Develop Bugs

[GUIDE] Amazon Fire Phone ROOTED! 3.5.1 Downgrade

Thanks to @SafinWasi @Dilbert1959 @Euneiro
Required
Code:
Android SDK
ADB
USB Debugging (see [user=5609616]@SafinWasi[/user]'s guide - [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/guide-enable-usb-debugging-setup-t2859697"]HERE[/URL])
If you've managed to avoid the OTA update & are still on 3.5 - Simple. Download towelroot v3, make it ra1n, download SuperSU, then use Titanium or ES File Explorer to uninstall/disable Devices Services Platform.
For the rest of us who have updated to 3.5.1
Download Fire OS 3.5 - HERE
Rename to update.bin & drop it in to C:\
Boot phone into recovery by holding PWR + VOL UP
Select "Apply update from ADB"
Go to Device Manager - find "Fire" and select "Update driver". Go through the list of "All devices" to find Android Composite USB Interface and select it.
Unplug the phone, plug it back in, then open up a command prompt and type the following:
Code:
adb sideload c:\update.bin
This will downgrade you to 3.5. When done, do a full wipe & reboot. Then install towelroot to obtain root access.
Please report any issues.

Great job,I'll add this to my R&D thread

I have a question: If you're rooted on the Fire Phone, is it possible to install Google Services Framework and Google Play Services and have a fully working Google Play Store and GApps on this device, like the Kindle tablets can? Thanks in advance!

Yes, but be careful - don't downgrade fireos above 3.6.2

B1ackByte said:
Yes, but be careful - don't downgrade fireos above 3.6.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Fire Phone Fire OS 3.6.8 , am i domed to stuck forever with only amazon apps ? can i at least sideload google store apps ?
if i can downgrade and make it work with google store ; can you guys tell me how ?

Maybe you should have a look at the other threads - already mentioned there
3.6.8 downgrade maybe make your device useless
---------- Post added at 10:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 PM ----------
Launcher: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2961169
[Q] Fire Phone & Launchers
---------- Post added at 10:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:03 PM ----------
Gapps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=57095260

i really hope someone can root fire phone 3.6.8 and make a customer rom
it is a nice phone

I will second that plea - please someone discovery how to root and put a real Android ROM on 3.6.8 phones. It is a powerhouse phone for the on-sale price. But I just can't warm up to the Fire ROM - they tried to make it a Kindle tablet that's a phone device and changes to the UI just to be different in my opinion.
I do not get Voice Mail messages on my Lock Screen - does anybody? I've missed multiple messages now because the only way I know I have one is if I swipe down from the top to display notifications (why the $#!!# Amazon developers thought that you shouldn't display notifications in the notification bar is beyond me and an example of how frustrating this otherwise fine phone is..).
Please, please, please.....

daggerNC said:
I will second that plea - please someone discovery how to root and put a real Android ROM on 3.6.8 phones. It is a powerhouse phone for the on-sale price. But I just can't warm up to the Fire ROM - they tried to make it a Kindle tablet that's a phone device and changes to the UI just to be different in my opinion.
I do not get Voice Mail messages on my Lock Screen - does anybody? I've missed multiple messages now because the only way I know I have one is if I swipe down from the top to display notifications (why the $#!!# Amazon developers thought that you shouldn't display notifications in the notification bar is beyond me and an example of how frustrating this otherwise fine phone is..).
Please, please, please.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel ur pain. bite ur finger nails and stay strong

