Help with Kindle Fire 7" (2nd Gen) Lockscreen/Launcher/Root - 7" Kindle Fire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I got my gf a Kindle Fire HD 7". It only has a front camera which appears to be a 2nd gen according to the Amazon chart. I'm going through the forums here and it is just a mess.
Basically she'd like to just change the lockscreen and maybe the launcher. I am very capable but getting frustrated trying to find stuff for my specific device. I read about a special cable. Is it still required or are there ways to do change the stuff without root and heavy altering?
I tried a few launchers but it just force closes. Any help would be awesome.

Bump? Any help, ie thread links, would be awesome.
The naming scheme of these and they way they are all thrown into 1 forum is super complicated to figure out what process works for which model. This might be a stupid question but some answers would be appreciated.

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[Q] Probably just bricked my KFHD7, would like to know where I went wrong.

I won a KFHD7 tonight and thought this could be a fun evening project. Eh not so much.
My device was 7.31.
I started out by rooting the device and that seemed to go find with Bin4ry's v28. Now I want to get Jellybean on it. I have seen that the CM10.1 seems to run really well. So doing research on doing this I kept finding different instructions for different versions. So it came down to me finding out that I need a ROM manager and a bootloader. First I tried to look at getting Clockwork Recovery. I read a tutorial saying I needed to get google play store installed. So I followed instructions on that. However when it came time to sign in, that it kept failing. Weird, I had network connectivity but it kept saying I didn't. I know my user/pass was fine too. So I gave up on that. Next I found the apk file and copied it over and use ES file to install it. that seemed to work pretty good until I launched the app and I couldn't do anything because it didn't recognize my device. In doing that I learned a little more so went on to try some other things. Now I saw on a video that FIREFIREFIRE was the way to go. So I started looking that direction with TWRP. I started following http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2128848, following it step by step. I got to step 4.5 and it said waiting on device. Couldn't get past that. Finally I followed these instructions: http://finditmore.info/2012/09/19/install-team-win-recovery-project-kindle-fire/ I replaced the file name of the TWRP from the one I downloaded from the previous steps. After I rebooted from this, I was done. The device doesn't power back up.
My issue is I was bouncing all over the place I think. It also seemed that 7.31 caused some issue in the instructions as well. I am going to get this replaced, is there a 7.31 guide to follow or should I just wait for one? Why wouldn't anything I tried work to the end, I mean even something like the google play store install. Could that be a 7.31 issue?
While I am not a developer, I have the highest respect for what devs do and i think it is amazing. I have 15 years of experience in the computer industry, *nix, Cisco, Brocade, OSX, Windows. But this stuff is just kicking my tail. Any help is appreciated.
Thank you
Mark
You had a lot of issues. I'll try to explain:
1. "FIREFIREFIRE" isn't made for the Kindle Fire HD, it's for the 2nd gen (or 1st?) Kindle Fire (they're two different devices).
2. You installed the wrong version of TWRP made for the original Kindle Fire (notice how in that post there's no "HD"). The devices in this family don't have similar bootloaders, so you bricked your tablet.
3. Because your problem was that previous step, there was nothing involving the 7.3.1 bootloader, because you just flashed the wrong device to begin with. In your case, you should've went into the 7" development forum, read Hashcode's 2nd-Bootloader thread, installed the 2nd-bootloader and TWRP, and flashed CM10.1.
Note that the TWRP in Hashcode's thread is his own port of the recovery. Flashing official versions of TWRP will not work, it has to be ported by Hashcode.
As the previous post said the tools you used are the problem. You have flashed a new bootloader over the original and since the bootloader on these new devices are signed that is not good. There is nothing you can do, atleast at this point, to fix this.
