I'm thinking about buying one, but have a few questions. - Fire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I hope you can help me.
1. What are the chances for me to get a 5.1.4 tablet so that it can be downgraded?
2. If I do, can I block OTA updates without woiding warranty so later I can flash CM (woiding warranty of course)?
3. If I don't. Is there anyway to just root and not flashing any custom rom?
4. Can I atleast get Gapps with 5.3.1, i think yes but can you confirm? And what about a custom launcher?
5. Can you move apps to sd?
6. Is it worth the 60€ even with 5.3.1?
And finally, do you think there'll be a fire 2016 for the same price? Is it worth waiting?
Thanks in advance.

1. 40-50%
2-5. see [Index]Amazon Fire 7" - 5th Gen-2015
6. depends on what you want

What makes you say 40-50%? Is there anything on the box that could suggest an older version? I want to buy one but the newest firmware won't be much use to me. Thanks for your advice though, very helpful.

Some devices are ship with 5.3.1, some with an older version
No way to tell, until you turn it on

OK thankyou.

Related

Kindle fire HD 7 root

I am planning to buy one this month a 8gb model 7in tablet
Once I buy it, can I root it. If so where do I need to look to root this tablet. Thank you
LASERWOLF452 said:
I am planning to buy one this month a 8gb model 7in tablet
Once I buy it, can I root it. If so where do I need to look to root this tablet. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That very much depends on the kind of device you plan on getting, what OS version the device ships with, and your level of familiarity with rooting. Could you give me a price point and a seller for the device you want to get? I'm guessing you want the latest Fire, which can be found here.
monster1612 said:
That very much depends on the kind of device you plan on getting, what OS version the device ships with, and your level of familiarity with rooting. Could you give me a price point and a seller for the device you want to get? I'm guessing you want the latest Fire, which can be found here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty much what i am looking at, i dont know what OS its on and all i have is amazon gift cards to cover the rest of the rice after i sink in $30 to it for my YouTube channel, if there is a kindle fire HD that can be rooted let me know i aim for that, i dont wanna buy it and not be able to root
LASERWOLF452 said:
pretty much what i am looking at, i dont know what OS its on and all i have is amazon gift cards to cover the rest of the rice after i sink in $30 to it for my YouTube channel, if there is a kindle fire HD that can be rooted let me know i aim for that, i dont wanna buy it and not be able to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That device's codename is ford, and the XDA forums for that device may be found here. This would be the wrong forum for this discussion, but I'll provide you some important things to know for the Ford (my sister has that same device, so I've done a lot of reading):
Always read the forums. This can't be stressed enough, and I highly recommend you read the forums before you even purchase the device. I haven't covered everything, and there's likely new developments coming that I've missed. I'm giving you a general primer, but this is by no means complete. Definitely read the development threads, help threads, and other device forums before you do anything with the Fire (including buying it or setting it up for the first time!).
If you get the Fire, it's possible that it'll ship with an older software version (hopefully 5.1.4 or lower). 5.1.4 isn't rootable itself, but it can be downgraded to 5.1.2 (which is rootable). Once you have root, you'll likely want a custom ROM, so make sure to get that flashed as soon as you can once rooted.
If/when you get the Fire, do NOT connect it to wifi or otherwise set up the device via Amazon's wizard. If you do, the Fire will OTA update to 5.3.1.0, which is neither rootable nor downgradable (as of the time of writing). Given time and resources, I'm sure somebody will find a root exploit for that version as well, but don't get your hopes up too quickly.
Downgrading is complex and may not work. For example - you cannot downgrade 5.3.x to 5.1.x or 5.0.x, and you also can't downgrade 5.1.x to 5.0.x. Amazon enforces anti-rollback protection checks at the hardware level if I remember correctly, and downgrading between versions like that will brick the device.
Custom recoveries (like TWRP) can't be booted, especially with 5.1.x or later bootloaders. From what I've read, one can boot TWRP via fastboot on 5.0.x releases, but that was patched with the 5.1.x bootloader. To flash ROMs, you'll need to use Chainfire's FlashFire. Again, you will need to look through the device forum for specific directions.
In short, here's what I'd recommend you do:
Keep tabs on the forums often.
When you buy, cross your fingers and hope you don't get 5.3.x preinstalled.
When you get the Fire, do NOT connect to wifi or go through the setup wizard.
Check your software version (again, don't connect to wifi). If you have 5.3.x, wait for a root exploit. If you have anything below that, read the forums and then downgrade (if necessary), root, and flash a ROM as soon as possible.
Good luck!
monster1612 said:
That very much depends on the kind of device you plan on getting, what OS version the device ships with, and your level of familiarity with rooting. Could you give me a price point and a seller for the device you want to get? I'm guessing you want the latest Fire, which can be found here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
monster1612 said:
That device's codename is ford, and the XDA forums for that device may be found here. This would be the wrong forum for this discussion, but I'll provide you some important things to know for the Ford (my sister has that same device, so I've done a lot of reading):
Always read the forums. This can't be stressed enough, and I highly recommend you read the forums before you even purchase the device. I haven't covered everything, and there's likely new developments coming that I've missed. I'm giving you a general primer, but this is by no means complete. Definitely read the development threads, help threads, and other device forums before you do anything with the Fire (including buying it or setting it up for the first time!).
If you get the Fire, it's possible that it'll ship with an older software version (hopefully 5.1.4 or lower). 5.1.4 isn't rootable itself, but it can be downgraded to 5.1.2 (which is rootable). Once you have root, you'll likely want a custom ROM, so make sure to get that flashed as soon as you can once rooted.
If/when you get the Fire, do NOT connect it to wifi or otherwise set up the device via Amazon's wizard. If you do, the Fire will OTA update to 5.3.1.0, which is neither rootable nor downgradable (as of the time of writing). Given time and resources, I'm sure somebody will find a root exploit for that version as well, but don't get your hopes up too quickly.
Downgrading is complex and may not work. For example - you cannot downgrade 5.3.x to 5.1.x or 5.0.x, and you also can't downgrade 5.1.x to 5.0.x. Amazon enforces anti-rollback protection checks at the hardware level if I remember correctly, and downgrading between versions like that will brick the device.
Custom recoveries (like TWRP) can't be booted, especially with 5.1.x or later bootloaders. From what I've read, one can boot TWRP via fastboot on 5.0.x releases, but that was patched with the 5.1.x bootloader. To flash ROMs, you'll need to use Chainfire's FlashFire. Again, you will need to look through the device forum for specific directions.
In short, here's what I'd recommend you do:
Keep tabs on the forums often.
When you buy, cross your fingers and hope you don't get 5.3.x preinstalled.
When you get the Fire, do NOT connect to wifi or go through the setup wizard.
Check your software version (again, don't connect to wifi). If you have 5.3.x, wait for a root exploit. If you have anything below that, read the forums and then downgrade (if necessary), root, and flash a ROM as soon as possible.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for all the info. that i needed. i hope it comes with 5.1, i had a feeling not to have it on wifi but thank you for the heads up, i wont get my hopes up cause i know these companies dont wont us to root our devices even tho the gov. passed that we can do what we want with it that we paid fior
im not to worried about MM as i am staying away from phones and android devices that can no be rooted and if i am suck with one, it either be a Netflix device, camera or dust collector
my elipises tablet almost became a dust collector cause its a sucky tablet from Verizon but i was able to disable most of the bloatware without root and there is no support that well for it

