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Hey, I recently rooted my Kindle Fire HD and everything was working great, until I installed an Xposed tweak that caused my Kindle to start boot looping and then thereafter I went ahead and screwed it up even worse - by messing with various fastboot methods to get it working again. Yeah... I should have just left it as it was, I know...
I've read about how there are signature checks whenever the Kindle boots up which I'm assuming I don't have anymore. So, I'm curious if there is anyway to come back from this? From what I've read, if I had backed up the partitions, technically I should have been able to restore them - but unfortunately here we are.
I've also downloaded the latest update from Amazon 'update-kindle-11.3.1.0_user_310084920' and after converting it to a zip file, there is a 'boot.img' and a 'recovery.img' which I would assume would have the signatures already within them, but no system.img. Is there anyway for someone to create an exact backup of that file, or is that not possible right now without a second bootloader?
I'm honestly really unsure of what to do here, I've tried a myriad of different approaches and still it looks like this is a bad brick... However I do hope someone out there has a solution, I'd love to get this device working again.
Oh and what happens whenever I start it up, is that I just get the Amazon Kindle Fire Logo (Pure White), without any changes. It doesn't turn gold with the animation or anything.
Hyperiunn said:
Hey, I recently rooted my Kindle Fire HD and everything was working great, until I installed an Xposed tweak that caused my Kindle to start boot looping and then thereafter I went ahead and screwed it up even worse - by messing with various fastboot methods to get it working again. Yeah... I should have just left it as it was, I know...
I've read about how there are signature checks whenever the Kindle boots up which I'm assuming I don't have anymore. So, I'm curious if there is anyway to come back from this? From what I've read, if I had backed up the partitions, technically I should have been able to restore them - but unfortunately here we are.
I've also downloaded the latest update from Amazon 'update-kindle-11.3.1.0_user_310084920' and after converting it to a zip file, there is a 'boot.img' and a 'recovery.img' which I would assume would have the signatures already within them, but no system.img. Is there anyway for someone to create an exact backup of that file, or is that not possible right now without a second bootloader?
I'm honestly really unsure of what to do here, I've tried a myriad of different approaches and still it looks like this is a bad brick... However I do hope someone out there has a solution, I'd love to get this device working again.
Oh and what happens whenever I start it up, is that I just get the Amazon Kindle Fire Logo (Pure White), without any changes. It doesn't turn gold with the animation or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2013 Kindle Fire HD is not setup for Xposed yet. There is no bootloader access yet therefore there is no way to recover yet. You have two options at this point. Wait until there is a bootloader exploit or contact Amazon for an exchange.
The only things available are root, remove OTA updates and remove lock screen ads. Even Google Play is only for window shopping at the moment.
Sent from my Nexus 7 Flo running Odex SinLess ROM 4.4.2 with ElementalX kernel using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
LinearEquation said:
The 2013 Kindle Fire HD is not setup for Xposed yet. There is no bootloader access yet therefore there is no way to recover yet. You have two options at this point. Wait until there is a bootloader exploit or contact Amazon for an exchange.
The only things available are root, remove OTA updates and remove lock screen ads. Even Google Play is only for window shopping at the moment.
Sent from my Nexus 7 Flo running Odex SinLess ROM 4.4.2 with ElementalX kernel using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For anyone wondering, xposed actually works perfectly with a good number of modules, but don't install Xthemeengine, that'll cause the bootloop.
Fastboot
As long as you can boot into fastboot-mode nothing is lost. (if you can't -> buy a fastboot-cable. it is much cheaper than a new Kindle. They cost about 15$).
I used this useful tool. It just flashes the old system, boot and recovery on your Kindle. (all files are included in the downloadable zip file).
This tool was very useful for me and saved my Kindle very often (I am a real flashoholic...). Maybe there is something like this for the new 2013 KFHD too?
Gamingmayr said:
As long as you can boot into fastboot-mode nothing is lost. (if you can't -> buy a fastboot-cable. it is much cheaper than a new Kindle. They cost about 15$).
I used this useful tool. It just flashes the old system, boot and recovery on your Kindle. (all files are included in the downloadable zip file).
