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I am still a green beginner when it comes to making a custom firmware but I basically only do it for my personal needs and offer the result for everyone.
However, there is one thing really nagging me ith the X96 and that is to get updated GAPPS to work properly and with all Google apps.
The basics like Playstore, Framework and Play Services and managed to get going but only by disabling some "features" in the firmware and with the box showing up as uncertified.
Real problem is to get the TV GAPPS working at all.
No matter how I spoof the build.prop, disable services and manully add permissions, the TV Gapps claim be on an unsupported device and demand dowgrade / removal of updates.
For a chinese phone I would simply flash an internation rom and be done with it but not so much on a chinese TV box
What I tried so far for the TV GAPPS:
Using custom roms claiming to work for several boxes including the X96.
Here the rom either fails to boot unless I modify it or if it boots then nothing, and I mean nothing all works.
Funny enough that some user of a X96 say they have no problem with the same rom...
Next was to clean the original firmware from all Google related apps, services, scripts and libraries, then manually installing the TV GAPPS.
For this I always get the error that the device is not compatible.
Even if in the build.prop a Mibox or Nvidia Shield is spoofed together with ro.build.characteristics=tv.
Last but not least the Open GAPPS TV version.
Flashing works just fine and with no errors, on a cleaned and on a standard rom.
After that it is all over.
Setup Wizard crashes, if disabled or removed the other Google apps and services crash, usually starting with the TV Wizard and TV Customisation.
TV Playstore again claims the device is not compatible in the rare case it does start otherwise I get an error that the Play services are missing on the device.
But of course all is installed completely....
What I would love to know is how and where these chinese roms disable the Google compatibility.
Here is what I think I found so far that does not make much sense to me:
The supplied Playstore is signed with different key than anything else on the system partition.
The same version number from APKMIRROR fails to install or work if replaced in the rom.
I tried signing with the Amlogic platform, test and release keys to no avail.
Both by zip aligning before or after the signing.
Other apps I sign with these keys perform just fine.
Just to be able to use the Open GAPPS through TWRP I had to disable a PPoE apk that runs presistent - with that active no open Gapps pack works (claiming device is incompatible or simply crashing).
There are a bunch of additional certificates installed in the ETC folder than when removed or renamed cause the system to fail - I had no time so far to do a one on one check to figure out for what each cert might be used.
When comparing fstabs with other roms it seems the X96 has lot more than what would be required but my understanding of all that is still too limited.
I guess the big question is:
Does anyone know what is causing all these problems in chinese roms and how to fix it without flashing a firmware for different TV box?
Update:
On my X96 I am slowly making progress with the GAPPS.
Found a PPPoE app and service that are set to run persistent.
According to some funny Google translations from chinese websites using persistent services to block genuine Google stuff is one available option.
By disabling the PPPoE persistent stuff and only leaving the normal PPPoE stuff active Ethernet and WiFi still work fine but now the Open Gapps installation actually works.
Well, not fully but at least the Nano package works flawless.
With that it is not problem to install the missing Google apps through the Playstore, including Google TV and Music.
Sync and backup works fine too.
Only downside is that without spoofing the device will be listed as uncertified - but all updates and installs so far went with no problems.
But even the Google NOW and Pixel launchers can be installed and used if someone likes them.
Different story though for the TV Gapps, wether modified or not.
Build.prop mods and fakes, using the latest and older versions of the playservices and framework - they all fail.
I managed a few times to find combinations that at least booted into the leanback launcher and that were usable except for the Google stuff but it was no fun.
No matter how I try to spoof or change the installation the setup wizard never works, which indicates the services fail to work.
In the rare case where I get somewhere I am told that I should unistall all updates as this version of Plastore or services is not compatible.
Will do some more digging on services and apps that should not be there but the chinese really like to disguise things they don't want anyone to see LOL
Hi. I have the same box and installed latest official firmware android 9.
My problem is that is not possible to update the Google play store, stuck on version 13. All other apps are updated by the stor with no problems.
But i cant find a way to updaye the play store.
When i try to update it, always give package error, simple instalation fail.
I have not found a working twrp for it, so no gapps for now.
Do you know of a solution ?
