Develop Bugs

Anyone controlling Fire TV with VNC server?

Can't seem to get VNC working with Fire TV.
Tried following this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793823
Using both droid VNC server and VMLite VNC Server. Using various clients when I connect, I just get a black screen.

We have users successfully using our vmlite vnc server on FireTV.
Did you start the vnc server using our desktop vaac program using a PC?

huisinro said:
We have users successfully using our vmlite vnc server on FireTV.
Did you start the vnc server using our desktop vaac program using a PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My FireTV is rooted so I did not start the server using your desktop vaac program. The server is running and I connect to it. The problem is that I do not see anything when I connect. Just a black screen.

I have the same issue with all the VNC apps I have tried which includes vmlite vnc and droid vnc. I am rooted and they all show a black screen, even if they may control the mouse and keyboard ok.
I have found a solution if you do not mind controlling your FireTV from a web browser instead of an actual VNC app. The app I have found that does certainly work for all remote control use with the exception of transmitting video prime (which I would have expected to be choppy and unusable anyways) is called WebKey.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.webkey&hl=en

Interesting, black screen? What android version are you running on the device?

glitchbit said:
I have the same issue with all the VNC apps I have tried which includes vmlite vnc and droid vnc. I am rooted and they all show a black screen, even if they may control the mouse and keyboard ok.
I have found a solution if you do not mind controlling your FireTV from a web browser instead of an actual VNC app. The app I have found that does certainly work for all remote control use with the exception of transmitting video prime (which I would have expected to be choppy and unusable anyways) is called WebKey.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glitchbit thanks for the tip. I used Webkey and it works fine. It took awhile to figure how to register as a new account because the browser option was not working but I created a new account from inside the app once I started the server.
I also started using teamviewer with the android quicksupport app but to connect to the fire tv screen you need to press two prompts on the firetv which I can do now remotely with the webkey interface.

To navigate remotely you are best off using an app like lanmote deluxe ($3.99) as it will let you use your phone as the controller via a very responsive web interface and it will let you use your keyboard. There is Air Keyboard as well if you prefer an actual app, but it does not have a dpad and standard media controls like lanmote does. I will check out teamviewer though, it may work better than webkey in some circumstances.
I only mention solutions that work for both iOS and Android as I use an iPhone and while I know there may be better mouse/keyboard remote control apps for Android phones they are useless to me.

huisinro said:
We have users successfully using our vmlite vnc server on FireTV.
Did you start the vnc server using our desktop vaac program using a PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Fire TV can't be connected to a PC by USB.. It acts as a host, not an external device. How do I start the vnc server on an unrooted device? Can I do this over the network via ADB?
Thanks!

[Q] FireTV VNC - Remote access

Has anyone found a good solution to accessing their Fire TV remotely? Basically I'm looking for a VNC or Remote Desktop solution for the Fire TV so I that I can setup / configure from my PC without having to be tied to the Fire TV.

martian21 said:
Has anyone found a good solution to accessing their Fire TV remotely? Basically I'm looking for a VNC or Remote Desktop solution for the Fire TV so I that I can setup / configure from my PC without having to be tied to the Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be nice to have. I remember reading someone trying teamviewer to control it remotely. Haven't tried it been so busy.

Wireless adb? Its not a GUI but I use it to install apps and what not. I even do it from work by using chrome remote desktop to connect to my home computer and adb from there

Hi,
I tried remote droid, but couldn't get it to work over the network. Teamviewer worked for me. Has a bit of delay in it but does the job. Used it to setup XBMC, no issues. You need root access and have the client installed on the FTV.

Would you mind providing a few more details of how you got TeamViewer working? I looks like you need the TeamViewer Quick Support app correct? Did you just sideload it?

martian21 said:
Would you mind providing a few more details of how you got TeamViewer working? I looks like you need the TeamViewer Quick Support app correct? Did you just sideload it?[/QUOTE
Yes you need to side load TeamViewer Quick Support onto FTV and start it. It will give you the session ID which you enter into the PC Teamviewer.
FTV will ask for SU access which you grant.
Once you choose remote access on the PC it will ask again for SU access. Once granted you should see your FTV on the PC session.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I tried TeamViewer and it does work but unfortunately doesn't meet my needs. I need something that runs all the time in the background and doesn't require user intervention on the FireTV to connect.
I also tried "VNC Server" and "droid VNC server". VNC Server displayed the screen perfectly but couldn't be controlled. droid VNC server just displayed a black screen and also didn't seem to allow control. There is also VMLite VNC Server but it is $10 and looks like it's based off droid VNC Server (which didn't work). VMLite is a non-starter anyway because you need to connect wia USB adb to start the app the first time.
It's really too bad that there doesn't appear to be any true remote access solution to the Fire TV. Maybe someday.

