Convert your 2nd gen Amazon Fire Stick to Lineage 12/Android 5.1 (clean Android TV!)
This repository contains everything you need (minus the Lineage OS zip) to convert a 2nd gen Amazon Fire Stick to Lineage 12/Android 5.1. Currently, Android 5.1 is the only newest version available for this hardware, but there's a device tree for Android 7 available here. If you know how to build LOS with different trees and actually do, please open an issue and I will link it.
- Butter knife
- Small conductive piece of wire (a twist tie works fine)
- USB-OTG hub with keyboard and mouse (for initial setup)
- A remote with a Power button (or HDMI-CEC enabled TV)
- Lineage OS zip: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=8889791610682947296
- OpenGAPPS (specific build for this hardware): https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=8889791610682906163
Follow the guide here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlock-root-twrp-unbrick-fire-tv-stick-2nd-gen-tank.3907002/
Hardware Setup:
- The shortpoint is detailed in the TWRP installation guide
- For ground, hook the twist tie into the heatsink that is soldered to the PCB
Follow the guide here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-unlocked-tank-lineageos-12-1.3961110/
Comment out the if loop, lines 114-116 under amonet/modules/main.py and try again.
Follow these instructions using the preincluded gpt folder: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlock-root-twrp-unbrick-fire-tv-stick-2nd-gen-tank.3907002/post-79056952
If you have run the gpt fix multiple times and are sure your short was placed correctly, try re-trying the exploit without the gpt fix (re-clone this repo and try again basically).
Run the amonet/boot-recovery.sh script as sudo, and AFTER you run it plug the device into your Linux machine. This also applies if you want to flash more apps besides GAPPS (Magisk) or need to get back into TWRP.
Alternative control methods:
- USB-OTG hub with keyboard and mouse
- HDMI-CEC enabled TV (test by using the arrow keys or check your TV's user manual)
ADB over Network: Enabled by default, but you still need be able to first accept the pairing request. Once done, the best way to install apps is using the adb install command. Shell scripts are included in this repo under the apk/ directory (install.sh and remove.sh).
ADB over USB: Can be used if you first go into TWRP and copy over your device's ADB RSA key.
For Unix/GNU systems:
# 1. Reboot your phone into recovery mode
# 2. Connect it to your computer
# 3. Open the terminal and type:
cd ~/.android
adb push adbkey.pub /data/misc/adb/adb_keys
# All done! Just adb shell reboot and feel the power!For Windows 10, the .android directory is located in the base of your C:\User\user_name directory.
Thanks to issue #3.
There are two ways of accessing settings:
- Settings on the Android TV home screen
- The settings app (tablet-style settings) in the App Drawer
The APKs that worked for me are in the APK directory.
- Prime Video: The Play Store version did not work on some sticks
- Disney+ and Netflix: Not available on the Play Store (Google restricts apps based on device config)
- Disney+: Two versions included:
dplusoff.apk- Pulled from FireOSdplus.apk- May not play videos (hit or miss). If you need the official APK, do note it will try to connect to the Amazon Appstore and show an annoying dialog, but should otherwise work fine
- Smarttube (YouTube without ads) - I included the latest version when I made the repo, but ofcourse you can update after installing or download the latest .apk manually.
This repository contains a LOT more APKs if you're looking for that. However, you will still need to follow this guide to first get your Firestick onto LOS.
- Open the Play Store and search for "button remap"
- Install the second result
- Some features are pro. To change menu button functions, use the "add buttons" option, click the blue +, and press the key you want to map
Note: The Power button on your remote is not remappable (it only toggles device sleep mode), and the Alexa button does not activate the Google Assistant. A Google APK is included which should enable the Assistant.
Unfortunately, the back button may not work in this mode. If so, you will need to shell into the device and use:
input keyevent 4- Back buttoninput keyevent 22- DPAD rightinput keyevent 23- Enter
To access bootloader from a remapped button:
- Open the settings app from inside the app drawer
- Open Developer Options
- Enable "Advanced reboot"
- When you open the power menu, click reboot and it will give you a selection
- Do not transfer APKs into storage while in TWRP, as you cannot delete them once in LOS because they belong to root (UNLESS you settle on rooting the stick)
- Remember, ADB shell over USB cannot be used on first boot (if you do NOT transfer the key) as you need some way to accept the pairing request (use HDMI-CEC or USB-OTG if possible).
Thank you to the developers for making this possible!