Develop Bugs

[Q] Use Fire TV without an active internet connection

Is it possible to use the FireTV without an active internet connection?
I am running XBMC on my FireTV and it has replaced my WDTV as my main streaming device. I have my movies all on a NAS and have been streaming everything over my network nicely since installing XBMC. I ran into a problem today when we had some storms come through my area. My cable got knocked out and no cable means no internet. I figured I would be fine, just stream some movies over my network for the kids until the cable came back. Turns out I was wrong... With no active internet connection, I am not able to even disable the parental controls to access my apps, let alone access any movies over my network.
Is there a way to bypass the FireTV looking for an active internet connection??

silverphoenix98 said:
Is it possible to use the FireTV without an active internet connection?
I am running XBMC on my FireTV and it has replaced my WDTV as my main streaming device. I have my movies all on a NAS and have been streaming everything over my network nicely since installing XBMC. I ran into a problem today when we had some storms come through my area. My cable got knocked out and no cable means no internet. I figured I would be fine, just stream some movies over my network for the kids until the cable came back. Turns out I was wrong... With no active internet connection, I am not able to even disable the parental controls to access my apps, let alone access any movies over my network.
Is there a way to bypass the FireTV looking for an active internet connection??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I eliminated the parental controls for this reason. I have used mine without an Internet connection prior to this last firmware update. I haven't tried since upgrading, but the parental controls were an issue. You can try to put XBMC on the main page so you don't need to run it through Settings | Applications.

KarlP said:
I eliminated the parental controls for this reason. I have used mine without an Internet connection prior to this last firmware update. I haven't tried since upgrading, but the parental controls were an issue. You can try to put XBMC on the main page so you don't need to run it through Settings | Applications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can't disable the parental controls because I have already caught my 4 year old boy buying his favorite shows on Amazon.
How would I go about putting XBMC on the main page? Even if I could put it on the main page it wouldn't help with no internet because under every menu it tells me to go to network settings and set up my network.

..

I had to set up a bogus credit card on my son's kindle fire. It allowed him to use the app store for free stuff but obviously nothing that costs $. I Googled it at the time n forget how offhand but it was fairly straight forward and simple.

silverphoenix98 said:
Unfortunately I can't disable the parental controls because I have already caught my 4 year old boy buying his favorite shows on Amazon.
How would I go about putting XBMC on the main page? Even if I could put it on the main page it wouldn't help with no internet because under every menu it tells me to go to network settings and set up my network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shameless plug...
My xposed module (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2786618) lets you use an alternate home launcher. With this version of XBMC (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392) it'll make that be the home launcher. Or you could use another launcher...

silverphoenix98 said:
Unfortunately I can't disable the parental controls because I have already caught my 4 year old boy buying his favorite shows on Amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, if you don't have Internet, you can't buy anything, right?

I am thinking the launcher idea may be the way to go. That way I can still keep my parental controls on, and be able to access other apps if the internet connection drops out again.
Thanks rbox

Looking to use a VPN on a Firestick running KODI.

OK, I am new to VPNS, so please bare with me. I have an Amazon Firestick with KODI installed on it. Ideally, I would like to have a VPN on this device and all my other devices for that matter. What would be the best way to go about this? Thanks!

Quick question...Are wanting to use VPN for Privacy purposes or to unblock Geo restriction?

Sorry, should of been more specific. Privacy issues.

sandman512 said:
Sorry, should of been more specific. Privacy issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd set the client up on my router then, i'm not sure there is any "baked in" vpn client in the fire tv(stick) devices

Froggy,
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Being new to this, can you point me in the right direction? I am currently using an Airport Extreme Router. Thanks!

OpenVPN App
sandman512 said:
Froggy,
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Being new to this, can you point me in the right direction? I am currently using an Airport Extreme Router. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.

C-Rooted said:
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?

deanr1977 said:
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like there are two apps called "OpenVPN" for the FireTV/Stick...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=openvpn&sprefix=open,undefined,148
EDIT: Nevermind...looks like not compatible with Fire TV/Stick...sorry

deanr1977 said:
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search for openvpn APK (Site wouldn't let me post a link until I post more) this is what i found with a google search. I downloaded it from the play store on my Nexus 7 and used an apk extractor app.
2 notes.
1. It will require an openvpn config there are links within to private tunnel. I good choice for some because you pay by the data you use. not a good choice for me because I work on an offshore faucily where I live for a week at a time. The web is heavily monitored and blocks sites such as this one for some unknown reason. So I use VPN on all devices 24/7 while at work, it is more cost effective for me to pay for a service. There are also free vpn options seperate apps, not sure how they work on fire tv, you may have to experiment. popular choices are tunnel bear, vyprvpn & cyberghost.
2. The Netflix problem. Netflix put out an update a while back that causes Netflix not to work with some VPN. It has something to do with the DNS I'm still trying to find a solution for this myself. Maybe a pro can step in & fill us both in on that part of the equation. This is my 2nd time posting on this forum.
Hopefully something I said was helpful, and not to wordy. I am an XDA noob myself. playing with a rooted AFTV 2nd Gen trying to install youtube + playstore.

