Develop Bugs

[G-Apps][GUIDE] Google Apps on the Kindle Fire -Getting Around the Update 11/30-

There was a silent update pushed by Amazon that breaks market.
Don't Panic!
Fixing it is a breeze if you've already done it once. Just re-follow these instructions to get your market back up and working. Once again, Props go to Bandage for writing these easy to understand and follow instructions.
Prerequisites
Root your Kindle Fire
Download the following apks
GoogleServicesFramework.apk
Vending.apk (Latest Version 3.3.11)
See HERE for .apk downloads (complete GApps zip file)
Root Explorer App (or similar that lets you change ro/rw permissions)
Side Loading Apps activated on Kindle Fire
On the Kindle Fire Settings screen, go to “Device” and turn On “Allow Installation of Application From Unknown Sources”
Instructions
1. Transfer the .apk files to your Kindle Fire via PC / Mac (remember where you put them)
2. Open Root Explorer App, and navigate to the transferred .apk files
3. Select the GoogleServiceFramework.apk and install
4. When complete, click "Done" and return to the file location for Vending.apk
5. Long-press Vending.apk and select the "Move" option on pop-up menu
Navigate to /system/app folder
6. Change mount option from RO to RW (read-only to read-write)
Paste Vending.apk into the /system/app folder
7. Long-press Vending.apk and select "Permissions" from pop-up menu
Change permissions to match all other apps in this folder (rw-r--r--)
8. Install Vending.apk
9. Reboot your Kindle Fire
Once reboot is complete, select Market App and log-in as usual.
Enjoy!
You will most likely notice some familiar apps missing from the market, as this device is lacking certain hardware specifications. However, once custom ROMs start appearing for the Kindle Fire, it is a safe bet it will no longer be the case.
Also, the Market App will not show up in the default Amazon Launcher.
You will need to install an alternate launcher (ie Go Launcher EX, ADW).
Find instructions HERE.
For another option than installing an alternate option, check out this work around also!
Credits
JolleyBoy
mashi
Bandage.

still can't get the market to work... it's driving me crazy. followed all your steps to the T...
---------- Post added at 11:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:34 PM ----------
Also, youtube doesn't seem to have volume control. Unless i'm blind and just missing it.

ckong1 said:
still can't get the market to work... it's driving me crazy. followed all your steps to the T...
---------- Post added at 11:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:34 PM ----------
Also, youtube doesn't seem to have volume control. Unless i'm blind and just missing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same Market doesn't work for me either. I followed the steps completley and Market just doesn't work.

Will market open at all? Or does it only crash when you try to download something?

when i used vending.apk from my sensation it would open but fc whenever i tried to dl anything. I used the file from your guide and it won't open. Is it possible I made some kind of error rooting? I see superuser and can use root explorer.

Market still force closes for me. Also reader and gmail are not the tablet versions

soundslikemitch said:
Market still force closes for me. Also reader and gmail are not the tablet versions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't fathom why its working for me and not for you . . . it took me several tries. I jumped around to a few different market apps, training them, and restarting each time with the different ones. What finally worked was the version posted above, installed clean (by uninstalling the previous versions I'd tried) clearing data, trying to open it, and then restarting the fire.
I haven't tried those. Could you post the tablet versions?

Wow, awesome thread...I have everything working except the market...I can't seem to get it to work without force closing...
Anyone have a solution?
I even have the new google music up and running!

CKong, I doubt you rooted wrong. This might sound retarded, but try uninstalling the app and reinstalling it with the same app . . . when you do this right market will disappear from the kindle launcher, but its listed when you switch to go launcher

Trying now, so far no luck.
Keep getting force stop on launch.

I have everything but Market...I've tried uninstalling, reinstalling...everything...
No luck...
I would also be interested int he apk's for the tablet version of Gmail and Reader if anyone has them...

Even after restarting your kindle? Mine did that too before I restarted

I have restarted, both apk's, cleared data and cashe many times, no luck.
What is your system version? Im running 6.1 but I noticed the source code is 6.2 on amazon.com

Then we've reached the end of what my know-how can help with. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. The other thread recommends installing DownloadProvider.apk from http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Barebones
I didn't have to do that, I just fiddled with the previously recommended steps until it worked. It took me most of the day. I hope you can get it going before too long!
Good Luck1

Use this market...works perfectly

Thanks
Everything working great. (Haven't tried Market yet) But thanks!

MOPhiPsi said:
Use this market...works perfectly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, I should say worked perfectly until I tried to download an app, then force closed...still the furthest I have gotten...

NOt that I"m a kindle genius but this works for other FC issues on ROMS on other devices. Is there a fix permissions script that can be run to fix permissions on the market app? It was one of the recommended fixes for when the new Facebook app would crash on devices without a GPS on board.

Jolleyboy said:
Then we've reached the end of what my know-how can help with. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. The other thread recommends installing DownloadProvider.apk from http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Barebones
I didn't have to do that, I just fiddled with the previously recommended steps until it worked. It took me most of the day. I hope you can get it going before too long!
Good Luck1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do I actually find this apk file...it doesnt appear I can download it from that site. I have the market working using the version I put on here but it force closes when I try to download an app...i think this is the reason why...I need this apk and can't find where to download it.

I could login to gmail but everything fc after. Market/Gmail/Music.

