Develop Bugs

[Q] german AFTV root and 24p problem

hey guys,
i have some trouble with my german version of the AFTV. I hope you have some good news for me to get out of the "amazon ecological system"
- At first i have a german firmware installed: "51.1.4.0_user_514006420" this is the latest at the moment and i think there is no possibility to gain root access to the AFTV....? I hope you have a good answer to me.....
- What server addresses i have to block in my router that amazon stops that autoupade. I want to use the amazon services but not the autoupdate feature.....
- do you have a 24p problem in the US? in germany the picture is stuttering. the AFTV have no 24fps support. so all movies stuttering. Its terrible to watch. this also apply to amazon content.
thanks for your support
best regards
Vince

As far as I know, Android 4.x output framerate is fixed. Auto framerate change will only be possible with Android 5/L...
So yes, always stuttering with 24p movies ?

With latest firmware "51.1.4.0_user_514006420" is no working root solution known.
Concerning forced amazon updates try blocking:
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
BTW: there is no special "german" version of the firmware. It is the same firmware globally used everywhere in the US, UK, GER etc.

Also on the lookout everyday if someone finally finds a solution to gain root access on the latest firmware, but besides that I'm pretty much happy with my purchase.

@Jacktheskipper
the missing 24p is no problem for you? Because of that, I hate the AFTV and Iam very unhappy with my purchase.
@Calibaan
When I block these URLs with my Router, the AFTV have problems with the network connection. iI can see that this fault desciption is not correct because XBMC is fully working.
The main problem when i block this URLs is, that I cannot see the apps in the Amazon menu and on ervery page the information that the network connection is not correct. When this fault occur, the starting of XBMC is very extensive... i think you know what i mean.
@shaksbeer
Do you live with this problem or what you have done to minimize the stuttering? Iam glad about every hint to solve that. It makes me crazy.
@all
Thanks for your support!

Vince0815 said:
@Calibaan
When I block these URLs with my Router, the AFTV have problems with the network connection. iI can see that this fault desciption is not correct because XBMC is fully working.
The main problem when i block this URLs is, that I cannot see the apps in the Amazon menu and on ervery page the information that the network connection is not correct. When this fault occur, the starting of XBMC is very extensive... i think you know what i mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn´t try these URLs actually before posting because my FireTV is already on the latest unrootable firmware but they should work. Have a look at this guide:
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-amazon-fire-tv-update-to-ensure-rooting/

Vince0815 said:
When I block these URLs with my Router, the AFTV have problems with the network connection. iI can see that this fault desciption is not correct because XBMC is fully working.
The main problem when i block this URLs is, that I cannot see the apps in the Amazon menu and on ervery page the information that the network connection is not correct. When this fault occur, the starting of XBMC is very extensive... i think you know what i mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like FritzBox
If you add URLs to the Blacklist, the FritzBox blocks these and ALL connections to IP-adresses, no matthere if they belong to these URLs or not. You can add IPs in a IP whitelist, but you have to check which are the relevant ones for the AppStore

d1dd1 said:
Sounds like FritzBox
If you add URLs to the Blacklist, the FritzBox blocks these and ALL connections to IP-adresses, no matthere if they belong to these URLs or not. You can add IPs in a IP whitelist, but you have to check which are the relevant ones for the AppStore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right. It is a FritzBox. The IP blocking of that box annoyed me in some other applications too. This is the first annoying problem with a fritzbox i ever had... sometimes the box block intern (VPN) used ip addresses..... i added all for me relevant VPN IP addresses to the whitelist.... very curious and useless.
How i can find out, which IP addresses I have to add to the whitelist?
This is what i have found:
Code:
54.231.32.161 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.96.201 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.1.33 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.18.121 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.0.233 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.65.9 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.96.209 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.65.89 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.32.193 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.0.169 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
54.231.33.9 s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
and so on.......and so on
I have to put all that IPs to the whitelist? all of them are belong to amazon? ..... a little bit exaggerated, amazon......
@Calibaan
thx for the link. I found that page lately, but it create that fritz box IP-blocking problem which I have.

Finally my AFTV is being shipped. Ordered as Prime member on the 5. September 2014.
I'll have 2 AFTVs in the house, one from US (rooted) and one from DE (not rooted yet).
@Vince0815, you could use opendns, AFAIK it works.

loplo said:
Finally my AFTV is being shipped. Ordered as Prime member on the 5. September 2014.
I'll have 2 AFTVs in the house, one from US (rooted) and one from DE (not rooted yet).
@Vince0815, you could use opendns, AFAIK it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
opendns is not free of charge, or? why use another service when i have the (bugged) hardware at home use of opendns is a litte bit excessive for my intent.

