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[ROOT][HOW TO] Install Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version

This is a simple Step-by-Step guide on How To: Install Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Kindle Fire 7" HD, Kindle Fire HD 8.9" and Kindle Fire 2 with Windows - Noob (Simple) Version. The main group steps are outlined with A, B, C while the sub-group steps are outlined with 1, 2, 3. We attempt to keep this tutorial updated regularly - adding information from the end users experience. We have recently upgraded the storage servers to increase uptime, you now have two options for the downloads both are ad free. Option one is a Dropbox Storage Server and Option two is a Ubuntu One Storage Server, if one is under maintenance you may use the other download link. When you are done with the tutorial, please take the time to post feedback, this is very important to us - without your feedback, we have no way of knowing if we are doing our job. Finally, if you feel we did a decent job, please think about donating to us using the "Donate to Me" button - this is how we make a living, without your kind donations we would no longer be able to do this for a living.
Prerequisites:
1. Kindle Fire HD 7", Kindle Fire HD 8.9" or Kindle Fire 2 7"
2. ES File Explorer or Root Explorer from Google Play.
Some Android apps on Google Play claim to be incompatible with various devices. There’s a good chance that these apps will run fine on many of these devices – you can bypass this check with root access.
Some apps won’t actually work after you install them, but many will. This also solves problems with applications that will install but refuse to play – for example, Boat Browser with the “this device is incompatible” message.
A) Editing Build.prop
The build.prop file contains a few strings (bits of text) that identify your Kindle Fire as KFTT. If you edit this file, Google Play and other apps will think you’re using a different device than you actually using. Be very careful when editing this file – we’ll just be editing a few tiny parts of it. If you edit other parts, you could cause serious problems with your device.
First, launch the ES File Explorer app. Open its Settings screen and enable the Root Explorer and Mount File System options. You may also want to enable the Up to Root option on this screen, so you can easily tap the Up button and navigate to your root directory.
Step 1: Navigate to the /system/ directory on your device and locate the build.prop file.
Step 2: You should create a copy of the original build.prop file elsewhere – long-press on it, select Copy, and then Paste it into another folder – say, your /sdcard/Download folder.
Step 3: Now you’re ready to edit the file. Long-press it, select Open As, select Text, and select the ES Note Editor application
Step 4: Look for the ro.product.model and ro.product.manufacturer lines. These are the important ones.
Step 5: Change these lines to pretend your device is another model. For example, to imitate a Nexus S, use these lines:
ro.product.model = Nexus S
ro.product.manufacturer = samsung
Step 6: After making this change, tap the menu button and select Save.
B) Final Steps
Step 7: Go into the Settings screen, select Applications, select Manage Applications, tap the All category, and select the Google Play app. Clear its cache and data, and then restart the Kindle Fire.
Step 8: Open Google Play and you should be able to download apps that claim they’re not compatible with your Kindle Fire. Applications, Games and Browsers that detect your device should also work, too – Gameloft games seem to be particularly guilty of this. Some apps may still not install or work with your device for other reasons — for example, Google Chrome won’t work on pre-Android 4.0 devices, Bluetooth Tether fails on the Kindle. Some apps may be restricted to certain countries so do not break these rules.
Step 9: Most applications from Google Play Store are installed in the /data/app folder. There are many cases where the application will fail when first launched. If you experience an application that suddenly Stops, move the application to /system/app and change the permissions to User: Read Write | Group: Read and Others: Read. Then reboot your Kindle. If the application continues to fail, please open a post in this thread and we will have our developer work on a solution.

Hi prokennexusa
- I just tried this on my KFHD7"
- After changing the two lines and clearing out the Store app cache and data, I restarted and went back to Play.
- The three apps I was looking for were still not available to me (Fandango, Boat Browser and Chrome)
- I actually downloaded another app store (1Mobile Market) and downloaded all three apps which I installed and ran without problem.
- Also, I thought that perhaps it was not enough to change the two lines you mentioned (product model & manufacturer) so I tried this again with additional changes to brand (changed to samsung) model (changed to nexus s) and device (changed to nexus s) and then I saved the file, cleared cache and data from the google play store and again sought to gain these three apps which were are "not compatible" with my device.
- Unfortuntately, the Play store did not change the status for those apps --they all remained "not compatible" for the device.
- One good point I gained out of this so far is that I have found another pretty good market to get apps to sideload on my KFHD7.
- One question (please!), can I leave the build.prop identities (model, manufacturer, brand, name, device) in their changed state (samsung/nexus s) or is it better to revert them back to the Amazon Kindle for some reason?
Thanks!