Out of the box Firmware

Did anyone's amazon fire tablet 7 come with 5.3.1 out of the box? What version did it come with? I am planning to buy one soon and I was wondering if anyone has bought one that had lower firmware on it? Thanks a lot!!
cyberdude020 said:
Did anyone's amazon fire tablet 7 come with 5.3.1 out of the box? What version did it come with? I am planning to buy one soon and I was wondering if anyone has bought one that had lower firmware on it? Thanks a lot!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on self reporting the general trend seems to be 5.3.1 but you might receive any version depending on what the shipping warehouse has in stock. If you are seeking an older build (presumably 5.1.4 or lower) your best bet is a local retailer where you can check it out in the store before committing to a purchase. Turnover is often slower so better chance of scoring a 'dated' device.
Ok so my gf bought a Kindle fire for my birthday next month because I thought buy it sooner and it's more likely to have the firmware I want. I just opened it up to check the firmware before packing it away and fortunately it came with 5.1.3 out of the box. I didn't dare connect it to WiFi incase it updated lol. Just incase anyone is interested I bought this from Argos (UK) now I just need to figure out if I can downgrade and install a custom android ROM or just stick with fire OS and root. Fun times ahead
cyberdude020 said:
Ok so my gf bought a Kindle fire for my birthday next month because I thought buy it sooner and it's more likely to have the firmware I want. I just opened it up to check the firmware before packing it away and fortunately it came with 5.1.3 out of the box. I didn't dare connect it to WiFi incase it updated lol. Just incase anyone is interested I bought this from Argos (UK) now I just need to figure out if I can downgrade and install a custom android ROM or just stick with fire OS and root. Fun times ahead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.1.3 can be rolled back to 5.1.2 which is fully rootable. From there you can flash several custom roms. See forum index for detailed procedures.
Davey126 said:
5.1.3 can be rolled back to 5.1.2 which is fully rootable. From there you can flash several custom roms. See forum index for detailed procedures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I looked into it. I just wasn't sure about using flashfire with 5.1.2 because I read before you can't get supersu on 5.1.2 only kingroot. Now I see there's a way to get supersu Can't wait for my birthday now, I feel like a kid again haha.
One question I haven't found the answer to yet which you might be able to answer for me. Well actually two Does the stock recovery have a backup feature like TWRP does? So if I mess up installing something and get a boot loop for example I can just recover the ROM and will that work with backing up an android ROM?
The second question is if I install android and something messes up can I just recover back to fire os by just installing the 5.1.2 .bin file? I've not looked at the stock recovery so I haven't seen the features or how exactly it works.
Thanks again for your help
cyberdude020 said:
Thanks, I looked into it. I just wasn't sure about using flashfire with 5.1.2 because I read before you can't get supersu on 5.1.2 only kingroot. Now I see there's a way to get supersu Can't wait for my birthday now, I feel like a kid again haha.
One question I haven't found the answer to yet which you might be able to answer for me. Well actually two Does the stock recovery have a backup feature like TWRP does? So if I mess up installing something and get a boot loop for example I can just recover the ROM and will that work with backing up an android ROM?
The second question is if I install android and something messes up can I just recover back to fire os by just installing the 5.1.2 .bin file? I've not looked at the stock recovery so I haven't seen the features or how exactly it works.
Thanks again for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- stock recovery offers no backup/restore capability (thanks, Amazon)
- FlashFire does offer this feature along with an experimental restore from fastboot; read docs carefully to understand capabilities/limitations
- 3rd party backup tool offers best option to protect against personal data loss
- FireOS can be restored via stock recovery; be sure to use 5.1.2 bin; anything lower will brick device
Davey126 said:
- stock recovery offers no backup/restore capability (thanks, Amazon)
- FlashFire does offer this feature along with an experimental restore from fastboot; read docs carefully to understand capabilities/limitations
- 3rd party backup tool offers best option to protect against personal data loss
- FireOS can be restored via stock recovery; be sure to use 5.1.2 bin; anything lower will brick device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK cool thanks a lot, it's all making much more sense now, it a bit daunting at first as all my flashing experience is through TWRP which is much easier While I'm picking your brain though, one more question. Is there a way to backup the android ROM? Or if I get into a boot loop I have to restore 5.1.2 and then reinstall android again?
I'm feeling much more comfortable doing this now though knowing even if I completely mess up the rooting or installing android I can just restore the 5.1.2 firmware. For £50 this thing is a steal.
cyberdude020 said:
OK cool thanks a lot, it's all making much more sense now, it a bit daunting at first as all my flashing experience is through TWRP which is much easier While I'm picking your brain though, one more question. Is there a way to backup the android ROM? Or if I get into a boot loop I have to restore 5.1.2 and then reinstall android again?
I'm feeling much more comfortable doing this now though knowing even if I completely mess up the rooting or installing android I can just restore the 5.1.2 firmware. For £50 this thing is a steal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answered this in previous post.
Mine just showed up yesterday. 5.0.1.

5.3.2.1 - Complete "Can" and "Can't" list?

