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Hello,
There have been a log of helpful posts on the forum about what you can do with the Amazon Fire TV, but they are all in separate threads. I create this thread to put all of those guides together, along with whatever tips/tricks you can do on the Fire TV. I will try to credit where I found all the information. If the mods can make this a sticky thread, it will be awesome. I will try to update it when I find new information.
1/ BASIC
First step is to allow ADB over internet. Go to Setting ---> System ---> Developter Options ---> ADB Debugging ON
Here are 2 commands that you will need for sideload all apps in FireTV
adb connect xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
(xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is your IP address. Go to Setting ---> System ---> About ---> Network to find it.
adb install name_of_your_apk
Remember when you use adb, try to be in the same folder where the apk is located, so you don't have to type in it path. Also, make sure there is no space in the name of the apk or the install command won't work. Please note that you can also sideload apps into Fire TV if you have an Android device (tablet, phone, whatever..) Install Terminal Emulator, type cd sdcard/Download to go the Download folder where all your downloads usually located.
Also, in this guide, there is a few part that I mention reboot the device. Either follow the reboot step, or manually press both the select and the play/pause button and your Fire TV will reboot.
2/ ROOT
taken from this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2783805)
Go to: http://towelroot.com/ and click the red button to download the APK:
Download the Chainfire SU APK from the Playstore: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=eu.chainfire.supersu
Sideload both APKs.
Run Towelroot, hit "Make it Rain" and then your FTV will reboot.
After reboot, open SuperSU, install SU. Go to Setting and set default access to "Grant" if you don't want the prompt to appear asking for superuser for each app.
Download Busybox APK: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=stericson.busybox
Launch it and install busybox.
3/ DISABLE FIRE TV UPDATER
Type adb shell in your terminal
Type su to ask for root (a pop up will appear on your Fire TV asking for superuser if you did not set "Grant" as default)
Type pm disable com.amazon.dcp
4/ CONTROL AMAZON FIRE TV WITHOUT USING MOUSE/KEYBOARD
For certain apps to work in Fire TV, you might need a mouse/keyboard since the app is design for touch base environment. To work around this, what you can do is install a VNC server and control the Fire TV using VNC Viewer.
The VNC Server app that I used is called VMLite VNC Server. Here is its link in the Playstore:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vmlite.vncserver&hl=en
I will not post the apk to this link since it is a paid app and the developer has specifically asked me not to. So to get the apk, there are 2 ways.
A) Go to the developer website and buy the apk: http://www.vmlite.com/purchase.html
B) Install the apk on your Android device from the Play store. Here is how you can download the apk from the Play Store using Chrome extension (this will only work if you have bought the apk from the Play store)
Go to http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ in Chrome and scroll down.
Install the APK Downloader v2.1.3 extension.
Once install, go to the extension setting, fill out all that information ( username, password, and Google ID)
Go to this link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vmlite.vncserver&hl=en
Click Install, choose your Android device, and a symbol will appear in the URL bar allowing you to download the apk
Once you have the apk, sideload it. Open the app, press the Menu button on your remote, a bottom bar will appear.
Select Setting ---> VNC password to set your VNC Server password
Select Setting ---> VNC port to set your VNC Server port
Select Setting ---> Autostart Server at boot
Then press the big Green Start Server button
EDIT: there are several VNC server available for Android. Some are paid, some are free. As long as it is working with a password, you should use it. You don't have to use VMLite VNC Server. I use it because I have it for a long time and it works great on all my Neuxs 7, 10, and 5.
Once done, you can use a VNC viewer to control your Fire TV.
For Android device, use this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.realvnc.viewer.android&hl=en
For iOS device use this app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vnc-viewer/id352019548?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo=4
For Desktop, go to this link and download the one for your OS https://www.realvnc.com/download/vnc/latest/
5/ INSTALL PLAY STORE
taken from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2787813
Download and install the "Xposed Framework" http://dl-count.xposed.info/modules/de.robv.android.xposed.installer_v32_de4f0d.apk
Download and install the "HDXPosed.apk" file. http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2538185&d=1390657381
Launch the "Xposed" application. Go to Framework and click Install. Don't reboot yet.