This tool was very useful for me and saved my Kindle very often (I am a real flashoholic...). Maybe there is something like this for the new 2013 KFHD too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah nothing so far for the 2013 unfortunately. I don't think there's been much interest in this model as of yet.
Hyperiunn said:
Nah nothing so far for the 2013 unfortunately. I don't think there's been much interest in this model as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been interested. Unfortunately, my mother won't let me touch her new 2013 Fire HD. Still, if you can find someone who's rooted and not bricked, maybe they could backup their boot, system, and recovery .imgs for you and post them for you. And since they're already rooted, you would be too (someone correct me if I'm wrong). If I could get a temporary root or find a way to remove root later I would back them up for you.
The system restore tool for the 2012 Fire HD flashes the boot, recovery, and system partitions. Theoretically, the same tool would work, but only if you replaced the .img files with the ones for the 2013 Fire HD.
Gamingmayr said:
As long as you can boot into fastboot-mode nothing is lost. (if you can't -> buy a fastboot-cable. it is much cheaper than a new Kindle. They cost about 15$).
I used this useful tool. It just flashes the old system, boot and recovery on your Kindle. (all files are included in the downloadable zip file).
This tool was very useful for me and saved my Kindle very often (I am a real flashoholic...). Maybe there is something like this for the new 2013 KFHD too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no confirmation that a fastboot cord even works with the 2013 model nor are the stock images available yet. The 2012 KFHD and the 2013 KFHD do not use the same images.
---------- Post added at 11:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 PM ----------
Hyperiunn said:
For anyone wondering, xposed actually works perfectly with a good number of modules, but don't install Xthemeengine, that'll cause the bootloop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't work on the 2013 Kindle fire HD yet though. Since that is the topic here I guess that narrows it down to this tablet not all the others don't it.
Fastboot cable works just fine with the one I have.
I have a Kindle Fire HD that has never been rooted (although I tried like heck last night when it was 7.4.8) and today I see it is 7.4.9 and have been told this is unrootable? Is this correct?
If so, is there anyway to add the Google Play store without rooting. I bought this on eBay listed as unable to be registered but I didn't care because I didn't want the Fire OS, my plan was to make it a full fledged android tablet with a custom ROM.
What can I do now?
GameGuru41 said:
I have a Kindle Fire HD that has never been rooted (although I tried like heck last night when it was 7.4.8) and today I see it is 7.4.9 and have been told this is unrootable? Is this correct?
If so, is there anyway to add the Google Play store without rooting. I bought this on eBay listed as unable to be registered but I didn't care because I didn't want the Fire OS, my plan was to make it a full fledged android tablet with a custom ROM.
What can I do now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fastboot with a fastboot cable or maybe a "adb reboot bootloader" if you get lucky, then downgrade the os with kindle fire first aid, proceed with the usual procedure.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk
Ok I ordered a fast boot factory cable today. Do I have to downgrade or can I just use the cable install a custom ROM?
GameGuru41 said:
Ok I ordered a fast boot factory cable today. Do I have to downgrade or can I just use the cable install a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed my 7.4.9 KFHD 2012 with CM11 - I used the tutorial on the CM wiki...Worked perfectly.
medeman said:
I just flashed my 7.4.9 KFHD 2012 with CM11 - I used the tutorial on the CM wiki...Worked perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you first root your device? Did you use a fastbootcable?
Thx in common
Even though this says for the 2013 version of the Kindle Fire HD, it does work on the the HD 7 running 7.4.9. It is how I rooted mine. You will have to manually install SuperSu which you can get from Chainfire's site.
medeman said:
I just flashed my 7.4.9 KFHD 2012 with CM11 - I used the tutorial on the CM wiki...Worked perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im trying that tonight on a kfhd 8.9 with the 8.4.9 Hoping i can get in to go to fastboot. If i can not get this going soon i may fix it permanently using the microwave technique (as in putting the kinlde fire in a 1000watt microwave oven for 10 minutes and cooking it...)
If it comes down to this maybe ill record it for all to see haha.
