchscreen)
I tired Nova launcher and Microsoft launcher
F DROID Can't install apks
Playstore (I think they have put playstore on a apk blacklist)
Uptodown can't install apks
There is some days ago another manual the suggested using Makrodroid for automations. May Tasker as well.
Also a APK which creates a storage via wifi. So with it you can transfere files from a PC to the echo show and the other way round.
Open Points:
I installed Wolf Launcher aka launcher Manager for FireTV. This launcher request the standard app for Settings.
When someone here is able to create a app which request the standard settings app and will open a selectable app like a launcher or whatever. The settings button can converted to a custom shortcut.
A custom linageOS ROM would be nice but I think
the kernel source for CPU AZ2 (some informations about processor) is not released and there is no way right now to install twrp. Correct me if I am wrong.
Some more blabla:
Echo Show 15 opened: teardown echo show 15
Her is written the hardware price is 309 Dollar. I bought it during blackweek for 199 and if you have a old echo you can make a trade in and you can get 25% discount on top.
Sideloaded apks listed in firetv as grey/black fields so you don't know which app is the correct one.
This could a workaround: Workaround icons
I also bought the usb network adapter to connect the device by LAN and I am thinking about a POE powersupply it.
There are two more guides out there:
Guide 1
Guide 2
Appdownloader became unavailable yesterday morning - if you try to install it the icon doesnt say GET - it just says unavailable. Any other workarounds for adb?
Hi
May the wifi ftp app could work or the other Downloader App but both are not for free or do it like in Guide2
I used the WiFi Transfer app in the store - then you can use the built in File Manager thats on the Show to install the APK's - Since they removed Downloader, this way is the second way to do it - and a little tougher to disable without a firmware update, assuming they remove the built in File Manager to install apps.
Robotica72 said:
I used the WiFi Transfer app in the store - then you can use the built in File Manager thats on the Show to install the APK's - Since they removed Downloader, this way is the second way to do it - and a little tougher to disable without a firmware update, assuming they remove the built in File Manager to install apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I am really new at this for the Show 15, but I am learning.
The wifi transfer app worked to get my apk on the show 15 and I used Total Commander to move it to the Downloads folder.
When I install it though it doesn't show up, as if it didn't install.
I don't remember what other app I used to try to install it, but at some point I got a message saying that I didn't have permission to install apps from unknown sources.
What am I doing wrong?
You need to use an app that is a trusted installer - the original method worked since Downloader has this, but all the other file managers do not. So, using Total Commander and go to system apps (scroll down a bit on the left side) - Open system apps and then on the right hand side, scroll down to File Manager (it may just say file). Then Click the virtual remote enter button and hold it for a bit, after about 2 seconds the upper right hand corner will show a new icon, it will be the first icon in the 4 icons in the upper right. Using the remote clik the new click and it will open up the File Manager - Install from there
Robotica72 said:
You need to use an app that is a trusted installer - the original method worked since Downloader has this, but all the other file managers do not. So, using Total Commander and go to system apps (scroll down a bit on the left side) - Open system apps and then on the right hand side, scroll down to File Manager (it may just say file). Then Click the virtual remote enter button and hold it for a bit, after about 2 seconds the upper right hand corner will show a new icon, it will be the first icon in the 4 icons in the upper right. Using the remote clik the new click and it will open up the File Manager - Install from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for working with me on this.
When I open Total Commander there is a list on the left.
The last one is - Installed apps
In that folder there is a File Explorer 1.681A and one that I think I downloaded - File Explorer for Fire Tablets & TV (File Manager App) 1.0
Using my Fire TV remote and holding down the ENTER button a menu pops up:
Launch app(main function)
Copy via bluetooth
Delete
Properties
Copy to clipboard
Sent to
Open with...
What am I doping wrong?
No Problem - this is the part you need - Use TV File Manager - That has the systems app option, its the in the play store...
It will have the system files on the left
Robotica72 said:
No Problem - this is the part you need - Use TV File Manager - That has the systems app option, its the in the play store...
It will have the system files on the left
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With TV File manager I get "For your security your tablet is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source". There is a "settings" that shows up with the message, but when I click that it just goes back to the TV File Manager screen. Ugh
Any other suggestions?
HypnoticGuy said:
With TV File manager I get "For your security your tablet is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source". There is a "settings" that shows up with the message, but when I click that it just goes back to the TV File Manager screen. Ugh
Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wait. Still trying something.
HypnoticGuy said:
Oh wait. Still trying something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, when I go to "System Apps" in TV File manager, then "Files" it
HypnoticGuy said:
Oh wait. Still trying something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it!! Thank you soooo much!
You're my hero! This is great!
Excellent - Glad you got it working... I ordered another one since this works, hoping it gets here quickly before Amazon figures this one out and disables it in some update. I think it would require an entire system update to disable since its a system app.
Hi,
I've try to install something since Downloader is KO but.... how what dit you (@HypnoticGuy ) do to install it ?
tried installing the same way but there is a new message "unable to install apps from unknown source".
Is there any way around this? seems like Amazon blocked it all.
need to know before sending it back as it is useless for me if I cannot side load anything on this...
When do you get the error that you cant install apps from an unknown source? I can still sideload apps using the built in, system file manager, but I havent updated since it worked (assuming Amazon did updates)
Amazon updated and removed the built in file manager so you can no longer install APKs by opening them with it. I’m not sure what to do now and may just return mine until this gets sorted out. Wish I could downgrade the OS, but it seems unlikely
adb sideloading may be one idea, but enabling developer options does not show adb debugging menu anymore.
Hello everyone,
I got an Echo Show 15 as a gift for Christmas and then brought it to the software version at the time. So Firetv was on it but I didn't do anything else and since I still haven't tackled the wall mounting with cabling, it hasn't been switched on since then.
My question would be: Is there a way to block it so that I can install the kiosk browser or will it still force the update on me?
I have Pi Hole but have no idea what to set there!
Of course, I don't dare to put the device into operation now either
does anyone know?