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[HELP] Install CM(whatever) to Kindle Fire running 5.1.2

Hello and thanks for reading!
I have a Kindle Fire 5th Gen that was just given to me. I'd like to get rid of the Amazon OS and install anything (I'll take CM or whatever). It is currently running 5.1.2 yet KingRoot v4.9.2 says it is 5.1.1.
I've tried KingRoot a few times (apparently you need root to get TWRP going) and nothing happens - it keeps failing.
I've gone through some RootJunky videos but those aren't updated for 5.1.2 via Windows.
I'm at a loss of what to do next. This video says that installing an old version of Fire OS will brick your Kindle.
All of these different threads have me confused.
My questions are:
I understand that TWRP doesn't work on 5.1.2, so how do I get to a different version of Fire OS? And how do I disable OTA's? Turn off Wifi?
When I get to a different version of Fire OS, will RootJunky's tools work like in his videos?
I apologize if this is already answered in another thread as I can't find it and am new to the Kindle Fire.
I'd like to be able to use it for my school books next semester instead of having to bring the big effin things back and forth. For $50 bucks (retail), this seems like a steal to get a vanilla version of Android running on it!
Thanks in advance!

Pcprik said:
Hello and thanks for reading!
I have a Kindle Fire 5th Gen that was just given to me. I'd like to get rid of the Amazon OS and install anything (I'll take CM or whatever). It is currently running 5.1.2 yet KingRoot v4.9.2 says it is 5.1.1.
I've tried KingRoot a few times (apparently you need root to get TWRP going) and nothing happens - it keeps failing.
I've gone through some RootJunky videos but those aren't updated for 5.1.2 via Windows.
I'm at a loss of what to do next. This video says that installing an old version of Fire OS will brick your Kindle.
All of these different threads have me confused.
My questions are:
I understand that TWRP doesn't work on 5.1.2, so how do I get to a different version of Fire OS? And how do I disable OTA's? Turn off Wifi?
When I get to a different version of Fire OS, will RootJunky's tools work like in his videos?
I apologize if this is already answered in another thread as I can't find it and am new to the Kindle Fire.
I'd like to be able to use it for my school books next semester instead of having to bring the big effin things back and forth. For $50 bucks (retail), this seems like a steal to get a vanilla version of Android running on it!
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- although your device shows 5.1.2 it is likely running 5.1.2.1 which can not be rooted at present
- you need to reload (sideload) 'pure' 5.1.2 via the stock recovery menu; there are instructions and videos posted elsewhere in this forum
- once on 5.1.2 use the SuperTool to root, block OTA, swap out Kinguser for SuperSU and obtain FlashFire which is used to install custom roms
- TWRP is not an option for your device at this time (nor is it likely in the near future)
- suggest looking through the index for relevant material (link below)
- keep reading; you'll get the hang of it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/index-amazon-fire-2015-t3210485

Davey126 said:
- although your device shows 5.1.2 it is likely running 5.1.2.1 which can not be rooted at present
- you need to reload (sideload) 'pure' 5.1.2 via the stock recovery menu; there are instructions and videos posted elsewhere in this forum
- once on 5.1.2 use the SuperTool to root, block OTA, swap out Kinguser for SuperSU and obtain FlashFire which is used to install custom roms
- TWRP is not an option for your device at this time (nor is it likely in the near future)
- suggest looking through the index for relevant material (link below)
- keep reading; you'll get the hang of it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/index-amazon-fire-2015-t3210485
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I may have hit a 'small' snag though. When I put 5.1.2 from the Index page on, Kingroot still didn't work so I put the next oldest version on (5.1.1 I believe). Now it won't startup and just has a black screen - I believe I forgot to select wipe cache before restarting. When I plug it into my Surface, Device Manager keeps making noises and I have installed the MTK VCOM drivers. I'm going to try to put 5.1.2.1 back on but I'm wondering if this thing is actually bricked? According to this thread it's possible to 'unbrick' it but if it doesn't turn on, how does it get into recovery mode?! Perhaps it's in recovery mode now with the blank screen? When I do 'adb devices', nothing shows up so I'm guessing it's not connected? Even doing 'adb sideload <filename>' shows no devices connected.
Thanks again!

Pcprik said:
Thanks!
I may have hit a 'small' snag though. When I put 5.1.2 from the Index page on, Kingroot still didn't work so I put the next oldest version on (5.1.1 I believe). Now it won't startup and just has a black screen - I believe I forgot to select wipe cache before restarting. When I plug it into my Surface, Device Manager keeps making noises and I have installed the MTK VCOM drivers. I'm going to try to put 5.1.2.1 back on but I'm wondering if this thing is actually bricked? According to this thread it's possible to 'unbrick' it but if it doesn't turn on, how does it get into recovery mode?! Perhaps it's in recovery mode now with the blank screen? When I do 'adb devices', nothing shows up so I'm guessing it's not connected? Even doing 'adb sideload <filename>' shows no devices connected.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your device is bricked; can't roll back to 5.1.1 from any higher version of FireOS. Contact Amazon for a one-time courtesy exchange if still in warranty.
Unbrick methods are technically complex and still evolving; not for the faint of heart. Also don't believe your device is eligible.