Problems using Blank Store

Hi folks,
I'm trying to keep my Fairphone free of googleApps (because, you know, $reasons), but as usual it's not that easy.
I am struggeling to get NoGApps working. First of all: kudos to @MaR-V-iN - I don't have a paypal account, but I could invite you for a Kölsch next time I'm in the area.
Can anybody review my steps and possibly describe how to get it running properly?
0. installed OI File Manager (to be able to access the internal partition)
1.1. downloaded μg v1.3.2 (NetworkLocation.apg)
1.2. ( tried to copy to /system/app/NetworkLocation.apk - to no avail: "... could not be copied")
1.3. installed NetworkLocation, allowed access in XPrivacy popup, rebooted.
1.4. downloaded cells-world.db, renamed to cells.db, moved it to /sdcard/.nogapps/cells.db
1.5 tried to find any sign of the application. (Found nothing.)
Sadly, Network location does not show up, anywhere. Am I looking in the wrong places?
2.1. downloaded Blank Store 0.6.6 (BlankStore.apk)
2.2. (renamed it to com.android.vending.apk, tried to copy it to /system/app/com.android.vending.apk - no success.)
2.3. renamed again, installed BlankStore.apk, allowed access in XPrivacy popups, rebooted.
2.4. downloaded android-checkin-1.0.jar and bla.bat, copied them to the location of java.exe, generated an android ID.
2.5. went to menu [Settings]{Accounts}
2.5.1 entered (dedicated...) google credentials and android ID,
2.5.2 entered slightly changed credentials that @DSoundso mentioned (SDK should be 17, I think. I also used a German carrier's MCC-MNC).
2.5.3 rebooted.
2.6 opened BlankStore: yay, I can search it. But I can't install any app: it crashes constantly.
I should mention that the Account settings were gone several times, so the BlankStore would close immediately. I had to re-enter them, and tried also exactly the credentials @DSoundso mentioned in the NOGAPPS thread.
I can't "sync" the account under [Settings]{Accounts}{Sync}. It just "says Sync is OFF", "sync now" does not seem to work.
I logged into the google account on a desktop PC, and no devices show up. ("No active devices").
So, the next steps are unfinished:
3.1. downloaded Maps API v1 (nogapps-maps.zip)
3.2. tried to download via Blank store: BusyBox, TWRP, TitaniumBackup. (BlankStore crashes.)
...to be continued?
Can anybody walk me through?
Or at least single out any errors I made above?

Hey, did you have a look at the XDA-Wiki section about installing the Blank Store? Following this step-by-step should hopefully install the Blank Store
I am too avoiding the Google Apps and also installed the maps successfully (didn't try NetworkLocation yet) and your problems with "could not be copied" sound like a problem with the user rights.. I'm not sure how your file manager works but the with the Android SDK (see above link) and the right commands it should work.
As far as the crashes of the Blank Store are concerned: at first mine also didn't start and crashed, which was caused by the missing Store account but as it sounds yours IS starting but then not really functioning, right? :|

arghwhymustiregister said:
Hey, did you have a look at the XDA-Wiki section [...] As far as the crashes of the Blank Store are concerned: at first mine also didn't start and crashed, which was caused by the missing Store account but as it sounds yours IS starting but then not really functioning, right? :|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I gave that a try yesterday. 1.7 gb download, what a mess... But solved the problem: it was a rights issue. I was under the impression that the OI File Manager had superuser rights. I was wrong. Got BlankStore working now, but it crashes still quite often on download.
I'm still not sure what to make of it. As I said, it *seemd* to be working before as well, but *no* download was finished. Now, *some* finish their dl, and if they don't I get an error notification (was missing before).
However, whenever I try to load a paid app, the BankStore crashes instantly.
I tried to read the whole NOGAPPS thread and realised: it only works for free apps. And I already redeemed a gift card at the Play Store to buy a paid Titanium Backup version. ****e, I'm stupid. :silly:
Still, it would be nice if it would not crash, or at least tell me it would crash when trying to load a paid app.
Also, I still can't see any active device when logging into the account on the web. Any ideas there? Is that supposed to be like this?
(Funny enough, I *can* see which apps I downloaded through BlankStore.)
arghwhymustiregister said:
also installed the maps successfully (didn't try NetworkLocation yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems both are not working properly for me. OSMAnd can find it's position by GPS. Offi is working, but can not find a location (GPS turned on). Also in Offi Stations, 'Acquiring location' never gets finished. The map stays blank in landscape mode. I would very much appreciate it if you would report your status here: if you can get it to work, how - and if not, what $reasons do you assume?

The permissions are not the problem. /system has to be mounted writable.
Sent from my FP1 using xda app-developers app

permissions for Offi / Maps Api access?
elchi1234 said:
The permissions are not the problem. /system has to be mounted writable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pointing that out, @elchi1234. I'm not used to work on linux-like systems, but I'm eager to learn.
However, I assume this could have something to do with permissions:
boondiordna said:
Offi is working, but can not find a location (GPS turned on). Also in Offi Stations, 'Acquiring location' never gets finished. The map stays blank in landscape mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to figure out why Offi is not showing any map. It seems like it's trying to DL / access map tiles and not getting access, which sometimes even causes crashes:
Code:
W/MapsAPI ( 5201): MapTileDownloader: Problem downloading MapTile: /17/65535/65535 HTTP response: HTTP/1.1 403 Forbidden
According to the crash report, this happens with every tile the app is trying to access.
Did I mess up somehere?

