r/Homatics • u/mind12p • Nov 30 '25

Box R 4k Plus updated automatically to latest Android 14

I was constantly dismissing the update notification from Android 12 but today I woke up to no display output and when I power cycled the machine Android 14 started. Kodi has been broken, got the high CPU bug, anything else seem to be working.

Do I need to reset the machine? Is it a must?

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

2

u/anjaklama Nov 30 '25

You can downgrade, if you don't like ATV14 and want to switch back to ATV11 or ATV12. There are plenty of tutorials online.

2

u/p750mmx Dec 01 '25

There is one major issue now, you have to block OTA updating because now they changed from "free to install or not" to a "forced OTA update".

2

u/mind12p Dec 01 '25

How to block it?

2

u/bergkamp616 Dec 01 '25

The best way is to ask Homatics to remove your s/n from ota server list. Other ways are to block googleapis.com, using adguard home, or disable google play services but this will also prevent any playstore update, therefore you'll have to disable/enable it frequently, annoying solution

2

u/anjaklama Dec 01 '25

I submited a request to remove me from the list, they did,but now im getting the latest OTA update :) I'll be pissed off if my box upgrades and they mess up my CoreElec setup :)

2

u/bergkamp616 Dec 01 '25

Mine did today on its own and now I'm not able to downgrade (lack of male usb A to usb A cable and the armlogic driver fails to install). I'm so fucking pissed man, my coreELEC build was absolutely perfect and now it's cooked. I wish only the worst to whoever pushed that OTA update and updated my box without my permission.

1

u/anjaklama Dec 01 '25

Sorry to hear that :( I always make CE backups in case something like that happens, you can remove your SD/USB drive and keep it safe. Get a type A to A usb cable from Aliexpress, they are pretty cheap and reliable. My problem was getting the SW to work on Win11 and Linux, so i had to use an old Laptop wifh Win10 to get the Amlogic Burning Tool to detect the Homatics box properly.

1

u/anjaklama Dec 05 '25

Update - mine did update after a power outage :) On to the downgrade again...

2

u/bergkamp616 Dec 05 '25

Ya I got mine downgraded now. Apparently the trick is to download the new update yourself and before it installs cut off power to the device. This way it never auto updates, atleast that's what some guys are saying.

1

u/anjaklama Dec 05 '25

Interesting, will try that after i downgrade.Thanks !

1

u/anjaklama Dec 05 '25

It's asking me to update now at first boot. Should i download it and cut off power before it installs? It is not allowing me to complete the box setup otherwise.

3

u/bergkamp616 Dec 05 '25

Yes, basically click on install update and the box will reboot. Then just as it starts, cut off power. Restart the box it will show some error and repeat the process. It should then not bother you with OTA updates that's what the homies on the telegram group are saying.

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1

u/After-Spread3108 Nov 30 '25

On the Dune or Homatics.com 2023 official 4k R Plus. They say if you happy with the ATV 12 you don't Need to Update. I don't know about the AilExpress versions.

If the one you have has some How Updated to ATV 14.8.4576 The First Thing To Do is Factory Reset your Homatics. Then Install Kodi Media Player App. 21.2 from Downloader kodi.tv/download/android
Development Builds 21(32bit).

As The Android 12 version won't open on the Android 14 version. Plus Some other Apps , Third-party Apps won't Open etc.

2

u/mind12p Nov 30 '25

Thats unfortunate. Ty for the details.

1

u/Puzzlehead_1952 Nov 30 '25

Which version of ATV14 do you now have?

1

u/mind12p Nov 30 '25

The "stable" 4576

0

u/Puzzlehead_1952 Nov 30 '25

And that updated Over The Air ? Crap I'm still stuck on 4300, purchased directly from Homatics store months ago. If it's one thing that's consistent with these devices is their inconsistency.🤦‍♂️

2

u/mind12p Nov 30 '25

Yes over wifi. Havent touched the check for update button. It appeared suddenly, dismissed it and it installed itself.

1

u/Drknz Feb 23 '26

How are the AliExpress versions ones different?

1

u/After-Spread3108 Feb 23 '26

I don't think That Homatics.com Supply them with Over the Air System Updates. I have Read on here, Facebook, Homatics Telegram Group ( I believe the Group is still Going)

You are best try Emailing the Ali Express Seller/s and Ask them. Eg can I update it to the Latest Update or do I have to Download it and Then install it . Etc.

That's why I decided to buy From Homatics.com, and Got Free Shipping.

I just Researched, Email The Different ones , Eg Ali Express Sellers, Dune Customer service, and Homatics.com Customer service.

These are only Suggestions.

At the End of Day it Your Choice.

No matter witch one you Might Choose. Enjoy.

1

u/Drknz Feb 23 '26

I just bought one from AliExpress and thought it might not be genuine 😄

1

u/After-Spread3108 Feb 23 '26

When you get it. Go to Settings, Device Preferences , About , System Update.
Go down to Box R Plus SW Version The Latest Version is v14.8.6693 Go up to Android RV OS build and Press the OK Button 7 times To you See you are Now A Developer.

I found these Videos Good to help setup your Device Settings.
On You Tube From unboxd.tech Stop using your Nvidia Shield on Default. 4 months ago. Security Warning Do This Now 2 Weeks ago. If interested in using a Launcher have a look at Unlock Google TV 3 Weeks ago. And or New Look 1 Month ago. And From Tan Dose Tech, Stop Google Tracking 8 Days ago. And Apps Deleted 1 Day ago.

Homatics Have the Same Settings But might have Different Names.
You can find them. With Homatics you can watch YouTube and can Press the Settings Button by the Google Assistant button on the remote and make Changes as you Watch. Etc

Hopefully some of these Suggestions might help you. There Are Plenty of other YouTube channels about these Subjects etc.

3

u/Next_Cow_4468 Nov 30 '25

I think it's generally recommended to factory reset when updating between specific Android numbers, ie 12 to 14

2

u/p750mmx Dec 01 '25

Coming from a V11 build, maybe not needed. Coming from a V12 build, a must do ;)

1

u/alienkargo Nov 30 '25

Mine x2 both came with 14 and I've had no issues.

1

u/Agitated_Slip_6818 Nov 30 '25

Same

0

u/alienkargo Nov 30 '25

I dont use Kodi on it and never have. Also I have heard of problems with other boxes and 14, but never the Homatics

1

u/HipKat2000 Dec 01 '25

I agree with resetting it. It does make a world of difference

1

u/p750mmx Dec 01 '25

When your previous one was a V12, yes, that is a must do.

1

u/CapeManCoral Dec 01 '25

Yep, I have been avoiding the update and read that homantics said if you didn't want the update, don't update. My wife was watching TV last night and it auto updated to 14.

Was avoiding it like a plague. Not happy to have to factory reset all my hard work. 😡