But just to clarify in case someone else reads this thread, the tools the op used are meant for the original kindle fire(1st gen). The same thing will happen if you try to use those tools with any of the three 2nd gen devices: Kindle fire, Kindle Fire HD 7, and Kindle Fire HD 8.9
Next time, take your time to read through everything. I realize that you must have been anxious to get rid of the awful stock launcher/rom, so I understand your impulse. I know next to nothing about android development, but I find that the tutorials are often complete and comprehensive. Also, this community is very eager to help users like me. You can always ask for help. I don't mean to lecture...but apparently I just did.
So, can he restore it with a factory cable?
You can always try sending it back to Amazon. Tell them about how you were charging it on your computer, when it got struck by lightning. You later learned that the computer had a virus at the time. The combination of the shock and the scattered data fragments caused the kindle to become self aware. When you realized that it would inevitably try to take over the world, you decided that it must be stopped. The only solution was to trick the kindle into initiating its own self-destruct sequence. The kindle may never work again, but you just saved the world! I don't think they'll believe you if you tell them it stopped charging for no reason....
Yep, definitely was anxious.
It must be the FIREFIREFIRE that is the issue. The TWRP that was the kfhd7-twrp-2.4.4.0-recovery.img. In following the steps in the Introducing: Kindle Fire 2nd-bootloader + TWRP 2.4.4.0 for the Kindle Fire HD 7 guide, at step 4.5, why would the fastboot just sit there and say waiting for device? It ran through steps 1-4 just fine so there was connectivity. Was it the stuff I did prior or do I NEED that special cable?
Now for a really dumb question, but I need to be sure. How should I have rooted the system? Was the Bin4ry v28 utility the way to do it? Or should I have used something else?
Thank you very much for the help!
I am sure everyone has been waiting with baited breath
I was able to exchange it at my local best buy. Got a new one and followed ONE guide and knew a little more of what to pay attention to. Thank you very much for your help. Especially seokhun for the PM.
A very BIG thank you to the developers that hack this stuff up and make this available to us. I really appreciate it.
EmbraceNext said:
I am sure everyone has been waiting with baited breath
I was able to exchange it at my local best buy. Got a new one and followed ONE guide and knew a little more of what to pay attention to. Thank you very much for your help. Especially seokhun for the PM.
A very BIG thank you to the developers that hack this stuff up and make this available to us. I really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not be too brutal but for all the people trying to install CM on their KF HD device, that tablet already exists. It's called Nexus 7 and it's pretty awesome. If you hate the Kindle interface and don't want it then I just don't see the point in buying KF device in the first place.
Android Cowboy said:
Not be too brutal but for all the people trying to install CM on their KF HD device, that tablet already exists. It's called Nexus 7 and it's pretty awesome. If you hate the Kindle interface and don't want it then I just don't see the point in buying KF device in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, not brutal at all. I understand. The only reason I have the Kindle HD 7 is because I won it at a Cisco event. So I wanted to see if I could do it or how it's done. Nothing more. Then since I killed the first one, I wasn't going to let it beat me so had to weasel my way around to get it replaced and try again. The Kindle is now set back to the Kindle UI and I gave it to my wife as a mother's day present and she absolutely loves it. I did keep it rooted and install the google apps/chrome so she has a bit more freedom.
I wanted hdmi out, and a better quality built device that my kids would not kill if you can find me the nexus seven with that then your statement makes sense....otherwise it was a troll not to be brutal ....we picked this device because we saw something in it one way or another...I picked it because it was the best fit for my family and yes if we could get the kindle app to read to me we would be using cm10
Sent from my GT-P3110 using xda app-developers app