For personal use is free.
I have a FB too, but I hate 50% of it.

loplo said:
For personal use is free.
I have a FB too, but I hate 50% of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OT: oohh okay... why? in my opinion it is the best router i erver used. But I can change my opinion.
Do you have a good alternative router with the same features?
Is it enough to allow one of these IPs i have wrote down, in post #8?

The thing I like on the FB is the DECT and the VOIP. I'm stuck with FB because my ISP providing internet via CATV, and they have some kind of monopole in this area.
In my opinion the best routers are those running on modified firmware (openwrt/ddwrt), for example the TP-LINK. The best would be the Linksys WRT1900AC, but is very expensive.
I own and use 2 TPLINKs for different things (beside my FB), and manage 3 more in different locations.
BTW, my AFTW just arrived.

I am quite happy with my Fritzbox too. Although I have to use it as a combined CableModem/Router.
I can configure almost everything I need to. My old TP-Link Router with DD-WRT obviously was something else.
Since I have the exact same problem, that I can't block the two update-domains in my fritzbox without loosing complete functionality (why is that, I don't understand) I am curious about how to use openDNS for blcking the updates (I am still hoping for a root option in the future).
The problem is that I want to use the unblock-us DNS servers so I can access US-netflix content. At the same time I would have to use the openDNS servers to block the updates.
Any recommendations how to set this up?

Concerning the Fritz!Box trouble try in your Filter settings: to enable the HTTPS protocol (Internetseiten filtern -> HTTPS-Abfragen erlauben) so that they are not blocked in general.

Calibaan said:
Concerning the Fritz!Box trouble try in your Filter settings: to enable the HTTPS protocol (Internetseiten filtern -> HTTPS-Abfragen erlauben) so that they are not blocked in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty sure I tried that. As soon as I set a certain profile for the fireTV i loose all access. (I can still start XBMC via settings but Instant video and all my Apps are gone from the homescreen). The very second i diable the profile, the fireTV regains access to all features.
I guess the fritzbox is doing something wrong.

Phil402 said:
I am pretty sure I tried that. As soon as I set a certain profile for the fireTV i loose all access. (I can still start XBMC via settings but Instant video and all my Apps are gone from the homescreen). The very second i diable the profile, the fireTV regains access to all features.
I guess the fritzbox is doing something wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here and I think it is the IP blocking "feature" of the fritz box. It is auto activated, when you activate the black- and whitelist in the fritzbox.
The AFTV also connect via IPs and the fritzbox block them automatically. which IP this are for example you can see it in post #8 of this thread. But there are much more IPs which the AFTV tries to connect.
Iam not sure that it is enough to allow one of that IPs is enough to use the Amazon services. I dont want to allow all of that IPs.... this looks a little bit to much for me....
strange is, that it will work sometimes without a change and sometimes not. thats not WAF compatible

Vince0815 said:
same here and I think it is the IP blocking "feature" of the fritz box. It is auto activated, when you activate the black- and whitelist in the fritzbox.
The AFTV also connect via IPs and the fritzbox block them automatically. which IP this are for example you can see it in post #8 of this thread. But there are much more IPs which the AFTV tries to connect.
Iam not sure that it is enough to allow one of that IPs is enough to use the Amazon services. I dont want to allow all of that IPs.... this looks a little bit to much for me....
strange is, that it will work sometimes without a change and sometimes not. thats not WAF compatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got sick of the Fritzbox and switched to OpenWRT.
just add the blocked hosts to /etc/hosts and set them to 127.0.0.1, restart dnsmasq -- done.

Vince0815 said:
hey guys,
i have some trouble with my german version of the AFTV. I hope you have some good news for me to get out of the "amazon ecological system"
- At first i have a german firmware installed: "51.1.4.0_user_514006420" this is the latest at the moment and i think there is no possibility to gain root access to the AFTV....? I hope you have a good answer to me.....
- What server addresses i have to block in my router that amazon stops that autoupade. I want to use the amazon services but not the autoupdate feature.....
- do you have a 24p problem in the US? in germany the picture is stuttering. the AFTV have no 24fps support. so all movies stuttering. Its terrible to watch. this also apply to amazon content.
thanks for your support
best regards
Vince
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello , I too have the same problem of stuttering with xbmc file 24Hz . I do not understand why but if I play the file with VLC, movie can be seen much more fluid. You also have observed the same thing?
regards

blackwolf78 said:
Hello , I too have the same problem of stuttering with xbmc file 24Hz . I do not understand why but if I play the file with VLC, movie can be seen much more fluid. You also have observed the same thing?
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get it, 24hz is a worldwide standard for movies, and US hard+software of the fireTV are the same.
So EVERYONE should have these issues?!
On another note, does someone know if the firmware the UK/German FireTV comes with runs well with s/xbmc?
Would like to block updates from the beginning.