Many boxes from China do not have certification from Google, that's why you cannot run native TV apps on them. If you want these TV apps, buy those boxes labelled with "Google certified", which are of couse more expensive and with inferior hardware--certification needs extra cost, man.
You can try install magisk, whill will tell u Safenet test failed and some CTS failure, that's what I said above.
Recently i got a 4K Android Stream box for my network plan from my ISP - ACT Fibernet in india
I have disconnected the connection due to relocation and have no ACT in the new place
The issue is the Android Box only runs in the ACT network and doesnt work in other network
Is there a way to make the android box work in other networks?
Or flash a Android TV os and make it standalone ?
As the new box has good specs and supports Steam Link and other features
New to this android TV experience. Any help would do.. :fingers-crossed:
Tech Specs
Operating System : Android 9
Main Chipset : Hi Silicon 3798M V200
RAM : 2GB
Flash : 8GB
DRM : Widevine & Playready
WiFi : Dual band (2.4G & 5G) & 802.11 ac
Ports Available : 2 USB ports, 1 Ethernal port, 1 HDMI port, 1 AV output, 1 SD crad slot
Me too looking for the same info.
Hey me to..
when they have network issue.. this is useless.
need same info
I need the same info too.. is there a way to root or install custom rom like how you do traditional android tv boxes?
I have not found the way to unlock it, but there is a work around to use it without ACT network.
----------------------
Install below two apps by sideloading the apk files.
1. Sideload Launcher
2. Launch on Boot
Open Launch on boot and mark 'Sideload launcher' as the app to boot.
---------------------
if you press accidentally home button while NOT using ACT network,
you can then also use 'Google play store' button in the remote to select the app 'Launch on boot' and open 'sideload Launcher' app.
Thanks
SK
Thank you for the sideload launcher idea and it works as expected.
I wish we have an option to install a custom launcher on this as its the Act Launcher that is causing problem when its not connected to an Act Network.
I am looking for the same - unlock the Android TV from ACT
---------- Post added at 02:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:23 AM ----------
prashanth678 said:
Thank you for the sideload launcher idea and it works as expected.
I wish we have an option to install a custom launcher on this as its the Act Launcher that is causing problem when its not connected to an Act Network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to use the ACT TV outside of ACT network? Please let me know. Thanks
Yes I am able to use it as per above launch on boot and sideload launcher method.
How were you able to access the settings or play store when on the non-ACT network page? My device will not let me access them other than the network selection.
I'm able to access play store and other apps right from the day I bought it. On the top banner you have different pages the 2nd one is apps. Select that and scroll down, then you can see play store and other apps you have installed. Only the TV section won't work if the device is not connected to act network.
Regarding Choosing "Launch On Boot" option
How do i select the "Launch On Boot" option, please help.
If you could provide the steps or screenshot, it would be really helpful.
Alternate launchers
All my attempts at installing alternate launcher fail with
Code:
$ adb install ~/Downloads/Taskbar-5.0.1.apk
adb: failed to install /home/reshma/Downloads/Taskbar-5.0.1.apk: Failure [INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_BAD_PACKAGE_NAME: Package couldn't be installed in /data/app/com.farmerbb.taskbar-NJD_XsOJWsvV-uhprRNnOw==: Package com.farmerbb.taskbar do not allow to install.]
Have you guys been able to find any way to install other launcher apps?
Works!
I managed to make it work with the two apps. I was looking through the Airtel internet TV forum and for that, you can enablee developer mode and use adb bridge to completely remove the associated apps to get a stock OS. However, when I try to click on build option 7 times (and more), it does not work on ACT TV. Has it been disabled on this? How can we enable developer options in this? If anyone can confirm with the same issue.
djxtwicee said:
I managed to make it work with the two apps. I was looking through the Airtel internet TV forum and for that, you can enablee developer mode and use adb bridge to completely remove the associated apps to get a stock OS. However, when I try to click on build option 7 times (and more), it does not work on ACT TV. Has it been disabled on this? How can we enable developer options in this? If anyone can confirm with the same issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using developer tools app from playstore. They have disabled the 7 tap option now. Please let us know if you succeed.
Successfully worked!