[Q] A Few Kindle Questions, For Someone Kind Enough to Answer

Hiya XDA,
I have done a fair bit of googling, but a lot of info is confusing, old, or from poor sources.
I'm trying to sort a few questions out, regarding whether or not the Kindle Fire HD is a good option, and would really appreciate someone familiar with them to assist me.
My Nexus 7 screen recently broke, and I'm looking for a good alternative. I don't want to spend more than $250.
1. Can the 7" Kindle fire HD use the google store still be used by way of rooting, and also use the Amazon store?
2. Can the Kindle fire HD transfer my google store apps to it? I'm not worried about the data, just the purchases.
3. Can I tether my windows 7.8 phone GPS to the kindle, either by way of wifi or cord.
4. Is there finally bluetooth for the Kindle fire HD, or a dongle that can provide that?
5. How is the durability? My Nexus 7 cracked the touch portion (LCD is fine), while in an otterbox defender, and it fell from less than 2 ft. onto a basic wooden floor. I'd like to get something more rugged.
/I'm very familiar with rooting, and Android, but aside from the wife owning a Kindle, I know nothing about them. She isn't the type to get into rooting, so I leave her tablet alone. It's also a 1st gen, so it would not be relevant to my replacement options.
Regards,
--bb
bladebarrier said:
Hiya XDA,
I have done a fair bit of googling, but a lot of info is confusing, old, or from poor sources.
I'm trying to sort a few questions out, regarding whether or not the Kindle Fire HD is a good option, and would really appreciate someone familiar with them to assist me.
My Nexus 7 screen recently broke, and I'm looking for a good alternative. I don't want to spend more than $250.
1. Can the 7" Kindle fire HD use the google store still be used by way of rooting, and also use the Amazon store?
2. Can the Kindle fire HD transfer my google store apps to it? I'm not worried about the data, just the purchases.
3. Can I tether my windows 7.8 phone GPS to the kindle, either by way of wifi or cord.
4. Is there finally bluetooth for the Kindle fire HD, or a dongle that can provide that?
5. How is the durability? My Nexus 7 cracked the touch portion (LCD is fine), while in an otterbox defender, and it fell from less than 2 ft. onto a basic wooden floor. I'd like to get something more rugged.
/I'm very familiar with rooting, and Android, but aside from the wife owning a Kindle, I know nothing about them. She isn't the type to get into rooting, so I leave her tablet alone. It's also a 1st gen, so it would not be relevant to my replacement options.
Regards,
--bb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK lemme give a shot at what I can answer.
1. Yes after you root it you can use the Google play store and at the same time use the amazon store.
2. As far as I know this is a yes, unless the app is incompatible.
3. This is a bit of an unknown to me, I have seen a thread where people were discussing different GPS dongles they were using with their hd's.yes this in the 8” section but it should be useful if u are curious. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2251882
4. Kindle fire he's come with built in Bluetooth, but I don't know what all profiles work with it, last I checked it couldn't pair my earpiece to use with Skype.
5. I am not very sure about this, I have a fold over rotation case and I don't take my kindle out of the house too often, though I did ride my bike a few miles with it in my pocket(yes somehow I managed to get it to fit in my pocket.)
On a few personal notes, I would recommend flashing it with cm10.1 after getting it, I know it has Bluetooth working with more if not all Bluetooth profiles, and I noticed a lot better compatibility with apps I previously couldn't install from the Google play store.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
stunts513 said:
OK lemme give a shot at what I can answer.
1. Yes after you root it you can use the Google play store and at the same time use the amazon store.
2. As far as I know this is a yes, unless the app is incompatible.
3. This is a bit of an unknown to me, I have seen a thread where people were discussing different GPS dongles they were using with their hd's.yes this in the 8” section but it should be useful if u are curious. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2251882
4. Kindle fire he's come with built in Bluetooth, but I don't know what all profiles work with it, last I checked it couldn't pair my earpiece to use with Skype.
5. I am not very sure about this, I have a fold over rotation case and I don't take my kindle out of the house too often, though I did ride my bike a few miles with it in my pocket(yes somehow I managed to get it to fit in my pocket.)
On a few personal notes, I would recommend flashing it with cm10.1 after getting it, I know it has Bluetooth working with more if not all Bluetooth profiles, and I noticed a lot better compatibility with apps I previously couldn't install from the Google play store.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You, sir, are a great help. Thank you very much for your time responding!
Hello.
First of all, Google apps don't come installed on the Kindle, obviously, as Google is the rival to Amazon business.
You need to root and install them, but there are a few tutorials about that, even an automatic program that makes easily the process(http://forum.xda-developers.com)./showthread.php?t=2096888.
Then, is a bit confusing, but your account of Google Play is like the hat of Marvin Gaye, your home is where you put your password(even you can have different homes.....). Other thing is compatibility, but all your good earned apps go with you. You only have to enter the Market and look at a symbol like a "_" and an arrow pointing over to it. That's where you can download your apps again or update them easily. On the Amazon side, the account can coexist with the Google one, but it can only be active on one Kindle, as the Amazon apps are signed and they check if you've purchased them.
About tethering GPS from a Windows phone, you need an app that transforms it into a GPS dongle. I don't know if it exist yet, but you can test with a friend's android phone. Apps like "GPS Bluetooth output"(Meowbox)(paid but they have a demo that works a minute...). Then you must pair your phone with the tablet. Yes, the Kindle has fully working bluetooth.
A tricky part of the process is to allow "Mock locations" inside the Dev Settings, the only way to cheat the Kindle system with "foreign" coordinates. It is achieved easily with an app called "Kindle Fire HD Extended Settings" that you can pick here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2124384 and install an app in the Kindle side called "Bluetooth GPS Provider"(Michael Chourdakis). This is a very basic program that refuses to connect, but the only method actually working.
For durability, see the videos......... if you dare....:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WETTX2tGxk
http://cnettv.cnet.com/torture-testing-new-kindle-fire-hd/9742-1_53-50132749.html
I've dropped my kindle fire hd 7 inch down stairs and nothing happened I've done so many drop tests
sent from Google chrome
Thank you for the responses!
It sounds like it will be an excellent fit for me!