Install Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version
markbc01 said:
Hi prokennexusa
- I just tried this on my KFHD7"
- After changing the two lines and clearing out the Store app cache and data, I restarted and went back to Play.
- The three apps I was looking for were still not available to me (Fandango, Boat Browser and Chrome)
- I actually downloaded another app store (1Mobile Market) and downloaded all three apps which I installed and ran without problem.
- Also, I thought that perhaps it was not enough to change the two lines you mentioned (product model & manufacturer) so I tried this again with additional changes to brand (changed to samsung) model (changed to nexus s) and device (changed to nexus s) and then I saved the file, cleared cache and data from the google play store and again sought to gain these three apps which were are "not compatible" with my device.
- Unfortuntately, the Play store did not change the status for those apps --they all remained "not compatible" for the device.
- One good point I gained out of this so far is that I have found another pretty good market to get apps to sideload on my KFHD7.
- One question (please!), can I leave the build.prop identities (model, manufacturer, brand, name, device) in their changed state (samsung/nexus s) or is it better to revert them back to the Amazon Kindle for some reason?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
markbc01,
What I think is happening is the vendors are given two options on how to read the model one reads the build.prop data while the other executes a simple 'android.os.Build.MODEL' request. It looks like most vendors are turning to the latter. They may also query the device fingerprint.
This is great info, this is what we were hoping for:good: - your feedback so we can improve the process and make it work 100% of the time. Give us 24 hours to look at all angles and then we will post an update that will solve your problem.
Leave the build.prop data as is, there is no disadvantage leaving the name changed.

Many free versions such as all of the Angry Birds games are still incompatible from the Play Store even with this edit, yet they work perfectly fine if sideloaded, guess that's more to do with the fact Amazon App Store only having the paid versions & asked Google to block them.

Install Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version
Gilly10 said:
Many free versions such as all of the Angry Birds games are still incompatible from the Play Store even with this edit, yet they work perfectly fine if sideloaded, guess that's more to do with the fact Amazon App Store only having the paid versions & asked Google to block them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gilly10,
You nailed it. Amazon and Google have a very tight relationship. As a matter of fact, if you watch the traffic when you purchase something from Amazon Software App Store, you will see something very interesting. The purchase traffic routes through Amazon but the download request is processed on the same server array as ................. you guess it, Google.

instagram still won't let me install cause its still reading its not compatible
Sent from my KFTT using XDA Premium HD app

prokennexusa said:
Gilly10,
You nailed it. Amazon and Google have a very tight relationship. As a matter of fact, if you watch the traffic when you purchase something from Amazon Software App Store, you will see something very interesting. The purchase traffic routes through Amazon but the download request is processed on the same server array as ................. you guess it, Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually just looked Amazon do have the FREE versions but only of the first 4, Star Wars is the only paid app without a FREE version, strange they would block the rest, puzzling!

meddle70 said:
instagram still won't let me install cause its still reading its not compatible
Sent from my KFTT using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A sketchy workaround (because who knows where they're sourcing their apks) would be to install blackmart, aptoide or similar alternative market and install it from there.... What I can say that it works, but I don't fully endorse it because again, I don't know where they source their apps.

Hi,
Changing the two lines caused a license problem with Swype keyboard... any of you experienced this ?
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium

iCoN3o said:
Hi,
Changing the two lines caused a license problem with Swype keyboard... any of you experienced this ?
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it says it's unregistered or something a long those lines, only thing to do is put back the correct details that you changed or if you copied the build.prop beforehand copy it back to system/ & reboot.

Kindle Fire HD and 2 First Aide Software - Noob (Simple) Version
iCoN3o said:
Hi,
Changing the two lines caused a license problem with Swype keyboard... any of you experienced this ?
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iCoN3o,
This makes sense, the reason? Swipe Keyboard thinks you have copied the software, here is a fix. Go into More+ > Applications > Installed Applications - find Swipe. Clear the Cache and User Data, then remove Swipe.
Then install our software and wipe the User Data and Cache : Kindle Fire HD and 2 First Aide MAJOR UPDATE 02/14/2013 at 21:48 Rev4.2.22
Reboot the Kindle. Go to Google Play Store and reinstall Swipe. The issue will disappear.

Kindle Fire HD and 2 First Aide Software - Noob (Simple) Version
Gilly10 said:
Yeah it says it's unregistered or something a long those lines, only thing to do is put back the correct details that you changed or if you copied the build.prop beforehand copy it back to system/ & reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gilly10,
Actually it is an easy fix. Swipe thinks you have copied the application to a new Android, here is how you fix the issue:
Go into More+ > Applications > Installed Applications - find Swipe. Clear the Cache and User Data, then remove Swipe.
Then install our software and wipe the User Data and Cache : Kindle Fire HD and 2 First Aide MAJOR UPDATE 02/14/2013 at 21:48 Rev4.2.22
Reboot the Kindle. Go to Google Play Store and reinstall Swipe. The issue will disappear.

Thanks ! That worked.
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium

Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version
iCoN3o said:
Thanks ! That worked.
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iCoN3o,
Thank you for taking the time to post feedback. We do appreciate it, thank you!

