ES File Explorer Premium Issue - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have a new fire tv and I enjoy it a lot. I use ES File Explorer to install some android APKs on my firetv. It used to work fine in the past. However, for the past couple of days, ES File Explorer has discontinued that option unless we upgrade it to premium. The premium version costs $9.99 per month and I don't want to go with such subscription model. Is there an alternative file manager that provides such option? I use downloader also, but it can't be used to install any APK that I want. Apps2Fire did not work either as I have hard wired my TV with an ethernet cable and my mobile is on a wifi network. Moreover, I use ES file explorer for some other options such as to access the cloud drive, mount external hard drive etc.
If the old version of ES File Explorer still offers the APK install option, that could be an option too. I just need to know from where and how I can get the old version installed on my firetv.

Total commander with the LAN plugin

TimmyP said:
Total commander with the LAN plugin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response.
However, Total commander on fire tv doesn't seem to allow installing plugins. Morever, I don't need the LAN plugin. I have a 1 TB Toshiba external drive connected to my fire tv which I want to mount. Total commander doesn't seem to recognize the external hard drive.
I have removed the latest version of ES File Explorer and installed a old version from Stream & Tech filelinked store and it is working perfectly.

Then just use es file explorer and keep the apk in a place where you can reinstall, uninstalling when you are done. This will save you memory that you need.
Install ES File explorer, browse to and install apk, uninstall es file explorer. EZ PZ.
Or (what I do and everyone else should) is download the apk from a mirror site, there are tons that have every single version of everything like Apkpure, Apkmirror etc. Set up an adb connection. Then you just have the apk files on your pc (or phone even) and adb install or adb uninstall without ever worrying about putting the apk to install on your device, or installing bloat software on a device that really shouldnt have it (kodi and small programs are enough).

I would suggest install an older version of ES explorer. There is a reason they were removed from the google play store. The latest update limits what you can do unless you pay $10 a month. Uninstall it and look for an older version on apkmirror and don't update. Solid explorer since decent, but it isn't optimized for fire TV.

Yeah I deleted ES and instead sideloaded CX File Explorer.

Google for "ES File Explorer_4.1.9.9.10.a.apk"
This was the last version on Amazon Fire TV Stick that didn't require premium to install.
I had the backup here is the attached file for FireTV Stick.

Try sideloading FX File Explorer and/or MiXplorer. For me, ES is long past expired.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1523691