[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.

Looking to use a VPN on a Firestick running KODI.

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

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

Sorry, should of been more specific. Privacy issues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What kind of errors are you getting here?

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

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

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

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

HELP Can I Root My Fire TV Stick

I apologize for being so frantic, but I'm really confused. I've seen things about using Kingo Root on a certain firmware and am worried my device will update on me. How can I get Kingo Root? Thanks so much!
Fire OS 5.0.5

FlashTheFox said:
I apologize for being so frantic, but I'm really confused. I've seen things about using Kingo Root on a certain firmware and am worried my device will update on me. How can I get Kingo Root? Thanks so much!
Fire OS 5.0.5
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If you are on OS 5.0.5 you can root it however after the procedure just disable updates and under any circumstances do not try to replace it with SU. (If you are looking for version 4.1 just scroll down to the bottom of first post however vs 4.6 should work as well).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461

bula1ca said:
If you are on OS 5.0.5 you can root it however after the procedure just disable updates and under any circumstances do not try to replace it with SU. (If you are looking for version 4.1 just scroll down to the bottom of first post however vs 4.6 should work as well).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
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Thank you so much. Could you explain the procedure briefly? How do I get the .apk on my Fire TV Stick, and what do I use to install it?

Here you will find a good guide how to do it...
--> http://www.aftvnews.com/start/

in theory could i flash rom on firestick with no root to cause boot loop on 5.2.1.1 to cancel out the not in my house system app and then run kingo pc to gain root and install the 5.0.5 firmware. im just wondering dont really want to try this my self with no recovery

On a related note, I just bought a FireTV stick yesterday. The "virgin" FireTV stick is doing the same thing as my Fire TV 2: It is requiring me to connect to a network before I can check the installed O/S version.
If I let the FireTV Stick connect to the internet, will it automatically upgrade to the latest unrootable O/S v5.2.1.1 before I can get to a menu to see my O/S version?
What are my options to root & block updates on my new FTVS if I don't know what O/S version is installed?

@¿GotJazz?:
The answer is to pull the plug on your wireless router as soon as the authentication gets through. Blocking amazons update servers also blocks authentication - afair. You could also change the Wifi Password beforehand (to something short preferably) - and then switch it back to the old one - once you "hot" unplugged the Wifi router after the authentication goes through (and youve turned off the fire tv stick). That way the stick won't autoconnect the next time its turned on.
Also - Amazons firmware updates up until now have been incremental - so it is not uncommon for a FIre TV stick to have to update several times in a row - with several update packages - to get on the latest firmware version. This gives you a little security buffer - at least potentially/theoretically.

Thanks, @harlekinwashere - I followed your advice as best as I could. I had my router set so that Amazon updates were visible, and I saw the Fire Stick check for updates. After it checked on updates, I temporarily turned off my WiFi on my router, and then reconfigured my router to block Amazon updates via OpenDNS.
My FireTV Stick is at O/S v5.0.5.1. I don't know if I should upgrade or not, but I did block updates on the Stick via Method #2 here.
I haven't found any recent FTV-S ROMs or TWRP yet, but at least I can hold off Amazon updates for now until somebody finds a solution.
From what I have seen, the only rooting solution for now on the FTV-S 5.0.5.1 is KingoRoot, correct?
Cheers,
¿GJ?

