So here’s the thing about the Echo Show 15: Amazon really doesn’t want you messing with it. But where’s the fun in that?

Update: Amazon locked this down in February 2023, so if you picked up a newer device, you’re probably out of luck. But for those who got in early—this one’s for you.

The Vision

I had a simple goal: turn this 15-inch wall-mounted display into the ultimate media dashboard. Imagine walking by and seeing what’s playing across all your services—Paramount+, Disney+, Kodi, whatever—with gorgeous artwork that updates in real-time. No Echo, no Alexa skills, just pure Home Assistant goodness piped through Fully Kiosk Browser.

Built some Node-Red flows to wire it all together, and boom—instant visual feedback for everything happening in my smart home.

The Compromises

Fully Kiosk Browser works surprisingly well on this thing, but it’s not without quirks:

  • No root access means some features just won’t work
  • Motion detection? Forget about it
  • Screen brightness reports as NaN (classic)

But honestly? For a wall-mounted dashboard, these limitations are totally workable.

How to Actually Do This

If you’re one of the lucky ones with an older Echo Show 15, here’s the quick version:

  1. Sideload the basics: Developer Tools, File Explorer, Downloader, and AppList for TV
  2. Grab the APKs for Home Assistant and Fully Kiosk Browser
  3. Move them to the Download folder (yes, really)
  4. Install and configure

Once you’re in, you can script everything—screen on/off, photo galleries, view switching. The Echo Show becomes whatever you want it to be: automation control panel, media dashboard, digital picture frame. Amazon didn’t build it for this, but that’s what makes it fun.