Related

[Q] Ouya File Server

Can anyone point me to any kind of file server for the Ouya? CIFS would be ideal but I can handle NFS or FTP too.
I've done my research here and in other forums and am not seeing any clear answer. What I want to do is to be able to remotely copy and delete files to and from the USB key attached to my Ouya.
Why not use ssh for that ?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - now Free
dexter84 said:
Why not use ssh for that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. I see guides for rooting and installing Busybox. I'm not hugely familiar with Busybox. Does Busybox provide an SSH *server* so I can ssh into the Ouya? I *am* familiar with ssh file transfers on my other servers.
I've seen other requests for an SSH server on the Ouya but no clear answers.
Once you root ouya install something like this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=web.oss.sshsftpDaemon
Set it up and leave it running. You will be able to use any ssh client (like putty) to log into ouya and exec any command you need including copying or moving files.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - now Free
dexter84 said:
Once you root ouya install something like this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=web.oss.sshsftpDaemon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I thought about that. Early on with my first Android phone I installed a similar app so I could log into my phone from my workstation and play with it. But I'd need to somehow get the APK from Google Play and then sideload it. How do you extract an APK from the store?
Edit:
Actually, searching not too hard turns up things like:
https://code.google.com/p/droidsshd/
And other sshd APK files. But they all do need access to a shell.
Found a solution.
After reading an Ouya review today, the reviewer was all gaga about using AirDroid to manage your Ouya. I had played with this class of "web desktop" apps years ago with my first Android phone. You run the app and then connect to your Android device with your browser. The app gives you a desktop that lets you manipulate your device.
Unfortunately AirDroid is a paid app and costs $1.99 a month. The free version is limited to 100MB of transfers per month which just isn't enough if you're transferring game images for your Ouya emulators.
So instead I found 3CX DroidDesktop which does what I need to do. Here it is on Google Play:
DroidDesktop on Google Play
But of course we can't use Google Play on our Ouya so here is where you can download an APK:
DroidDesktop at android-appstore
Now I thought there used to be a sideloading menu on the Ouya. I guess the last update did away with it. But fortunately the guy who did Mupen64PlusAE (one of the emulators) released FilePwn:
FilePwn on OuyaForum
Which lets you surf the Ouya file system and install packages. Install it through the normal Ouya method. Looks like it's free (as in beer free.)
DroidDesktop isn't a perfect solution. You have to specifically run it when you want to perform file management and the way the Ouya is setup an app takes over the machine and I have no idea how to switch away and do the multitasking I know Android is capable of. But it works and does *not* require rooting. I was able to surf to my USB key and copy and delete files from a Windows workstation.
Edit:
Whoops. FilePwn was *not* released by PaulsCode.com but by littleguy77. Paul just gave him a thumbs-up. My bad.
I like ftpdroid and it runs in the background.
tennisbgc said:
I like ftpdroid and it runs in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it shot.
tennisbgc said:
I like ftpdroid and it runs in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It took me a bit to figure out how to get the APK to sideload FTPDroid. I ended up using APK Extractor:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sylark.apkextractor&hl=en
on my Nexus 7 to get the file. But now after sideloading when I run FTPDroid, it drops right back to the Ouya menu. I'm having the same issue with ES File Explorer. Both are apps that are supposed to run on the Ouya just fine.
Does anyone have any ideas? Is this some issue running Google Play apps on the Ouya?
tennisbgc said:
I like ftpdroid and it runs in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i launch ftpdroid on my ouya it crashes immediately
krzee said:
when i launch ftpdroid on my ouya it crashes immediately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant say ive run into this problem. Are you rooted?
Have you tried samba filesharing from google app store? I use it on all of my devices but have not tried it out on ouya.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I use it https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funkyfresh.samba
And work fine !
Envoyé depuis mon Galaxy Nexus avec Tapatalk 4
I use dropbox & copy to get files to the Ouya.
It's a little more roundabout, but i can download files at work, put them in the @ouya folder in copy, then download when i get home.
I use StockPlus Room that have CIFs support + Mount Manager (free and paid options) and conect to my Time Capsule 3T, and forget the memory limitations on OUYA.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Nice skeleton solution!!!
I've used [and am using] the servers ultimate pro
but I'll keep this one as a backup
ES File Explorer
I've tried nearly all the set-ups above but the one I find most reliable uses ES File Explorer. No need for root or anything else.
Sideload ES File Explorer
Open ES File Explorer
Go to Remote Manager, under tools
Go to Settings (for remote manager)
Turn off 'Close on exit'
Set root directory as your external USB drive connected to the OUYA
Exit settings, and turn on WLAN
I then use an Filezilla to transfer all my downloaded files from my Desktop directly to the correct folder locations on the USB drive connected to the OUYA. I get really solid speeds on the transfer between the two devices.
I can then leave the OUYA in XBMC mode, while being able to transfer any downloads very quickly to the USB drive whenever I want.
Note: I found this worked best when OUYA was connected via wi-fi. Ethernet was problematic
chadley78 said:
I've tried nearly all the set-ups above but the one I find most reliable uses ES File Explorer. No need for root or anything else.
Sideload ES File Explorer
Open ES File Explorer
Go to Remote Manager, under tools
Go to Settings (for remote manager)
Turn off 'Close on exit'
Set root directory as your external USB drive connected to the OUYA
Exit settings, and turn on WLAN
I then use an Filezilla to transfer all my downloaded files from my Desktop directly to the correct folder locations on the USB drive connected to the OUYA. I get really solid speeds on the transfer between the two devices.
I can then leave the OUYA in XBMC mode, while being able to transfer any downloads very quickly to the USB drive whenever I want.
Note: I found this worked best when OUYA was connected via wi-fi. Ethernet was problematic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still prefer ftpdroid cause it launches in the background at startup.
chadley78 said:
I've tried nearly all the set-ups above but the one I find most reliable uses ES File Explorer. No need for root or anything else.
Sideload ES File Explorer
Open ES File Explorer
Go to Remote Manager, under tools
Go to Settings (for remote manager)
Turn off 'Close on exit'
Set root directory as your external USB drive connected to the OUYA
Exit settings, and turn on WLAN
I then use an Filezilla to transfer all my downloaded files from my Desktop directly to the correct folder locations on the USB drive connected to the OUYA. I get really solid speeds on the transfer between the two devices.
I can then leave the OUYA in XBMC mode, while being able to transfer any downloads very quickly to the USB drive whenever I want.
Note: I found this worked best when OUYA was connected via wi-fi. Ethernet was problematic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried this, but the remote manager keeps closing the connection. i've unchecked the 'close on exit' box, but it still closes after a while.
any ideas on what might be causing this?

Install android apps using TWRP and your smartphone!