I'd be interested too...my typical need would be to launch a radio app (Pandora, Songza, etc) WITHOUT having to turn on the TV, only to turn it off afterwards. If I could do it from my phone (which is always around and connected) it would be perfect.
Still using my trusty old Roku M500 for Internet radio, just because of the simplicity.

Use an app called "WebKey". It works over a brower (both http and https) and you can change the ports to non-standard ones in the app. I use Chrome, so not sure of the behavior on IE or Firefox.
You will create an account (userid & password) on each FTV that you install the app and want to control. Thats your authentication. You will also create a name that uniquely identifies your FTV.
It works in 2 ways when you are coming from a public IP.
-- If you are able to punch a hole in your router and open the 2 ports up (any port and you can redirect to the FTV ports) and redirect traffic to your FTV, you can access your FTV straight through by using your public IP (use a dynamic DNS service).
-- If you don't want to do that, the app allows access to your FTV without configuring your router. To access, you go to "http://www.webkey.cc/XXXX" where XXXX is the unique name of your FTV (it is case sensitive).
The second method goes through the app's portal. This is not desirable as your login goes through the app's portal and if the portal is down, you are SOL. Also, the second method only works over http.
Note, if you configure your router to let FTV traffic through, but still go through the app's portal, the app is smart enough to detect that there exists an open path for the FTV to the public internet and it will automatically switch to that method (nice feature, I think)
If everything is set up correctly, you see a complete copy of your FTV on the browser with keys to mimic your remote control, push/pull files, install/uninstall apps... It functions almost the same as any RDP client and you can control your FTV remotely as if you were sitting in front of it.
I have attached the apk that I have running on my 2 FTVs. Its free and runs perfectly fine.

Wow - Thanks dbdoshi! WebKey worked great!
Would have been nice to be able to use VNC but seeing that WebKey only requires a browser it is actually more versatile. I haven't had a chance to really test it out but my initial connection was sucessful.

martian21 said:
Wow - Thanks dbdoshi! WebKey worked great!
Would have been nice to be able to use VNC but seeing that WebKey only requires a browser it is actually more versatile. I haven't had a chance to really test it out but my initial connection was sucessful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked out for you. I manage couple of FTVs for a friend and a cousin using this remotely. It can be slow (especially if you go through the webkey portal), but works. If you don't see immediate feedback after you click something, be patient and don't double click stuff. Internally, it rocks and experience is pretty good.
If you plan to use the app's portal, there is an option to "ping" their server through the app and you should enable that option. The main controls are at the bottom (in your browser), especially the arrow keys. The middle button inside the arrow keys in your "SELECT" button. Once you are in any app, simply touching the controls within the app seems to work. If you figure out how to enter text using your keyboard (say in any input box in any app) let me know, the only way I know is to bring up the keyboard on FTV and select each character individually.
Also, if you want to run any app, you don't have to go through the Settings,.... menu on FTV. On the right side, you will see an option for "Run Application" or something and you can start any app from there very easily.

This looks very interesting, I'll be trying it as soon as I get a chance, could be good for people selling preprogrammed devices with XBMC to end users.

How do you
I got it to work but how to you get the mouse to work with the Fire stick? the mouse don't work due to the fire stick using bluetooth?
Smokeysa said:
martian21 said:
Would you mind providing a few more details of how you got TeamViewer working? I looks like you need the TeamViewer Quick Support app correct? Did you just sideload it?[/QUOTE
Yes you need to side load TeamViewer Quick Support onto FTV and start it. It will give you the session ID which you enter into the PC Teamviewer.
FTV will ask for SU access which you grant.
Once you choose remote access on the PC it will ask again for SU access. Once granted you should see your FTV on the PC session.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Controlling amazon fire stick using Vysor
martian21 said:
Has anyone found a good solution to accessing their Fire TV remotely? Basically I'm looking for a VNC or Remote Desktop solution for the Fire TV so I that I can setup / configure from my PC without having to be tied to the Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Vysor for Remote control of fire stick since fire stick use aosp android.