Install Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version
meddle70 said:
instagram still won't let me install cause its still reading its not compatible
Sent from my KFTT using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
meddle70,
This method works on about 60% of the vendors. It depends on how the vendor reads the make and model. There is another method will will be posting that will take care of the issue 100% of the time, give us a few days and we will post the additional work.

Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version
Gilly10 said:
Actually just looked Amazon do have the FREE versions but only of the first 4, Star Wars is the only paid app without a FREE version, strange they would block the rest, puzzling!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gilly10,
The reason may have to do with the contract that Amazon has signed with Google Play, since there appears to be little rhyme and reason.

Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version
meddle70 said:
instagram still won't let me install cause its still reading its not compatible
Sent from my KFTT using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
meddle70,
We have a signed copy of Instagram on our server we were using for testing, here is a link to Instagram 3.4.0: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/54456659/Instagram_3.4.0.apk.zip
Pleas extract Instagram_3.4.0.apk.zip ad Instagram_3.4.0.apk then install on your Kindle. You may use ES Explorer to install Instagram_3.4.0.apk by clicking on the Instagram_3.4.0.apk program and wait for "installed successfully". Once you have installed Instagram_3.4.0.apk be sure to move Instagram_3.4.0.apk from /data/app to /system/app check the permissions of Instagram_3.4.0.apk in /system/app they should be: User: Read Write Group: Read and Others: Read - be sure to reboot prior to using Instagram 3.4.0.
If you run into any issues with the installation, just post the question here or in our Backup/Recovery thread.

Google Play Incompatible Android Apps Noob (Simple) Version
helix4u said:
A sketchy workaround (because who knows where they're sourcing their apks) would be to install blackmart, aptoide or similar alternative market and install it from there.... What I can say that it works, but I don't fully endorse it because again, I don't know where they source their apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
helix4u,
We are a little confused? Can you please clarify?
This is for Google Play and we do not use any APK"s in this tutorial. This tutorial allows you to install programs from Google Play that is accidentally blocked due to "incompatible" message. We have found this message is erroneous about 80% of the time, so we decided to find a way around the issue. Now there may be issues with certain packages that require Jelly Bean, this will not work for the packages designed for Jelly Bean but this workaround does work for the other packages.

prokennexusa said:
helix4u,
We are a little confused? Can you please clarify?
This is for Google Play and we do not use any APK"s in this tutorial. This tutorial allows you to install programs from Google Play that is accidentally blocked due to "incompatible" message. We have found this message is erroneous about 80% of the time, so we decided to find a way around the issue. Now there may be issues with certain packages that require Jelly Bean, this will not work for the packages designed for Jelly Bean but this workaround does work for the other packages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My reply was directed toward someone who had a problem with a specific application where the application was still claiming to be incompatible in the play store. I offered a workaround that does not use the play store, but instead uses an alternative market application. My comments about APKs were in reference to the applications provided by these alternative market applications.

There's an even easier way now. side load market helper.
http://codekiem.com/2013/02/13/market-helper/
This app "fools the android market into thinking you have a nexus 7, or a galaxy S 3 or a couple of others.
Root is required. Change is temporary and won't touch your build prop.
I've tested it and it works as advertised.

Fake location FireTV Stick FireOS 5 (without root)

I've installed google play services ( sideload without root based on this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-3SWSD232U ).
And Fake Location 3.27 apk (com.fakegps.mock), tried a few others that failed to install but this one installed and seems to work.
You will need to use the ADB shell to enable mock locations as well. I also installed a rotation app to force landscape on apps that seem to think its portrait.
I have my location set by ZIP code in FireOS settings however it seems that all apps don't use it.
Installed (sideloaded) all of these to get this working (I'm not certain if GP services are needed for fake location to work or not, but I think they are):
Google Account Manager_4.0.3-239410.apk
Google Play Store_4.6.17.apk
Google Play services_4.4.52 (1174655-036).apk
Google Services Framework 4.0.4-338691.apk
com.google.android.gms-8.1.14_(2244331-030)-8114030-minAPI9.apk
com.estrongs.android.pop-v4.0.2.8-242-Android-2.2.apk (ES File Explorer)
RotateScreenOrientation.apk - Free for XDA people
Fake gps - fake location_3.27.com.apk
Watch TNT_3.1.20151105.com.apk - Wanted to be able to Watch TNT on FireTV Stick (requires Cable sub) - doesn't work perfectly, can't "full screen" so there is a red banner at the top of the screen. have to use a mouse too
Enable Mock Locations (since they don't show in the settings app in Fire OS):
Code:
[email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location
0
[email protected]:/ $ settings put secure mock_location 1
[email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location
1
Then I opened Fake Location and set my location (accurately, as it placed me in the middle of the ocean) and started the fake location then switched apps over to Watch TNT and now I am able to stream Live TV.
Does anyone have a full list of settings that we can change via the shell access?
Edit:
Also working
Watch ABC Family (better than TNT works too)
Watch ABC - Live TV not available in my area though (but it was for ABC Family??)
I will admit that none of these are HD quality streams, 480p at best after it has buffered a bit.