Stupid amazon and their forcing us in to the x.4.9 update. This should not be legal for any company to do period. Would be like a auto maker sneaking in to your driveway and removing your performance enhancing upgrades and using a welding torch to put their factory garbage back on. And yes it is the same idea. We all root or kindles and other android devices (and apple products) to give us a better performing and or more feture rich device. Those who do this understand this voids the warranty and are not worried about that at all. Heck many of us own tablets etc that are long out of warranty so amazon etc will not even need to worry about that side of thing.
Sorry for the venting but yeesh this is irritating
$yr0 said:
Did you first root your device? Did you use a fastbootcable?
Thx in common
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No my device wasn't rooted and barely used at all at this point.
I did use a fastboot cable, yeah...
I also have 7.4.9 and rooted it with Root with Restore by Bin4ary, using Option 1, via ADB. Worked just as it did with previous OS.
KFFirstAide didn't root it.
What did you try to root it with?
Issue with rooting 7.4.9
I tried using the root with recovery binary to root my kindle fire hd, but it won't run fireflash, and busy box was not included when it rooted. Am I missing something here? It's a Kindle Fire HD 7", running 7.4.9.
Downgrade it with SRT or kffa, it will be pre-rooted. You may need a fastboot cable to do this though if "adb reboot bootloader" doesn't do the trick.
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.
I have FireOS 5.3.1.0 on my 5th gen Amazon tablet and I want to put Cyanogenmod on it. I understand that I need to first go back to 5.1.2 in order for TWRP to work but I'm also seeing reports that going back to an older version bricks the device. Is it possible to put a new rom on this device? If so, does anyone know where I can find a how-to?
TragicWarrior said:
I have FireOS 5.3.1.0 on my 5th gen Amazon tablet and I want to put Cyanogenmod on it. I understand that I need to first go back to 5.1.2 in order for TWRP to work but I'm also seeing reports that going back to an older version bricks the device. Is it possible to put a new rom on this device? If so, does anyone know where I can find a how-to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- 5.1.3 can be successfully rolled back to 5.1.2
- 5.3.1 is new; consequences of a rollback attempt are unknown
- twrp is not an option (period); you'll need to use FlashFire for managing custom roms
I tried, despite the warnings, and with knowledge that it could be "fatal", to put 5.1.2 on a 5th gen Fire that had 5.3.1.0 on it. It's now bricked. Only comes up to the MediaTek MT65XX PreLoader, loops on that, never shows anything on the screen. Don't do what I did.
Keith Lollis said:
I tried, despite the warnings, and with knowledge that it could be "fatal", to put 5.1.2 on a 5th gen Fire that had 5.3.1.0 on it. It's now bricked. Only comes up to the MediaTek MT65XX PreLoader, loops on that, never shows anything on the screen. Don't do what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for sharing your findings. This small, selfless act will help others avoid a similar outcome. A respectful head nod to your device for paying the ultimate price.
@sd_shadow, @ggow - FYI.
Keith Lollis said:
I tried, despite the warnings, and with knowledge that it could be "fatal", to put 5.1.2 on a 5th gen Fire that had 5.3.1.0 on it. It's now bricked. Only comes up to the MediaTek MT65XX PreLoader, loops on that, never shows anything on the screen. Don't do what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was about to share the same experience... !
Keith Lollis said:
I tried, despite the warnings, and with knowledge that it could be "fatal", to put 5.1.2 on a 5th gen Fire that had 5.3.1.0 on it. It's now bricked. Only comes up to the MediaTek MT65XX PreLoader, loops on that, never shows anything on the screen. Don't do what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cbtg2005 said:
Was about to share the same experience... !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may still be possible to re-flash 5.3.1 bootloaders via AFTV2 tools ... But right now the best route is to talk to Amazon
Crap
Keith Lollis said:
I tried, despite the warnings, and with knowledge that it could be "fatal", to put 5.1.2 on a 5th gen Fire that had 5.3.1.0 on it. It's now bricked. Only comes up to the MediaTek MT65XX PreLoader, loops on that, never shows anything on the screen. Don't do what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
F&$! Sorry about that Keith. I also have a Fire 2015 with 5.3.1.0 on it and Android 5.1.1 and I've only been able to put google apps on it and not been able to root it at all. I think you may be able to save it. Let me know.