daggerNC said:
I will second that plea - please someone discovery how to root and put a real Android ROM on 3.6.8 phones. It is a powerhouse phone for the on-sale price. But I just can't warm up to the Fire ROM - they tried to make it a Kindle tablet that's a phone device and changes to the UI just to be different in my opinion.
I do not get Voice Mail messages on my Lock Screen - does anybody? I've missed multiple messages now because the only way I know I have one is if I swipe down from the top to display notifications (why the $#!!# Amazon developers thought that you shouldn't display notifications in the notification bar is beyond me and an example of how frustrating this otherwise fine phone is..).
Please, please, please.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Below is a copy/paste of a review I wrote about using this phone after 2 months. The section regarding notifications surely will apply to you. Perhaps there will be other parts that will help as well!
LilLowEK said:
Below, in no particular order, is a list of things I hated out of the box. Following will be my feelings, along with tips & tricks, on the same items.
1. The Home Screen - I didn't like how the apps were randomly scattered on the home screen. It was difficult for me find what I was looking for.
2. No Google Play Store - I understand the logic behind this from a business prospective. However, from a consumer prospective, there are apps I use on a daily basis that were not available in the Amazon App Store. As bad as this sounds, it means I'd have to change my life style to accommodate this device. One thing that kind of floored me on this is that Google doesn't block the Amazon App store on their OS.
3. The grid - It scrolls up and down, where I've been used to scrolling left to right. Also, there is no way to easily sort the applications by alphabetical order. It simply displays them as they are installed.
4. The lack of soft keys - I've been accustomed to soft keys to open the menu, go home, view recently used apps, and to go back.
5. Notifications - The notification bar doesn't keep a log of icons of notifications. For example, if I get a KIK message it drops down, previews it, and vanished. Unless I open up the notification panel there is nothing to remind you of this. This bothers me as I often don't review them straight away and forget it even happened.
6. Keyboard - There is absolutely no way to install another keyboard. I've been a long time user of Swift Key and I keep find myself hitting the period instead of the space bar.
Due to the above I decided to try to make the phone a bit more what I'm used to. This was easy as I simply had to side load a few apps. This mainly included the apps that were not in the Amazon App Store along with a launcher to replace the Amazon Home screen. After installing several launchers I found one that I was happy with as it permitted me to use custom Widgets. I used it this way for a week or so and was happy to have my old Style back.
Now that I didn't feel held back, or limited by the device, I wanted to give it a go on how it was intended to be used. I changed my default home launcher to the Fire OS launcher. After using it a bit, and exploring it, it's my default launcher with no plans of going back to the standard Android Launcher! Below are the same 6 items listed above, but including how I feel about them now. It will also include what I consider to be tips & tricks, things I wish I knew out of the box.
1. The Home Screen - The use of Dynamic Perspective to access menus is amazing! The apps that are created for this OS have beautiful home screen widgets that I'm not sure I could go with out now. I love the fact I can read SMS messages on the home screen, emails on the home screen, a flip of the wrist shows me the current weather, my upcoming appointment and reminders, and much more. Although there is no easy way to change the apps listed, you can pin apps to the front. So simply pin the app that you want listed last first, and the first app last. This will put them in the order that you'd like.
2. No Google Play Store - As others have mentioned, installing the Google Play Store is very simply on this device. There is no downgrading required. Simply side load a few APK files. I won't go into detail on this as it can be found in a lot of other places.
3. The grid - I don't mind scrolling up and down now. It's second nature now. However, you still can not sort the apps. You must go through the tedious process of moving them one at a time by clicking and dragging it. I did this so they are sorted alphabetically. If I install a new app I now simply drag it where I feel it should be.
4. The lack of soft keys - I'm so used to swiping up now it's odd to use a traditional Android phone's back button! The physical home button works fine, especiall8y now that I discovered the "Quick Switch" menu by double pressing the home key.
5. Notifications - I've toggled all the options regarding notifications in the settings. My original complaint still exists. This was a HUGE set back for me with this device. Luckily, with a lot of trial and error, I found an app that works well for me. It's call NotifierPro Free. I configured it so a bar drops down and stays under the status bar. I also configured it so these notifications remain until I swipe them away. This has been a HUGE help in allowing me to adapt to this device.
6. Keyboard - There is still no way to change the default keyboard, even after side loading one. Amazon told me they made an update to their Kindles which allows the use of changing keyboard applications, so there will be an update that allows the Fire Phone to do the same.
Tips & Tricks / Q & A
1. Switching between running apps quickly.
- To do this simply press the home button twice quickly. You will be presented with a menu called "Quick Switch" where your most recently used apps can be found.
2. How do I quit apps that I'm not using at the moment to extend battery life and free resources?
- If you double click the home button to access the "Quick Switch" menu you can swipe up which will close the app, remove it from the quick switch menu, along with removing it from the cluttered home carousel.
3. Can I group applications together?
- Yes you can! Inside the home menu click and drag an application over another. It will ask you to give the new collection a name and they are then in a group. This is a great way to keep things together and sorted. You can also drag these "collections" into the home screen dock.
4. Any tips for the Camera?
- Yes! I've read about this "best shot" feature, but it didn't seem to do anything for me once I enable it. However, which viewing the photos you already have taken you will have a "best shot" option you can click on. This will show you the 3 photos the camera took, allowing you to select the one that you like the best.
- Burst Feature - The Amazon pages states you can click and hold the camera button to take a burst of photos. This doesn't work for me as it opens up Fire Fly. However, if you press and hold the soft key this feature works.
5. Amazon App Store or Google Play Store?
- I suggest you use the App from the Amazon App Store if available. Some of these apps are created specifically for the Fire Phone and give home screen widgets that the standard app does not support. For example, if you install KIK from the Amazon App Store it allows you to read messages on your home screen, where if you install it from the Play Store it does not.
6. Is the battery really as bad as people say?
- Maybe originally prior to the newest update. The newest update bring out amazing battery life, compared to my old phone at least. I can easily get through an entire day on a single charge. This is under moderate use such as messaging, emailing, browsing eBay, the web, and normal app use. I do not use the device to watch movies or television shows.
As I continue finding things about this phone that I feel are worth mentioning, I'll be sure to update this review. Outside of that, if you have bought this device but initially installed the Google Home Launcher, I strongly suggest you open your mind and give the Amazon Home Launcher a shot. It's truly amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