Vimz999 said:
Try using developer tools app from playstore. They have disabled the 7 tap option now. Please let us know if you succeed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. I installed the app from play store (it installs but it will not show up, you can use voice command to open or from settings). Then, it enables developer options following which I ran adblink to uninstall all apks which began with in.actcorp. One note is that the normal uninstall option in adblink will not enable you to delete all apps, it is required to use pm uninstall -k --user 0 [apk name] in the adb shell to get it done. Once done, the box works, however I'm not too sure on how to get the default android TV launcher to open up, pressing the home button on remote takes to a blank screen only. If someone can help, I'll be grateful!
djxtwicee said:
Thanks for the idea. I installed the app from play store (it installs but it will not show up, you can use voice command to open or from settings). Then, it enables developer options following which I ran adblink to uninstall all apks which began with in.actcorp. One note is that the normal uninstall option in adblink will not enable you to delete all apps, it is required to use pm uninstall -k --user 0 [apk name] in the adb shell to get it done. Once done, the box works, however I'm not too sure on how to get the default android TV launcher to open up, pressing the home button on remote takes to a blank screen only. If someone can help, I'll be grateful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. This is great progress. Let me try these steps too. What I can tell you now is if you can install apks, try installing atv launcher or open play store using the voice assistant and install a launcher from there. I'll try this on my end too and see what can be done about the default launcher. Earlier, it never used to let us install any launcher apps. Sideload launcher was the only app we could install.
Vimz999 said:
Wow. This is great progress. Let me try these steps too. What I can tell you now is if you can install apks, try installing atv launcher or open play store using the voice assistant and install a launcher from there. I'll try this on my end too and see what can be done about the default launcher. Earlier, it never used to let us install any launcher apps. Sideload launcher was the only app we could install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to uninstall all the act apps. But something is blocking launcher apps from installing. Android tv home launcher is what we need to install but can't install it either from adb or from playstore. Do you have some command to force install or do you know where the blocked list is?
Vimz999 said:
I was able to uninstall all the act apps. But something is blocking launcher apps from installing. Android tv home launcher is what we need to install but can't install it either from adb or from playstore. Do you have some command to force install or do you know where the blocked list is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I faced the same issue, that's why it is hard to not reach the blank home page often. Hopefully someone has a way to install the launcher apps.
djxtwicee said:
I faced the same issue, that's why it is hard to not reach the blank home page often. Hopefully someone has a way to install the launcher apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried resetting your device after removing act core applications ?
kmani49 said:
have you tried resetting your device after removing act core applications ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Resetting restores all the apps you have uninstalled. Including the act launcher app. Another way that may work is to somehow rename the android home launcher apk to in.actcorp.actottlauncher.
And make it to install over the current app.
1 Download and install Wear OS China Version. https://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&s=wear+os+china&minapi=false
2 Download and install Wear OS GMS version from the Playstore or where ever.
3 Set up watch on China version, eventually when its almost set up it will tell you to download the GMS version and continue set up there, and your watch will factory reset on its own.
4 Continue with the GMS version, in less than 30 seconds you will be paired and all features will work on your watch.
I am using the Sony SW3.
The only thing that I was unable to do, was get my non Sony watchface to work, "Weather Time for Wear." That is the only watchface that I like.
I had a problem where my phone would ring once and go to voicemail. I uninstalled the GMS version, and afterwards, my watch is still paired, and my calls do not ring once and go to VM.
Does not seem to work on A11.
For A11, I needed to login to Aurora, and MicroG. Once it was working, I logged out.
hey, i tried this but the Wear OS app gets stuck on "getting watch details". Do you have any idea?
mind-overflow said:
hey, i tried this but the Wear OS app gets stuck on "getting watch details". Do you have any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look here.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MicroG/comments/moqxmb
Droid_Nut said:
Have a look here.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MicroG/comments/moqxmb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I was finally able to make it work. Here's how I did it (I did a few times because sometimes it would hang up, but it finally worked):
Install both Global and China WearOS apps
install the "Google" app from the Play Store (you need it for the Global WearOS to work)
Go into System Settings -> Apps -> Wear OS, and click "Force Close" (do it for both China and Global)
Now power on the Watch and keep going until it asks to pair with the phone
DON'T OPEN the WearOS app, but go in Settings -> Bluetooth and pair the Watch from there.
The watch should say something like "Connected succesfully" and a spinning wheel should appear on its screen.