Davey126 said:
Your device is bricked; can't roll back to 5.1.1 from any higher version of FireOS. Contact Amazon for a one-time courtesy exchange if still in warranty.
Unbrick methods are technically complex and still evolving; not for the faint of heart. Also don't believe your device is eligible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought.
Thanks again for your help!

Davey126 said:
Your device is bricked; can't roll back to 5.1.1 from any higher version of FireOS. Contact Amazon for a one-time courtesy exchange if still in warranty.
Unbrick methods are technically complex and still evolving; not for the faint of heart. Also don't believe your device is eligible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm, I should have put 5.1.2 and then rooted, correct? I may buy a new one.

Pcprik said:
Just to confirm, I should have put 5.1.2 and then rooted, correct? I may buy a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Summary here; see index for more robust coverage.

Unbrick when downgrading from 5.1.4 to 5.1.2

I'm rooting several Kindle Fire's and I've bricked 3 (of 18) and I just noticed on the last one where the commonality lies.... I used a a Downgrade Supertool and if when I ran that it got stuck in "FastBoot" and then I manually went into ADB Sideload mode and pushed the files using the SuperTool it bricked the device. But, when I connect it I can hear the chirp that it connects, but nothing shows up and it won't turn on.
They are the newest Kindle Fire 7" tablets (the ones that are in different colors). Please help! These are for a first grade classroom and I don't know how to fix them!

Danielle926 said:
I'm rooting several Kindle Fire's and I've bricked 3 (of 18) and I just noticed on the last one where the commonality lies.... I used a a Downgrade Supertool and if when I ran that it got stuck in "FastBoot" and then I manually went into ADB Sideload mode and pushed the files using the SuperTool it bricked the device. But, when I connect it I can hear the chirp that it connects, but nothing shows up and it won't turn on.
They are the newest Kindle Fire 7" tablets (the ones that are in different colors). Please help! These are for a first grade classroom and I don't know how to fix them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like the wrong image may have been pushed. Recheck file identifiers and md5 checksum. Regardless, if you can't access stock recovery little can be done to revive bricked devices at present. Consider an exchange with Amazon given most/all should still be within warranty.

It was the same image I used with all the others... I just had to get to the ADB Sideload menu manually... I'm not sure what the actual difference was. I'm worried if I return three they'll be suspicious. Plus, I don't have access to the account in which they were ordered.

Danielle926 said:
It was the same image I used with all the others... I just had to get to the ADB Sideload menu manually... I'm not sure what the actual difference was. I'm worried if I return three they'll be suspicious. Plus, I don't have access to the account in which they were ordered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't change the fact recovery is not possible at present. Not certain what happened; I never use automated tools for sensitive operations.
If unable to return best shelve them and hope a generic recovery method becomes available downstream.

Davey126 said:
Doesn't change the fact recovery is not possible at present. Not certain what happened; I never use automated tools for sensitive operations.
If unable to return best shelve them and hope a generic recovery method becomes available downstream.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope it's ok to piggyback on this question, since you mentioned recovery is not possible ... to be clear, I went the 5.1.4 -> 5.1.2 -> CM12.1 route, does this mean that this device can't even do the temporary TWRP boot using fastboot? (I tried and got the "unknown command" error).
If that is the case, what is the recommended way to do a full backup? I want to mess with build.prop and would like to back it up first.

blowbigchunks said:
Hope it's ok to piggyback on this question, since you mentioned recovery is not possible ... to be clear, I went the 5.1.4 -> 5.1.2 -> CM12.1 route, does this mean that this device can't even do the temporary TWRP boot using fastboot? (I tried and got the "unknown command" error).
If that is the case, what is the recommended way to do a full backup? I want to mess with build.prop and would like to back it up first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question doesn't belong in this thread but will offer a quick response; follow-ups should be posted in the Q&A section.
- you can not boot/install/use twrp or any other custom recovery
- if you can still boot CM use a well regarded backup app like Titanium
- FlashFire offers a more comprehensive backup but is unproven
- adb backup is another comprehensive solution but requires a tether
- build.prop tweaks to emulate another device are generally ineffective
- if you still want to tinker use a proper editor such as the one integrated into Kernel Adiutor (spelled correctly)

Broken Fire launcher fix

I tried to remove amazon fire launcher with the first two commands on this thread "http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/development/tut-remove-default-launcher-amazon-fire-t3288310" but now its buged out and i can't fix it. I can root if needed but is there a easy fix. I did try a ota update but that did not work. Also i would like to keep my data.
Reuben

Reuben Talbott said:
I tried to remove amazon fire launcher with the first two commands on this thread "http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/development/tut-remove-default-launcher-amazon-fire-t3288310" but now its buged out and i can't fix it. I can root if needed but is there a easy fix. I did try a ota update but that did not work. Also i would like to keep my data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reload FireOS 5.3.1 (or 5.3.2 if you don't immediately care about root) from the stock recovery menu. Your apps and data will remain intact.