Michael
What about going from 5.1.4? Will that brick my device? I wanna downgrade and root it.
stvy_g said:
What about going from 5.1.4? Will that brick my device? I wanna downgrade and root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought two tablets during Prime Day, both came with 5.1.4. I mistakenly accepted the OTA system update for 5.31. on one of the tablets, and couldn't find a way to root or downgrade (I was only able to install google play/apps). After doing a factory reset, I exchanged it at Best Buy (no restock fee!) for a tablet with 5.1.4.
I have since successfully downgraded both tablets to 5.1.2 using RootJunky's tools (Search YouTube for a video by RootJunky titled "How to Firmware Restore or Unbrick your Amazon Fire 5th gen Tablet "), and then I followed the steps from talesofatech.com from the articles list below, to root and flash to an AOSP rom.
"Kindle Fire 7″ 5th Gen: Root, Custom Home Screen, Etc"
"Kindle Fire 7″ 5th Gen: AOSP ROM"
**I have a new account, but have been lurking around here for a while. Unfortunately cannot post links yet due to forum rules.
darby123 said:
I bought two tablets during Prime Day, both came with 5.1.4. I mistakenly accepted the OTA system update for 5.31. on one of the tablets, and couldn't find a way to root or downgrade (I was only able to install google play/apps). After doing a factory reset, I exchanged it at Best Buy (no restock fee!) for a tablet with 5.1.4.
I have since successfully downgraded both tablets to 5.1.2 using RootJunky's tools (Search YouTube for a video by RootJunky titled "How to Firmware Restore or Unbrick your Amazon Fire 5th gen Tablet "), and then I followed the steps from talesofatech.com from the articles list below, to root and flash to an AOSP rom.
"Kindle Fire 7″ 5th Gen: Root, Custom Home Screen, Etc"
"Kindle Fire 7″ 5th Gen: AOSP ROM"
**I have a new account, but have been lurking around here for a while. Unfortunately cannot post links yet due to forum rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will downgrade and post an update on the outcome.
darby123 said:
I bought two tablets during Prime Day, both came with 5.1.4. I mistakenly accepted the OTA system update for 5.31. on one of the tablets, and couldn't find a way to root or downgrade (I was only able to install google play/apps). After doing a factory reset, I exchanged it at Best Buy (no restock fee!) for a tablet with 5.1.4.
I have since successfully downgraded both tablets to 5.1.2 using RootJunky's tools (Search YouTube for a video by RootJunky titled "How to Firmware Restore or Unbrick your Amazon Fire 5th gen Tablet "), and then I followed the steps from talesofatech.com from the articles list below, to root and flash to an AOSP rom.
"Kindle Fire 7″ 5th Gen: Root, Custom Home Screen, Etc"
"Kindle Fire 7″ 5th Gen: AOSP ROM"
**I have a new account, but have been lurking around here for a while. Unfortunately cannot post links yet due to forum rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used rootjunkys downgrade tool he posted a couple of days ago and i successfully downgraded my kindle fire and now i will try and root it
stvy_g said:
I used rootjunkys downgrade tool he posted a couple of days ago and i successfully downgraded my kindle fire and now i will try and root it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NOTE: the above statement refers to downgrading 5.1.3/5.1.4 -> 5.1.2. It does NOT apply to higher versions of FireOS. At this time there is no option to downgrade 5.3.1.x to a lower (rootable) version. Any attempt to do so will likely yield a brick.
stvy_g said:
I used rootjunkys downgrade tool he posted a couple of days ago and i successfully downgraded my kindle fire and now i will try and root it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people have done that (I am one). I think it's misleading to have 5.1.3/5.1.4 posts in the 5.3.1.x thread.
Read the warning too late about the 5.3.1.0 OS and now my Fire HD 8 tablet is bricked. Any one know how to get it back working again? It was 5.1.4 just the other day and I decided to downgrade today, but did not think of checking the OS version and end it up bricking it.