Thanks for posting this tip. Followed these steps to get WatchTNT to load live streams using the latest version of Fake Location. Full-screen works on a FireTV2 -- but I can't seem to get rid of the red banner on the top of the screen. Tried disabling screen locker, but no change.
Have you come across any work-arounds? I'll try my luck on a few other app forums to see if others have had any success.

the fact that the red banner is there is why i say it doesn't work in full screen, it may take up 95% of the screen but that banner is an issue.
Not sure what can be done about it either.

horrorschow1986 said:
Use TorGuard! Works Perfect for me!
Yes it costs something but there is a Spezial offer 29,90$ /year! I'm on aftv 1. gen without Root!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why we would need a VPN service. FireOS 5 doesn't appear to be able to report any location data to the non Amazon apps. That's the whole point of us faking location in this instance. Our IPs are already USA based so that eliminates 95% of the need for the VPN when someone is trying to fake a location.

Old thread i know , but has anyone got fake location working with the latest fireos?

moontan33 said:
Old thread i know , but has anyone got fake location working with the latest fireos?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too would love an answer to that question. I've done all the installations of APK's that are called for, and everything seems poised to work, but [email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location returns a no such file or directory error.

pryingeyes said:
I too would love an answer to that question. I've done all the installations of APK's that are called for, and everything seems poised to work, but [email protected]:/ $ settings get secure mock_location returns a no such file or directory error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to use such apps you would need to be rooted as the app needs to be in system/priv-app for most GPS faking to work
You could use a vpn if it's just an ip based location check

TheFixItMan said:
If you want to use such apps you would need to be rooted as the app needs to be in system/priv-app for most GPS faking to work
You could use a vpn if it's just an ip based location check
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that doesn't solve it. My IP address, if that was all that was required, is just fine for the purpose and would not need to be revised through a vpn. I'm trying to get my local stations via the DirecTV tablet app. It requires a GPS reading that simply shows you're somewhere in your service area, and specifically prompts you to turn on GPS locations in settings.. The Firestick doesn't provide one, but in the past people have had success by installing the various Google apps and an Android settings app, allowing mock, and then using apps like fake GPS to create a GPS reading and satisfy DirecTV that they really are sitting in their own living rooms. Fake GPS would be the simple answer except that when you open it, it prompts you to go into settings and allow mock. But because that's under Android developer options (not firestick developer options), it can't be accessed. There's no way to repeatedly click on About Phone in the newly-installed settings app to open up D.O., as you normally would on an actual phone.
In the past, installing everything in the OP and then entering that adb command was the solution, but that command no longer works. Just looking for an alternate.

Did you ever resolve this with the newer fire sticks?

I'm also wondering the same my mock locations say on withing adb however I'm getting nothing out of the firetv

man i dont like that sound of install that google play services.....if you would have asked me few months back because thats how i bricked my first firstick then went on a full on 4 days research marathon AFTER is came back up from a restart loop ON 7th DAY ._.

Kodi issue

When I use most addons (Phoenix, Genesis, SALTS, etc) they don't load any sources. How can I solve this?
Thanks

Lostlam said:
When I use most addons (Phoenix, Genesis, SALTS, etc) they don't load any sources. How can I solve this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know in your case, I had no problems with kodi 16th version. I'm doing that: downloading kodi last build of 16 beta 1 (i think it's now beta 2 is available) also I downloading the beast addon package (torrent file from his website http://spartanpixel.net/Kodi/thebeast/ ) unrar the beast package, find appropriate package where in the beast "addons only" location - manually copy on your computer and paste/transfer to shield root kodi directory where addon location (can't tell you exact path, I'm not at home now) . After start kodi and whollaa you have Genesis, Fenix and many many all other really kind of good addons - wait until addons update (if you have issues with updates - kind of not updating - try find in youtube for help- keyword : kodi addons update problem etc) and should works fine. Why I choose this way?! Coz this is easiest way get big collection of really good addons. Why not simply install through zip / add sources etc?! Coz the beast only properly works on kodi 15.2, but addons "only that folder if you move" works great on kodi16. Try and let me know how goes.
Also when you will gonna transfer addon folder to shield - turn of Antivirus, otherwise will take ages (or you can do, transfered all the beast downloaded file rar (not extracted) to shield and with es file explore browse for addon folder - copy and paste to kodi appropriate location for addon + it will be faster with transfer. Good luck and sorry for my English.
Sent from my Nokia 3310 using free xda app

