Sorry to hear that but all of my apps are just fine on my Nvidia shield homepage.
I’m seriously shocked that people are still using Firestick. I stopped 4 years ago because the writing was on the wall then. After trying various devices settled on ONN. It’s literally been flawless for my streaming needs which are limited to Surfshark,Tivimate and Syncler.
Thomson who make equivalent to the onn for uk market has just gone broke 
I just saw that… Will be doing a story on this soon
ONN from Wallmart does the same thing buzz TV does a lot cheaper also
I’m glad, with your help, that I Amazon proofed my fire stick.
I have been transitioning to ONN, and that sounds the death bell for Firestick.
I just bought a used HP Prodesk mini and installed Android TV to an all my normal apps only cost me £45 
ONN’s are sold out EVERYWHERE. So what are good AFFORDABLE alternatives?
Imagine the outrage if Microsoft started pulling this kind of BS with regular Windows PCs — blocking outside software, limiting customization, and forcing users into whatever ads, apps, and interface Microsoft approved.
Yet that seems to be the direction Amazon is moving with Fire TV devices.
Some people dismiss the concern by saying they only use legitimate apps, so it doesn’t affect them. But that misses the bigger issue. This is not just about sideloading. It is about losing control over a device you paid for.
A locked-down Fire TV means less freedom to customize your launcher, clean up the home screen, avoid Amazon’s constant ads, or use the device the way you want.
Google TV and Android TV are better than Fire TV right now, but they are not perfect either. They are still tied to Google’s ecosystem, and Google could tighten things up further if it wanted to. That is why Android AOSP-based devices are becoming a much better alternative for people who actually want maximum control.
I don’t understand why people are so quick to surrender ownership of devices they bought with their own money. A streaming device should serve the user, not trap the user inside a corporate-controlled advertising platform.
The new Onn 4K Pro V2 will be officially launched very soon.
I just bought a replacement or backup to my Amazon 4K max 2nd.gen. I read the other day. That the side load blocking will not apply to older versions.
I assume that the apps themselves will choose to deactivate by choice , Like CinemaHD. And BeeTv
Viva and Teatv.
As long as Downloader will install.
I’ll just wait till some workarounds begin to appear.
To be honest. I’ve had to reboot the Firestick almost everyday for 2 years.Sam problem with a previous 2nd. Gen device. Especially if I don’t use it for a day or two. Started playing this game back in 2015.
Warning
App Name XCIPTV
One or more apps on your device have been identified as using or providing access to unlicensed content, including this app, and will be disabled. To remove this app now, select “Uninstall “ below.
Launch anyway Uninstall
Received this message yesterday on an older firestick stick it’s still working tho
Not quite sure how they can disable an app that doesn’t provide any content i
Yea not surprised as Amazon keeps cracking down harder… Never a better time to ditch Fire TV - 10 Best Firestick Alternatives in 2026 (No More Restrictions)
Did those sticks you gave away have the exploit applied?
Nope. They were unopened in their original boxes.
Do you know if it’s possible to apply the exploit to a 4K Max firestick that has been stored away unused for about 2 years with no updates installed? Would there be a way to do the exploit while avoiding the Amazon updates?
I no longer have any 4K Max to test. But it’s my understanding that the exploits no longer work, or must be done so precisely, that it’s next to impossible, and I’m quite sure, in today’s environment, not really worth it.
Yes, assuming a 4k Max Gen 2. You will need a router where you can block the Amazon updates while performing the exploit. See @TROYPOINT video on Youtube. https://youtu.be/No5inbJCcQY?si=ct23as0kago2jVmo
I may be ignorant to this, as I’m new with IPTV specifically Smarters and IBO, is that going to be the same for FireTv?