Hi Guys,
So I recently got my hands on a kindle fire 5th gen (2015), running the latest OS 5.3.2.1.
I have read many things and many different opinions on what can and cannot be done, and ideally I am looking for a conclusive list i there is one available.
So I was searching and Root Junky has provided custom ROM's and a few other files, however, this is my understanding
CANNOT: root
CAN: downgrade to an older OS, which may allow root, but its likely it will brick it
CANNOT: unlock bootloader for custom ROM installation
CANNOT: install a custom flash zip file from the inbuilt android recovery interface
I dont know if they just happened to crash down and lockdown the fire recently, but pages such as this below, indicate it can (or at least could) be done.
https://www.thepolyglotdeveloper.com/2016/05/install-better-custom-rom-amazon-kindle-fire/
and this, indicates its probably too late since I connected it and downloaded 5.3.2.1.
http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...ot-and-install-cm-12-1-on-5th-gen-kindle-fire
So, is there a conclusive list, aside "using your tablet as out of the box" as to what you can and cannot do to modify the fire 5th gen?
I got mine right before bootloader lock running slim LP haven't updated since used flash fire on 5.1.1 to the best of my knowledge
Sent from my Robin using Tapatalk
FF51, so very lucky, I am really envious actually.
The fire, when not suffering pixel outages, and without a dire need for GPS, makes an excellent hardware base, and from my reading, installng a custom rom would really unlock the xperience of the tablet and give it a much more competitive edge.
Out of curiosity, did you jump straight into the slim build, or did you try others?
Also I have read you cannot install CM13+ due to the limitations of the bootloader, but can you install CM12 instead (I think thats based on lollipop isnt it?) and can you do that with the stock bootloader / recovery module?
jeebob said:
Also I have read you cannot install CM13+ due to the limitations of the bootloader, but can you install CM12 instead (I think thats based on lollipop isnt it?) and can you do that with the stock bootloader / recovery module?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- can not root (at present) or downgrade (ever) FireOS 5.3.2.1
- bootloader remains locked; no custom kernels or recoveries (eg: TWRP)
- rooted devices can only run Lollipop based ROMs due to kernel restrictions
- custom ROMs must be installed with FlashFire
- see forum index for further info: http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/index-amazon-fire-2015-t3210485
Hi every one!
Tell me please, can I use FlashFire and install CM12.1 into my Kindle 7 with 5.3.2.1 without root device?
So I can`t downgrade 5.3.2.1?
My device isn`t rooted and locked. my only achievement was the google play store
Davey126 said:
- can not root (at present) or downgrade (ever) FireOS 5.3.2.1
- bootloader remains locked; no custom kernels or recoveries (eg: TWRP)
- rooted devices can only run Lollipop based ROMs due to kernel restrictions
- custom ROMs must be installed with FlashFire
- see forum index for further info: http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/index-amazon-fire-2015-t3210485
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Davey, a concise list which is great, now I just have to hope we can get the bootloader and root sorted on 5.3.2.1!
bojkoio said:
Hi every one!
Tell me please, can I use FlashFire and install CM12.1 into my Kindle 7 with 5.3.2.1 without root device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like the answer is not at this time, as from my reading, 5.3.2.1 cannot be rooted directly with current methods, only 5.3.1 onwards.
freaky2xd said:
So I can`t downgrade 5.3.2.1?
My device isn`t rooted and locked. my only achievement was the google play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats all I have managed to achieve so far, next I want to remove the adverts!
bojkoio said:
Hi every one!
Tell me please, can I use FlashFire and install CM12.1 into my Kindle 7 with 5.3.2.1 without root device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope - no custom ROMs without root.
---------- Post added at 12:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:49 PM ----------
freaky2xd said:
So I can`t downgrade 5.3.2.1?
My device isn`t rooted and locked. my only achievement was the google play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No - nor likely ever. Best hope is for a root solution.
Well Sh*t
I got all 3 of my daughters a kindle fire 7" 5th gen for Christmas. I ran thru the updates and was going to install the google framework and all that goes with it to be able to install works of ahhh painting app. However, I have hit a roadblock since it seems even tho I have enabled unknown sources and rebooted each device (all running 5.3.2.1) I can download apks but when I attempt to install them, it's like the install button just doesn't register touch response no matter what direction you rotate the device. I'm not new to this, I got kindles because of how easy it was to customize a previous one my 7 year old had, and besides, $30 each was a pretty good deal. So maybe it's a software glitch in the new update, maybe it's that I just don't care enough to dig into it but that's where it stands here.