visitor29 said:
Don't know in your case, I had no problems with kodi 16th version. I'm doing that: downloading kodi last build of 16 beta 1 (i think it's now beta 2 is available) also I downloading the beast addon package (torrent file from his website http://spartanpixel.net/Kodi/thebeast/ ) unrar the beast package, find appropriate package where in the beast "addons only" location - manually copy on your computer and paste/transfer to shield root kodi directory where addon location (can't tell you exact path, I'm not at home now) . After start kodi and whollaa you have Genesis, Fenix and many many all other really kind of good addons - wait until addons update (if you have issues with updates - kind of not updating - try find in youtube for help- keyword : kodi addons update problem etc) and should works fine. Why I choose this way?! Coz this is easiest way get big collection of really good addons. Why not simply install through zip / add sources etc?! Coz the beast only properly works on kodi 15.2, but addons "only that folder if you move" works great on kodi16. Try and let me know how goes.
Also when you will gonna transfer addon folder to shield - turn of Antivirus, otherwise will take ages (or you can do, transfered all the beast downloaded file rar (not extracted) to shield and with es file explore browse for addon folder - copy and paste to kodi appropriate location for addon + it will be faster with transfer. Good luck and sorry for my English.
Sent from my Nokia 3310 using free xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I have Kodi 15 installed, so I'll install the beta and see if it works.

Installed it, but the issue is still present. Not sure what's preventing sources from loading

Lostlam said:
Installed it, but the issue is still present. Not sure what's preventing sources from loading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear that, but don't know how to help you. P.s. Your Internet provider have no kind of restriction, like porn sites or some forums, some torrent sites like pirate bay, kik ass etc, maybe this blocking?
No idea, even didn't hear about this problem...
Sent from my Nokia 3310 using free xda app

visitor29 said:
Sorry to hear that, but don't know how to help you. P.s. Your Internet provider have no kind of restriction, like porn sites or some forums, some torrent sites like pirate bay, kik ass etc, maybe this blocking?
No idea, even didn't hear about this problem...
Sent from my Nokia 3310 using free xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My ISP does block a few things, but that isn't the problem as I have the same setup on my PC and a Minix box problem free.
Really weird

Lostlam said:
My ISP does block a few things, but that isn't the problem as I have the same setup on my PC and a Minix box problem free.
Really weird
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just adding my 0.02. I get plenty of sources loaded, sometimes more if I back out and go back in but plenty of them return "no stream available".
I previously used Kodi on AFTV and this was a rare occurence. May just be coincidence with the Shield.

skymera said:
Just adding my 0.02. I get plenty of sources loaded, sometimes more if I back out and go back in but plenty of them return "no stream available".
I previously used Kodi on AFTV and this was a rare occurence. May just be coincidence with the Shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know. I had sometimes too kind of stream problems, but I don't think so this is shield (how can metal can effect on software) . Sometimes after addon update start working without problems, sooner this is addon developer problems - servers down, sources has been changed without addon update, kodi 16 not compatible with some addons etc and etc guessing question, don't know.
Sent from my Nokia 3310 using free xda app

Any Way to Stop BBC Iplayer from Disabling Itself (I'm outside UK)

I have the 2017 Shield.
I have used BBCIplayer in the US on many Android devices over the years. I usually install from apk or a British Google Play account, and then use a smart DNS service (smart DNS sends the proper signals through a VPN so the BBC server sees me as being in the UK, but the actual video is not sent through the VPN. Except for the limited purpose, the device has a US ip address.)
For every device except the Shield, once the Iplayer app is installed, it stays installed and visible.
The Shield has its own Nvidia made version of Iplayer (the regular version does not work with Google TV.) I installed this once from the Google Play store with a UK Google Play account. It worked fine, then disappeared after a while. I can now get it to work by using a copy of the Nvidia Iplayer apk that I downloaded from the internet - I click on the apk in file manager and then click on the "market" option rather than the "install" option. I am then given a screen where I can "enable" the Iplayer, and it then appears again as a usable app.
If I go into settings when the app is enabled it shows as a system app, rather than a downloaded app (as does the proprietary version of the Amazon video player.)
One of the reasons that I like Android is that it has less of the "big brothery" stuff than IOS (or a Roku, for that matter.) So it pisses me off that the device I paid for is actively frustrating my watching what I want to watch with an app which is on the machine. I'm not saying that Nvidia should be providing me with a VPN connection, but on the other hand it shouldn't be actively blocking me from what I want to do.
Short of hooking up to a VPN 24/7,any ideas as to how to stop this disabling of the app?

