hammer
186
Thanks Miki. Everything I use my FireStick for is working just fine so far. Just wanted to know some information on the ones I have in a drawer. Bought them on Amazon when they went on sale.
Miki
187
You’re welcome. I had a dozen of the Max. Only 2 left and one of those tentatively spoken for. Have a great day.
Have fun and STREAM ON.
Do not turn them on until you read my method. You have to kill the internet connection during the first startup. You have to follow the steps precisely. I did this using my hotspot on my phone so I could kill the connection as soon as I saw “installing updates” on the screen. Then I think you hold the back and menu buttons at the same time to enter another menu. Then push the back button to exit that menu. You’ll be at a different screen than you were before, but you’ll be safe to reconnect to the internet and finish registering your account without installing updates. Once you get to the home screen you want to immediately enable installing from third party sources and adb debugging, download the downloader app, download RAI, install the debloat tool for your OS version and run it. Making sure you check all the boxes that say " breaks system updates". I would do this as fast as you can before your device tries to automatically update.
1 Like
hammer
189
Wow, there are a lot of steps that need to be done rapidly. Is this the only method to block a new Firestick 4K from updates? Thanks.
The only one I am currently aware of. And it all depends on how new it really is. If you buy a brand new one today directly from Amazon it is going to come with updates already installed. If you bought one a while ago or get one that’s been sitting on a store shelf for some time it may still have an older OS version that will allow you to use custom launchers.
hammer
191
I have 3 or 4 older ones (2-3 years old). Would the afore mentioned process work? Any other tips? Thanks
Miki
192
While I do partially understand the dislike for Amazon, I’ve taken a slightly different route regarding updates. It is my opinion that if you wish to continue using your Firestick('s) for a few years then updates are necessary, not only for your own security, but for continued functionality, especially with all the developers out there and newer apps. So I have a fully functional and updated Firestick 4k Max and use the unified debloat tool and spent time finding out what gets impacted on my stick by this app and how it helps me limit or eliminate things like “Amazon Kids”. This along with modifying settings in the 4K settings options, greatly reduces the impact of annoying content auto playing on the stick, and as I don’t sit there staring at my Home screen, but immediately open and use an app like TiViMate to get the content I want to watch, it doesn’t bother me at all. Yes I no longer have a custom launcher, but as mentioned, I’m not on the home screen long enough to matter. I have not had any sideloaded apps impacted in a negative matter in any way. The most perfect way to limit the Amazon stuff, if it annoys you, is to get a device with the Android OS like Onn, and move on.
2 Likes
I agree. But like many topics on here, it’s all based on personal preference. I only have a FS in my bedroom. And I only use that TV as background noise when I’m working, or if I want two full screens for football when I pull it out to the living room. The only apps I use consistently are Tivimate, Kodi, my VPN, and the background apps and processes manager. All of that can be updated individually and don’t require system updates for functionality. I’m not really sure which apps you are referring to that are effected by system updates? If it’s things like voice command capabilities then I can do without.
Miki
194
There have been many Firestick users, that have complained, that updates have negativy impacted some of their side loaded apps, I’ve never found this to be the case and have been unable to verify any of these claims. I’m not concerned about auto app updates as I take care of any sideloaded apps manually. I was more referring to System updates. I also agree with you, if your Firestick is just a little used device you own, and rarely use, then your focus is different. For me it’s my primary source of video streaming and the sole focus of it’s use, and as such I make sure to keep the FireTV OS updated.
1 Like
I got an ONN and like it. The only problem I have with it is how to update it. I have looked through all the settings and can’t find it. The ONN updated the first time I set it up.
Hey @rjwinkler Settings…Device Preferences…About…System Updates at top…if any available. 
FYI…there have been 2…January & last one was released last week I believe & it’s dated February 5th, '22
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Flt505
197
Press Settings button on Onn remote,
Device Preferences / About / System Update
Thanks, I don’t know how I missed it. I installed USB and connected Bluetooth devices and missed. update.
I need help blocking future Amazon updates to my Firestick 4K. It has already updated to Fire OS 6.2.9.5 before I read about potential update issues. Unfortunately, all articles/videos I have seen say it is too late for my stick(???). Any thoughts on a solution? Thanks.
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There is no solution, if you didnt block updates when you could then you are at amazons mercy of updates.
Didnt like to hear that, but thank you for response.
I think Amazon already set me up with the new update because I show software as: Fire OS 6.2.9.5. Grrrr…Amazon irks the you know what out of me.
Miki
203
I chose to remove all the launcher stuff and went back to all the Amazon stuff. Not much different than the GoogleTV ads. I am only on the home screen for a brief period and with optimizations like turning off autoplay and animations and allowing all the updates for security and features, I don’t really have any issues. It’s just a tool to get what I want. It just happens to be Amazon. So if it annoys you so much get rid of it and go Google. Not much different than buying a car, only to find out it falls short of what you wanted. Just get a different one. Research a model and ask questions here. A lot of different devices being used, so help is plentiful.
Wizzard
205
I am still using wolf launcher on my Max although I never really cared about the ads. What I cared about was being able to better organize my apps and even more see them and not grey boxes. I do understand there are other ways to see what programs they are, I played with that before I ever installed the launcher. You can’t really do things like installing new apps, testing as easily using the launcher but it looks nice and organized. I am keeping it off during my testing now with the USB and ADM. Much easier getting to anywhere I want.
1 Like
