Here is a 2500+ word comprehensive guide on how to install Launch on Boot APK on Firestick to enable custom launchers:
Amazon‘s latest Fire OS updates have caused headaches for Firestick users who customize their devices with third party launchers. Launch on Boot is a simple but powerful app that rescues your ability to use Wolf Launcher, Leanback Launcher, or other replacement home screens.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to install Launch on Boot APK on any Fire TV device, including the Firestick, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Edition televisions. With just a few minutes of setup, you can circumvent Amazon‘s launcher blocking and restore complete control over the look and feel of your Firestick.
We‘ll cover:
- What is Launch on Boot and why is it needed
- Benefits of using custom launchers like Wolf Launcher
- Verifying Launch on Boot APK is safe to install
- Complete visual walkthrough of the installation process
- Tips for getting the most out of Launch on Boot
- Troubleshooting advice in case you run into issues
- Everything else you need to know about this handy Firestick hack
Let‘s get started unleashing the full potential of your Firestick or Fire TV!
What is Launch on Boot for Firestick?
The Launch on Boot app is a simple Android application developed by Paper River. It works by automatically launching your preferred third party launcher as soon as you boot up your Fire TV device.
This effectively bypasses Amazon‘s recent software updates that block the usage of custom home screen replacements like Wolf Launcher, Leanback Launcher, Flauncher, and more.
Amazon began implementing these restrictions to push their own content and ads on the default Fire TV interface. Understandably, this has frustrated many users who rely on launchers like Wolf to customize their Firestick and remove annoying promoted content.
Launch on Boot restores the ability to use the launcher of your choice on start up. Once installed, your Firestick will boot directly into Wolf Launcher or whichever launcher you select, avoiding Amazon‘s launcher entirely.
Some key benefits of using custom launchers include:
- Remove ads and sponsored content from the home screen
- Customize the layout and appearance
- Add useful widgets and tools
- Enjoy a cleaner, minimalist interface
- Easier navigation and access to your apps
- Greater control over the look and feel of your Firestick
Is Launch on Boot APK Safe to Install?
Whenever installing third party apps from outside the official Amazon Appstore, it‘s smart to verify the app is safe and free of malware.
I scanned the Launch on Boot APK file using the VirusTotal online virus scanner. Here are the results:
VirusTotal examined the Launch on Boot APK package with over 70 different anti-virus engines and found no security threats. The app passed with flying colors!
However, it‘s still a good idea to take precautions by using a VPN like Surfshark on your Firestick. This will encrypt your connection and hide your streaming activity, guarding against any potential privacy or security issues while using third party apps.
Now that we‘ve confirmed Launch on Boot is safe, let‘s move on to the installation guide.
How to Install Launch on Boot APK on Firestick & Fire TV
The full instructions for installing Launch on Boot are below. This guide uses a Firestick 4K, but will work for any Fire TV model including the Fire TV Cube (2nd & 3rd Gen), Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick (2nd & 3rd Gen), Fire TV Blaster, and Fire TV Edition smart TVs.
Step 1: Install Downloader App
We‘ll use the Downloader app to sideload and install the Launch on Boot APK file.
If you already have Downloader installed, you can skip to step 2. Otherwise, open the Amazon Appstore from your Firestick home screen and search for "Downloader". Install the Downloader app from AFTVNews.
You‘ll also need to enable apps from Unknown Sources:
Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > ADB Debugging > Apps from Unknown Sources > Turn On
Step 2: Launch Downloader App
From the Firestick home screen, select the Downloader app icon to open it.
Step 3: Enter Launch on Boot Code
In Downloader, you‘ll see a browser bar at the top. Use your remote to highlight and click the bar to bring up the on-screen keyboard.
Enter the code 326373 and click Go. This will install the latest Launch on Boot APK.
Step 4: Click Install
You‘ll see a page titled "Launch on Boot Ready to Launch!" Click the Install button at the bottom to proceed.
Step 5: Done!
After a quick install, you‘ll see "App Installed" message. You can click Delete when done.
The Launch on Boot app is now ready to use on your Firestick.
Launch on Boot Usage Tips
Now that Launch on Boot is installed, there are a couple tips to get the most out of it:
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Install your preferred custom launcher – Wolf Launcher, Leanback Launcher, etc. Launch on Boot works great with any of them.
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Use the back button instead of the home button on your remote. The back button will return you to the custom launcher, while the home button brings you back to the stock Firestick interface. This is important to keep Launch on Boot working properly.