Edit: A simple reboot after allowing unknown sources fixed the problem and I completed the installation of Google play store
luck_shawn said:
I got all 3 of my daughters a kindle fire 7" 5th gen for Christmas. I ran thru the updates and was going to install the google framework and all that goes with it to be able to install works of ahhh painting app. However, I have hit a roadblock since it seems even tho I have enabled unknown sources and rebooted each device (all running 5.3.2.1) I can download apks but when I attempt to install them, it's like the install button just doesn't register touch response no matter what direction you rotate the device. I'm not new to this, I got kindles because of how easy it was to customize a previous one my 7 year old had, and besides, $30 each was a pretty good deal. So maybe it's a software glitch in the new update, maybe it's that I just don't care enough to dig into it but that's where it stands here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On mine I downloaded the four apks needed installed them (in proper order) using apk permission remover and it worked for me. There's a thread in the fourms I folllwed
I just used the kindle supertool to install the google framework and APK's. once click and leave it to its own devices - a tool by superjunky I think?
Anyway, as for the rotation, I havent noticed any particular problems with it, but I havent done a lot of work with testing it, I will try take a look a bit later!
i have the same problem. I managed to install Google Play but trying to side load the Popcorntime apk fails with the next and install button not registering touch input, cancel button works fine.
oilyrag said:
i have the same problem. I managed to install Google Play but trying to side load the Popcorntime apk fails with the next and install button not registering touch input, cancel button works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you enabled FireOS setting that allows installs from unknown sources and then rebooted device?
Davey126 said:
Have you enabled FireOS setting that allows installs from unknown sources and then rebooted device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought I had rebooted device, done it again, now works. Many thanks
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
I bought two 7" fires on the Black Friday sale to use as home automation panels in the house (with SmartThings). I installed the Play Store but found the SmartThings app was still not compatible . But really I was waiting for the new ActionTiles (web client) to come out. The one Fire upgraded to 5.3.2.1 and I haven't opened the other yet. The Play Store will no longer launch on the 5.3.2.1 tablet either. My original thought was to probably flash a new rom that is not as restrictive but doesn't look like that will happen now. Have a few additional questions for the "can" and "can't" list with 5.3.2.1 please:
1) Can the lock screen be disabled/removed?
2) Can the device be woken up by screen touch?
3) Does the non-root Play Store hack still work? (maybe I just need to redo something after the upgrade?)
4) Are there any browsers I can have auto load the ActionTiles dashboard (web page) and always keep it up and full screen?
Thanks a lot!
Coods said:
1) Can the lock screen be disabled/removed?
2) Can the device be woken up by screen touch?
3) Does the non-root Play Store hack still work? (maybe I just need to redo something after the upgrade?)
4) Are there any browsers I can have auto load the ActionTiles dashboard (web page) and always keep it up and full screen?
Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) not completely that I have found, unless you keep the screen alive 24/7.
2) power button only however root could allow this but 5.3.2.1 doesn't support (or should I say have a method for) root at this time.
3) yes it does, I have uploaded it to about 6 different kindle recently all running 5.3.2.1
4) again root would help, however you can use automateit free or pro from plastered. It's very powerful and you should be able to achieve a lot with it. If it doesn't support it though, tasker is another powerful tool which might be worth exploring
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
jeebob said:
2) power button only however root could allow this but 5.3.2.1 doesn't support (or should I say have a method for) root at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No hardware support for this capability regardless of root (re: touch to wake).
Davey126 said:
No hardware support for this capability regardless of root (re: touch to wake).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming davey!
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the info guys, appreciate it! This helps me understand the direction I want to take with these as alarm panels