Nice to hear that the Blank Store is now working for you.
Hm, that problem with Öffi sounds familiar to me - I seem to recall that I had these problems too.. since you could install those Apps it looks like your installation of the map files was succesful. I think you should try the GPS fix mentioned here. It really helps A LOT (or did you already do that..?)
Report back!

Well, the MapsAPI seems to be installed correctly. (It was never working for me, too. I use it for that apps that require it but don't really need it.)
I would guess that there is a change in the API of the webserver that MapsAPI doesn't know about.

Google Play Store for 4.6.3 - newest version of all 4 apks.

Tested and working on unlocked 4.6.3 firmware.
Recommended installation order below:
1) Google Account Manager 4.4.2 (940549)
2) Google Services Framework 4.4.2 (940549)
3) Google Play Services 7.8.99 (2134222-036) - Updated
4) Google Play Store 5.8.8 - Updated
This has been working without a single crash for over a month!
ES File Explorer is helpful, should be able to install without a PC.
Code:
Current Version (now a ZIP!) - https://mega.nz/#!exQCRaDS!2JCj_e8rsGqdB-Y1Bi5ijyS0lFPDeEnP31MEQjXfqjs
Older Version (now outdated) - https://mega.co.nz/#!u15HQbCB!kb72acWFWIMIM1sBStNFnBSFJ7SwOdU_e5g0KTMNjps
.

escape75 said:
Install order is asfp, so basically install in order ...
Account Manager, Play Services, Services Framework, Play Store.
ES File Explorer is helpful, should be able to install without a PC.
mega.co.nz
HTML:
/#!u15HQbCB!kb72acWFWIMIM1sBStNFnBSFJ7SwOdU_e5g0KTMNjps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which Android APP is better to descompress??
If I try to descompress this .7zip file using the "7zip & Zip" android APP, it ask me for a password...
Could you please post the File password?

ulises.rodriguez said:
Which Android APP is better to descompress??
If I try to descompress this .7zip file using the "7zip & Zip" android APP, it ask me for a password...
Could you please post the File password?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no password
beware: after install, I cant access my play store

not working for me
stunvn said:
There is no password
beware: after install, I cant access my play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here
just getting the dreaded white screen
immediately un-installed

ulises.rodriguez said:
Which Android APP is better to descompress??
If I try to descompress this .7zip file using the "7zip & Zip" android APP, it ask me for a password...
Could you please post the File password?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no password, ES File explorer should be able to decompress,
that's what I used to 7zip it. This newest version might only work on 4.6.1 ...

I've a US unlocked phone updated to 4.6.1
and only getting the white screen

I've just factory reset a 4.6.1 and installed these 4 files and it's working perfectly ...

egglexda said:
I've a US unlocked phone updated to 4.6.1
and only getting the white screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try going to settings, force close Play Store, clear data and cache and try again.

Well, no white screen here, but an endless login attemt. Installed everything in the correct order (after fresh factory reset), restart phone. After restart hit play store, entered the mail/pw. It just keeps loading endlessly, it´s been 5 Minutes now. Phone is not freezed, notifications menu can be accessed. Any help/ideas please?
Edit: Wifi was off... now only the dreaded white screen. With a loading circle in the middle. Tryed force closing and deleting the data, still white screen.
Edit2: it´s just getting weirder and weirder. After clearing the app data and cache in every google app, after a restart the play store starts (logged in with my account, too...), but it says there is no data connection (Wifi is this time on^^).
Edit 3: after another restart white screen only.

I'm only getting white screen, this doesn't work but thanks for sharing

I don't think the white screen is Fire specific, others are getting it too.
I think it happens when the message about receiving updates from google
on first run doesn't make it to the foreground, and you can't proceed.
Try clearing cache for both Play Store and Google Services, and run
Google Services first, then start the Play Store.

HTML code no working
hello, the html code fron mega not working, please can you help us? thanks

it works !
just to confirm that this package works fine with the newly released US version of 4.6.1
I installed the US version over the 02 UK version on my unlocked US phone
and now everything works
(until Google mess it up again !)

Joelbf06 said:
I'm only getting white screen, this doesn't work but thanks for sharing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also received the white screen when trying to sign in to the play store. Similar to the other poster, Go to "Settings", then "Applications & Parental Controls", then "Manage Applications", then when selecting Goggle Play Store, hit Clear Cache and Clear Data, then restart. It worked for me after the restart.

radang said:
I also received the white screen when trying to sign in to the play store. Similar to the other poster, Go to "Settings", then "Applications & Parental Controls", then "Manage Applications", then when selecting Goggle Play Store, hit Clear Cache and Clear Data, then restart. It worked for me after the restart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still getting the white screen I got the unlocked fire phone version

Fixed on it's own
My Fire Phone had the Play Services error that everyone else had, but now it's fine. I did nothing to fix the problem. I'm posting this in several places.
Edit: USA, unlocked Fire Phone from Amazon.