I tried that 5 times two days ago But it does nothing

Davey126 said:
Reload FireOS 5.3.1 (or 5.3.2 if you don't immediately care about root) from the stock recovery menu. Your apps and data will remain intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reuben Talbott said:
I tried that 5 times two days ago But it does nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, once would have been sufficient.
If the problem persists:
- FireOS reloads are not occurring successfully (assume you have ruled that out)
- may have to bite the bullet and wipe the user data partition prior to reloading FireOS
- defective device (seems highly unlikely...)
If still no joy you can root, install FlashFire and use the 'wipe' function to completely purge your device of all content. Then reload FireOS via the stock recovery menu which will yield a fresh-out-of-the-box experience. Recommend using the 'SuperTool' to root as it also installs SuperSU (and removes KingUser) which is a FlashFire prerequisite.

I don't think I have a defective device I have had it sense July and its worked well until I Dido those commands

Davey126 said:
Well, once would have been sufficient.
If the problem persists:
- FireOS reloads are not occurring successfully (assume you have ruled that out)
- may have to bite the bullet and wipe the user data partition prior to reloading FireOS
- defective device (seems highly unlikely...)
If still no joy you can root, install FlashFire and use the 'wipe' function to completely purge your device of all content. Then reload FireOS via the stock recovery menu which will yield a fresh-out-of-the-box experience. Recommend using the 'SuperTool' to root as it also installs SuperSU (and removes KingUser) which is a FlashFire prerequisite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think i could wipe only the system partition and keep my data?

Reuben Talbott said:
I don't think I have a defective device I have had it sense July and its worked well until I Dido those commands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reuben Talbott said:
Do you think i could wipe only the system partition and keep my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't hurt to try. Be aware that once you wipe the system partition the device will no longer boot into FireOS. If necessary you will need to power down the device (long press power button) and then boot into stock recovery using <power>+<vol-up>. Also note that while well considered/executed wipes are generally safe there is always the chance something could go wrong leaving you with an unbootable brick. Rather rare but would be irresponsible not to point out possibility since you seem to have some valuable data on the device. Might want to copy that to the SD card in advance (if possible).

Davey126 said:
Can't hurt to try. Be aware that once you wipe the system partition the device will no longer boot into FireOS. If necessary you will need to power down the device (long press power button) and then boot into stock recovery using <power>+<vol-up>. Also note that while well considered/executed wipes are generally safe there is always the chance something could go wrong leaving you with an unbootable brick. Rather rare but would be irresponsible not to point out possibility since you seem to have some valuable data on the device. Might want to copy that to the SD card in advance (if possible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what is what I was thinking of doing.

Does any one know were app data is stored?

Reuben Talbott said:
Does any one know were app data is stored?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many places. There are guidelines but somedevelopers opt to ignore. You'll need to do some searching and hope that you find everything. Could also try Android's native app backup/restore commands which operate via adb (USB tether). Do some goggling for syntax.

Fire 7 Tablet 2015 OTA snuck in

So I apparently let it sit too long while setting up the ROM installation and it suddenly rebooted itself only to find that it wanted to attempt the OTA installation. I am on 5.1.2 currently. I stopped this swiftly but now it will not allow to access the stock recovery and only gives the FIRE logo and immediately begins trying to install the update which I promptly stop during validation. So the system has not been upgraded as of yet but it is sure trying like hell to do so. I have attempted to intercept the beginning installation with USB and adb. So far no go. Anyone have any ideas as to get around the fact that the new update is slated for install at every boot? Thanks in advance.