TWRP has a built in file manager, I managed to install an apk using 3 apps and TWRP:
Requirements:
1.)Unlocked bootloader on the Wear device (This voids warranty)
2.)Obviously TWRP on Wear device
3.)A smartphone
4.)An Android Wear device
5.)Chrome on Wear
6.)Superbeam
7.)Es File Explorer on Wear
What I did is used Superbeam on my smartphone to send the apk to the wear device. To do this I disconnected my smartwatch from my smartphone and copied the ip address Superbeam created for the apk into chrome on the Wear device then allowed it to download the apk. Once it had downloaded the apk I used Es File Explorer on Wear to check if it was successful and successful it was. Then I booted the wear device into TWRP and moved/copied the apk into data/app (I used TWRP since Es File Explorer wasnt showing the directory data/app) then I chmoded the apk to 0644 and surprisingly when I rebooted it worked so im gonna try various apps using this method.
Install with es file Explorer
1. Follow steps 1, 5 and 7 above then
2. Download apk with chrome
3 load es file Explorer
4 click on root Explorer
5 now select one key install
6 then find your apk
7 install it and it should work
You're running full phone apks on the watch?
kronium said:
You're running full phone apks on the watch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes not all apks work though
Any that you have tried that work and that you would recommend? I feel like many of them wouldn't go so well.
There is another thread on here about that. I will link when I find it. Start with the new version of es filer explorer...
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
can i use a iphone to do it?
I'd be interested to know if you could get the HID Mobile Access app running on the watch. Potential to open access controlled doors...
There is away to get play store working on SmartWatch but the tutorial given is really bad alot of people including myself have had trouble doing it and when I attempted it by following the op it resulted in me getting connection issues even still after relocking bootloader. If anyone can provide a better tutorial than the current one it would be better im not sure if the thread is still around also there is another way to get apps on watch using es file Explorer with root I will edit op for it

extract apk

I have some apps installed on my firestick 2 that I would like to move to my Sony Android tv, especially downloader. How can I extract the apk from the firestick to either my android phone or to a usb drive?
(OT Any help on how to sideload apps to the Android tv would also be appreciated).
Thanks.
/system/app
/system/priv-app
Thank you, but for that I would need to be rooted - which I am not.
Install es file explorer, go to apps, highlight the app you want by holding down the firestick central remote button, go to the bottom of the es explorer app where you’ll see backup, choose that. Repeat for each app or do it all at once. You’ll find the apk files stored in the backup folder under internal storage, backups, app. From there, pick your poison on how you transfer them to your Android tv.
In the past, I used dropbox to install apk files on to my stick. You could probably do the same with your Android tv box. The fire tv was simple because i could also use a usb flash drive plugged into the back to transfer / install the sideload apk files where as you need a two in one power/ usb cable for the stick to run the power and install a usb flash drive at the same time. I use lightning browser and if there’s an apk file I want quickly, I usually send it to my gmail account which I then download and install directly on to the stick. I use a mini bluetooth keyboard with the stick for easy input.
I’m sure there are a ton of other sideloading options. I just use what works for me.

TCL 55EP648 55 Smart TV - Sideloading Possible?

I've owned this TCL TV for around 5 months now and I'm generally pleased with the image quality overall but the apps and navigation is pretty crap. I can't even imagine why 90% of the apps available are even offered as there's hardly anything that's even recognisable!
I was looking into perhaps "side-loading" a better browser (it doesn't get much worse than the included T-Browser!) but I can't see any option in the settings menu to enable "remote debug" to facilitate possible ES File Explorer functionality.
Is it even possible to side load onto this TV?
I know you can access the "secret" menu by typing 1950 when in the contrast section of the display menu.
Any ideas? :fingers-crossed:
Don't all rush at once then :fingers-crossed:
I don't understand the problem. Just download the apk on a PC to a USB drive, put the USB drive into your PC and then install the apk file with any Android TV file explorer.
That's it
FaserF said:
I don't understand the problem. Just download the apk on a PC to a USB drive, put the USB drive into your PC and then install the apk file with any Android TV file explorer.
That's it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I asked
but I can't see any option in the settings menu to enable "remote debug" to facilitate possible ES File Explorer functionality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So without enabling "remote debug", how do I install the apk file on the USB stick without an Android TV file explorer installed on the TV.....?
gtd2000 said:
That's why I asked
So without enabling "remote debug", how do I install the apk file on the USB stick without an Android TV file explorer installed on the TV.....?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you need remote debug? As said in my post, just copy the apk from a PC to a USB drive and plug in the usb drive into your PC. There is no need for the remote debug option to install an apk locally.
Other options to sideload apps are with wireless adb (enabling usb debugging in the developer settings) or download a compatible file explorer (for example ES File Explorer) where you can connect to a cloud storage, then upload the apk for example to google drive and then sign in with your google drive in that file explorer.
FaserF said:
Why do you need remote debug? As said in my post, just copy the apk from a PC to a USB drive and plug in the usb drive into your PC. There is no need for the remote debug option to install an apk locally.
Other options to sideload apps are with wireless adb (enabling usb debugging in the developer settings) or download a compatible file explorer (for example ES File Explorer) where you can connect to a cloud storage, then upload the apk for example to google drive and then sign in with your google drive in that file explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you think that if I copy a "file explorer" apk to the USB stick it can be installed?
When I insert a USB stick the only option (as far as I'm aware) that I can choose is the media input selection. That then gives me a choice of photo, video or all files.
I understood that my TV does not have a native or default method to install apk's, unless I can enable, "remote debug", then transfer the ES File Explorer via Network options?
USB is not need. Download File Commander on both an Android tablet/phone and also on your TV (should be in normal Play Apps store). Sign up for the 5GB free Google drive, download the APKs from any of the APK repos on your tablet and save to drive, use File Commander on TV to install. You'll need to allow unknown sources on TV, and not every APk works, but hopefully this gets you started...
BaahBaah said:
USB is not need. Download File Commander on both an Android tablet/phone and also on your TV (should be in normal Play Apps store). Sign up for the 5GB free Google drive, download the APKs from any of the APK repos on your tablet and save to drive, use File Commander on TV to install. You'll need to allow unknown sources on TV, and not every APk works, but hopefully this gets you started...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no File Commander on this TV or Play Store, only the TCL app store.
After reading further into this particular TV, it seems to be running the Linux based Smart TV 3.0?
This is the TV:
https://www.tcl.com/uk/en/new-produ...4k-hdr-with-android-tv-and-freeview-play.html
Apologies, looks like you don't have an Android TV so this won't work