Thanks OP for posting the files.
I was able to install and run play store.
However, i am noticing google play services consuming majority of the battery. Before i installed these files, i was having very good battery performance.
When i look at the battery usage details for Google Play services, "keep awake" is same as total time on battery. For some reason it's always awake and consuming battery.
Did anyone else had or notices this issue?

ingluisg said:
hello, the html code fron mega not working, please can you help us? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link on first page still works for me, try copying and pasting it or download from a PC.

id4398 said:
Thanks OP for posting the files.
I was able to install and run play store.
However, i am noticing google play services consuming majority of the battery. Before i installed these files, i was having very good battery performance.
When i look at the battery usage details for Google Play services, "keep awake" is same as total time on battery. For some reason it's always awake and consuming battery.
Did anyone else had or notices this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues with battery here, in fact with the newest google services & play store and 4.6.1 the battery seems just as good if not better than before.
Maybe it's a particular google app that you have installed ?

battery fine on my phone with the US version of 4.6.1 and these files

[GUIDE] New Fire Phone with FireOS and Google Apps - A Start-to-Finish Walkthrough

I just got a Fire Phone via the Ebay sale, and like many others, I wanted to set it up with Google Apps. I also wanted to keep the working camera and NFC, so I decided to stick with FireOS. Doing that took a lot of searching, and flipping through multiple threads. It can get a little confusing. So I've collected all the steps here to help others (and myself, in case I need to do this again in the future, when I inevitably break something while tinkering). I've written this from the perspective of someone who has purchased a brand new Fire Phone from a third-party seller.
PLEASE NOTE: Much of this is the work/discoveries of other forum members. I'll link out to the original posts whenever possible. Please thank those people accordingly!
1. When you first start up your phone, connect to WiFi, and let it go through the upgrade process to 4.6.4. Now is the time to register your phone with Amazon (by signing in with your Amazon account). You want that year of Prime, don't you?
2. SIM Unlock the phone (if you aren't using AT&T). It's easy!
a. Use a paperclip to pop out the SIM tray
b. Insert a non-AT&T nano-sized SIM card. (Mine came with an AT&T SIM in it. You can't use this card to SIM unlock)
c. A window should pop up, prompting you to enter the code that is on your box. Enter it.
d. Done!​
3. Open Settings>Applications & Parental Controls>Prevent non-Amazon app installation. Turn App Installation to ON
4. Make sure ADB is set up on your computer. (this is an easy guide to follow if you don't already have it: http://lifehacker.com/the-easiest-way-to-install-androids-adb-and-fastboot-to-1586992378 )
5. Download the following file to your desktop computer:
GSM Unlocked Firmware (this is a 1.2gb file) (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62768812&postcount=2). Rename this update.bin, and put it into the folder where ADB is installed.​Now we get our hands dirty:
6. If you are using Windows (I'm not), follow the directions that @Bingo Bronson posted here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62768812&postcount=2. @DePingus also has an illustrated guide for ADB on Windows here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62844581&postcount=14
6a. If you aren't using Windows, you can follow my steps (the same, just without all the Android SDK stuff, assuming you installed ADB in step #4)
a. Connect your phone to your PC & boot into recovery: When the phone is off, hold PWR + VOL. UP until the recovery screen appears
b. From the list, choose "Apply update from ADB"
c. In the command prompt, enter the following:
Code:
adb sideload path/to/update.bin
d. It should take a few minutes. When it's done, reboot your phone​
NOTE: If for some reason this isn't working for you, @jack9955 has posted steps on how to downgrade via Safestrap here.
7. Open Settings>Device>Get Info About Your Fire Phone. Your current version will be listed under Software Version, and it should now be 4.6.3
At this point, you may need to repeat step 3. I didn't, but it's worth checking.
8. Open the Amazon app store (one last time) and download ES File Explorer.
9. In the Silk Browser, open up the following links and download the files:
KingRoot (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/help/root-4-6-3-t3173322)
Updated Google Play Store files: (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/google-play-store-4-6-1-version-4-apks-t3098592)​
10. Open ES File Explorer, navigate to Download, and install KingRoot. Follow the directions to achieve root.
11a. At this point, some people like to remove KingRoot (out of security concerns) and replace it with SuperSu. I haven't done that yet, but you can follow the directions from @najoor here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/root-fire-phone-supersu-t3105546
12. Open ES File Explorer, navigate to Download, and unzip play.zip. Be sure to install the apks contained in the play.zip folder in the proper order (Thanks to @escape75 for these files)
1) Google Account Manager 4.4.2 (940549)
2) Google Services Framework 4.4.2 (940549)
3) Google Play Services 7.8.99 (2134222-036) - Updated
4) Google Play Store 5.8.8 - Updated​
13. After installing, I rebooted into recovery again, and wiped the cache partition. I don't know if you need to, but engaging in good housekeeping is never bad.
14. You should have a Play Store icon in your app drawer now. Click it to open, and holy crap!! It works. Plug in your google account details.
Now it's time to keep Amazon from wrecking all your hard work. Steps 15 or 15a will block OTA updates of the OS.
15. Go to Settings>Applications & Parental Controls>Manage Applications. Click Filter By and select All. Find each of the files listed below, click it, and then click the "Disable" button on the next screen. Repeat for the other three files. (thanks @Bingo Bronson)
Amazon Device Client
DCP Platform Contracts
System Update
System Update (yes, there are two different files named system update. Freeze/Disable both)​
15a. If you'd rather, you can do like I did, and use Titanium Backup Pro to freeze the above files.
16. Don't like the Launcher? Neither do I. I followed these directions to change out my launcher: http://spinyourfire.com/fire-phone-tips-and-tricks/fire-phone-launcher/ I use Home Switch from the Play Store. It will allow you to set your new launcher.