Go to modules and enable HDXPosed ( you need a mouse for this part or VNC server)
Go back to Framwork and click Reboot
Go download these apks
https://mega.co.nz/#F!8Q10yAiZ!4GVoGr7FJtXauVI3kvPSMQ
Mirror
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...4&authkey=!AIVXLFXAOWDeM0Q&ithint=folder,.apk
Sideload/Install all those apps (the apks for some of the apps contain space. Change the name or put the name in quotation mark to make it work)
Reboot. Play Store will appear in your application list.
WARNING: there is a bug in this step. For some people, first installation and reboot won't work. Don't panic. Sideload/Reinstall the app a second time will make it work, but use this command below
adb install -r name_of_your_apk
Remember to reboot your device.
6/ ENABLE INSTALLATION OF UNKNOWN SOURCES
taken from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784173
Install SQLite Editor https://code.google.com/p/xdroidx/downloads/detail?name=SQLite Editor-9.apk
Launch SQLite Editor, granting it SU access
Select "Settings Storage"
Select "settings.db"
Select the "global" table
Highlight the record "install_non_market_apps"
Hit the Menu button and select "Edit Record"
Change the Value to "1" and save the record (you will need a mouse/keyboard for this step)
Reboot
This is the only part in the guide that I have not tried yet. Some people say that by changing the internal database, you might mess up your Android device. I don't know this is true or not, but since I have not done it on any Android devices ever yet. I am still waiting for people result on this. The advantage of allowing installation of unknown sources is you can use ES File Explorer to install apps that are not in the Google Play store. No need to use adb to sideload apps and you don't have to open adb all the time, less vulnerability on your Fire TV.
7/ ACCESS YOUR AMAZON FIRE TV INTERNAL FILE STRUCTURE REMOTELY
If you choose to enable installation of unknown sources (the step above this), then you can use this step to install all apk from now on, without using adb ever again. There are two ways of doing this:
A) Install ES File Explorer from the Play Store or sideload it http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.estrongs.android.pop
Launch it. On the left side bar, select Remote Manager, select Turn On. Input the address on your PC and you can transfer any files from your PC to your Fire TV using WIFI. If you enable root in ES File Explorer, you can also copy/paste files from root but be careful about that.
B) Set up a SSH server.
Sideload SSH Daemon http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=web.oss.sshsftpDaemon
Configure password, and enable autostart on boot (this is the most frustrated part of the guide since the screen will be sideway. It might help if you have VNC server install since you can control it using VNC viewer)
SSH with username root and password abc123 (configurable in SSH Daemon)
You can also access the SSH server using ES File Explorer on your Android device. Select Network ---> FTP ---> New ----> choose SFTP ---> Username/Password
8/ ALTERNATIVE LAUNCHER FOR FIRE TV
Here is the link: https://github.com/Redth/FiredTVLauncher
Once install, when your press Home button, this launcher will launch instead of the default one.
Pros: since Amazon Fire TV won't show any apps that is not install from Amazon store. Using this launcher will display all your apps in normal Android device style. You can also rearrange them or show/hide certain apps.
Cons: lose the Amazon Fire TV default launcher. However, you can still access the default launcher, there is an icon to go back to the default launcher.
9/ INSTALL XBMC AND COPY OVER YOUR USERDATA FOLDER
Pretty self-explanatory, with XBMC, Amazon Fire TV turns into a "media box" beast that we all want.
Install from here (select ARM download link please) http://xbmc.org/download/
Launch XBMC. Exit. Then copy over all your userdata/addons folder.
If you have XBMC install on any other platforms and want to copy all of your settings/addons over to Fire TV, please remember that the best skin for Fire TV is Confluence. If you are using a touch-based skin, please switch it to Confluence or similar non-touch based skin.
This link tells where the default userdata folder is located:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=Userdata
This is where you will place your userdata folder on your Fire TV
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/
Please remember that this method works for all platform, if you are using XBMC on Windows, iOS, etc... you can just copy everything over and it will work.
Example:
I can copy over my userdata and addons folder from my Nexus 10. It is located at
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/addons/
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata/
Then I paste them to Fire TV here and replace the original folder
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/
Please remember to never copy over the temp folder. It might mess up your XBMC on Fire TV. If you do that, just delete it and launch XBMC.
10/ PLAY ANY VIDEO ON THE INTERNET USING CLOUDCAST ON ANOTHER ANDROID DEVICE
Install Cloudcast (it won't appear in Google Play store due to device restriction)
Download apkhere
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.appestry.cloudcast
Once install, you need to buy the in-app purchase (price is only $1.60, support the developer) to watch video longer than 10 minutes. The in-app purchase is authenticated through Google Play Store so only need to buy it once.