froggymike911 said:
I'd set the client up on my router then, i'm not sure there is any "baked in" vpn client in the fire tv(stick) devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A single router VPN or double router (vpn/non-vpn) setup was the best option under Fire OS 3 (For all 1st Gen FireTV's & FireTV Sticks).
https://vpntips.com/fire-tv-vpn-install/
https://vpntips.com/how-to-unblock-any-digital-media-player/
C-Rooted said:
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming this. I've been asking if Fire OS 5 fixed the VPN shortcomings in FireTV OS 3. Glad to know it has been resolved. Root shouldn't be a factor at all.
jbl0ggs said:
Looks like there are two apps called "OpenVPN" for the FireTV/Stick...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=openvpn&sprefix=open,undefined,148
EDIT: Nevermind...looks like not compatible with Fire TV/Stick...sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There won't be any FireTV listed app for OpenVPN. It's more of a universal device android app.
Found this link for the PlayStore version of one of the OpenVPN apk: http://plai.de/android/
(I would choose the latest non Pre version. Not sure why they charge for the exact same app on the Amazon Store when it's free on the PlayStore)
Here is a Amazon review with how to use a PIA setup on a Fire device with Fire OS 5 using the OpenVPN app above. Since PIA hasn't updated their PIA app in a long while. ( http://www.amazon.com/review/R29NVV...D=2350149011&store=mobile-apps#wasThisHelpful )
C-Rooted said:
Google search for openvpn APK (Site wouldn't let me post a link until I post more) this is what i found with a google search. I downloaded it from the play store on my Nexus 7 and used an apk extractor app.
2 notes.
1. It will require an openvpn config there are links within to private tunnel. I good choice for some because you pay by the data you use. not a good choice for me because I work on an offshore faucily where I live for a week at a time. The web is heavily monitored and blocks sites such as this one for some unknown reason. So I use VPN on all devices 24/7 while at work, it is more cost effective for me to pay for a service. There are also free vpn options seperate apps, not sure how they work on fire tv, you may have to experiment. popular choices are tunnel bear, vyprvpn & cyberghost.
2. The Netflix problem. Netflix put out an update a while back that causes Netflix not to work with some VPN. It has something to do with the DNS I'm still trying to find a solution for this myself. Maybe a pro can step in & fill us both in on that part of the equation. This is my 2nd time posting on this forum.
Hopefully something I said was helpful, and not to wordy. I am an XDA noob myself. playing with a rooted AFTV 2nd Gen trying to install youtube + playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone with a FireTV Stick with voice remote that comes pre-loaded with Fire OS 5 can test a VPN setup to let us know if 1st Gen devices wont have problems with VPN anymore. My best guess is that it wont. Thanks for the confirmation.
Can someone please confirm that a PIA OpenVPN setup works on FireTV or FireTV Sticks on Fire OS 5 ???

Running OpenVPN on the stick might not work, at least the way you hope. OpenVPN encryption is handled by the cpu which is really weak on the fire stick. Even if it does work you might not be able to get enough throughput to maintain a video stream.
Running OpenVPN on a router is a far better idea.

Thanks for the reply. The issue is that I have an Apple Airport Extreme which it seems like it 's going to be difficult to do. Thanks!

If its just a VPN for kodi then you can download a VPN addon through kodi. Ive not persoanlly used it but seen it mentioned a couple of times.
Heres a link http://www.dathovpn.com/index.html

Vpn
Anyone that can help set up vpn on netgear to access geoblocked streams on firestick please message me ....thanks in advance

Sideload this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.blinkt.openvpn
Works. (Tested with Kodi and other apps on 5.0.5.)
Also - this is an Open VPN client - so you have to get a VPN subscription elsewhere.
Also a thread full of people that have "heard things" but far and few between, that have actually tried out an app for themselves... Oh I'm sure the CPU is the issue here - not. *sigh*

What kind of errors are you getting here?

You can always do a double router setup. Running an APN through your router will slow your speeds but it will keep you safe. It will also give you the option on what devices to connect to what router.