Any root/slim ROM method for Fire 7 (7th generation 2017)?

I just bought a new Fire 7 (7th generation) tablet. But all I found so far were for root is for Fire 7 (5th generation). Any new 7th generation root method and custom rom? Or is it compatible between 5th and latest 7th generation? Thanks for the help guys.
nyknight77 said:
I just bought a new Fire 7 (7th generation) tablet. But all I found so far were for root is for Fire 7 (5th generation). Any new 7th generation root method and custom rom? Or is it compatible between 5th and latest 7th generation? Thanks for the help guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the OS Version is 5.3.2.1, or 5.3.3.0, then no...not root yet.
nyknight77 said:
I just bought a new Fire 7 (7th generation) tablet. But all I found so far were for root is for Fire 7 (5th generation). Any new 7th generation root method and custom rom? Or is it compatible between 5th and latest 7th generation? Thanks for the help guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock version is 5.3.3.0 so, no root.
DragonFire1024 said:
If the OS Version is 5.3.2.1, or 5.3.3.0, then no...not root yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. I haven't received it yet to check the OS version but I'm hearing it will be OS Version 5.4
nyknight77 said:
Thanks for your reply. I haven't received it yet to check the OS version but I'm hearing it will be OS Version 5.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine came with 5.3.3.0.
nyknight77 said:
I just bought a new Fire 7 (7th generation) tablet. But all I found so far were for root is for Fire 7 (5th generation). Any new 7th generation root method and custom rom? Or is it compatible between 5th and latest 7th generation? Thanks for the help guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to other responses no assessment of custom rom compatibility on 7th gen devices can be conducted without root. IMO it is highly unlikely an exploitable vulnerability will be found in recent builds of FireOS or the device bootloader anytime soon given recent efforts to shore up all Android based ROMs.
I just got 4 Fire 7 gen 7s in the mail today; two with a red case, two with a yellow case.
The odd thing is that the yellow colored ones came with 5.4.0.0, while the red ones came with 5.3.3.0. The red ones must not be as popular and I was sent slightly older stock I assume.
Even worse is that the 5.4.0.0 yellow ones won't even let you bypass/skip the initial wifi setup and amazon account login. You MUST be connected to the internet and login with an Amazon account to setup the tablet.
AlwaysLucky said:
I just got 4 Fire 7 gen 7s in the mail today; two with a red case, two with a yellow case.
The odd thing is that the yellow colored ones came with 5.4.0.0, while the red ones came with 5.3.3.0. The red ones must not be as popular and I was sent slightly older stock I assume.
Even worse is that the 5.4.0.0 yellow ones won't even let you bypass/skip the initial wifi setup and amazon account login. You MUST be connected to the internet and login with an Amazon account to setup the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would highly advise you not allow those to update, flash 5.3.2.1 (the oldest version you can safely revert to if you haven't yet hit 5.4.0.1), and then use the tool linked below to remove all of the Amazon bloatware and install the launcher of your choice. This will get you as close as possible to a stock Android experience.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/amazon-fire-utility-tool-bloat-removal-t3641151
Technocian said:
This will get you as close as possible to a stock Android experience.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/amazon-fire-utility-tool-bloat-removal-t3641151
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the link to the updated tool. The added features are nice indeed and I will try it out.
Technocian said:
I would highly advise you not allow those to update, flash 5.3.2.1 (the oldest version you can safely revert to if you haven't yet hit 5.4.0.1), and then use the tool linked below to remove all of the Amazon bloatware and install the launcher of your choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, these are the 7th generation Fire 7 tablets (not 5th gen 'ford'). AFAIK, the earliest initial firmware shipped with these gen 7s is the 5.3.3.0. Even worse, is that I've tried to adb sideload every firmware version since 5.3.2.1 (even tried 5.3.3.0), but I got the same error every time at 47% progress:
"whole-file signature verification failed"
"aborted"
On that note, do you or anyone know if there is a way to adb sideload older firmware versions to a gen7? I was using the Windows 10 built-in USB drivers and that seems to be working but I have read elsewhere that the newer Fire generations require the Amazon USB ADB drivers to communicate properly with the computer. So my next step is to try using the Amazon USB driver and try again.