If you decide to use a new launcher, here's some info (courtesy @Bingo Bronson) which may help:
1. Settings>Display>Show Status Bar allows you to turn on the Status Bar at the top of the screen. This will help some launchers display properly.
2. Miss your NavBar / want some way other than Amazon gestures to navigate your phone? Try installing Ultimate Dynamic NavBar or Pie Controls.​
NOTE: The new launcher will disable Tilt Left/Right on your home screen. In Amazon apps, the gesture will still work.
17. To sync your contacts/calendars/etc, go to Settings>My Accounts>Manage Email Accounts and add your Google account info.
a. Select that account, check sync calendar and sync contacts.
b. Set Inbox Check Frequency to manual.
c. In Email Settings, set everything to off, then click email notification settings, and set all of those to off.​
BEWARE: HERE BE DRAGONS
Hi. Are you new to phone hacking? Then you should probably stop reading here. Following any of the links or info could (pretty easily) lead to bricking your phone. I won't even mess with most of this stuff, I'm just providing links for intrepid explorers who know what they are getting into, and are willing to risk it. SERIOUSLY, TURN AROUND HERE!
Seriously, you did all that work, and now you want to risk breaking it? Well yeah, me too. So let's cover our asses.
Backing Up with SafeStrap
First, let's back up what you've done. @ggow (to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude) has gifted us with SafeStrap, which allows us to boot into a version of TWRP recovery. From there, you can install his CM11 or SlimKat Roms, or use the backup feature, which is what we are about to do.
1. Install Safestrap from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/development/recovery-safestrap-v4-0-1-t3149888. In ggow's directions, it talks about 4.6.1, but I can confirm it works properly on 4.6.3.
2. Once you have booted into Safestrap, Click Backup and then back it up! (it took about ten minutes for me)
3. Of course, a backup won't do you any good if you don't have multiple redundancies. So plug your phone into your computer, open up a terminal/CMD prompt, and enter the following:
Code:
adb start-server
then
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/TWRP/ /path/to/your/backup/folder
after that runs for a while, you should see a message that says something along the lines of "12 files pulled. 0 files skipped"​
Good! Now we are backed up, and we can start breaking stuff.
Turn on USB Debugging
1. Go to Settings>Device>Get info about your Fire
2. Tap "Model Number" seven or eight times, until the "Developer Options" button appears at the bottom of the list
3. Tap "Developer Options" and enable USB debugging​Installing Xposed Framework
Xposed Framework allows you to install different modules that can change the look, feel and operation of your phone. Xposed works best on Vanilla Android, but we can definitely put it to good use here. Lifehacker has a great overview on Xposed. I'll just give you the basics here.
What you'll need: Root
1. On your phone, visit http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.installer. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Show Older versions. You want the APK for version 2.6.1 (the most recent stable version)
2. After downloading, navigate to your Downloads folder and install the Xposed Apk.
3. Open Xposed and click Framework. It will show you that Xposed is currently inactive. Tap the install/update button.
4. Once installed, you must reboot your phone for Xposed to work.​Congrats! Now with Xposed, you can really start customizing your phone. Check the forums...there is tons to discover and lots of people who know far more than I about how to use it. Just remember that a lot of the cosmetic stuff might not work on a Fire Phone. The modules I use are: ACDisplay, Amplify (paid version), AppOppsXposed, GravityBox, Greenify (paid version), PowerNap.
Installing a custom Lock Screen
Many of us on Android are used to custom lock screens, and haven't been thrilled with the Amazon Lock Screen. Through some trial and error, I've discovered how to swap out the Amazon Lock Screen for my lock screen of choice, ACDisplay. I haven't tried this with other 3rd party lock screens. Try following (and contributing to) this lockscreen thread to see any developments on other lock screens.
What you need: Xposed, Root, ES File Explorer (or another file explorer with root access)
1. Install ACDisplay (I sideloaded the APK, but it seems to work from the Play Store)
2. Open ES File Explorer, tap the hamburger menu, scroll down to Tools, and turn on Root Explorer
3. find the installed apk (com.achep.acdisplay-1.apk) in /data/app
4. rename it LockScreen.apk and move it to /system/priv-app/
5. Reboot
6. Open up AC Display and grant it access to Accessibility Settings and Notifications
7. In ACDisplay>Settings>Lockscreen move the slider to On and make sure that "Enable when no notifications" is ticked
8. Open Xposed and activate the ACDisplay module.
9. Reboot
10. I don't know if you need to, but I went to Settings>Lock Screen> Turn on Notifications... and made sure that notifications were off.​
The Xposed integration seems to be the key. Now, when I reboot my phone, I'll get the original Amazon Lock Screen once (sometimes) and then ACDisplay pops up from that point on. Apparently, if you want a pin/password on the lock screen, you can still use the security features of the OS lockscreen.
Launchers with Widgets
One of the problems with custom launchers is that widgets don't seem to work on the Fire Phone. But @hmoobguy and @DePingus have figured out how to beat that in this thread. Just like with the lock screen, you'll have to move some files.
What you need: Root, ES File Explorer (or another file explorer with root access)
1. Install your launcher from the Play Store.
1a. If you haven't already, visit the Play Store on your desktop, look at the page for the launcher you just installed, and take note of what comes after 'id=' in the URL. That's the file name you'll search for.
2. Open ES File Explorer, tap the hamburger menu, scroll down to Tools, and turn on Root Explorer
3. find the installed apk for your launcher of choice in /data/app by searching for what came after 'id=' in step 1a.
4. move it to /system/priv-app/
5. Reboot​
Note: you can also use Titanium to convert your launcher of choice into a system app.
Other Stuff
@Bingo Bronson has a ridiculously extensive list of Fire OS apps that can be disabled/frozen or deleted. Use at your own risk: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/complete-app-list-replace-remove-t3132008
Hopefully this is helpful to others. I can add information as I go if new info (and new annoyances) come to light. Please let me know if there is anything I missed!