5.12
:good::good:
stvy_g said:
I will downgrade and post an update on the outcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good:
Hey that's awesome. Mine came with 5.3.1 also. Can't root yet but I have google play store etc... I have a rooted Kindle HD I bought in 2012 I actually like a little better than this new one that's rooted. Hopefully there will be an update for the 5.3.1 someday. I'm glad you were able to get those down graded, it sure feels good when stuff just works right !!
Michael
Danny1976 said:
Read the warning too late about the 5.3.1.0 OS and now my Fire HD 8 tablet is bricked. Any one know how to get it back working again? It was 5.1.4 just the other day and I decided to downgrade today, but did not think of checking the OS version and end it up bricking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong forum; not for HD devices. Try here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10
Anyone tried rooting 5.3.1.0 without downgrading?
sys32down said:
Anyone tried rooting 5.3.1.0 without downgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suspect that was one if the first things tried as there is typically no risk associated with root attempts (the payload included with some rooting apps is another story). Beyond that several have analyzed the security 'fixes' incorporated into 5.3.1 and concluded previously leveraged exposures have been closed while others have yet to be exploited. You can bet Amazon will be working to close those too.
argh... received a 5.1.4, and red to late the downgrade option to root. Tried King root, it said a root option would be possible. So I upgraded the fire tablet to 5.3.1.0 in two steps und tried in both king root... nothing worked. So I also have to wait for a new freaky instruction to root a fire 5.3.1.0
mulle1978 said:
argh... received a 5.1.4, and red to late the downgrade option to root. Tried King root, it said a root option would be possible. So I upgraded the fire tablet to 5.3.1.0 in two steps und tried in both king root... nothing worked. So I also have to wait for a new freaky instruction to root a fire 5.3.1.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Amazon's world. First rule: never update FireOS if you care about root (there are exceptions; too many caveats to detail). Second rule: ask before acting as likely someone before you has fallen into the firery pit and has a helpful tale to share.
In your case FireOS 5.1.4 was just fine - could be rolled back and rooted. 5.3.x not so much. Live and learn.
Hi all
I've just bought a Fire Tablet on Amazon day with the intention of rooting it and installing CM, but I am a newbie and there's so much information on here it's kind of overwhelming, and most of it has a lot of "if this, then that, or if you want to use that, do this" type guides, which for someones who doesn't really know what all the different methods and options are is really confusing!
So can someone please tell me the step by step process for doing it?
From what I've read I think I have to downgrade to 5.1.2 of the OS as I can't root on 5.1.4? Is that correct?
So do I have to root before I do that? Or do I downgrade first and then root, and then install the CM?
If someone can list each of the steps I need to take to get it from a fresh new 5th Gen Fire 7 to having all the Amazon rubbish off and having it running CM, then I can look for the guides for each step!
Thanks, I hope that makes sense!
:angel:
PS: I've already bricked one by trying to downgrade to 5.1.1 because that wasn't apparent until it was too late, replacement on its way!
Yeah, I read the same thing and I bought it on Prime day. When's the 5.14 tool going to come out? I know, beggars... I really think it's silly to have to downgrade and risk bricking it when normal root for those OS versions don't have such a concern.
Bob Boblaw said:
Hi all
I've just bought a Fire Tablet on Amazon day with the intention of rooting it and installing CM, but I am a newbie and there's so much information on here it's kind of overwhelming, and most of it has a lot of "if this, then that, or if you want to use that, do this" type guides, which for someones who doesn't really know what all the different methods and options are is really confusing!
So can someone please tell me the step by step process for doing it?
From what I've read I think I have to downgrade to 5.1.2 of the OS as I can't root on 5.1.4? Is that correct?
So do I have to root before I do that? Or do I downgrade first and then root, and then install the CM?
If someone can list each of the steps I need to take to get it from a fresh new 5th Gen Fire 7 to having all the Amazon rubbish off and having it running CM, then I can look for the guides for each step!
Thanks, I hope that makes sense!