If you're running a VPN for privacy reasons, running it on the fire is a bad idea. There's simply too many ways for something to go wrong. If the app crashes or the VPN disconnects, your connection will leak - and you might not notice in time. Or if the power blipped in the middle of the night, the fire would just reboot and you'd never realize the vpn app had gone down unless you make it a habit of checking it every single time. Which is a PITA.
This isn't an issue if you're running it for geo-unblocking, since a connection leak just means your video pauses. Not the end of the world.
It's much better to do this upstream in the network on a device that can implement firewall rules and keep your connection 100% secure and give yourself peace of mind. If your router supports OpenVPN natively (few do), you can probably do this with no problem at all. If it doesn't, you might be able to install OpenWrt, which can 100% do exactly this. I know that for a fact because it's what I have set up right now. My old ISP throttled youtube traffic. (Yeah. Youtube. I could watch 1080p through the VPN, but without it I could only occasionally watch 720p without buffering. I was mostly stuck on 480p. That sucked.)
Placing the tunnel upstream also makes it a snap to add additional devices to the "VPN only" group.
If your main router doesn't support either option you can use a networking device as a man in the middle between your fire and your router. To do this you can use an old router in your closest or a $15 one from craigslist that supports OpenWrt. Another good option is to use a raspberry pi. Worst case, a regular old computer can do the job, although it's not power-efficient and isn't elegant or pretty.

I have the firetv box as far as a VPN I adb linked ipvanish. Apk to the fireTv. Runs great.

TuSpockShakur said:
Running OpenVPN on the stick might not work, at least the way you hope. OpenVPN encryption is handled by the cpu which is really weak on the fire stick. Even if it does work you might not be able to get enough throughput to maintain a video stream.
Running OpenVPN on a router is a far better idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
canemaxx said:
Anyone that can help set up vpn on netgear to access geoblocked streams on firestick please message me ....thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What VPN are you using? Did you flash DD WRT I can send you a command script if your using PIA, copy, paste and reboot.

Fire TV remote app and changing Wi-Fi

I'm on my way to the Outer Banks for a week at the beach. I have my fire stick but forgot my remote. I've checked stores to get a replacement remote or compatible bluetooth controller, but no luck. I have a possible solution, but not sure if it would work. Let me know what you think.
I setup the hotspot on my phone to mirror my home network. I already know I can fool my fire stick to think I'm online. Then I can use my wife's phone with the Fire TV remote app to pair with the Fire stick.
The problem comes with connecting with the Wi-Fi network when we'll be staying. It's password-protected. The remote app will only work as long as I'm connected to my phone's hotspot. Will the Fire stick stay connected long enough for me to enter the password, or will it disconnect the second I click the preferred network?
Does anyone else have any other suggestions? Is there any way to manually learn the network and password before connecting to it using adb? Anybody?

Bramton1 said:
I'm on my way to the Outer Banks for a week at the beach. I have my fire stick but forgot my remote. I've checked stores to get a replacement remote or compatible bluetooth controller, but no luck. I have a possible solution, but not sure if it would work. Let me know what you think.
I setup the hotspot on my phone to mirror my home network. I already know I can fool my fire stick to think I'm online. Then I can use my wife's phone with the Fire TV remote app to pair with the Fire stick.
The problem comes with connecting with the Wi-Fi network when we'll be staying. It's password-protected. The remote app will only work as long as I'm connected to my phone's hotspot. Will the Fire stick stay connected long enough for me to enter the password, or will it disconnect the second I click the preferred network?
Does anyone else have any other suggestions? Is there any way to manually learn the network and password before connecting to it using adb? Anybody?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an Android phone with IR, something like "AnyMote" should. There are several ir remote emulators.

king200 said:
If you have an Android phone with IR, something like "AnyMote" should. There are several ir remote emulators.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fire Stick (or Fire TV) don't work off IR. They use Bluetooth.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Labs

if the tv you will have the firetv stick connected to is HDMI Cec compliant, make sure it's enabled on the tv, and you can use the tv's remote to operate the firetv stick.

Bramton1 said:
Fire Stick (or Fire TV) don't work off IR. They use Bluetooth.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your simple solution is to plug in a USB mouse to the box and click away! Hope it helps... Thx
---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 AM ----------
omniphil said:
Oh, I like the Phone Manager app will all the extra features it brings to the table, but I have to disable it because otherwise apps will get closed in the background even if I have them set as "Protected".
So if it worked properly then I would be all for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have this issue unless I press the swipe to close (or close all) as long as I set them as protected. Imo Huawei just needs to fix/disable the swipe to close protected apps. It's also how the app is written and if it has a consistent notification setup because some apps do not get killed regardless of swiping up. Example is Alarm Clock xTreme.
The only thing I really wish I had control of in Phone Manager with Stock unrooted is Networked Apps and Permissions controls for system apps which is purposely disabled and is annoying. Perhaps AJ @ajsmsg78 will come up with a simple solution for this
In general though, it is great and I love being able to restrict permissions on the fly!
E--Man said:
Your simple solution is to plug in a USB mouse to the box and click away! Hope it helps... Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meant USB *mouse*. Post edited...
Bramton1 said:
Fire Stick (or Fire TV) don't work off IR. They use Bluetooth.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