AlwaysLucky said:
On that note, do you or anyone know if there is a way to adb sideload older firmware versions to a gen7? I was using the Windows 10 built-in USB drivers and that seems to be working but I have read elsewhere that the newer Fire generations require the Amazon USB ADB drivers to communicate properly with the computer. So my next step is to try using the Amazon USB driver and try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader is locked and anti rollback measures are in place. If you are on 5.4.0.0, the lowest you can downgrade to currently is 5.3.2.1. Trying to go lower will result in a hard bricked tablet. Look at it this way...if you want to experiment, knock yourself out. If you do brick it beyond repair, you have 30 days from date of purchase (or delivery? Not sure how that works) to return it for another. Just get a color you haven't gotten and who knows what those are on, if the event you described regarding colors is true.
EDIT: I am in no way encouraging you to brick your device or do any harm to it.
DragonFire1024 said:
Bootloader is locked and anti rollback measures are in place. If you are on 5.4.0.0, the lowest you can downgrade to currently is 5.3.2.1. Trying to go lower will result in a hard bricked tablet. Look at it this way...if you want to experiment, knock yourself out. If you do brick it beyond repair, you have 30 days from date of purchase (or delivery? Not sure how that works) to return it for another. Just get a color you haven't gotten and who knows what those are on, if the event you described regarding colors is true.
EDIT: I am in no way encouraging you to brick your device or do any harm to it.
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Click to collapse
haha, nice edit.
Well I read your previous post stating that downgrading to 5.3.2.1 was possible, but I get the same above error trying to sideload any version firmware file to it. I am assuming this is because I am on the gen 7 (aka austin), not the gen 5 (aka ford). I have done some extensive searching on xda but it seems not many people actually have a gen 7, so I think I'm pioneering this a little bit.
With that, I can say that the Amazon USB driver for ADB made no change. Any ideas?
AlwaysLucky said:
haha, nice edit.
Well I read your previous post stating that downgrading to 5.3.2.1 was possible, but I get the same above error trying to sideload any version firmware file to it. I am assuming this is because I am on the gen 7 (aka austin), not the gen 5 (aka ford). I have done some extensive searching on xda but it seems not many people actually have a gen 7, so I think I'm pioneering this a little bit.
With that, I can say that the Amazon USB driver for ADB made no change. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Debugging mode is on I presume (ADB Enabled)? Have you installed any Google Services (Play Store etc)? Go here and please and follow the installation steps for Total Commander and tell me the info for the 1st and 2nd lines on your device.
DragonFire1024 said:
Debugging mode is on I presume (ADB Enabled)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I truly appreciate your time into this, however I do not think I am explaining myself well. The ultimate purpose of these 4 gen7 (austin) tablets is for all 4 to be rooted and use a custom ROM. On one of the 7gens (5.3.3.0), I have successfully removed bloat from the stock rom and installed the play store (using your guide and others :good: ). It's much better than stock, but still not applicable for my purposes.
This leaves me with one option; downgrade the firmware to a rootable version (ideally 5.3.1). To do this, I enter the recovery menu by holding the volume down button and power button when powering on the tablet. While in the recovery menu (yellow on black text), I attempt to sideload firmware (any version, with md5s matching) and get the same error every time on all 4 tablets at exactly 47% completion:
"E: failed to verify whole-file signature"
"E: signature verification failed"
"installation aborted."
This doesn't brick any of the tablets and they reboot just fine out of recovery into the stock firmware. It must have something to do with the 7th gen tablets. While connected via USB to the tablets while in sideload mode in recovery, the hardware ID for the USB connection shows up as "USB\VID_1949&PID_0001". After googling that a little bit, it kept coming back to HD8 drivers! Soooo maybe I need the HD8 version of the firmwares so I can downgrade? Hmmmmm.....
AlwaysLucky said:
I truly appreciate your time into this, however I do not think I am explaining myself well. The ultimate purpose of these 4 gen7 (austin) tablets is for all 4 to be rooted and use a custom ROM. On one of the 7gens (5.3.3.0), I have successfully removed bloat from the stock rom and installed the play store (using your guide and others :good: ). It's much better than stock, but still not applicable for my purposes.