:angel:
PS: I've already bricked one by trying to downgrade to 5.1.1 because that wasn't apparent until it was too late, replacement on its way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same thing, bought the tablet on prime day and was successfully able to root it and put the AOSP nexus rom
First things first make sure you have the 7-inch tablet for the following steps because apparently it only works with that specific model. Since this is my first post I can't post any links so sorry about that however, I have added the video title so that you can just google it and find the video.
Anything above fire os 5.1.2 ( that is 5.1.4, 5.1.3, 5.1.2.1) has to be downgraded to 5.1.2.
Also downgrading from 5.1.4 to 5.1.1 is going to give you a hard brick. I don't know how you didn't know that but it was clearly stated in the xda guide I was following
Basically you have to follow rootjunkys video and instead of using the file he uses in the video use the fire OS 5.1.2 file which is also available on his website.
Imortant: Do a factory reset before downgrading. I did not do that and the rooting process did not work.
Video title: How to Firmware Restore or Unbrick your Amazon Fire 5th gen Tablet
After you have fire OS 5.1.2 follow the rooting process shown in another rootjunky video
Video title: How to root the Amazon Fire 5th gen 7in on Fire OS 5 1 2 SuperTool Mac linux and Windows
Note: He shows how to do the whole process while using mac but it can be done on windows awell and the windows files are already present. Instead of using the .sh file and opening the terminal double click the .bat file and follow along.
You can use his SuperTool to put the play store app and fire flash app.
Note: For some reason fire flash was not working properly for me by using the SuperTool, so I just installed it from the google play store.
Now you should have rooted fire OS 5.1.2 along with superSU. Now with the fire flash app and you can download any rom that you want to flash. Follow the steps in the video for instructions
Video title: Amazon Fire 5th gen AOSP Nexus rom install with Flash Fire app
Hope this helps.
All credit to rootjunky
erikthebikeman said:
Yeah, I read the same thing and I bought it on Prime day. When's the 5.14 tool going to come out? I know, beggars... I really think it's silly to have to downgrade and risk bricking it when normal root for those OS versions don't have such a concern.
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Click to collapse
It's not a matter of someone getting off their keister and whipping up a "tool" (presumably you are talking about root) that works with FireOS 5.1.4 or whatever the latest version is. Like many manufactures Amazon actively discourages rooting devices and attempt to block known exploits. It's a cat and mouse game. We may see a "tool" soon, much further down the road or never. Be happy you can root the device at all and be thankful for the individuals who unselfishly share their time and talents with the community.
Thanks nefarian.
The problem was that the guide I was referred to for getting CM onto it already assumed it had been rooted, and when I started googling and looking on the different guides on rootjunky there were so many coming from different angles but nothing giving the clear start to end steps for what I wanted to do, for a newbie it was very confusing. Plus in the guide I was following (a rootjunky one) he had an older version of the OS and the toolkit had different files/folders to what are in it now, so I guess at that time there was no mentioned of 5.1.4 and not being able to go back.
After thinking I needed to downgrade the OS I found the one for unbrinking and downgrading and did that fine to 5.1.2, but then when I tried the superkit it still said it was too new, so I tried to downgrade further, which is when I bricked it.
There was no mention of it on the video..... other than a bloody great overlay in the corner, which must have been added later on, and probably because I was tearing my hair out and getting confused I didn't spot it. That's my excuse anyway!
Thanks for your help, I'll have a go with the new one on Monday. So instead of trying to find an all in one guide, I need to find guide for the steps in this order;
1 - do a factory reset on the device (from the device settings, or do I need to do it in the bootloader settings?)
2 -downgrade to 5.1.2 (I should be able to do this now)
3 - root the device (and install supersu?)
4 - install CM
Then it should have full CM and none of the Amazon OS left.
I'm not missing any steps there am I?
Thanks again!
Bob Boblaw said:
Thanks nefarian.
The problem was that the guide I was referred to for getting CM onto it already assumed it had been rooted, and when I started googling and looking on the different guides on rootjunky there were so many coming from different angles but nothing giving the clear start to end steps for what I wanted to do, for a newbie it was very confusing. Plus in the guide I was following (a rootjunky one) he had an older version of the OS and the toolkit had different files/folders to what are in it now, so I guess at that time there was no mentioned of 5.1.4 and not being able to go back.