Correct - the only (software) rooting solutions available for the Fire TV Stick - ever - were either King Root or Kingo Root. There was a HW rooting method before - but it required some very precise soldering with extra thin wires and...
Kingoroot and Kingroot arent optimal either - as they do act as bloatware from time to time - so the first time I rooted my Fire TV stick, was when the tutorial to "replace Kingoroot/Kingroot" with SuperSU popped up.
I froze my update schedule on firmware 5.0.5 - as I very much enjoy the features of Firestarter ("force exit app", or delete app data for a certain app are crucial every day tasks - that you can perform with firestarter MUCH faster, than with the stock UI.
Amazon started to play BS cat&mouse games with Firestarter - because it wanted you to experience banner ads, while choosing your apps - essentially. And steal its functionality. And steal UI design from Kodi and Microsofts Xbox UI. And be buddy, buddy with Plex so the "I needz it to be eazy" crowd had another monthly subscription path Amazon could cut into. (Here is how that goes. Kodi = distributed, native rendering, Plex = transcoding (why?), server dependent, login required, pays for Amazon cloud storage, gets featured on their main page, had to make concessions to never ever, allow python scripts, because an internet we understand is bad for corp. And why was Kodi banned? Because it acted like a browsing platform, Outside the amazon and affiliates ecosystem - so amazon ran a smear campaign. The product blogger was very understanding...)
The Amazon product blogger that ran this community here for a while - decided to praise them for waging war against an alternative Launcher (that btw didn't replace the original interface, but rather linked to it by default) -- instead of antagonising it as an "unprecedented move - never seen anywhere on android before" -- so we HAD to split as a community.
People who actually use the FIre TV for stuff, stayed mostly on 5.0.5 or 5.0.5.1. While the rest didnt care and not only lost Firestarter functionality, but also full adb access (its only the last remaining interface into the FireTV, why not mess with it, until its much less usable, right Amazon?) - and didn't care.
Now - using Xposed modules - you can replicate most of Firestarters features on 5.0.5.1 and above (on 5.0.5.1 you could at least use firestopper, but Amazon took that away as well (or will do so shortly - havent followed up on how far they have come.)) - using a certain Xposed Module - but as always, you have to be extra careful with them on FireTV Sticks - as you don't have a working recovery on them currently. Its best to install only modules others have tested and that are confirmed working.
Also as a result of the community split - the community never really recovered. It wasn't especially active beforehand (despite frequent help soliciting from "I bought a fully loaded... - it stopped working" folks), but with the product blogger "gone" (less interested in the hacking scene, because of the fragmentation after the "split") that wrote most of the tutorials - and put them on his blog to commercialize them - even that stopped.
Amazon so far has not halted content delivery to older firmware boxes (good idea, because despite everything else, I still buy apps) - but they could at any time, If they chose to.
Long story short. Amazon is the worst. They acted like malicious bullies, implemented tripwire routines, blacklists, froze apps they had no discernable right to even access. On devices that arent "owned" by the customers who bought them, according to some license agreement you clicked through. No one even halfheartedly whispered, that this is a real issue - and what they did was malicious -
now, its basically over. There was no pushback - the scene basically turned over on its back and surrendered under the de facto leadership of a product blogger that had them cheer for it. #cheeringforcompanyblacklists-onadeviceyoubought.
Just in case some day a historian stumbles over this - and wonders what happened.

@harlekinwashere - Does that mean that nobody is working on a TWRP Recovery / ROM for the FireTV v1 Stick? I have held off on the Kingoroot method for now (unsure about security/malware), hoping that a real ROM/Recovery become available.

any way to enable OTG on a 5.2.1.1 fire stick?

What do I need for a lean and mean Firestick + Kodi experience?

Basically I want to set up a debloated Amazon Firestick + VPN + Kodi system for people who need simplicity of a remote control TV experience. YouTube access is definitely needed and I would be OK with connecting such a setup to my Google Account.
Questions:
- If I am going with VPN + Kodi rooted setup, do I even need to connect Firestick 4K to an Amazon account? Can I bypass connection to Amazon entirely?
- If Amazon Account connection cannot be bypassed, can Alexa and/or microphone be blocked entirely via software?
- What is the leanest OS for Firestick 4K? On my phone, LineageOS works incredibly fast and does everything I want, but I don't know if its any good for Firestick
- Is there a way to connect Firestick 4K to a PC for side-loading APK's? What about connecting it to a file-hosting service like Google Drive, from which APK files could be sideloaded? Allowing remote ADB over port 5555 seems quite risky...

DirtyAngelicaSecured said:
Basically I want to set up a debloated Amazon Firestick + VPN + Kodi system for people who need simplicity of a remote control TV experience. YouTube access is definitely needed and I would be OK with connecting such a setup to my Google Account.
Questions:
- If I am going with VPN + Kodi rooted setup, do I even need to connect Firestick 4K to an Amazon account? Can I bypass connection to Amazon entirely?
- If Amazon Account connection cannot be bypassed, can Alexa and/or microphone be blocked entirely via software?
- What is the leanest OS for Firestick 4K? On my phone, LineageOS works incredibly fast and does everything I want, but I don't know if its any good for Firestick
- Is there a way to connect Firestick 4K to a PC for side-loading APK's? What about connecting it to a file-hosting service like Google Drive, from which APK files could be sideloaded? Allowing remote ADB over port 5555 seems quite risky...
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-If you can still unlock the Mantis (some of the newer devices are blocked), yes i believe i have seem people find ways around the amazon account login- but it would be easier just to register it if you can.
-If you are able to unlock and root, you can run the debloated Mantis OS, and you can disable more.
-Lineage is not available for it, there are only forks of the fireOS.
-Yes you can sideload anything you want (you dont need root for this), if you feel a risk over the port and wifi at your home, then just turn it back off when you are done. There are plenty of ways to download from a remote server.