Once you have buy the in app purchase. Go to your other Android device, go to Play store and install the Cloudcast app in your other Android device
With both Fire TV and your Android device has Cloudcast, go to Devices --> Pair a new devices to link them up. From now on, any video you watch on your Android devices can be cast to the Fire TV. This app is based on Chromecast and it works great for me.
Here is a video of the developer explaining how his app work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ftqC1NvTPw
11/ OTHER LINKS AND THREADS
Spark : Desktop mirroring and web casting apps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2766019
The Spark app is a hit/miss for me. It has a Chrome extension that will cast your Chrome tab to the Fire TV screen. Also, it has a Window/Mac program that supposedly mirror your entire desktop screen to the Fire TV. From my experience, the Chrome extension works for me in some way. The Chrome tab will appear in the Fire TV but it is not true mirroring. Certain videos won't load and the lag timing is around 3-5 seconds. The Window desktop program did not work for me. It will give me a black screen. If I play a video, sound will come out of the TV but no picture/image showing up. You can try it and let me know.
Airplay fully working and Mirroring too.. AndroidApple Tv allinOne
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2764848
Airplay to Fire TV. Did not try it since I don't have an iOS devices.
Working Sideloaded APK List - Updated Daily
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2756608
Self explanatory. Very good list of what app works on Fire TV and what not.
Links for Viki, Cruncyroll and Drama Fever for Google TV
http://www.4shared.com/zip/RlFwc6Ixce/gtv_apks.html
Dropbox Mirror:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/acilpqm3qbtub8v/gtv_apks.zip
The Google TV version of Viki, Crunchyroll and Drama Fever. Only Viki and Drama Fever works for me. Crunchyroll gives you a sideway screen. Please install the Google Play version below:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.crunchyroll.crunchyroid
Links for Dolphin Browser and Flash
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2267390
The thread above contains link to Dolphin browser which support Flash. You can also install Dolphin Jetpack (link below, which supposedly makes your Dolphin browser experience even faster. Warning: need mouse to navigate browser, remote control alone is not enough.
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.dolphin.browser.engine
Good stuff. Thanks.
There is a method in another topic that makes it easier to sideload apps while no longer needing a PC after installing certain apps.
Could you change the ADB part to tell people to sideload "terminal emulator" and a file explorer for easily sideloading any apk without a PC/straight from FTV storage then deleting the apk file,and a recommended web browser for downloading apk files to sideload via terminal emulator?
I got Opera as my first browser to sideload when it was a 21.x version and it ran decently,but the recent 22.x updates are unstable with flickering rendering.
If you pick Opera,I suggest you try and find a 21.x version from somewhere like Aptoide.
Just want to help make it easier when you can install apps without needing a PC after the first few sideloaded apps.
You have apps from 1Mobile,Appchina,Wandoujia,SlideME,Aptoide
(after sideloading Aptoide Market app from m.aptoide page),Voga360,and the free apps from Play Store via Evozi and APK Leecher.
All of these can be accessible from a sideloaded browser on your Fire TV for sideloading with the Terminal Emulator after finding out the name and directory (usually sdcard/Download/appname.apk) using a file explorer like ES File Explorer.
Yea, I am going to write more sideloading browsers and other apps. There are several methods for installing apk on the Fire TV once it is rooted. Using browser to download, then use ES File Explorer to install, or terminal emulator to install is fine also.
For the browser part, so far, I had installed a modified version of Dolphin browser that support Flash. It works great but you need a mouse to move around. I will add more stuff or link to other threads that contain useful info later on.
retroben said:
There is a method in another topic that makes it easier to sideload apps while no longer needing a PC after installing certain apps.
Could you change the ADB part to tell people to sideload "terminal emulator" and a file explorer for easily sideloading any apk without a PC/straight from FTV storage then deleting the apk file,and a recommended web browser for downloading apk files to sideload via terminal emulator?
I got Opera as my first browser to sideload when it was a 21.x version and it ran decently,but the recent 22.x updates are unstable with flickering rendering.
If you pick Opera,I suggest you try and find a 21.x version from somewhere like Aptoide.