After thinking I needed to downgrade the OS I found the one for unbrinking and downgrading and did that fine to 5.1.2, but then when I tried the superkit it still said it was too new, so I tried to downgrade further, which is when I bricked it.
There was no mention of it on the video..... other than a bloody great overlay in the corner, which must have been added later on, and probably because I was tearing my hair out and getting confused I didn't spot it. That's my excuse anyway!
Thanks for your help, I'll have a go with the new one on Monday. So instead of trying to find an all in one guide, I need to find guide for the steps in this order;
1 - do a factory reset on the device (from the device settings, or do I need to do it in the bootloader settings?)
2 -downgrade to 5.1.2 (I should be able to do this now)
3 - root the device (and install supersu?)
4 - install CM
Then it should have full CM and none of the Amazon OS left.
I'm not missing any steps there am I?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- no need for a factory reset at any point; offers no benefit for what you are trying to accomplish.
- installation of SuperSU (replacing Kinguser and related Kingroot cruft) after rooting is highly recommended prior to using FlashFire or any other tool that messes with the system partition. The SuperTool can facilitate this otherwise ugly task.
- if you are struggling with RootJunky videos you should give serious consideration to the challenges of installing a custom rom. It doesn't get any easier going forward.
Thanks. I managed to root my Nvidia Shield TV fine so I should be able to do it, I just needed to be clear of the full process from start to finish, and as I wasn't starting from the beginning of the process that made it more confusing. The rootjunky videos are great, but when someone is saying you can use this or that or do this or that it's putting choices and variables in to the mix so it's not a straighforward step by step, and when the kits and the webpages shown on the videos have changed since they were made, for someone trying to piece the info together it takes a bit more time.
Maybe I should point out that I didn't look on here initially when I started trying to do it, I basically saw the fire on offer mentioned on a forum I use and someone said yeah, it's easy to root and get CM on if, just user this video, with the link to a rootjunky YouTube video which didn't mention the prerequisite of already having downgraded the OS (why would it) so in hindsight I didn't start at the right place or have the best information.
After reading through some stuff on here (and that's over whelming for a first timer as there is so much stuff on here for many, many devices and platforms - even just finding the Amazon fire sub forum on an iPad wasn't easy!) I'm getting a better idea for attempt two.
I'll get there, and at least I know how to not brick it now! :good:
OK, so making progress. I have downgraded the new one fine, it now has 5.1.2 of the Fire OS.
I've used rootjunkys supertool to root the device with Kingmaker, which then installed SuperSU, and I finally uninstalled Kingmaker/Purity.
So I now have a rooted Fire, which is great. I have also installed the Google Play store, disabled OTA updates and removed ads from the lock screen. But I don't want the Amazon OS on it (pretty fugly isn't it!), so the next step, flashing it with CM.
What guide would be best for a Fire with 5.1.2 on it? When I look at the Rootjunkys guide for installing CM on the Fire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dwguHoxTvo&feature=youtu.be) the super tool kit does differ, and the one I downloaded from his link only has the tool for doing it for OS 5.0.1, so it won't let me boot into TWRP recovery. What would be the best tools/guide/method to use for installing CM onto a Fire with 5.1.2?
Thanks
Bob Boblaw said:
OK, so making progress. I have downgraded the new one fine, it now has 5.1.2 of the Fire OS.
I've used rootjunkys supertool to root the device with Kingmaker, which then installed SuperSU, and I finally uninstalled Kingmaker/Purity.
So I now have a rooted Fire, which is great. I have also installed the Google Play store, disabled OTA updates and removed ads from the lock screen. But I don't want the Amazon OS on it (pretty fugly isn't it!), so the next step, flashing it with CM.
What guide would be best for a Fire with 5.1.2 on it? When I look at the Rootjunkys guide for installing CM on the Fire (
&feature=youtu.be) the super tool kit does differ, and the one I downloaded from his link only has the tool for doing it for OS 5.0.1, so it won't let me boot into TWRP recovery. What would be the best tools/guide/method to use for installing CM onto a Fire with 5.1.2?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Kingroot/Purify, not Kingmaker/Purity
- I can't think of a better suite of guides than the videos produced by RootJunky
- use FlashFire 0.51 to install (flash) the rom of your choice
- OP for Nexus rom has video link and and basic FlashFire guidance
- get over the minor variations in the language/tools used to support this device between the making of videos and the latest release.
