Echo Show 5 Bootloader Unlock: Turn It Into a Homey Pro Dashboard

Someone has successfully found a vulnerability in the Echo Show 5 (1st generation) that allows unlocking the bootloader and entering FASTBOOT mode, enabling the installation of Nova Launcher via ADB. This effectively transforms your device into a mini Android tablet.

The procedure was tested with Home Assistant, but you can clearly install the Homey app APK as well.

You can find the link with all the steps here: https://www.martinpham.com/2025/10/11/how-i-unlocked-my-echo-show-5-bootloader-and-installed-home-assistant/

Small disclaimer: I haven’t personally tested this procedure and I take no responsibility for any damage or malfunctions that could brick your Echo Show 5 devices.

Has anyone tried this with homey? I’ve installed HA on mine and works great but the homey app always crashes and never loads. Anyone managed to get homey working?