[Q] Generation Confusion

I hope that I have read sufficiently to determine that this question has not been addressed before. If I missed it please forgive.
I have no intentions of rooting or in anyway modifying my Kindle Fire HD 7". From what I have read I have a 2nd Gen - as I read here. h**ps://developer.amazon.com/appsandservices/solutions/devices/kindle-fire/specifications/01-device-and-feature-specifications I assumed that HD 1st Gen was left out for a reason. I have a camera, on/off. volume, and headphone plug are all on the top, HDMI/USB on right, and camera on left when unit is being held in portrait. Firmware 7.4.9, serial D025 A0A238221F7, and the model number given when I purchased online was X43Z60 - can't figure out where they found that number. I have seen sales that show that model as 3rd, camera in both 2nd and 3rd, So, what do I have? Amazon says 1st, but I cannot find specs for a 1st anywhere.
I am happy with what I have ... whatever it is. But what is it?
dferron said:
I hope that I have read sufficiently to determine that this question has not been addressed before. If I missed it please forgive.
I have no intentions of rooting or in anyway modifying my Kindle Fire HD 7". From what I have read I have a 2nd Gen - as I read here. h**ps://developer.amazon.com/appsandservices/solutions/devices/kindle-fire/specifications/01-device-and-feature-specifications I assumed that HD 1st Gen was left out for a reason. I have a camera, on/off. volume, and headphone plug are all on the top, HDMI/USB on right, and camera on left when unit is being held in portrait. Firmware 7.4.9, serial D025 A0A238221F7, and the model number given when I purchased online was X43Z60 - can't figure out where they found that number. I have seen sales that show that model as 3rd, camera in both 2nd and 3rd, So, what do I have? Amazon says 1st, but I cannot find specs for a 1st anywhere.
I am happy with what I have ... whatever it is. But what is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a 7" Kindle Fire HD 2012 model,codename "tate".
Still Confused
SafinWasi said:
You have a 7" Kindle Fire HD 2012 model,codename "tate".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your kindness is answering my previous questions.
I am not a developer, so don't know what to do with the PHP code provided. SEE EDIT
I found specs on 2nd Gen, but have found nothing for 1st.
Did you get the info from the serial?
What does the X43Z60 you?
EDIT:: I guess I tried to read too much into the PHP - or not - I get it now .
I found and installed a couple of SysInfo type apps in the Store and found this bit of info: android.os.Build.MODEL KFTT. In my original post the website referenced shows this build associated with HD 2nd Gen. What I don't know is, is this also the same for the 1st Gen?
I suppose in the end it really doesn't matter EXCEPT I am one of those "inquiring minds want to know". I hope that this is an OK thing here.
The other thing that makes me think that I have a 1st Gen is the size 7.6 x 5.4 and from what I have found is that the 2nd is 7.6 x 5.0. Is this info correct?
Thanks again to all ...