[app] How to Turn Fire TV into a Chromecast Receiver

You can download our free trial apk and install it to fire TV, all of sudden, your fire TV is also a Chromecast receiver.
Please refer to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...p-youmap-chromecast-receiver-android-t3161851
Download this apk: [apk, updated on Jan-17-2016, now version 1.4.0, it will expire on Feb-29-2016]
http://www.youmap.com/YouMapCastReceiver.apk
Instructions: (good for fire TV box and stick)
(1) Enable ADB and USB Debugging - go to Amazon TV, Settings, System, Developer Options > tun on ADB Debugging and USB Debugging
(2) Now, you need to find the ip address of the FireTV device, System > About
(3) Now from another PC, you can use adb command to install the YouMap Chromecast apk.
adb connect your-ip-address-of-firetv
adb install YouMapCastReceiver.apk
(4) reboot fire TV, and it's ready for casting.
Have fun !

Haven't had a chance to try but looking forward to it. I'll edit the post when I do...
Notice no option to buy full version yet. Is there an estimate on what it'll cost?
Update--Sorry. Got some questions right from the start. Usb debugging ejects the usb drive and makes it unusable. Lots of people use an external drive on aftv so this might be a problem.
It works for sure, however, I'm not sure if I'm utilizing it correctly? I was hoping it would mirror my display, but it doesn't appear to, not even if i enable mirroring on aftv. Maybe it's not suppose to...
But, so far the only thing I've gotten it to do is to cast youtube and we can already do that without losing usb functionality. Please correct me if I'm missing something. Thanks.

The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.

huisinro said:
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Works great BTW. Is it possible to set it up on multiple aftvs and AFTV stick?

yes, you can install it on multiple receivers, you may need to name them differently to differientiate them. Our app has a setting page to specify the name. However, on Fire TV, the setting page won't show up, we are working on a amazon version, that should install directly from Amazon store. it will take some time for that release though.

You can access the Youmap settings page on a Fire TV. From the home page scroll down to Settings, then goto Applications and down to Manage Installed Applications. Then scroll down to Youmap Chromecast Receiver, select it and then select Launch application. That will take you to the Youmap settings.

Ahh, Thanks, darren1. I didn't know that

Its a restriction on all sideloaded apps. they can't be launched straight from the Fire TV home screen. When you release an official version through their appstore anyone purchasing it would be able to launch it from the homescreen.

Well I like it. The chromecast app should be a welcome edition too except I need to reinstall play services. Forgot I had uninstalled it to fix play store crash on launch. But your app is working well. Its more reliable than normal YouTube casting because it doesn't care whether my AFTV is Ethernet, 2.4ghz or 5ghz. Normally I can't connect my phone if its on 2.4 while my AFTV is on 5. Not a lot of time testing but so far lag seems minimal.

It works on my firetv connected straight to router , but it doesnt work on my aftv stick ,complains about port 8008 and uses 8010, but chromecast on my sg3 still doesnt detect it and its on the same network

Sometimes, you need to use google chromecast app Screen Mirroring to search for the device, once it finds the device, it will work. Also try to reboot your router, and on your sending device, try to turn off/on the wifi.

Got play services reinstalled and very impressed with performance and ease of use once its set.
I did have one issue but not sure its related. Both times I used chromecast, my AFTV switched from 5 GHz to 2.4ghz. Doesn't usually drop the signal like that. And it wouldn't normally be an issue but I use mysql and that sometimes won't work properly if all my devices aren't hardwired or on 5ghz.
Do you think this is related to chromecast or should I troubleshoot elsewhere? I know normal screen casting doesn't work for me if the devices are on different frequencies. This one does but wonder if the reason for that is its somehow able to auto change it.

Our youmap receiver does NOT require google play services.
About wifi 2.4 vs 5GHz band, our app does not change that, it uses whatever wifi is currently on. Ethernet is usually much more stable, though.

This works great on my firestick and firetv! Before, I had a few apps that were cast ready (I originally had chromecast) that showed the cast icon. I could no longer cast once I got aftv, the icons didn't even show up in my apps anymore even though I knew it was available. I just watched on my phone only. I dl'd this app to my phone and sideloaded it to my ftvs and ftv via another useful app via my phone. I gave each device a separate name and rebooted. (Oh, and ticked the box to start up with device) Now, my cast icons show up in my favorite apps, and I am able to cast! I am Soo freaken happy!! It also shows both my cast channels.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I noticed in the other thread that it said the app listed would expire today. Since I don't have the play store installed how can I go about getting the paid version or at least continue to use this version?

Will post an update to keep this trial going

The apk has been updated, now expires on August-31-2015.
it fixed the chrome tab mirroring issue, and improved the device discovery. Please give it a try.

Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?

right, the licensing issue is the last thing we are working on for Amazon store. We are checking if Amazon has similar apis as google play app licensing, still no definite answer yet. If Amazon does not provide such api, we can do it ourselves by entering a license key, not the best way.
Rincewind2011 said:
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

For some reason we don't understand yet, chrome tab mirroring works only on fire TV box, not on fire TV stick, all other features are same on both.