Now, open the GLOBAL WearOS app and do the setup, until it says "getting watch details". The progress bar will load and it will stop almost at the end.
When you see that the setup is stuck, open the CHINESE WearOS app, and do the setup there. It should continue and complete it. Agree to all the permissions it asks for.
Now, close all your recent apps (don't Force Close, just clear the recent apps).
Now, open the GLOBAL WearOS. It should ask for a few more permissions, and it should be done!
DO NOT DELETE THE CHINESE APP! You don't need to use it, you can use global, but if you delete it you will need to re-pair.
Now, if you want to add a Google Account on the Watch, it will not work with microG. However, here's how I managed to do it (while still retaining microG at the end):
Download OpenGapps Micro or Pico ZIP
in Magisk, REMOVE the MicroG module (I'm using MinMicroG MinimalIAP)
reboot into recovery
flash OpenGapps ZIP
reboot into System
open WearOS Global App
add your Google Account to the Watch (and to the phone)
wait for it to copy the account into the Watch
now, reboot into recovery
dirty-flash your vanilla ROM to remove OpenGapps
if you had it previously, flash Magisk again
if you had flashed any other ZIP that modified the System parition, flash it again, since when you flashed the vanilla ROM it removed all System changes (if you flashed via Magisk, then you don't need to flash again)
reboot into System
uninstall the Google Play Services App
reboot again
open Magisk and re-flash microG (I'm using MinMicroG MinimalIAP)
don't worry if some Google apps crash, you just need to reinstall them/clear data and they'll work fine
reboot
Done! Now you have microG on your phone, but your watch has a Google account and is connected to global WearOS, so you have full syncing and functionality!
Remember to go into the microG settings apps and check/enable all permissions, and also Device Registration/Cloud/SafetyNet if you need those features!
Thanks for the write up, for me it was trial and error and getting lucky.
I had to delete the GMS app because my OnePlus 7T would not ring more than once, I am not having any problems using the China app.
Droid_Nut said:
Thanks for the write up, for me it was trial and error and getting lucky.
I had to delete the GMS app because my OnePlus 7T would not ring more than once, I am not having any problems using the China app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! I had an opposite problem: I could not use just the China app because it was saying that the Watch is incompatible. However, if I start the setup from the Global app, then it continues fine in the China one.
I'm glad that we are finally able to use WearOS with microG, although with a not very straightforward setup!
I am using an old Sony Smartwatch 3, so I am on Android 1.5 for the watch.
Yay...! Followed word to word... Now I'm able to use wearos on microg... Successful ly setup fossil-sport with latest android 11 custom ROM..
Google account was already setup on my wearos from previous setup...
Followed below article to repair wearos Bluetooth...
How to Pair Android Wear Watches to New Phones without Factory Resetting
A tutorial on how to pair Android Wear smartwatches to a new phone without factory resetting. Also useful if you flash a custom ROM and don't want to reset!
www.xda-developers.com
Working great, thanks for the tutorial! However I can't get Wear OS apps or faces to transfer over automatically and I'm forced to sideload them.
Seriously you are my hero! I just spent a long week or two removing google services out of my life and for the life of me could not figure out how to get this to work. I even used android X86 on my PC to pair it and then Mock GPS with a VPN in Hong Kong thinking the Chinese app needed to be over seas lol. So it was as easy as switing apps mid point and all is well. Now to root and remove all the google on the watch if thats even possible. Anyone get GADGETBRIDGE or something else working. Also I seen a site on how to pair multiple devices to this watch by using the ADB clear and bluetooth pair method.
Link for clearing the bluetooth and putting it in pairing mode
How to Pair Android Wear Watches to New Phones without Factory Resetting
A tutorial on how to pair Android Wear smartwatches to a new phone without factory resetting. Also useful if you flash a custom ROM and don't want to reset!
www.xda-developers.com
Link for the app needed to manage more than one phone for your wearOS
Pair watch Wear OS with another smartphone / Tablet without factory reset
Hi, I've been researching how to pair multiple smartphones to my watch with Wear OS for a few days. I have come to the following conclusions and an idea. If you have ever wanted to pair the watch with a new smartphone or tablet, or you have...
forum.xda-developers.com
What I plan to do now is burn Android X86 to usb and try to sync it up to a gmail that I never use if I in fact decide to still use Google Fit.