I want to try this.. Brit now in Germany. I installed express vpn on my shield but didn't look for iplayer yet.
I assumed I would need vpn set to UK all the time I wish to use BBC then disconnect vpn for normal use.
Sent from my Hauwai P9 EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

From Nvidia :
The BBC iPlayer app is only available inside the UK. If you are not located in that location or have recently moved out of the UK then the app will no longer be available from the main menu of SHIELD Android TV.
If you are located in the UK, please ensure that Location Services is enabled. To do so, navigate to the Settings menu and then into the Personal->Location menu and ensure it is enabled.
If you prefer not to use Location Services, please ensure that the device language selection is set to "English (United Kingdom) (GB)". To do so, navigate to the Settings menu and then into the Preferences->Language menu and select the language from the list.
----
so:
Disabled Location
Set English UK Language
Reboot
Enjoy
Tested

install kodi then install the iplayer plugin

afgok said:
install kodi then install the iplayer plugin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are outside the UK it still won't work without VPN - at least not from Germany

shaunydub said:
if you are outside the UK it still won't work without VPN - at least not from Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read the OP its pretty obvious he is using vpn hes in the USA what he wants is a work around for the app being disabled because its not licesensed for use outside the UK hence my post:good:

Hi, after battling with the same issue for some time on the 2015 shield, I've been able to work out a solution;
I've posted the solution up here;
https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/1011733/shield-tv/how-to-fix-the-disappearing-bbc-iplayer-app-for-out-of-region-/
In-case it gets taken down for any reason, the solution is to extract out the APK of the iplayer system app (using ES file explorer on the shield TV), then pull the resulting APK into "APK Editor Pro" and then modify the app name and package name to create a new APK (making sure the package name doesn't have iplayer in it) and then sideload it onto the shield TV.
This way when the shield is booted, only the inbuilt iplayer app is disabled, but not the modified cloned app.
I expect this same process to work with many other inbuilt apps on the shield TV that might be disabling out of region.
Hope this helps someone!

Hi Watsonash, I scanned the apk you've kindly shared for the disappearing iplayer & it's infected with malware; I checked it with both VirusTotal and NVISO APKScan...

chainfire3356 said:
Hi Watsonash, I scanned the apk you've kindly shared for the disappearing iplayer & it's infected with malware; I checked it with both VirusTotal and NVISO APKScan...
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Click to collapse
hi, those products must be reporting false positives. As said I simply used "APK Editor Pro" to change the information, so unless this in injecting malware (which I'd say is most definitely not the case). I described the process so there is nothing stopping you from taking the exact same approach yourself and generating the modified apk yourself. I just installed Virustotal and it said the apk simply wasn't in its database (which is correct as APK Editor Pro has to resign the app as part of the packaging process).

Hi Watsonash, I aplogize, I should have clarified in my original comment that I didn't think you were purposely putting that apk out there with malware; I was just trying to be brief in my comment, which isn't something that comes naturally, as you'll see... My reasons for posting were to let you know that a scan dectected malware so you could look into why that was & fix it - that being said, every day is a new school day for me, because I wasn't aware of the false positive thing until you mentioned it. Now I understand that it's not something that you can"fix"and it isn't likely infected. I don't know how to modify anything - the only knowledge I have is knowing where to look to find clever people like you who do the work to fix annoying issues like the iplayer disappearing. I am eternally grateful for people like you who figure these things out for people like me & to have learned something new about the false positive issue; I was stupidly thinking that since two different websites showed positives that something was there, but now that I've read into a bit, I've clued in that the majority of the actual antivirus programs on both sites marked it clear. I see now that there are many variables taken into account when these programs come up with a result that doesn't look good.
Again, I apologize; this is why I usually just read & then research & never post comments - I should stick to doing that! Thank you for figuring out this fix; it's very much appreciated!

ronwi2 said:
I have the 2017 Shield.
I have used BBC Iplayer in the US on many Android devices over the years. I usually install from apk or a British Google Play account, and then use a smart DNS service (smart DNS sends the proper signals through a VPN so the BBC server sees me as being in the UK, but the actual video is not sent through the VPN. Except for the limited purpose, the device has a US ip address.)
For every device except the Shield, once the Iplayer app is installed, it stays installed and visible.
The Shield has its own Nvidia made version of Iplayer (the regular version does not work with Google TV.) I installed this once from the Google Play store with a UK Google Play account. It worked fine, then disappeared after a while. I can now get it to work by using a copy of the Nvidia Iplayer apk that I downloaded from the internet - I click on the apk in file manager and then click on the "market" option rather than the "install" option. I am then given a screen where I can "enable" the Iplayer, and it then appears again as a usable app.
If I go into settings when the app is enabled it shows as a system app, rather than a downloaded app (as does the proprietary version of the Amazon video player.)
One of the reasons that I like Android is that it has less of the "big brothery" stuff than IOS (or a Roku, for that matter.) So it pisses me off that the device I paid for is actively frustrating my watching what I want to watch with an app which is on the machine. I'm not saying that Nvidia should be providing me with a VPN connection, but on the other hand it shouldn't be actively blocking me from what I want to do.
Short of hooking up to a VPN 24/7,any ideas as to how to stop this disabling of the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for bringing up an old topic. Anyone use smart dns for BBC iPlayer on smart TV?
I want to stream it to my TV without VPN. Also how to install BBC iPlayer application to smart TV if iam outside UK now?