Control Fire TV from PC

Is there anyway that I can control my Fire TV from my pc?
I find it really hard to type with the remote itself, so just wondered if I could control the TV with my laptops mouse and keyboard.

If you have the Fire TV Box, you can add a keyboard via USB. Some work better than others.
There is also a remote control app for Android phones and typing works fine.

I have successfully installed Remote VNC Server
I have been able to install Remote VNC Server onto my FTV v2 box...
There are several guides on installing a VNC server onto FTV; however most use a paid VNC server. I chose to install the free Remote VNC server from the Play store and it worked. My FTV is rooted and I am using VNC Viewer on Win 10 to control it. Typing is a little slow, but works. Haven't played with settings which could remedy the delay...
Oh, and make sure to use port 6000 when connecting. It doesn't mention anything about that in the app, but I wasn't able to connect until I specified that port.
Good Luck!!

you can just use teamviewer...

Not sure if you have an IPhone or android device. The official app on IPhone supports inputting text from the keyboard. I would assume the android equivalent does the same.

I'm currently using Vysor which seems to be quite hassle free.

The android official Fire TV app Can control you fire device & type & manoeuvre using the touch screen keyboard & controls

The FireTV app internally works with the WhisperNet protocol.
The connection is secured and pairing unfortunately seems incredibly complicated.
My guess is, however, that this could possibly be used to get playstate, track names and other information enabling full integration into home automation systems.
Maybe someone with a clue about cryptography could have a look at it?
Be warned: pairing a phone remote works only once and can not be deleted

chadster1976 said:
. I chose to install the free Remote VNC server from the Play store and it worked. My FTV is rooted and I am using VNC Viewer on Win 10 to control it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
requires root?
YoColdRain said:
you can just use teamviewer...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
teamviewer full or quicksupport?
buttons wouldnt work for me to get to settings buttin in teamviewer
quicksupport works but I can only view remote computer, not control it

SayWhat10 said:
requires root?
teamviewer full or quicksupport?
buttons wouldnt work for me to get to settings buttin in teamviewer
quicksupport works but I can only view remote computer, not control it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interaction from a remote VNC client requires root.
Quicksupport works on a stick with root. AFTV2 with the rbox 5.0.5 image crashes complaining of missing files
Haven't tried VNC Server yet

Blue Stacks
To control your Fire Stick using the PC, install an Android emulator (I use "BlueStacks 4"). Inside the emulator install the FireTV Remote app from the Google Play Store. I tried posting links, but as a new user, that is not permitted.

Vysor is your best bet or get micro usb otg adapter to USB adapter to plug in a wireless mouse and keyboard. Also you could get a usb mouse remote with backlit keyboard. The fire tv remote app for iPhone and android works really good for typing.

https://ufile.io/dy10b5qa
Not by me, cant find who made it.
Console (DOS prompt) based, works just make sure you check your tv to grant permissions. I jsut tested Kodi controls and they work... give it a shot.
---------- Post added at 04:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:29 AM ----------
https://ufile.io/dy10b5qa
if i cant post uploadfiles, please erase and ban my account from this site.
This is an ADB remote, that I just tested and works for entering text. DOS based. I guess it was deleted but its its adb sending commands.
Dont work that great though, you have to wait for each command you send to complete, tho it does go faster if you arent using any apps like Kodi (but also makes a good remote).
Again, XDA, please remove my account and everything you can if I cant post this. Thank you. Thank you for all the Winmo stuff in the mid 2000s. I have earned this right to have my info deleted.

Stumped.
floydj said:
To control your Fire Stick using the PC, install an Android emulator (I use "BlueStacks 4"). Inside the emulator install the FireTV Remote app from the Google Play Store. I tried posting links, but as a new user, that is not permitted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I'm stumped. In the Fire TV Rempte App, where are the up/down/left/right/select navigation buttons in the circle near the top of the actual remote?

Freonpsandoz said:
OK, I'm stumped. In the Fire TV Rempte App, where are the up/down/left/right/select navigation buttons in the circle near the top of the actual remote?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If installed on your phone, swipe in the large empty space in the middle of the screen. Tap to select. I haven't tried it from a pc, but assume you would drag and click.

You can try out scrcpy. The preview on the PC is bit laggy when connecting over Wi-Fi but the input is instant on the FireTV. You need to activate ADB tho.