LilLowEK said:
Below is a copy/paste of a review I wrote about using this phone after 2 months. The section regarding notifications surely will apply to you. Perhaps there will be other parts that will help as well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the notification app you refer to called "NotifierPro Free"? I don't see anything by the exact name you said...

ediebol said:
Is the notification app you refer to called "NotifierPro Free"? I don't see anything by the exact name you said...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can find it in the Google Playstore.

B1ackByte said:
Yes, but be careful - don't downgrade fireos above 3.6.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I successfully downgraded from 3.6.6 to 3.6.2 and phone still activated

lu1gj3s said:
I successfully downgraded from 3.6.6 to 3.6.2 and phone still activated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell us more, please... We would like to have more info regarding this

I have v3.6.0 on my phone uk o2 can i downgrade to 3.5? what are the benefits and its asking to update to 3.6.8 what should i do?

jutley said:
I have v3.6.0 on my phone uk o2 can i downgrade to 3.5? what are the benefits and its asking to update to 3.6.8 what should i do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! I would like to know if I can downgrade to 3.5 from this version because having root will really change the game

Below 3.6.8 downgrade should work. Please use development forum only for development.

B1ackByte said:
Below 3.6.8 downgrade should work. Please use development forum only for development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it DOES!
I followed the tutorial and now I have the device with 3.5 and full root.
By the way, YOU NEED TO BE PATIENT. Fire Phone takes forever in wiping cache and data. Just leave the phone for around 5 - 7 minutes n both cases even though it looks stacked.
And BE CAREFUL! This image is for AT&T... So the image is for the US customers and you won't be able to use AppStore unless you change your country to the US
Thanks, guys!

I am M3 said:
Thanks to @SafinWasi @Dilbert1959 @Euneiro
Required
Code:
Android SDK
ADB
USB Debugging (see [user=5609616]@SafinWasi[/user]'s guide - [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/guide-enable-usb-debugging-setup-t2859697"]HERE[/URL])
If you've managed to avoid the OTA update & are still on 3.5 - Simple. Download towelroot v3, make it ra1n, download SuperSU, then use Titanium or ES File Explorer to uninstall/disable Devices Services Platform.
For the rest of us who have updated to 3.5.1
Download Fire OS 3.5 - HERE
Rename to update.bin & drop it in to C:\
Boot phone into recovery by holding PWR + VOL UP
Select "Apply update from ADB"
Go to Device Manager - find "Fire" and select "Update driver". Go through the list of "All devices" to find Android Composite USB Interface and select it.
Unplug the phone, plug it back in, then open up a command prompt and type the following:
Code:
adb sideload c:\update.bin
This will downgrade you to 3.5. When done, do a full wipe & reboot. Then install towelroot to obtain root access.
Please report any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I start a cmd prompt but when I enter the command " adb sideload c:\update.bin " it just runs the help file with adb commands, I am on the adb recovery screen and it says sideload OTA update using adb sideload <filename>. Not sure what I am doing wrong? help please, oh my device has download part of the new update, do I need to delete it first? I'm running 3.5.1 at&t

wont read update.bin
when I try to sideload it gives me a message "cannot read update.bin" maybe a corrupted dowload, i'll try downloading again or any other suggestions?