Thanks man! That's a good list there!
I gathered much of the information you have posted there last night and I have it at 4.6.3 with Google Play and a custom launcher.
My next challenge is a single lock screen. I have yet to actually root it however.
Which seems it will be required to get any further with the lock screen deal based off what I've read thus far.
Cheers!
"curious what adds the extra slide lock, is it the adding of a different Launcher or Home Switch? Even when using the FirePhone launcher again it remains."

Natet2003 said:
"curious what adds the extra slide lock, is it the adding of a different Launcher or Home Switch? Even when using the FirePhone launcher again it remains."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not quite sure what you mean here. I'm messing with the lock screen myself, haven't quite got it figured out yet. I use AC Display, and have been trying to freeze various apps listed in the App List post (at the bottom of the walkthrough under "HERE BE DRAGONS"). I can shut off the Amazon lock screen, but for some reason, my lock screen only works every other time. If I let it sit for a while and then unlock it, I just get the woven graphite background and nothing else. I have to turn off the screen, turn it back on again, and then my lock screen will work. I'm assuming it has something to do with the system putting the app to sleep.

Natet2003 said:
My next challenge is a single lock screen. I have yet to actually root it however.
Which seems it will be required to get any further with the lock screen deal based off what I've read thus far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread has info on changing the lockscreen.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/help/fire-phone-lock-screen-t2982798/page5
You do need root. Install the new lockscreen (many people were using Next Lock Screen). Use a root file explorer to delete /system/priv-app/LockScreen.apk (make a backup first). Then move whatevernewlockscreen.apk from /data/app to /system/priv-app, rename it to LockScreen.apk and reboot.
I was having issues with the alarm clock and then I screwed up all the lockscreens. I gave up trying to fix my mess and just took the opportunity to install 4.6.3. That fixed all my issues and put me back to the stock crappy lockscreen, which I'm still running.

munkymack said:
I'm not quite sure what you mean here. I'm messing with the lock screen myself, haven't quite got it figured out yet. I use AC Display, and have been trying to freeze various apps listed in the App List post (at the bottom of the walkthrough under "HERE BE DRAGONS"). I can shut off the Amazon lock screen, but for some reason, my lock screen only works every other time. If I let it sit for a while and then unlock it, I just get the woven graphite background and nothing else. I have to turn off the screen, turn it back on again, and then my lock screen will work. I'm assuming it has something to do with the system putting the app to sleep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I found what it was. I had "C Launcher" installed. It does an iPhone styled sliding lock screen that even when I swapped to another Launcher the lock screen kept activating. (So I had two screens to bypass) When I had experimented with GO Locker it added yet another screen to those so 3 screens!
So once I've removed CLauncher and GO Locker I've not just have a single screen, which is FireOS default lock screen.

Great instructions, well consolidated--thanks!!
Questions: 1. What's the reason you went through all the updates, all the way to 4.6.4 and then downgraded to 4.6.3. Could you just not have installed 4.6.3 from the beginning? 2. Also, why version 4.6.3? Is that the version on which google play works the best?--the reason I ask is because I too have read so many posts on this site and I have come to perceive that Google play still does not work perfectly on any of the versions!. Hopefully my perception is wrong and I can proceed with your consolidated instructions. Can you please post updates as the days go by on how its all working. Thanks.

dannyol said:
Questions: 1. What's the reason you went through all the updates, all the way to 4.6.4 and then downgraded to 4.6.3. Could you just not have installed 4.6.3 from the beginning? 2. Also, why version 4.6.3? Is that the version on which google play works the best?--the reason I ask is because I too have read so many posts on this site and I have come to perceive that Google play still does not work perfectly on any of the versions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to 4.6.4 simply because my phone automatically updated from 3.5.0>4.6.1>4.6.4 when I connected it to wifi, and the directions I'd found showed how to downgrade from 4.6.4 (which is AT&T specific) to 4.6.3 (gsm unlocked).
The reason I chose to downgrade is because Play store doesn't work on 4.6.4...it keeps breaking. On 4.6.3, that's not the case (so far); Play Store (and even more important, Play Services, which is necessary for most Google apps) is working exactly like it should be. Might it break in the future? Yeah, probably. But if / when it does, I'll try and update the post (assuming that a fix gets found).

DePingus said:
This thread has info on changing the lockscreen.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/help/fire-phone-lock-screen-t2982798/page5
You do need root. Install the new lockscreen (many people were using Next Lock Screen). Use a root file explorer to delete /system/priv-app/LockScreen.apk (make a backup first). Then move whatevernewlockscreen.apk from /data/app to /system/priv-app, rename it to LockScreen.apk and reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a heads up, DePingus and I have been discussing this on the linked thread, and the above instructions DO NOT work. LockScreen.apk does not exist in /system/priv-app/ on 4.6.3. At this point in time, there is not a way to completely replace the Amazon lock screen with a custom lock screen.

This is a good guide.
Just FYI, you don't have to enable USB debugging to root with KingRoot. And, more importantly, you don't have to be rooted or enable USB debugging to install 4.6.3, Google Play Services, or alternate launchers. Instead of adb push, you can just copy the apks over using your favorite method (USB, OneDrive, direct download) and then run to install. Come to think of it, you probably should move rooting and USB debugging into the "here be dragons" section.