This leaves me with one option; downgrade the firmware to a rootable version (ideally 5.3.1). To do this, I enter the recovery menu by holding the volume down button and power button when powering on the tablet. While in the recovery menu (yellow on black text), I attempt to sideload firmware (any version, with md5s matching) and get the same error every time on all 4 tablets at exactly 47% completion:
"Whole-file verification failed"
"Aborting installation"
This doesn't brick any of the tablets and they reboot just fine out of recovery into the stock firmware. It must have something to do with the 7th gen tablets. While connected via USB to the tablets while in sideload mode in recovery, the hardware ID for the USB connection shows up as "USB\VID_1949&PID_0001". After googling that a little bit, it kept coming back to HD8 drivers! Soooo maybe I need the HD8 version of the firmwares so I can downgrade? Hmmmmm.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea. Regardless, you CANNOT downgrade to anything lower than FireOS 5.3.2.1 (which cannot be rooted). If your tablets are on 5.3.3.0 or 5.4.0.0, the lowest you can go is 5.3.2.1. If you are having ADB trouble, I would download Android Studio full version and make sure the SDK is up to date and start a new ADB folder from there. If your Kernel is of a later date than June 2017, you might not be able to rollback at all.
AlwaysLucky said:
I truly appreciate your time into this, however I do not think I am explaining myself well. The ultimate purpose of these 4 gen7 (austin) tablets is for all 4 to be rooted and use a custom ROM. On one of the 7gens (5.3.3.0), I have successfully removed bloat from the stock rom and installed the play store (using your guide and others :good: ). It's much better than stock, but still not applicable for my purposes.
This leaves me with one option; downgrade the firmware to a rootable version (ideally 5.3.1). To do this, I enter the recovery menu by holding the volume down button and power button when powering on the tablet. While in the recovery menu (yellow on black text), I attempt to sideload firmware (any version, with md5s matching) and get the same error every time on all 4 tablets at exactly 47% completion:
"Whole-file verification failed"
"Aborting installation"
This doesn't brick any of the tablets and they reboot just fine out of recovery into the stock firmware. It must have something to do with the 7th gen tablets. While connected via USB to the tablets while in sideload mode in recovery, the hardware ID for the USB connection shows up as "USB\VID_1949&PID_0001". After googling that a little bit, it kept coming back to HD8 drivers! Soooo maybe I need the HD8 version of the firmwares so I can downgrade? Hmmmmm.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have seen this before (crap out at 47%). Usually pops up when attempting to sideload an inappropriate '.bin' file. Likely the 5.3.1 build you are using is for 5th gen devices. Different mainboard/SOC than 7th gen. Be happy Amazon's firmware detects this and doesn't allow the device to brick.
DragonFire1024 said:
Regardless, you CANNOT downgrade to anything lower than FireOS 5.3.2.1 (which cannot be rooted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh I understand, so even if downgrading to 5.3.2.1 actually worked, I can't even root on that firmware anyways. Ugh, well I will be patient. Thanks for the info and your time.
If your goal is to have these all ultimately rooted, I would return them and get your money back (if you still can). It's not likely a root method will be found.
This isn't a hot new device like the Pixel 2 where hoards of talent will be flocking to try and make it more usable. I got mine second hand for 25 bucks, this device from a monetary standpoint just isn't worth anyone's time.
The only realistic way I see root happening is if they release firmware based on a new version of Android or Kingroot find an Android exploit that would be compatible with our device.
AlwaysLucky said:
Ohhh I understand, so even if downgrading to 5.3.2.1 actually worked, I can't even root on that firmware anyways. Ugh, well I will be patient. Thanks for the info and your time.
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Click to collapse
Correct...but keep in mind, so far it seems anyone on 5.4.0.1 won't be be able to debloat anymore. So downgrading to 5.3.2.1 is a better option than being so close to the latest version.
I'm not looking to root (i am, but i understand its not possible right now)... So is there any possibility to install apps other than the amazon app store?
thygreyt said:
I'm not looking to root (i am, but i understand its not possible right now)... So is there any possibility to install apps other than the amazon app store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see this thread.