Uk Fire TV

Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?

seymour71 said:
Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.

helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bugger. That's what I was afraid of.
Thanks for your reply mate.

Which firmware did your UK AFTV come installed with? Here's a list
http://www.aftvnews.com/software/

helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers

eskay993 said:
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!

helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?

seymour71 said:
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.

helicon9 said:
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.

helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
seymour71 said:
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.

eskay993 said:
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm, yes, i thought I'd read that. All the media is on a usb drive, so i'll check. Thanks.

Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.

fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?

fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen. There's a guide below (look at the "Semi Bypass" Section). Been using it for a while and works fine, as long as you don't mind clicking a random icon to launch kodi.
http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV#Llama_.28automation.29_Events

I'm using mine with a NAS. I think attaching USB hard drives does require root.
I use SPMC (non launcher version) and it shows up in recently used apps at the top of Fire TV main menu, so no having to dig through the settings sub menus.
This may be because it's also in Amazon App Store (though shows as not compatible with Fire TV).

fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launcher, then when I click on xbmc to launch it looks like it's about to boot but then just comes straight back to the fire launcher.
Ive also installed plex with side load and that works ok?
Do you have any suggestions? thanks.

eskay993 said:
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, thanks... alas too late, I have boxed my FireTV and put it on Ebay... too few apps that I like & want will work properly on this box, so I'm going to wait for a proper Lollipop Android TV !
chowynatt said:
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launche
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had that with the first two versions I tried. I also tried to clean the data/cache on the app, see if that works?
seymour71 said:
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, I didn't try it and now my FireTV is in a box ready to be sold on ebay... I don't believe it will though, but don't know.
Mark

[Q] What can you do with a Rooted FireTV?

I have always rooted my phones, like the flexibility.
But the FireTV needs to be wife friendly, what are some of the benefits of rooting this device?

What are the reasons for rooting any device? Same here

I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

ekeefe41 said:
I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, since the last update i feel like im using less root features but im definetly not one to advocate factory resetting (unrooting) You just dont know if there will be something you need in the future & imo you forfeit control to amazon if you unroot or choose not to root when you can.
I might want to flash a custom rom. Thats probably the best reason i can think of to keep root. As far as "wife friendliness" from my personal experience youre looking at apple tv 3, but skills vary from person to person. Theres really nothing about my rooted aftv that differs from stock as far as basic user experiences.

ekeefe41 said:
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- A true Kodi launcher is probably the best feature that also provides access to Amazon content. Never have to see that wretched Fire TV home screen unless wanting to access Amazon content.
2- The ability to have usage of USB external storage above and beyond what Amazon is now offering.
3- The ability to add the Google Play Store to the Fire TV.
I'm sure there are even more reasons for rooting a Fire TV. With root this device is no longer Amazon centric and I prefer it to be just this way.

A few of the obvious ones:
- Mount NTFS usb drives with StickMount
- Full control of the FireTV (edit hosts file, run custom scripts etc...)
- Custom Recovery menu
- Custom bootmenu
- Custom Roms (CyanogenMod, possibly CentOS etc... in the future)
- Ability to downgrade to older firmware versions
- Ability to re-add any features amazon remove in future
You basically have absolute control of the device and can do with it what you like. It's not a requirement for the FireTV to be a great device, but I think it rooted AFTV is worth 10x a non rooted device, but that's just me