Is it safe to update the play store when it asks?

MrPaulAR said:
Is it safe to update the play store when it asks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as far as we know (for v. 4.6.3) Play Store can be updated and will still work, same with Play services.

New fire phone with version 3.5-rooted and now at a stand-still
Bingo Bronson said:
Yes, as far as we know (for v. 4.6.3) Play Store can be updated and will still work, same with Play services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too got my new fire phone on ebay. The fire phone has version 3.5. I read that it was a rootable version, so I proceeded to root the phone via towelroot . I have supersu installed also. I have verified root via an app and the phone is now successfully rooted. Now I am puzzled as to what I should do with the fire phone with version 3.5 and am at a stand-still!!.
Questions:
1. Can I update to version 4.6.3 from here without loosing root?
2. Will updating to version 4.6.3 in its present rooted condition cause any harm (i.e bricking) ?
4. If I need to remove root and supersu in-order to update the phone to version 4.6.3, how do I do that?
3. The reason for these questions is because I am assuming that I need to update to version 4.6.3 to install google apps.
Can you help me proceed along from this standstill that I find myself in!
Thanks

dannyol said:
I too got my new fire phone on ebay. The fire phone has version 3.5. I read that it was a rootable version, so I proceeded to root the phone via towelroot . I have supersu installed also. I have verified root via an app and the phone is now successfully rooted. Now I am puzzled as to what I should do with the fire phone with version 3.5 and am at a stand-still!!.
Questions:
1. Can I update to version 4.6.3 from here without loosing root?
2. Will updating to version 4.6.3 in its present rooted condition cause any harm (i.e bricking) ?
4. If I need to remove root and supersu in-order to update the phone to version 4.6.3, how do I do that?
3. The reason for these questions is because I am assuming that I need to update to version 4.6.3 to install google apps.
Can you help me proceed along from this standstill that I find myself in!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same thing when I first got mine, so I understand where you are coming from. After reading around on the forum, I saw that 4.6.3 could work with Play Store / Services, so I just did a straight up OS update. I didn't unroot or anything, and suffered no problems. My phone updated from 3.5 to 4.6.1, and then to 4.6.4. From that point, I downgraded to 4.6.3 and then proceeded with the steps in the guide.
As far as I can tell, you WILL lose root in the update, but you can use Kingroot to re-apply root.

Will this work on a Fire tablet? Would I just not run the GSM unlocked firmware part?
Thanks

jimbobalu said:
Will this work on a Fire tablet? Would I just not run the GSM unlocked firmware part?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have absolutely no idea. If it does work, let me know. I've got one of the new $50 fire tablets coming at the end of the month.

DePingus said:
Just FYI, you don't have to enable USB debugging to root with KingRoot. And, more importantly, you don't have to be rooted or enable USB debugging to install 4.6.3, Google Play Services, or alternate launchers. Instead of adb push, you can just copy the apks over using your favorite method (USB, OneDrive, direct download) and then run to install. Come to think of it, you probably should move rooting and USB debugging into the "here be dragons" section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point. I've been doing this long enough that rooting is something I do without a second thought, but for beginners, it opens up the door to a host of problems. I'll do a reorganization next time it's slow around the office.

Thank you for the step-by-step guide. It was incredibly helpful and everything worked...expect for downgrading to 4.6.3. It may be because I'm on a Mac, but nothing I tried seemed to work. That is until I found this website that worked to perfection. Hopefully anyone else on a Mac finds it useful as well.
And apparently because I'm a new user, I can't post URL's, so here's the closest I can get you
seo-michael.co.uk/how-to-setup-adb-on-os-x

This phone is dirty cheap now.
i might grab one of these . here in Europe
cheers

Be sure and check the LTE bands before you do. You may not be able use high speed data there.
EDIT: I looked at the work in your signature. I'm pretty sure you know exactly what you are doing / getting yourself into if you do pick one up. I'm just trying to be super newbie friendly over here, hence my response.

Osufever said:
Thank you for the step-by-step guide. It was incredibly helpful and everything worked...expect for downgrading to 4.6.3. It may be because I'm on a Mac, but nothing I tried seemed to work. That is until I found this website that worked to perfection. Hopefully anyone else on a Mac finds it useful as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, ADB is different on every system, and can be a pain in the ass to set up. The Lifehacker article I linked should cover everything, but if Mac users want to delve a little deeper, then the link you followed is a good way to go. I'm glad you were able to get things working!

Will anyone make a Google apps enabled rom for the Mate Xs?

I'm very interested in buying this phone, but not without google apps like Play, maps, etc. Is anyone planning on doing a rom for the Mate Xs?

Does not work (without Root), no way (Backup or any App). And root is NOT possible without Bootloader-UNlock.

It should be possible using this method.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=768fUTmnWf0&list=WL&index=34&t=0s

This is old and sadly does not work anymore

Try this new method using Travel Essentials apk. :
(Unfortunately, I didn't find the English version)
https://youtu.be/V_d08cTvYjc
Fortune favours the bold

bozka1 said:
Try this new method using Travel Essentials apk. :
(Unfortunately, I didn't find the English version)
Fortune favours the bold
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fortune is a fork in the road
Basically it is the chat partner file.