1. Can't use a use mouse. Repeat, Fire STICK.
2. I was successful with the app. I connected to my hotspot, then used the app to connect to the beach house, and I was able to enter the Wi-Fi password with the app. Then I just had to reconnect my device to the Wi-Fi and use the app with the preferred network.
Too bad the network sucks. Who uses DSL anymore?
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Labs

I bought my fire stick all the way from American and took it with me to Jordan . I don't have the remote I only have the app on my phone . How can I switch the wifi on the fire stick to a new wifi

Bramton1 said:
1. Can't use a use mouse. Repeat, Fire STICK.
2. I was successful with the app. I connected to my hotspot, then used the app to connect to the beach house, and I was able to enter the Wi-Fi password with the app. Then I just had to reconnect my device to the Wi-Fi and use the app with the preferred network.
Too bad the network sucks. Who uses DSL anymore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thinking. Solved my problem!

FIOS Mobile on stick?

Has anyone actually gotten the FIOS Mobile app installed and working on a fire tv (or preferably stick)? I want a portable device so that I can watch my dvr when on the road. The current version (5.2) won't allow access to shows, the previous version (5.0) won't connect, and the modified version to avoid root didn't work either. I thought @aftvnews might have a post about it, but nothing there. I can't find any solutions through Google either. Anyone have anything?

If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.

ldeveraux said:
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.

RedBullet said:
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works poorly at best, or it did last I checked. That was months ago, and VZ has pushed out a mandatory app update that renders it unusable unless you update. I should try it again though! Also a mouse was required, or an app that turns your remote into a mouse. And it would randomly force close while watching DVR. So really not worth it...

Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?

software_samurai said:
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9

ldeveraux said:
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
ldeveraux said:
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.

software_samurai said:
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.9 seems to work on my stick. I do have google play services installed on there, but I don't think it's working. The stick is on the newest firmware, so it's definitely not rooted. I don't think you can root on this firmware anyway. Regardless, I was able to watch FIOS on an unrooted stick..
I tried to install Google Play Services from this link:
https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/

Got it working with Alexa-enabled stick
Side loaded it onto new non-rooted stick that has alexa remote - not the latest 4K stick.
Followed multiple google hits to get it done. It kept wanting google play services, so i had to side load and start the right google play apks.
Am using an ethernet adapter to get best picture. Wifi was ok but panning shots jumped a bit too much for me.
Lastly, got an OTG cable for a Logitech dongle for a keyboard mouse that works great. Recognized at boot - no config. Mouse mandatory for fios app, keboard arrow & enter key drives stick. Reasonably spouse friendly. Lost my remote - nay not matter now!
I'm posting this because i couldn't find a recent confirmation that fios app works on current fire stick.
Good luck.

Two things for root users to try: There are two XPosed apps you should install. One hides your root status and the other emulates Google Play Services.

I also want to state that I got the latest version of Verizon FiOS Mobile working on a FireTV stick without root. First, I enabled Apps from Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging under Settings-Developer Options. It seems like the FiOS Mobile app requires the Google Play store to be installed, so I found a site with instructions on how to install it and completed that task. I needed to download and install four .apk files. Strangely, I can't seem to launch the Google Play Store on my stick, but the FiOS Mobile app no longer complains that it's missing.. Next, I installed the FiOS Mobile app via APPS2FIRE. That's all I needed to do to get the FiOS Moble app running on my stick.
As another poster noted, the FiOS Mobile app was designed to be used on a touch device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Because of this, you cannot easily navigate the app and do what you want it to do easily using the Fire Stick remote. Someone recommended connecting a bluetooth keyboard and I think that's probably a good suggestion. Instead, I downloaded an app called Mouse Toggle which, when activated, provides a cursor on the screen that you can move around with the Fire Stick remote. I can now select items and enter channel numbers when I previously couldn't do so. It's not a perfect solution, but it gets the job done.
- LKNY

Cast without wifi?