ekeefe41 said:
I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one fire tv rooted and one non rooted. On the rooted fire tv I have a 128 gig ssd connected to my fire tv, so I can install pretty much as many games as I would like. Although the new firmware allows the use of usb drives it is still limited. An example is Asphalt 8 will only put the basic app on the usb drive not the 1.4 gig data. I can backup my entire fire tv not just apps. So once I have everything the way I like I can protect that setup with a backup. I am using Squarehome tablet and it is very customizable if you have root. It works without but some important features like themes don't work as well without root. I can customize Squarehome and make my home screen look like whatever I want. I can have some of my favorite apps or all my apps on the home screen, and I can have them with tabs such as Games, Entertainment, System, Video or whatever. I don't have to worry about SPMC or Kodi running out of space, or creating an xml file to move thumbnails etc. I can connect my PS3 controller using sixaxis which I believe requires root. I don't have to buy amazon's controller for $40. With root I can use wallpapers and themes on whatever launcher I'm using. No one has to root their fire tv but once you do you'll see many benefits. It becomes your device and not Amazon's where all you can do is buy their movies games and apps.

Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.

roligov said:
A few of the obvious ones:
- Mount NTFS usb drives with StickMount
- Full control of the FireTV (edit hosts file, run custom scripts etc...)
- Custom Recovery menu
- Custom bootmenu
- Custom Roms (CyanogenMod, possibly CentOS etc... in the future)
- Ability to downgrade to older firmware versions
- Ability to re-add any features amazon remove in future
You basically have absolute control of the device and can do with it what you like. It's not a requirement for the FireTV to be a great device, but I think it rooted AFTV is worth 10x a non rooted device, but that's just me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NTFS is apparently the ONLY file system that the FTV/latest pre-rooted firmware does not mess with. (This was driving me crazy.) If you are running OSX you can follow this excellent video on how to enable read/write NTFS on your Mac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-2NCRcylK0

I've been using Stick Mount Pro from day 1 of root. Had a few issues mounting every now and then, but it's been working flawlessly the last few releases.

mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you do this?

cpugeeker said:
How did you do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread explains it...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392

Adblock and Custom launcher *without using llama or whatever* are the only reasons you should need to want to root your firetv.

HeXDeMoN said:
Adblock and Custom launcher *without using llama or whatever* are the only reasons you should need to want to root your firetv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use root mainly for quicksupport to help my family and friends. You cannot do that without rooting and google play is needed to buy emulators that work very well on the firetv. Expanding basic storage it around the horizon for me as my space is getting very limited.

mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do that on a non-rooted FireTV with Llama.

dk1keith said:
I have one fire tv rooted and one non rooted. On the rooted fire tv I have a 128 gig ssd connected to my fire tv, so I can install pretty much as many games as I would like. Although the new firmware allows the use of usb drives it is still limited. An example is Asphalt 8 will only put the basic app on the usb drive not the 1.4 gig data. I can backup my entire fire tv not just apps. So once I have everything the way I like I can protect that setup with a backup. I am using Squarehome tablet and it is very customizable if you have root. It works without but some important features like themes don't work as well without root. I can customize Squarehome and make my home screen look like whatever I want. I can have some of my favorite apps or all my apps on the home screen, and I can have them with tabs such as Games, Entertainment, System, Video or whatever. I don't have to worry about SPMC or Kodi running out of space, or creating an xml file to move thumbnails etc. I can connect my PS3 controller using sixaxis which I believe requires root. I don't have to buy amazon's controller for $40. With root I can use wallpapers and themes on whatever launcher I'm using. No one has to root their fire tv but once you do you'll see many benefits. It becomes your device and not Amazon's where all you can do is buy their movies games and apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I may resurrect this old thread, I have a few questions about how specifically some of these feats are accomplished:
1. How specifically does root allow one to work around the problem of games like Asphalt 8 insisting on keeping its large amount of data on internal storage?
2. What tool do you use for doing a full Fire TV backup?
3. This might be related to number 1, but how specifically do you keep Kodi/SPMC from burning up all the local storage without resorting to the custom xml to move thumbnails, etc. route? (I never could get that technique to work anyway).

mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to boot directly into Kodi?
Thanks,
-Nigel

Where's the guide!!!???

Help
mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I’m not by any means a technology wiz but I just purchased this from amazon and heard from a friend he jailboke this and prompted me to look online on how to do this was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction ?

Aftvnews.com
But current software revisions aren't rootable.

