Problem: Password needed to enable ADB (Telia TV Box DV8919X)

hi all,

Sorry to write in English. Live here for years but still not able to speak Swedish.

I got a TV Box DV8919X from Telia, and want to hack it.

Reading some post before, it is possible to enable ADB, and do many things.

But on my device, the box asks for a password to enable ADB.

Extra info:
Model: Telia Nordic STB
Firmware version: 12.2.43
Android TV OS version: 12
Android TV OS security patch level: Nov 5,2023
Kernel version: 5.4.242 (Nov 27, 2023)
Android TV OS build: 20240123:user/release-key

 

Maybe factory reset is the way to go.

 

Just tried.

Factory reset
Scan Telia QR code for first time login
Try to enable ADB, still need a passion in the final step.

Maybe they add the password in the system firmware

 

Did you enable dev mode and unlocked the bootloader? And it no try to call Telia support, they only handle the preinstalled softwared TV streams.

 

Hi, I am trying to enable dev mode.
I think most of Android devices can enable dev mode by 7 (or more) clicks on OS version.
But this device and this version seems have password protection.

Without this step, I think it is not possible to use ADB commands from PC.

 

I have done this several times before, every time without being promoted for a password. Perhaps they have added the password prompt in the last system update...?

 

Then its locked, just like the Tele2 Mini hub.

Did you ask SDMC for support, or the reddit/XDA community.

 

I hope it is just a stupid mistake by me. Hope someone later says 'hey guy, I have same device and same version, and I don't have this issue.. Bla bla bla'

 

Good idea. I will do so. Will post here if get any interesting reply

 

Good luck, also check out Android TV Guide

To find copy's of the same module.

 

I have the same problem on the latest OS firmware. I'm writing an insändare right now. Let's shame Telia in public.

 

I don't think common people will care if you can "hack" it or not and doing so may possibly fall under "the intellectual property rights" (point 11) in the General terms and conditions.

11 Intellectual property rights
11.1 The Agreement does not entail any transfer of copyright or
other intellectual property rights to the Customer. Unless authorised
in writing by Telia, the Customer may not use, copy, change or
otherwise handle software or other equipment belonging to the
Service, nor may the Customer assign or lease the rights to such
software or equipment to a third party. Special licence terms may
also apply to software that is part of the Service

https://www.telia.se/dam/jcr:a4a5fca7-7d01-4bb8-b8d5-d7df1f1d4999/Telias GTC Services to Consumers 2022-09-01.pdf

 

@henrikm It's an Android TV box that we have bought from Telia. The TV-subscription is a service, not a hardware product. Their streaming subscriptions work with any other Android TV box, and there is no reason why the box it self should not function without a subscription at Telia.

If I bought an phone from Telia, and cancelled my subscription, I would have been pretty upset if they locked it down after my cancellation. And I am for the same reason upset now.

They have a custom launcher that renders the box unusable after cancellation. They don't allow you to change it, and now they don't allow you to unlock the developer settings to change it through ADB. They do everything they can to render the box unusable after the cancellation of the subscription, and there is no argument making it up for it. Especially not since they have this section on there page: Telia Hållbarhet - Telia.se

It's an artificial limitation created by Telia and they should be publicly shamed for it until they either remove the environmental manifest from their site or remove the artificial limitation they have created.

Sorry for bad english (but it's not as bad as Telia's facade for their environmental engagement obviously)

 

The device contains software, decryption keys that is associated with Telia and that falls under intellectual property even if you own the device.

I think there are surely terms you agreed upon when buying the box where software access is regulated.


In basic, you own the device but not software that Telia owns.
The password lock is there so you do not infringe on Telias intellectual property.

 

No update on this?

 

Unfortunately no reply from SDMC. As I cannot enable ADB, cannot root, there are not much to do.

But since there is a Google Play (App Store), I did these:
- Use Flauncher instead of Telia's launcher
- Use Button Mapper to map one key to start Flauncher

So even I didn't log in Telia's account, I can use Flauncher to use it as a normal Android TV

Sorry I don't have inspiring update

 

There needs to be a exploit, you can access the bootloader and developer settings.

 

developer settings demand a pincode.

 

Also check this thread at XDA:
Problem: Password needed to enable ADB (SDMC DV8919X)