CONFIG: Setting up Zank Remote for Amazon Fire TV

CONFIG: Setting up Zank Remote for Amazon Fire TV

The Amazon FireTV recently changed there security model which has directly affected the Zank app from sending ADB commands (required for most of the controls we use).

There is a work around, it involves some configuration of the router to open a port, but it does not send traffic over the Internet - it just uses the enteral port as a loopback to work around the Amazon inbound ADN restriction.

Zank Config

You will need to have the current version (20.x.x or later) installed for this to work, so if you haven't already , please update the Zank all before continuing. 

Once the app is up to date, run the app and once it launches, press the Up button on your remote 7 times in a row. A Text box will appear to allow you to set the external IP and port. The default is global:64600, which you can accept if you only have one FireTV. If you have multiples, please check the how to for multiple devices below.

Router Config

The router config involves opening up an external port and forwarding that to your FireTV's ADB port (5555).

The default port is 64600, but it can be changed in the Zank app (see the how to for multiple devices below).

The settings are as follows

External Port: 64600
Internal Port: 5555
IP Address: Fire TV IP Address
Protocol: ALL (TCP and UDP)

When the Zank app launches with the loopback enabled (see below) it will discover the external address and send the command automatically.

How Do I Configure Multiple FireTV devices?

If you have multiple FireTV boxes, you will need to use a different port  for each device. 

For example, lets say you have the following config

FireTV Cube
IP: 192.168.1.10
Zank Config: global:64600

Fire TV Stick
IP: 192.168.1.11
Zank Config: global:64601

You would need the following firewall rules

Rule 1
External Port: 64600
Internal Port: 5555
IP Address: 192.168.1.10
Protocol: ALL (TCP and UDP)

Rule 2
External Port: 64601
Internal Port: 5555
IP Address: 192.168.1.11
Protocol: ALL (TCP and UDP)

    • Related Articles

    • CONFIG: Android TV / Zank Remote

      Overview Chowmain's Android TV drivers for various home automation platforms utilise Zank Remote to control Google TV / Android TV / Fire TV devices. All communications between the drivers and the Android device is done via the app. Note that you ...
    • Control4 Hisense VIDAA - Remote Does Not Contain Numeric Keypad

      Some TV's in some regions are shipped with a remote control which does not contain a numeric keypad. A remote control must be purchased separately which includes the numeric keypad for setup with this driver.
    • Control4 Hisense VIDAA: TV does not power on consistantly

      Symptoms TV does not consistently power on Solution Ensure that the TV MAC Address is correct and filled in. This driver relies on WOL for connections Ensure Wake On LAN/Wireless Network operates correctly in the driver. Ensure Wake on LAN/Wireless ...
    • Control4 Hisense VIDAA: TV Does not show pairing menu

      TV does not show pairing menu required to pair TV to control4. Solution Firmware for TV may not be compatible with this driver. Ensure the TV firmware is up to date. Ensure the TV is powered on and connected to the network. Ensure that the IP Address ...
    • CONTROL4 HIKVISION: Live view works locally but not remote

      If the camera’s live view functions correctly when connected locally through the Control4 iOS or Android app, but fails to display when accessed remotely (off-network), the issue is typically caused by the ‘Publicly Accessible’ option being enabled ...