Can rooted Fire TV 2 launch directly to Kodi?

I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.

It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate

deanr1977 said:
It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.

ks-man said:
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a wired console or pc controller around the house you could install an emulator or 2 & play some old console games? Look in the Q&A section of this Fire TV thread & your see my compatible sideloaded apps & accessories thread if you need it & it will save you some time trying out different apps or accessories to see if they work or not?
Have fun & press that thanks button If this helped you
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

ks-man said:
I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv

mejdam said:
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
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deanr1977 said:
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.

Dude360 said:
I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392

I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)

ks-man said:
This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this was the mod I was talking about (launcher intent). This is what the Xposed module will allow but without using a modded apk.
Nothing wrong with using elmerohueso builds but be aware you wont be able to use Firestarter to update Kodi as the modded apk has been signed differently. To update you'll have to use adb to sideload the new apk everytime theres an update.
Theres several ways to achieve Kodi as a launcher but like most things on the AFTV, for every upside theres also several downsides...
rp201 said:
I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not heard of that one but Ill take a looksy, especially if it works on unrooted!

Any reason not to update all my AFTV1s to Kodi 16 ??

Assuming others have been testing betas and things.. Any showstopping issues ??
Any reason not to update my network of AFTVs to Kodi 16 ??

I updated my AFTV1 to Kodi 16, and it works great - especially since I was able to keep my settings and add ons. On some ways, it now works better than my Shield TV running Kodi 16

Thanks.. Think I am going to scrub everything and start a fresh build..
To backup and push around the net.. Every so often the buildup of old add ons worth clearing.

It seems great so far, was told it is faster than 15.2 & all seems good only thing I've noticed is every now & then my splash screen plays on a add on background? Which is weird haha, & every now & then It might lag when switching though the menu's

I upgraded from v14 to v16, and it is a noticeable speed increase. I actually enjoy the AFTV a lot more now than my Shield TV (partially due to the faster remote with more buttons), and v16 seems faster on the AFTV1.
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eastbayarb said:
I upgraded from v14 to v16, and it is a noticeable speed increase. I actually enjoy the AFTV a lot more now than my Shield TV (partially due to the faster remote with more buttons), and v16 seems faster on the AFTV1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am going to need to set up another house with multiple boxes and having looked about.. I think I will just use AFTVs there too, for the same reason, I like the remote and has about the right amount of buttons.
Just need a whole batch of sideclicks.

If you have multiple AFTV boxes (I am glad you don't want those sticks), set one up, make a backup, and restore them on the other boxes.
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eastbayarb said:
If you have multiple AFTV boxes (I am glad you don't want those sticks), set one up, make a backup, and restore them on the other boxes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I have been doing.. But actually the caching of local thumbs makes that a slower operation now.. If I could do backups minus the images, that would be fine..
I have my database as a mySQL on the network.. Which I assume holds the thumbs again ?? Its a couple of GB..
I actually find it easier to back up my sources.xml and advancedsettings.xml and remote profile.. And simply install a new kodi and push those 3 files.. Allowing it to then pull the images in to each box without the backing them up and restoring them.

@phat Phredy,
How did you set up your MySQL server? I want to be able to have all my add ons, settings, and even offline collection in sync with all my Kodi boxes (2 AFTV's, 1 Shield TV, and an Android/Windows tablet).
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I did a little howto.. I use KSWEB server, running on one AFTV, as my mysql host..
http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=221540
Its actually not that ideal, my DB is now 3 something GB, almost filling the AFTV, and for some reason the AFTVs update the box ID much more than android boxes do causing me to need to get new reg keys. Its not been enough of a pain to solve another way yet, but it isnt the perfect do it once and forget.

Hmmm...I will have to check that out. I wanna set up a really small PC (like a USFF optiplex due to its small footprint, it is quiet, and has much more storage) as a MySQL/PVR backend. Do I have to have Kodi running on the server to be a MySQL server?

Kodi runs the client side..
You will just need to install a MYSQL server and create the database with username and password.. then push the advancedsettings.xml with those details over to each kodi box.

Could I possibly set this up on my Shield TV? Also, could I possibly set it up to use storage from a USB stick or SD card?
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