[Q] From Custom ROM back to Stock

I've got a rooted 5th Gen I've been thinking about throwing Lineage on, but had a couple questions first about going back to stock FireOS if I wanted to...
1, Is it possible?
2, Do I need to know what FireOS version I currently have, then flash ONLY that version if I want to go back (assuming going back is possible)? With updates in FireOS blocked, I can't easily see exactly what I'm running, but I have found a way using hex editor to look at the UBOOT partition to see what I've got before flashing anything else.
Thanks in advance for any help.
scooter1979 said:
I've got a rooted 5th Gen I've been thinking about throwing Lineage on, but had a couple questions first about going back to stock FireOS if I wanted to...
1, Is it possible?
2, Do I need to know what FireOS version I currently have, then flash ONLY that version if I want to go back (assuming going back is possible)? With updates in FireOS blocked, I can't easily see exactly what I'm running, but I have found a way using hex editor to look at the UBOOT partition to see what I've got before flashing anything else.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes - see here; be sure to watch the video
2) Always best to restore the same version that you came from.
scooter1979 said:
I've got a rooted 5th Gen I've been thinking about throwing Lineage on, but had a couple questions first about going back to stock FireOS if I wanted to...
1, Is it possible?
2, Do I need to know what FireOS version I currently have, then flash ONLY that version if I want to go back (assuming going back is possible)? With updates in FireOS blocked, I can't easily see exactly what I'm running, but I have found a way using hex editor to look at the UBOOT partition to see what I've got before flashing anything else.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always use ADB sideload.

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