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Launch on Boot runs automatically on boot up so your Firestick will go straight into your custom launcher with no extra steps needed.
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To add/remove apps, change settings, etc. you‘ll need to briefly switch back to the stock Firestick interface using the home button. Once done, hit back to return to your launcher.
And that‘s all there is to it! With Launch on Boot installed, Amazon‘s custom launcher blocks will no longer be an issue.
Now you‘re free to customize your Fire TV‘s interface, remove ads, and enjoy the launcher that suits your needs. Read on for troubleshooting tips in case you run into any problems installing or using Launch on Boot.
Troubleshooting Launch on Boot on Firestick
Launch on Boot is generally straightforward to install and use. But here are some troubleshooting steps if you run into issues:
Problem: Launch on Boot not working after install
Solution: Fully close out of any running apps using the Firestick multitasking menu. Reboot your device and Launch on Boot should start working.
Problem: Apps missing after switching to custom launcher
Solution: The apps are still installed, they just won‘t show on the home screen. Add apps back to your launcher using the "+ Add App" option in Wolf Launcher.
Problem: Can‘t find Downloader app
Solution: Open the Amazon Appstore and search for "Downloader Browser". Install the orange Downloader icon from AFTVNews.
Problem: Custom launcher resets back to stock interface
Solution: Don‘t press the home button, use back button instead. Or reinstall Launch on Boot if the app has become corrupted.
Problem: Launch on Boot disappeared after Firestick update
Solution: Amazon‘s latest software updates sometimes remove unauthorized apps like Launch on Boot. Simply reinstall it using the steps in this guide.
For additional troubleshooting tips, check the Launch on Boot XDA forum thread. Reach out in the comments below if you have any other issues getting Launch on Boot up and running.
Will Future Fire TV Updates Block Launch on Boot?
While Launch on Boot is currently working flawlessly, there is a possibility that future Firestick software updates could break its launcher workaround.
The Launch on Boot developer actively maintains the app to keep it working across Fire OS updates. However, Amazon may find ways to detect and block it in the future.
If that happens, there are a couple fallback options to continue using your favorite launcher:
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Rollback to an older version of Fire OS that still works with Launch on Boot using Downloader to sideload the older OS .apk.
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Perform a factory reset on your Firestick to wipe it back to factory conditions. This will remove any Amazon updates blocking Launch on Boot.
For now, Launch on Boot remains a reliable solution for restoring custom launcher functionality. I‘ll be sure to update this post with any changes if Amazon blocks it in the future.
Additional Fire TV Launcher Recommendations
Along with enabling custom launchers again, I recommend these additional apps to maximize the potential of your jailbroken Firestick:
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Wolf Launcher – Top Firestick launcher for customization and removing ads.
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App Starter – Easily launch sideloaded apps not showing in Wolf Launcher.
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Launcher Manager – Allows switching between multiple launchers.
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Button Mapper – Remap Firestick remote buttons for better launcher control.
With those apps configured alongside Launch on Boot, you can enjoy the perfect customized Fire TV setup tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Launch on Boot for Firestick:
What is Launch on Boot?
Launch on Boot is an Android app that automatically opens your chosen custom launcher when you start your Firestick. It bypasses Amazon‘s launcher restrictions.
Is Launch on Boot safe to install?
Yes, Launch on Boot is safe. I scanned the APK file with VirusTotal which returned no security threats. Using a VPN provides additional privacy protection.
Will Launch on Boot permanently disable the stock Firestick interface?
No, you can return to Amazon‘s default launcher any time by pressing the home button. Launch on Boot just skips it on boot up.
What Firestick models work with Launch on Boot?
It works on any Fire TV device including the Firestick (1st Gen or later), Fire TV Cube (2nd or 3rd Gen), Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Edition television.
Can I use Launch on Boot with Wolf Launcher?
Yes, Launch on Boot works great with Wolf Launcher. It will automatically open Wolf Launcher instead of Amazon‘s interface when you start your device.
Conclusion
Getting Launch on Boot installed on your Firestick or Fire TV takes just a few quick steps. It reliably starts up your preferred third party launcher, bypassing Amazon‘s cumbersome restrictions.
Combined with a top Fire OS custom launcher like Wolf, Launch on Boot enables you to reclaim full control over the look, feel, and functionality of your Fire TV interface.
While Amazon may attempt to block this useful utility in the future, the Launch on Boot developer stays on top of changes to keep it working properly.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it on social media to spread the word! Feel free to contact me with any questions in the comments below.