access connected USB flash drive over network?

I have a USB flash drive attached to my Fire Stick TV (2nd Gen). I use it to store movie & music files, which I can play from the Fire Stick using VLC for Android. Works great.
Question: Is there any way that I can access that flash drive via my home network? I would like to be able to copy files to it from my computer. Currently, I have to do it via "sneakernet".
Any advice is much appreciated.
johnnyzero2 said:
I have a USB flash drive attached to my Fire Stick TV (2nd Gen). I use it to store movie & music files, which I can play from the Fire Stick using VLC for Android. Works great.
Question: Is there any way that I can access that flash drive via my home network? I would like to be able to copy files to it from my computer. Currently, I have to do it via "sneakernet".
Any advice is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do "adb connect firestickIP".
adb ls /storage
The USB stick is mounted in /storage (something like /storage/3E91-AF2A). Use "adb push file target-path" to copy files to the USB stick.
Thank you.
I was hoping there might be some way to make the attached flash drive visible/accessible as a standard network share. My goal is to use Windows' File Explorer for file management on that drive, just like the other shared storage devices on my network.
I will try your suggestion of using ADB, although using a command-line interface for file management is not ideal. I found a few different Windows programs that will supposedly provide a File Explorer-like GUI for doing Android file management via ADB (ADB Browser, ADB Explorer, Device File Explorer, etc. ) . Maybe one of those will do the job.
Alternatively, I may try installing a SAMBA server ("LAN Drive") or FTP server ("FTP Server") on the Fire Stick; although neither app has very good reviews.
After trying all this stuff, I will definitely post the results here.
johnnyzero2 said:
Thank you.
I was hoping there might be some way to make the attached flash drive visible/accessible as a standard network share. My goal is to use Windows' File Explorer for file management on that drive, just like the other shared storage devices on my network.
I will try your suggestion of using ADB, although using a command-line interface for file management is not ideal. I found a few different Windows programs that will supposedly provide a File Explorer-like GUI for doing Android file management via ADB (ADB Browser, ADB Explorer, Device File Explorer, etc. ) . Maybe one of those will do the job.
Alternatively, I may try installing a SAMBA server ("LAN Drive") or FTP server ("FTP Server") on the Fire Stick; although neither app has very good reviews.
After trying all this stuff, I will definitely post the results here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some file managers (Solid Explorer, ES File Explorer) include FTP servers. I don't know if their FTP server provides access to the USB drive, though. There are likely other file managers that also include FTP servers.
dcarvil said:
Some file managers (Solid Explorer, ES File Explorer) include FTP servers. I don't know if their FTP server provides access to the USB drive, though. There are likely other file managers that also include FTP servers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent advice - that will definitely do it for me. Thank you so much.
I wasn't aware that there were Android file managers with a built-in FTP server. I've always used FX File Manager, and it doesn't have that feature.
I tried both ES & Solid, and both worked fine for my purposes. I decided to go with Solid because the UI is slightly better, it allows you to add an FTP Server shortcut to your Android home screen, and it just seemed a little more... solid.. Definitely don't mind paying $1.99 for the full, ad-free version.
Problem solved - thanks again!

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