Just want to help make it easier when you can install apps without needing a PC after the first few sideloaded apps.
You have apps from 1Mobile,Appchina,Wandoujia,SlideME,Aptoide
(after sideloading Aptoide Market app from m.aptoide page),Voga360,and the free apps from Play Store via Evozi and APK Leecher.
All of these can be accessible from a sideloaded browser on your Fire TV for sideloading with the Terminal Emulator after finding out the name and directory (usually sdcard/Download/appname.apk) using a file explorer like ES File Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cloudcast
i see cloudcast here
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appestry.cloudcast&hl=en
Has any one found a good alternative to VMLite VNC Server? I would like a free one or maybe one that does give you some trial period, I don't mind paying for it if it work but I'm not sure that I will work for what I'm trying to do.
I got terminal emulator working. All you need to do is change settings so that it uses word keyboard. Then, when you wanna type something, hit the 3 bars key. Then click 'toggle soft keyboard'.
cloning firestick
I am trying to take my "jailbroken" Firestick and copy it's info to a new firestick. So I will have two that have kodi and I can use one downstairs, I thought I could just back it up on perhaps my desktop and than restore on the new stick. Is this going to work or will I just crash the new one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am good with my comp, but can't write code or anything like that. Thanks!
kimoleary3 said:
I am trying to take my "jailbroken" Firestick and copy it's info to a new firestick. So I will have two that have kodi and I can use one downstairs, I thought I could just back it up on perhaps my desktop and than restore on the new stick. Is this going to work or will I just crash the new one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am good with my comp, but can't write code or anything like that. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't work mate, the only way to root is to solder mod it for root, think there is a guide on xda or aftv news or Google it? A soft mod root is not possible anymore
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Hello,
I want to remotely access an amazon fireTV from my PC. I try with TeamviewerQS but, 1) I cannot take control of the desktop of the FireTV to make changes. 2) I always need permission from the remote which is very complicated. Is there a way to use a different program to do this easier? Maybe I can pre-install the correct programs into all of the FireTV's before I ship them out? Please help. JR
I'm0.
Hello there,
I have rooted my nook simple touch using the guide found bellow:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35267728#post35267728
It worked out after a while of struggling, but now I am wondering how am I able to install 3rd party android apps on it? I have downloaded a test .apk application on the nook toc heck either it is working. It comes out that it doesnt, but maybe its because i went browsing for it using the library app, as I havent found any other file browser on the system. I amrunning the latest 1.2.1 version.
I Would really aprichiate some help in this matter, I tried googling out but i havent found anything specific to help me solve the problem, there were some solutions to the newer models that dont apply for me.
@bremenpl,
Arguably, the best file explorer available for the Nook Touch is ES File Explorer 3 (free on Google Play). It's what I use.
To enable 3rd-party app installation, install NookColor Tools, open the app, and check the box for "Allow Non-Market Apps".
The problem is I dont have any file browser at all and I cant install any .apk on my nook. NookColor Tools is also an .apk and I cannot open this kind of file in library browser. How to overcome that? I dont have google apps installed as I didnt want to install google play, gmail and etc. I tried loging into amazon appstore that is installed, but it doesnt accept my login nad password.
bremenpl said:
The problem is I dont have any file browser at all and I cant install any .apk on my nook. NookColor Tools is also an .apk and I cannot open this kind of file in library browser. How to overcome that? I dont have google apps installed as I didnt want to install google play, gmail and etc. I tried loging into amazon appstore that is installed, but it doesnt accept my login nad password.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I see your point. Thankfully, this can be remedied if you have either ADB set up, the app Terminal Emulator, or both. What do you have?
I have none of it. Whats more straight forward to do?
bremenpl said:
I have none of it. Whats more straight forward to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say Terminal Emulator, but that's yet another app that you need non-market permission to install.
ADB it is, then. PM me for extensive installation instructions.
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
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!
I have a iiyama te6503mis-b1ag and was playing around with it. It has android so you can install apps, but you either have to download an apk from the browser and install it from the finder or install it from a USB stick using the finder.
I tried using Aptoide but when I try to install an APK it says "unknown apps can't be installed by this user" although both the system and the app itself have permission to install unknown apps. It has this issue too for installing APKs from within other apps. I can just install APKs from within the build in finder.
I also tried installing both play services and play store, but when I open the play store it immediately crashes.