Link to Android X86
Android-x86
Android-x86: Free software download for windows, linux.
www.fosshub.com
Hi all!
I have a moto 360 1st gen and i tried to make wear os work on microg (after i finally decided to chang the watches battery...). The watch shows the notifications from phone, however i cant controll music nor put my phone to do not disturbe mode via watch. Is there any sollution for that issue?
im unable to add an account to my watch on calyxos android 12. i dont have a custom recovery but do have root. what should i do
For adding the account you need GAPPS as the sign in API is not implemented in MicroG. With Magisk you could try to temporary flash the GAPPS and remove them when your account is added.
I'm a developer and advanced Android user. All my previous phones were rooted.
Now, instead of my OnePlus with Android 11, I got an ASUS ROG Phone with Android 12. But today I'm asking myself a question:
Is it still worth having a phone with ROOT in 2022?
There are certainly many reasons to have ROOT. In my case in particular:
- AdAway in ROOT mode.
- The ability to backup and restore app data (like game accounts).
- The ability to terminate running processes using the 3C All-inOne Toolbox.
The problem is that some apps don't work on a phone with ROOT:
- Banking apps
- Card payment
- Microsoft Teams
Yes, I have the latest Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix and in Zygisk mode I hide ROOT from all Microsoft and Google apps. Yet from time to time Microsoft Authenticator will evaluate the phone as unsafe and refuses to run Teams.
I would like to get rid of the ROOT issues already and have a phone without ROOT. Finally, AdAway can run in VPN mode as well.
The question is how to transfer app data like game accounts from the old phone to the new one without ROOT. Google backup only restores about half of the apps on the original phone.
I used to always use Titanium, but that doesn't work without ROOT. Today Swift Backup works, but even that needs ROOT. Shizuku mode doesn't help in this case either.
So today I see it as the best option for me:
1. Unlock the bootloader.
2. Temporary ROOT the new phone.
3. Restore apps with data.
4. Lock the bootloader - in case the Microsoft Authenticator detects the unlocked bootloader.
What do you think?
vladaxx said:
I'm a developer and advanced Android user. All my previous phones were rooted.
Now, instead of my OnePlus with Android 11, I got an ASUS ROG Phone with Android 12. But today I'm asking myself a question:
Is it still worth having a phone with ROOT in 2022?
There are certainly many reasons to have ROOT. In my case in particular:
- AdAway in ROOT mode.
- The ability to backup and restore app data (like game accounts).
- The ability to terminate running processes using the 3C All-inOne Toolbox.
The problem is that some apps don't work on a phone with ROOT:
- Banking apps
- Card payment
- Microsoft Teams
Yes, I have the latest Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix and in Zygisk mode I hide ROOT from all Microsoft and Google apps. Yet from time to time Microsoft Authenticator will evaluate the phone as unsafe and refuses to run Teams.
I would like to get rid of the ROOT issues already and have a phone without ROOT. Finally, AdAway can run in VPN mode as well.
The question is how to transfer app data like game accounts from the old phone to the new one without ROOT. Google backup only restores about half of the apps on the original phone.
I used to always use Titanium, but that doesn't work without ROOT. Today Swift Backup works, but even that needs ROOT. Shizuku mode doesn't help in this case either.
So today I see it as the best option for me:
1. Unlock the bootloader.
2. Temporary ROOT the new phone.
3. Restore apps with data.
4. Lock the bootloader - in case the Microsoft Authenticator detects the unlocked bootloader.
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you've already discovered, the main advantage to rooting is the ability to do backups. There are solutions to the the Banking apps and Card payment problems, which may or may not work for your particular apps. There are also alternatives to Microsoft Authenticator. Only you can determine if these alternative solutions are worth the benefit of being able to backup your data.
The AdAway problem is easily solved. Use AdGuard DNS, which does not require root.
@dcarvil: I suppose you mean AdGuard DNS.
vladaxx said:
@dcarvil: I suppose you mean AdGuard DNS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, that is what I meant.
Hi,
I have a Xhorse Key Tool Max that's got Android 6.0, I did a factory reset and now the main app won't update, developer option crashes everytime. And won't let me put any APK on it and doesn't have any app store. Has anyone tried rooting this device? I would like to root it and be able to add apps to it.