I am trying to find a way to cast movies from phone to tv in my camper without using a wifi network. I used to be able to cast from my Note 3 on 4.4 but apparently miracast is broken on 5.0.2? What would work without internet and a wifi network? I read that a Amazon Firestick would work once it's initially set up on a wifi network but haven't been able to verify.

b4u2 said:
I am trying to find a way to cast movies from phone to tv in my camper without using a wifi network. I used to be able to cast from my Note 3 on 4.4 but apparently miracast is broken on 5.0.2? What would work without internet and a wifi network? I read that a Amazon Firestick would work once it's initially set up on a wifi network but haven't been able to verify.
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I recently moved and had to wait for my ISP to setup internet. It idn't work for me even with a internal network. It needs an outside internet connection for setup to complete. None of my Amazon devices or Chromecast worked and only one of my Plex clients worked because it was previously configured for automatic sign in.

b4u2 said:
I am trying to find a way to cast movies from phone to tv in my camper without using a wifi network. I used to be able to cast from my Note 3 on 4.4 but apparently miracast is broken on 5.0.2? What would work without internet and a wifi network? I read that a Amazon Firestick would work once it's initially set up on a wifi network but haven't been able to verify.
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Here is how I do it when I travel but you may need a intermediate device. I would download movies onto my phone, start up my hotspot, use another device to setup the chromecast and then use an app like Local Cast to cast the movies from my phone to the chromecast. Recently I tried it and Local Cast wouldnt see the chromecast from my phone. So I moved the movies to my tablet and my tablet over the hotspot could see the chromecast and then I would stream them that way.
Because you arent actually pulling data for the movies (other than whatever background processes are running on the tablet) it doesnt sap away at your hotspot data.

I downlaod my movies to my Note 3 which is currently a wifi only device. I then set up a hot spot on my pixel xl and set up the chromecast. Then using allcast I was able to connect and cast to the chromecast. I swear this was much easier when miracast worked. I haven't tried the Firestick yet to see what happens.
I tested a few things to see what would work with the chromecast. Hotspot had to be on and left on. I could never get "guest" mode to work but the info says it should work so a guest can cast without being on your wifi network. No clue how to make that work yet.
I'll try and test firestick tonight. I also have a spare wifi router that I might take and see what I can do with it.

The firestick did not work.
This is so annoying since it worked on Android 4.4 and now on 5.0.2 it doesn't. I just want to simply cast my phone to my tv in a camper without a wifi network. I suppsoe I can eventually buy a wifi router but I really shouldn't have to. I wonder if the Note 8 will have Miracast or not?

Miracast works with crDroid ROM
b4u2 said:
The firestick did not work.
This is so annoying since it worked on Android 4.4 and now on 5.0.2 it doesn't. I just want to simply cast my phone to my tv in a camper without a wifi network. I suppsoe I can eventually buy a wifi router but I really shouldn't have to. I wonder if the Note 8 will have Miracast or not?
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I just got Miracast working with "crDroidAndroid-8.1-20180405-marlin-v4.1" for the Pixel XL. I just went into settings - connected devices - cast - then hit the three dots in the upper right hand corner to 'enable cast'. On my Fire Stick I started device mirroring. Bingo! Fire Stick shows up as connected. Works with VLC and Youtube testing so far. Sound and video work. Rotation of phone to horizontal creates full screen (55" TV) mode. I have magisk 16* installed but there are no settings I used in that app for this to work, just wanted it noted as it is the only non-stock app installed so far.
Linuxmon
I posted this in the Pixel thread as well, forgot which forum I was on....

Linuxmon said:
I just got Miracast working with "crDroidAndroid-8.1-20180405-marlin-v4.1" for the Pixel XL. I just went into settings - connected devices - cast - then hit the three dots in the upper right hand corner to 'enable cast'. On my Fire Stick I started device mirroring. Bingo! Fire Stick shows up as connected. Works with VLC and Youtube testing so far. Sound and video work. Rotation of phone to horizontal creates full screen (55" TV) mode. I have magisk 16* installed but there are no settings I used in that app for this to work, just wanted it noted as it is the only non-stock app installed so far.
Linuxmon
I posted this in the Pixel thread as well, forgot which forum I was on....
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Interesting. I am on 8.1 stock, rooted, and custom kernel. I will have to test again when camping season kicks in here soon. I did pick up a Galaxy s7 Edge that will hopefully cast with Miracast. The Note 3 I was trying to use is retired now.

Once I enabled tethering on mine I was able to cast to my Chromecast with the in app cast button. I either had data disabled (the x over the cellular signal) or I turned on airplane mode then the tethering. This allowed it to work for some reason that I cannot explain in much detail. Basically one of those two things maybe both can't remember causes the traffic to be properly routed locally instead of over the net like before. I accomplished this on stock Android using localcast,YouTube, and Netflix less than a month ago.