Does anyone know how I can get either Aptoide or the play store working?
Toom_Raider said:
Hi!
I have a iiyama te6503mis-b1ag and was playing around with it. It has android so you can install apps, but you either have to download an apk from the browser and install it from the finder or install it from a USB stick using the finder.
I tried using Aptoide but when I try to install an APK it says "unknown apps can't be installed by this user" although both the system and the app itself have permission to install unknown apps. It has this issue too for installing APKs from within other apps. I can just install APKs from within the build in finder.
I also tried installing both play services and play store, but when I open the play store it immediately crashes.
Does anyone know how I can get either Aptoide or the play store working?
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Enable install from unknown sources in settings security section
marlen07 said:
Enable install from unknown sources in settings security section
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No that doesn't work. As I said: both the system and the app itself have permission to install unknown apps.
Toom_Raider said:
No that doesn't work. As I said: both the system and the app itself have permission to install unknown apps.
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Download kingo root https://root-apk.kingoapp.com/kingoroot-download.htm
install it, open it connect wired/wireless mouse, press get root, wait for it to get root, if it is stuck at 90%, press back and an error will appear, ignore it, close the app, delete kingo root from settings app section. turn off and turn on again, then you will have root, then try to install any app form aptoide, it will say root is detected, would you like to use root to install apps? click yes and wait for the app be installed.
I had the same problem, i bought an iiyama 55" touchscreen with iiware 9.0
The solution is very simple and works:
- Activate developer mode in the settings (tap on build number several times)
- Enable USB debugging
- Download and unpack adb platform-tools
- Move desired .apks to platform-tools folder
- Connect to adb via WiFi or LAN connection
Example: adb connect 192.168.1.1
Install the app using the following command:
adb install kodi.apk
Best regards de3ph4xx0r
Hello! Been lingering here for quite some time reading all kinds of helpful information from the community. Thanks for everything!
Now, I am wondering if there is a procedure to update apps that were installed via Fire Toolbox?
The specific example is my kids have Minecraft on their Fires that I installed for them by manually installing the apk directly. They already had accounts so a straight install and sign in was all that was needed. For me to update their apps, I need to:
1. Backup their worlds
2. Uninstall minecraft
3. Install new version of minecraft
4. Move worlds back onto device
5. Download their Marketplace content
Huge time suck and PITA. Thoughts?
Maybe you can try to sideload that new update of Minecraft, but instead of uninstalling the app, you keep everything but the app gets updated. I've done that, however not sure if it applies to every apk. I do know it works on some, but I've never really updated Minecraft that often with an APK.
Yep, I tried that again just so I could grab a screenshot. Toolbox tells me I cannot update that way. It wants me to uninstall and reinstall. My very rusty tech/software minded brain tells me there is probably some missing link between the app and Google Play store.
brianpaulrue said:
Yep, I tried that again just so I could grab a screenshot. Toolbox tells me I cannot update that way. It wants me to uninstall and reinstall. My very rusty tech/software minded brain tells me there is probably some missing link between the app and Google Play store.
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You have to do it in Fire Tablet, not at Fire Toolbox.
I don't think that is possible.? I do not have the tablet registered with Amazon so as to keep it as close to stock Android as possible with Nova Launcher.
Doing this means I do not have Amazon Appstore and the manually installed Minecraft doesn't show up in Google Play store in a way that I can update it. Play just shows "Uninstall" and "Play". I have searched Manage Apps as well and Minecraft doesn't show up at all as if it's not linked to the Store at all.
brianpaulrue said:
I don't think that is possible.? I do not have the tablet registered with Amazon so as to keep it as close to stock Android as possible with Nova Launcher.
Doing this means I do not have Amazon Appstore and the manually installed Minecraft doesn't show up in Google Play store in a way that I can update it. Play just shows "Uninstall" and "Play". I have searched Manage Apps as well and Minecraft doesn't show up at all as if it's not linked to the Store at all.
Click to expand...
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Here's the thing - you can download the apk on the device with a file explorer.
Install an android file explorer
Then you can put the .apk on your tablet.
Run the .apk via the file explorer.
@webhook You have made this multitudes easier! Minecraft updates without the extra steps!
Only snag left, which I am going to leave as-is, is that the game doesn't automatically update via Google Play. I will update this post when their next update comes through so I can verify that comment or not.
Thank you!!!