Directv and wukong apps not completley working

I am able to upload the apps to the fire stick but cannot seem to open them completely. I downloaded the wukong remote app, have a bluetooth keyboard hooked up to my Samsung un65h7150 which seems to have a pretty fast processor and also have the directv tablet app on the stick as well. I can sign in with directv but have great difficulty navigating with fire stick remote and the keyboard as well. I can get as far as highlighting a channel but to open it up never happens- no enter buttons work neither on the wukong 'try now'
Any help would be appreciated.
QUOTE=vulcan195;63789983]Does this work on the latest Fire TV box running Fire OS 5?[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]

tjmethod said:
I am able to upload the apps to the fire stick but cannot seem to open them completely. I downloaded the wukong remote app, have a bluetooth keyboard hooked up to my Samsung un65h7150 which seems to have a pretty fast processor and also have the directv tablet app on the stick as well. I can sign in with directv but have great difficulty navigating with fire stick remote and the keyboard as well. I can get as far as highlighting a channel but to open it up never happens- no enter buttons work neither on the wukong 'try now'
Any help would be appreciated.
QUOTE=vulcan195;63789983]Does this work on the latest Fire TV box running Fire OS 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]
You need to side-load the app to your phone or tablet, open app and connect to your Firestick IP, once connected It will automatically install the wukong app on your firestick . Once you see the app under your main\apps you are good to go.

Hi thanks I thought it just wasn't completely compatible. I did download the 'appstofire', app from GP, opened it up after I had the wukong and direct tablet already downloaded (from gp) and then opened the appstofire app, selected those apps to upload then got an error to select setup. I then put in my IP and then was able to upload or transfer the wukong and directv apps to the stick. So you're saying they need to be sideloaded instead of how I'm doing it- I did see an app called fire tv stick side load app somewhere on here- I'll try that when I get in- hopefully this works since the 'appstofire' app didn't - thanks for your help :good:

Uninstall sideloaded apps. Go to playstore and download wukong app on your phone\tablet, lunch it and search for your box IP,select it and will attempt to connect, once connected it will automatically install wukong app on your fire TV. When this is all done you should be able to see the pointer on your screen and navigate through using your preferred type of build in modes ( touchpad, dpad, mouse or keyboard)

Hi not sure what I am doing wrong but once uninstalling the apps from the firestick and downloading the wukong app for 'kodi' instead of any other then launching it and selecting ip, it asks last 2 numbers which I put in and hit search and I get no device found which dosen't make sense. I have unkown sources on and usb degug on set, it tries to initialize but fails and says 1 minute to resolve but goes to a tutorial troubleshoot page without connecting?
bula1ca said:
Uninstall sideloaded apps. Go to playstore and download wukong app on your phone\tablet, lunch it and search for your box IP,select it and will attempt to connect, once connected it will automatically install wukong app on your fire TV. When this is all done you should be able to see the pointer on your screen and navigate through using your preferred type of build in modes ( touchpad, dpad, mouse or keyboard)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hi I know what you were explainging was a pretty simple, quick access to the application but I seem to be experiencing a problem connecting to it on my firestick. Once installing the app on my phone for example and then trying to access it on the stick, it shows ‘smart tv’ which is checked and ‘my devices’ which has a rectangular green box that is labeled ‘connect’ but not ‘firetv’. When tapping ‘connect', I get ‘initializing’ then failed to initialize showing the troubleshooting page suggesting developer options and usb debugging which are all on. The only other problem that I thought may be the issue was having all connections the same which they are now on the same wifi extender that has the best signal. This didn’t change anything. I then checked the IP address on the firestick which is 192.168.1.12 and it when hitting ‘Input IP to search’, it asks for the last 2 digits but when entering the 12, I quickly get ‘no devices found please try again. I then checked the IP on my tv and found its IP’s last 2 digits are 22 not 12 which I don’t see how I would change these or even if this would be the problem since it is the firestick that I am trying to get recognized. Besides, even though ‘smart tv’ shows up in the ‘New Devices’, Wukong is not functional with the actual tv either. The other suggestion they give was to install the server onto the tv but once copying that fires on to a flash drive then plugging it into my Samsung smart tv, I cant even access the file on the tv.
If you or anyone can shed any light on my situtuation - it would be appreciated
[/QUOTE]
You need to side-load the app to your phone or tablet, open app and connect to your Firestick IP, once connected It will automatically install the wukong app on your firestick . Once you see the app under your main\apps you are good to go.[/QUOTE]

I'm also stuck
When I use Wukong Remote, it doesn't detect my Fire TV. I have ADB debugging and Unknown Source both on. Might there be another setting I am missing so my Firestick can be detected?