[GUIDE][NO ROOT] Installing YouTube (unblock), Play Music, Play Movies, and more!

Hello!
In light of the recent blocking of YouTube on Amazon devices by Google I have put together a list of steps to install Google Play Services and the Android TV suite of Google applications without root. In addition the Android TV YouTube app can view paid content (movies, TV shows, etc)!
This was tested on a Fire TV Stick 2.
Newer versions of these applications may work unless otherwise noted (but have not been tested obviously).
APKS:
Google Play Store (Android TV Version) (com.android.vending_8.5.39.W-xhdpi_8_PR_178322352-80853968_minAPI21)
Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms_11.9.75_230-182402865) [DO NOT USE THE ATV VERSION]
Google Accounts Manager (com.google.android.gsf.login_4.4.4-1227136-19)
- The KitKat (4.4.4) targeting branch is the only one to support Fire TV.​ - Other branches will crash (5.x, 6.x)​
Gmail 5.6 (com.google.android.gm-5.6.102685581.release-56008676)
- Newer versions may work but have stability issues and will crash or fail frequently.​
YouTube (com.google.android.youtube.tv_1.3.11-10311100) [OPTIONAL]
- Unfortunately the latest 2.x series utilizes an unknown, odd method of signing into Google accounts (not system standard) and I have not been able to get it to work. If you don't mind the cookie-cutter Android TV video app style of the 1.x series it works perfectly (update: actually, live videos don't work)! I suspect the 2.x breakage results from Google adapting their web version (youtube.com/tv) instead of making a native app. [UPDATE] You can install the 2.x series AFTER you login on the 1.x series and you will remain logged in. However, the 2.x series has several issues. Mainly purchases are not playable and it crashes occasionally.​
Google Play Movies & TV (com.google.android.videos_3.28.14-tv-32800144) [OPTIONAL]
Google Play Music (com.google.android.music_8.5.6561-3.Y-65613) [OPTIONAL]
Instructions:
1. Install Google Play Services
- Open this once!
2. Install Google Play Store (Android TV)
3. Install Google Accounts Manager
4. Install Gmail
5. Open Gmail
6. Add a Google Account
- This interface is navigable with the remote but easier with a cursor app/mouse.
- If you can't navigate the interface repeatedly press up and down until a shadow appears around the button.
7. All installed Google Apps should now recognize your account has been added.
There you have it!
You should now have access to all the Google content you've been missing, Play Services to allow side loading, and YouTube free of any nasty blocking by Google or Amazon
Credits: Thanks to Moose200 and AFTV News for locating the functioning Google Accounts Manager version.

Instead of of putting all these apps on your fire tv 2 just download an app called 'SMART YOUTUBE TV' and sideload it to the device ..the best thing about it is there are no ads..

atlkidz said:
Instead of of putting all these apps on your fire tv 2 just download an app called 'SMART YOUTUBE TV' and sideload it to the device ..the best thing about it is there are no ads..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The goal of this guide is to get access to the official Google applications. The official YouTube app allows you to view paid purchases which is not possible with simple wrapper applications. While I prefer to entrust my Google account to official sources, you are welcome to suggest alternative third party applications in another thread.

Tried this on my Fire TV 3, no luck. Sad.

Trying this now on my 1st gen fTV and it would be GREAT to get the google apps working - particularly Music, Movies, & TV.
- play services failed on the first install but working on the second attempt.
- gmail interface was very tricky. It kept looping back to the first screen if I didn't arrow down quickly to select "existing account".
**
Notes:
1) Youtube works but I can't cast to it from my laptop or phone. It doesn't show as an option.
2) Play Movies/TV starts movies but only the audio plays. Trailers play fine though. I only have problems with content I've purchased.
3) Play Music doesn't show "stations". I works great with my library of uploaded music but none of the streaming content works.
I guess the intent was to get Youtube to work so anything else is a bonus.
Thanks for this guide and the links to the working apks.
---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
One other thing that really isn't a fault of this guide but only you install PlayMusic it stays live in the back ground and grabs every press of the play/pause button on the remote. It doesn't matter what app you're in, if you press play/paus Google starts playing. Even if you are trying to reboot your fTV Playmusic jumps in there.