I made the same thing, I failed flashing lineage 12.1 from cyanogenmod 12.1 with flashfire.
then I restored a stock 5.1.2, it worked. but the root with kingroot was not complete and I went to bed.
When I switched on again, I got the upgrade message...
The recovery won't come out.

jaymz199 said:
So I apparently let it sit too long while setting up the ROM installation and it suddenly rebooted itself only to find that it wanted to attempt the OTA installation. I am on 5.1.2 currently. I stopped this swiftly but now it will not allow to access the stock recovery and only gives the FIRE logo and immediately begins trying to install the update which I promptly stop during validation. So the system has not been upgraded as of yet but it is sure trying like hell to do so. I have attempted to intercept the beginning installation with USB and adb. So far no go. Anyone have any ideas as to get around the fact that the new update is slated for install at every boot? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Le_Zouave said:
I made the same thing, I failed flashing lineage 12.1 from cyanogenmod 12.1 with flashfire.
then I restored a stock 5.1.2, it worked. but the root with kingroot was not complete and I went to bed.
When I switched on again, I got the upgrade message...
The recovery won't come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tough situation. OTA updates are typically stored in the cache (mmcblk0p12) partition - although there is some evidence Amazon may now be using one or more other partitions which makes sense given their size. Flushing cache from fastboot would kill the pending OTA. Unfortunately, Amazon disabled both the 'erase' and 'format' commands. Not much can be done unless you can access stock recovery. Might have to accept the update.

Davey126 said:
Tough situation. OTA updates are typically stored in the cache (mmcblk0p12) partition - although there is some evidence Amazon may now be using one or more other partitions which makes sense given their size. Flushing cache from fastboot would kill the pending OTA. Unfortunately, Amazon disabled both the 'erase' and 'format' commands. Not much can be done unless you can access stock recovery. Might have to accept the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate that it is impossible to get to stock recovery on reboot. I will hold out for a possible solution on this one and see what comes of it. Thank you for the information.

Le_Zouave said:
I made the same thing, I failed flashing lineage 12.1 from cyanogenmod 12.1 with flashfire.
then I restored a stock 5.1.2, it worked. but the root with kingroot was not complete and I went to bed.
When I switched on again, I got the upgrade message...
The recovery won't come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had completed the root process but had not flashed the ROM as of yet. I failed to block OTA while performing the root.My fault in the end. They waste no time force feeding the OTA.

hey. i messed up an update to my fire and now i'm stuck...

hi guys. I was running the Nexus fire Rom using flashfire. its was on 5.1.2. I tried to flash the new updated version from this year of nexus fire from a clean wipe and now I dont have play store or anything. i cant remember the intial root process...its been while. I'm a little fuzzy as to how everything work cuz of the locked bootloader.
I dont have play store. i tried to side load flashfire into my downloads from pc but it wont show. it say dowloads empty. i literally have clock, calculator, downloads, settings and SU. i dunno what to do at this point. why arent the apks showing in downloads? any help is apprecaited. sad to see there is no real root yet..

havikx said:
hi guys. I was running the Nexus fire Rom using flashfire. its was on 5.1.2. I tried to flash the new updated version from this year of nexus fire from a clean wipe and now I dont have play store or anything. i cant remember the intial root process...its been while. I'm a little fuzzy as to how everything work cuz of the locked bootloader.
I dont have play store. i tried to side load flashfire into my downloads from pc but it wont show. it say dowloads empty. i literally have clock, calculator, downloads, settings and SU. i dunno what to do at this point. why arent the apks showing in downloads? any help is apprecaited. sad to see there is no real root yet..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is "real" root on FireOS 5.1.2. Best option is to sideload (reinstall) that build of FireOS via stock recovery then use the SuperTool to root and prepare your device for installation of Nexus. Going through that process will refresh your memory. A few tips:
- be sure to get the 5.1.2 binary; no higher/lower
- don't register with Amazon on initial boot
- keep off WiFi to avoid forced OTA update to an unrootable FireOS build
- be sure to flash the version of Nexus ROM that includes GAaps; you likely used the ROM only variant on your last refresh attempt

Davey126 said:
There is "real" root on FireOS 5.1.2. Best option is to sideload (reinstall) that build of FireOS via stock recovery then use the SuperTool to root and prepare your device for installation of Nexus. Going through that process will refresh your memory. A few tips:
- be sure to get the 5.1.2 binary; no higher/lower
- don't register with Amazon on initial boot
- keep off WiFi to avoid forced OTA update to an unrootable FireOS build
- be sure to flash the version of Nexus ROM that includes GAaps; you likely used the ROM only variant on your last refresh attempt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now that you mention, thats probably exactly what i forgot to do. Also, i'm on 5.1.1. My bad. As far as i know, 5.1.1 system still has that locked bootloader preventing android upgrades. Though I havent kept up with development too much. Ill get started on returning to stock and rerooting. Hope this little tablet get a breakthru in the near future!

ok, so i sideloaded flashfire thru ADB and decided to switch over to lineage. thanks for your help. easier than returning to stock.

havikx said:
ok, so i sideloaded flashfire thru ADB and decided to switch over to lineage. thanks for your help. easier than returning to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. The technique you used doesn't work for everyone; hence my generic 'return-to-stock and redo everything' guidance. Glad you are back in business with minimum fuss.