TiVo Stream 4K Update Removes Downloader & Launchers

TROYPOINT.com Posts
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Originally published at: TiVo Stream 4K Update Removes Downloader & Launchers

The TiVo Stream 4K just received a surprise OS update from Android 10 to Android 12. For a nearly six-year-old device, that would seem like good news. Instead, owners are finding that the update forcibly removes apps like Downloader, Projectivy Launcher, and ADB utilities. Table of ContentsTivo Stream 4K Update DetailsHow to Fix the ADB…

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You add both Streamfire and Sportsfire to the list…

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I had a custom launcher installed on all of mine and after the update, the TS4K only shows a black screen. How can I do this when I’m not able to see anything?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Matt

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See the “How to Fix the ADB Problem” section - TiVo Stream 4K Update Removes Downloader & Launchers

But in general we recommend getting a better streaming device. Onn 4K boxes are a great choice - Onn 4K Plus Review - New $29.88 Walmart Android TV Box

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if you connect to the box via adb (even in a state where the launcher doesn’t come up) and run this command to disable the service involved you can then install projectivity launcher (or whatever your core launcher is and reconfigure it)

these were the commands I ran

adb shell pm disable-user com.nes.coreservice

Instructions:

find my Android TV device’s IP address, then I downloaded Tiny ADB and Toolkit on my laptop, opened the command prompt in Windows, and used the following ADB command:

adb connect <your device’s IP address>

Then this other command:

adb shell pm disable-user com.nes.coreservice

After that, the message in the console said “disabled user” or something similar. Then I tried to install Downloader from the Play Store and it worked. I restarted a couple of times and the app was still there. No issues anymore even after power off and reboots.

Now my TiVo streams work as intended on Android 12 update :slight_smile:

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Great choice on the Onn boxes; however, they’re none to be found at present. New model to be released soon from what I have read. Hopefully they dont block our attempts to stream like we like do.

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Tivo has always been known as control freaks :joy:

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This whole thing is getting to be a PITA. I now have a drawer with Firesticks and TIVO Stream 4K’s that no longer allow the freedom to customize as they did when purchased. Fortunately I have found workarounds for the OS upgrades on my MECOOL boxes, but the OS upgrades scenario is really frustrating. I still use a TIVO Edge for OTA TV, but I wonder how long it will be till they mess with that box.

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Is there another way to install ADB without using Downloader?

Can you use a phone to connect through wifi?

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Get the remote ADB app from Troy’s toolbox :toolbox:

https://www.mediafire.com/file/rolq54mb7vm10px/remote-adb-shell.apk/file

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What’s left on my Tivo
Stremio, IPTV subscription, TUBI ad free, Tizen Tube … that’s all folks

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Thanks ztoa1234! That helped me greatly.

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That didn’t work…

atvTools worked in minutes…

Thanks Troy

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There is no need to install tools to temporarily block, android third party ban. All you need to do is settings/apps/see all app/ bottom show system apps/ disable android tv core services and clear data. When using the back button to exit the screen will lock or blackout. Just reboot and the system will go back to the original app managing software , before update. You can then open playstore and install downloader or any other apk you want.

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Thanks for another option as atvTools scripts didn’t restore my TIVO Stream 4K. I gave the “disable Android TV Core Services an cleared data. Using the back button, there was not lock or black screen (worked normally). I rebooted and tried to reinstall Downloader, but no joy here. I thought that there may be a missing step, so I went back into disabled apps, and enabled Android TV Core Services (after clearing data once again for good measure), backed out and rebooted. Tried going into the Playstore and D/L Downloader again, but still won’t install. Fortunately I have a BuzzTV G Series box arriving later today, so I will add my TIVO Stream(s) 4K to the drawer with the Firesticks. Sure wish these vendors would do more software testing before they roll out a pushed update that breaks the product!

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Did you use your phone or other device to connect to the Tivo 4k?

It took less than 5 minutes to connect using my phone and running the script.

I would suggest you try again…

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After 24hrs seems they found a way to remove downloader again, I will dig further into a solution, but I did have it long enough to download the coded apks I wanted.

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I used the atvTools app on my iPhone to access the TIVO Stream 4K IP. address (successfully). I ran the script, but nothing changed. This has been tried several times but same behavior as before.

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I would reboot your Tivo 4K and try running the script again.

Make sure you re-check the Ip of the Tivo 4K.

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Same for me no luck I used an iPhone as well.