I use a combination of both method to get it working on the mate Xs ,mate30 RS Porsche designs and also the notepad pro 5g
---------- Post added at 02:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:12 PM ----------
https://youtu.be/4i9Dok-dC10

dennis nai said:
I use a combination of both method to get it working on the mate Xs ,mate30 RS Porsche designs and also the notepad pro 5g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please give some more details on how you managed to do it? I've gotten stuck trying the chat partner / travel essentials way since they will only open but never proceed to anything else than the splash screen...

Chat partner
Cyriuz said:
Could you please give some more details on how you managed to do it? I've gotten stuck trying the chat partner / travel essentials way since they will only open but never proceed to anything else than the splash screen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same pronlem with the chat partner app I cant get past the splash screen please help !

[email protected] said:
I have the same pronlem with the chat partner app I cant get past the splash screen please help !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same problem ... plash screen and thats it not going any further

I managed to get further by more closely following the instructions posted by jutley, unfortunately after installing everything successfully I got stuck at the "This device isn't Play Protect certified" even when registering the gsf id

where you able to make chat partners app work ?

carrieta17 said:
where you able to make chat partners app work ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, using the other method with the backup; the link provided by jutley.
It looks like everything is installed correctly but I'm completely blocked by Play Protect. I've tried factory reset to get a new gsf id and registering that as well but no dice. Seems like the id registering just doesn't work?

This method Works : )
I tried this method and it works on my mate xs its in spanish but was easy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MfxLUNWJr0

Thanks it worked

carrieta17 said:
I tried this method and it works on my mate xs its in spanish but was easy
working with caveat the annoying Google Services notification and Maps every time i start it i get Device is not certified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I disabled notifications and dont get any more annoying messages any more

carrieta17 said:
I tried this method and it works on my mate xs its in spanish but was easy
i tried this method is working, but android auto is not working, anyone has an idea on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

english please
can one help us to how to install Google app shown in Spanish YouTube in details in English.
with needed files.
Thanks.

I can try to summarize the steps I think is needed after trying for a couple of days.
(Disclaimer: I haven't actually tried it from scratch but I'm pretty sure these are the only things needed)
(Start at 10. if you already have it working but want to get rid of the errors.)
First get the files from these videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MfxLUNWJr0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEBrOwQP_0o
1. Put the files on a USB stick (Dunno if it is needed, it might be fine to put them on the phone directly)
- (!)The Huawei folder needs to be in the root.
- You'll have 4 important folders, Huawei, Google pack, fix and newfix.
2. Go to Settings/System & updates/Backup & restore/Data backup/External storage/USB storage/17 October 2019 and then press restore.
- Enter the password it asks for (a0000000)
- This will put 2 sketchy apps on your homescreen.
3. Install all apks in the Google pack folder.
4. Run the sketchy app with a purple G and press Activate when it asks you to. Then continue pressing the buttons (really see the video for this) and restart the phone when it fails with the first spinny thing.
- Once restarted you will be spammed with errors, ignore these for now (disable sound, they are super annoying)
5. Revoke the access and uninstall the sketchy apps. It's not needed but I wouldn't leave it enabled for a second longer than I need.
- Go to Settings/Security/More settings/Device administrators and set the G app to inactive.
- Uninstall the G app and the other one as well I assume.
6. Uninstall Google Services Framework.
- Settings/Apps/Apps - search for google and enable Show system processes in the right corner menu.
- I had issues with this on my phone that it would just freeze and restart when I tried it, the solution seemed to be to clear all its data and force stop the proccess until the force stop button stopped being active.
7. Go to the fix folder and install google account manager4.0.3.apk
8. Create your google sync accounts in Settings/Users & accounts/Add an account/Google.
- Follow the instructions as you would for logging in to google.
- (!) Add all the accounts you want to sync now, I can't seem to add them afterwards.
9. Go to the fix folder and install com.google.android.gsf_10-29_minAPI29(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk
- Restart and after that everything should work except for a lot of errors everywhere. At this point the fist video tells you to just disable the notifications but it doesn't help for example gmail and you have to do it for every new app you install so it is pretty annoying. The google sync also broke for me after restart.
10. Install the Device ID app from the app store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vtechnotm.com.deviceid&hl=en)
11. Uninstall Google Play services - same procedure as 6.
- To verify that you're on the right path the version you just uninstalled should have been version 19.2.75.
12. From the newfix folder install modagain1gsm.apk.
- This is the Google Play services version 19.4.20.
- Make sure the play store still opens, it might show an error but should preferably still show apps.
13. Reinstall Google Services Framework.
- First repeat step 6.
- Install the file in newfix Google Services Framework-com.google.android.gsf-29-v10.apk
14. Start the Device ID app and verify that you don't have any GSF ID.
15. Poke around in the play store until the Device ID shows a GFS ID, see the video.
- This step feels very unscientific and sometimes it took me forever...
- If it doesn't work make sure you have Google Play services version 19.4.20 installed.
- Don't reboot your phone, it should regenerate the ID just by poking around. I got it regenerated when rebooting but then it didn't work after that.
16. You got the ID generated! Uninstall Google Play services and install the file com.google.android.gms2.apk from the newfix folder.
- Verify that Google Play services is now version 20.12.14.
That's it! Everything should work after this.
I'm pretty confident you can skip some steps here, for example you could install Play services 19.4.20 from the newfix folder already at step 3 to avoid having to reinstall once. But I'm also super unsure why all this actually works so I'm scared to change the procedure
Feel free to suggest corrections!