Kindle fire 7 5th gen/hijack launcher

I put gloogle play on my grandsons kindle 7 5th gen. For some reason the launcher only works when I click on it. Otherwise it shoes the kindle fire default page.
I've changed the launcher to nova launcher in accessibility settings. But it still won't work by default. Its the only place I could find in kindle setrings for the default launcher.
Can anyone please help?
On my kindle fire 5 gen and 7 gen it still shows I need to set default to nova even tho it IS set to default on both kindles.
Txredhead said:
I put gloogle play on my grandsons kindle 7 5th gen. For some reason the launcher only works when I click on it. Otherwise it shoes the kindle fire default page.
I've changed the launcher to nova launcher in accessibility settings. But it still won't work by default. Its the only place I could find in kindle setrings for the default launcher.
Can anyone please help?
On my kindle fire 5 gen and 7 gen it still shows I need to set default to nova even tho it IS set to default on both kindles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer to your question likely lies in this thread. Be sure to read the OP (first post) for guidance on installing/using the launcher hijack.
I read the developers notes. It does say it would say set launcher regardless. Still can't get it to work on the 5 gen tho. It works perfect on the 7 gen. I hate to dissapoint my grandson but it may not work on his although people that have 5 gen got it to work. Basically the same way I got my 7 gen to work.
Txredhead said:
I read the developers notes. It does say it would say set launcher regardless. Still can't get it to work on the 5 gen tho. It works perfect on the 7 gen. I hate to dissapoint my grandson but it may not work on his although people that have 5 gen got it to work. Basically the same way I got my 7 gen to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best guidance is to read through that thread for workarounds proposed and discussed by the community. There are no perfect solutions but you should find an acceptable option for your grandson. Make use of the XDA search function to isolate posts (sections) that appear to be good prospects.
The FireOS launcher isn't horrible - especially for 'younger' users who have no expectations around launcher UX. Us oldsters tend to project our preferences onto a community that tends to be far more flexible.
At present I do not have FireOS loading on any of my 5th gens so can't look into it further.
Davey126 said:
Best guidance is to read through that thread for workarounds proposed and discussed by the community. There are no perfect solutions but you should find an acceptable option for your grandson. Make use of the XDA search function to isolate posts (sections) that appear to be good prospects.
The FireOS launcher isn't horrible - especially for 'younger' users who have no expectations around launcher UX. Us oldsters tend to project our preferences onto a community that tends to be far more flexible.
At present I do not have FireOS loading on any of my 5th gens so can't look into it further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Davey126. What do you have loaded on your 5th gen if not Fire OS?
My grandson seen how my kindle was set up and asked me to do his the same way. I've put all kindle things in a folder and email and such in another one. So only the folders and his games are viewable. This may have to do unless I can figure how to get the launcher to work.
Thank you very much for your suggestions
TxRedHead
Txredhead said:
Davey126. What do you have loaded on your 5th gen if not Fire OS?
My grandson seen how my kindle was set up and asked me to do his the same way. I've put all kindle things in a folder and email and such in another one. So only the folders and his games are viewable. This may have to do unless I can figure how to get the launcher to work.
Thank you very much for your suggestions
TxRedHead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running a custom ROM (close to 'pure' Android) which is not possible on your device as it updated beyond FireOS 5.3.2. Amazon closed the door to rootable rollbacks with FireOS 5.3.2.1 and above.
Sounds like your workaround is a reasonable solution that does not rely on a hack that may (likely will) go bad downstream. Every clever tweak includes a maintenance commitment which many fail to appreciate.

Brand new Fire HD7 - anything I should be careful about?

Hello!
I'm sure this question has been asked and answered before, but I couldn't find anything recent enough to be trustworthy.
Topic pretty much says it all: I just got a Kindle Fire 7 and want to make sure I don't inadvertently sabotage myself later on down the line. What's the best way to ensure I'm getting the essentials (Play Store, no tracking, etc) and not going to be pulling down automatic updates that might screw me out of rooting later on down the road (if a root ever manifests)?
hmmm Fire HD 7? I do not believe there is such thing, there is either a Fire 7 (5th or 7th Generation) and a Fire HD 8.
So make sure you know the exact model you have. And the first thing you should do with it, it not letting it connect to internet.
Once you know which one you have, well, then it all depends on what you want to do with it. Check these links, which should cover all your questions and more:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/help/help-thread-question-noob-friendly-t3205441
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/help/help-thread-7th-gen-2017ask-question-t3636919
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/tool-amazon-fire-7-7gen-fire-os-5-6-x-t3815112

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