rcrh said:
Trying this now on my 1st gen fTV and it would be GREAT to get the google apps working - particularly Music, Movies, & TV.
- play services failed on the first install but working on the second attempt.
- gmail interface was very tricky. It kept looping back to the first screen if I didn't arrow down quickly to select "existing account".
**
Notes:
1) Youtube works but I can't cast to it from my laptop or phone. It doesn't show as an option.
2) Play Movies/TV starts movies but only the audio plays. Trailers play fine though. I only have problems with content I've purchased.
3) Play Music doesn't show "stations". I works great with my library of uploaded music but none of the streaming content works.
I guess the intent was to get Youtube to work so anything else is a bonus.
Thanks for this guide and the links to the working apks.
---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
One other thing that really isn't a fault of this guide but only you install PlayMusic it stays live in the back ground and grabs every press of the play/pause button on the remote. It doesn't matter what app you're in, if you press play/paus Google starts playing. Even if you are trying to reboot your fTV Playmusic jumps in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the feedback!
- Occasional failure is to be expected
- I'll look into casting, I'm assuming there is likely a missing library/application that the Android TV version depends on.
- Does purchased content still work in YouTube? On a 2nd Gen Stick I have (frankly) astounding video playback in Play Movies. I'll see if I can play around with this on my old 1st gen and see if another APK version works better.
- I'll also look into Gmail (it is the most stable on 2nd gen, but 1st gen might have some quirks that would necessitate a different version)
- On my FTV if the music is paused in the app it won't continue to run in the background, I'll see if my 1st gen stick operates like yours does.

rockon999 said:
Thanks for the feedback!
- Occasional failure is to be expected
- I'll look into casting, I'm assuming there is likely a missing library/application that the Android TV version depends on.
- Does purchased content still work in YouTube? On a 2nd Gen Stick I have (frankly) astounding video playback in Play Movies. I'll see if I can play around with this on my old 1st gen and see if another APK version works better.
- I'll also look into Gmail (it is the most stable on 2nd gen, but 1st gen might have some quirks that would necessitate a different version)
- On my FTV if the music is paused in the app it won't continue to run in the background, I'll see if my 1st gen stick operates like yours does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- wow, I didn't know Play purchases could be viewed in Youtube. And yes they work there. FANTASTIC!
- gmail mail isn't an issue. I was able to get through it. I'm assuming it's used just to get an account set up.
- To be clear the behavior for playmusic is: pause music, exit the app, hit play button, music resumes. This happens even if you're in another app that uses the play button.
Let me know if I can provide any additional info. BTW, I'm looking at YoutubeTV and it seems to also work with this set of playservice apks.

I can confim it works! Play store doesn't work of course, but you can use any playservices-dependent app with no issues. You can use yalp store as a replacement. Gmail app can be unistalled after you added the account if you want, it still works. Thanks a lot

Thank you it worked with me.
I need a working version of Youtube TV app for AFS. I tried phones app but couldn't locate the location of the device. I could not make pass the location check.

alsatea said:
Thank you it worked with me.
I need a working version of Youtube TV app for AFS. I tried phones app but couldn't locate the location of the device. I could not make pass the location check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the old version, still works fine

Anybody get it to work on FTV 3 ? Thanks.

mijorus said:
You can use the old version, still works fine
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Click to collapse
Could you please provide me with the a link for it?

alsatea said:
Could you please provide me with the a link for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube

mijorus said:
bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube
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Click to collapse
Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.

alsatea said:
Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the paid subscription to watch TV steams? Cause there is not that service in my country, I can't help you.

Hey, thanks for posting this method. got a 2nd gen AFTV and been looking online for a few days now and this was the first method that worked, but... like someone else here I can't cast from my phone/laptop. the devices won't see it. I looked everywhere in the app, I'm signed in, but there doesn't seem to be an option to give me a link code. if anyone can figure this out, please let us know. thanks!
Updated the 1.x version of YouTube with the latest 2.x version and remained signed in. got a code and now I'm able to cast to it from my phone. I've not tried live videos or purchased content. For regular uploaded videos it seems to be working fine.

iSlaker said:
Hey, thanks for posting this method. got a 2nd gen AFTV and been looking online for a few days now and this was the first method that worked, but... like someone else here I can't cast from my phone/laptop. the devices won't see it. I looked everywhere in the app, I'm signed in, but there doesn't seem to be an option to give me a link code. if anyone can figure this out, please let us know. thanks!
Updated the 1.x version of YouTube with the latest 2.x version and remained signed in. got a code and now I'm able to cast to it from my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hint! Now its working ;D

I find it odd that the version doesn't match the code name. Version is 5.1.1 but code name is Kit Kat version did Amazon seriously just make a device with a chopped up firmware?

Warrior1988 said:
I find it odd that the version doesn't match the code name. Version is 5.1.1 but code name is Kit Kat version did Amazon seriously just make a device with a chopped up firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon's Fire OS is Android Lollipop with only *some* of Android TV's systems and no Google APIs. As a result Google apps tend to be finicky on it and generally the older you go for a Google app the less features they depend on (or expect) and thus they're more likely to work.

rockon999 said:
Amazon's Fire OS is Android Lollipop with only *some* of Android TV's systems and no Google APIs. As a result Google apps tend to be finicky on it and generally the older you go for a Google app the less features they depend on (or expect) and thus they're more likely to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really what it comes down to is Amazon wants their market place to be used for purchasing and can't blame them for wanting to make money.