Bob Boblaw said:
OK, so making progress. I have downgraded the new one fine, it now has 5.1.2 of the Fire OS.
I've used rootjunkys supertool to root the device with Kingmaker, which then installed SuperSU, and I finally uninstalled Kingmaker/Purity.
So I now have a rooted Fire, which is great. I have also installed the Google Play store, disabled OTA updates and removed ads from the lock screen. But I don't want the Amazon OS on it (pretty fugly isn't it!), so the next step, flashing it with CM.
What guide would be best for a Fire with 5.1.2 on it? When I look at the Rootjunkys guide for installing CM on the Fire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dwguHoxTvo&feature=youtu.be) the super tool kit does differ, and the one I downloaded from his link only has the tool for doing it for OS 5.0.1, so it won't let me boot into TWRP recovery. What would be the best tools/guide/method to use for installing CM onto a Fire with 5.1.2?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Get the CM rom and put it in the tablet from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/orig-development/rom-cm-12-1-2015-11-15-t3249416
2. Install FlashFire 0.51 from play store or use the SuperTool
3. Follow the video instructions and instead of the nexus rom use the CM rom you downloaded:
Thanks guys. All going well. CM12 is now installed using that Nexus guide. However, because he used Nexus the Play store was installed by default, which CM12 doesn't have.
Looking here - https://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Google_Apps#Installation - I need to download Google Apps and install it, but which package for the Fire 7 5th gen? There are a number of variants to choose from. Looks like using twrp it would have been a pico one, but as it's a new OS a different one is needed?
So it's ARM device, Android 5.1 and Nano variant?
That gives me a zip file, but I can't work out how to install it. The videos I've found all have it as being installed as part of the OS installation via twrp. Should I have installed gapps when I installed the CM12.1 OS, or can I still install it later?
When I go into the boot menu the only install option is to apply update from ADB, wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition, reboot to bootloader or power down/reboot.
I tried to use apply update from ADB and did "adb sideload gapps-filename.zip" but it failed to complete the install and went back to the boot menu.
What do I need to do to get Play Store on there?
Thanks again
Bob Boblaw said:
Thanks guys. All going well. CM12 is now installed using that Nexus guide. However, because he used Nexus the Play store was installed by default, which CM12 doesn't have.
Looking here - https://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Google_Apps#Installation - I need to download Google Apps and install it, but which package for the Fire 7 5th gen? There are a number of variants to choose from. Looks like using twrp it would have been a pico one, but as it's a new OS a different one is needed?
So it's ARM device, Android 5.1 and Nano variant?
That gives me a zip file, but I can't work out how to install it. The videos I've found all have it as being installed as part of the OS installation via twrp. Should I have installed gapps when I installed the CM12.1 OS, or can I still install it later?
When I go into the boot menu the only install option is to apply update from ADB, wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition, reboot to bootloader or power down/reboot.
I tried to use apply update from ADB and did "adb sideload gapps-filename.zip" but it failed to complete the install and went back to the boot menu.
What do I need to do to get Play Store on there?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reinstall FlashFire 0.51 (here) on CM 12.1 then use it to flash the GAapps package. Agree with your selection: ARM/5.1/nano.
Ah, great, thank you, yep, that's got it on there.
Excellent! All modded and running very quickly! Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate the patience.
Not much space on these Fire's is there, it's already telling me it's low on space and I've only installed MediaMonkey!
Two more quick questions and I'll leave you alone....!
Is it possible to have the SD card to be used as combined storage? For example, my Shield TV lets me 'add' the SD card to the main storage so it sees it all as one instead of a second removable device, so can install apps on it, etc. If this possible with Cyanogenmod? (Not sure what you'd call that feature to search for it!) Thankfully the main reason I bought it was to help manage my music with MediaMonkey so I won't be installing lots on it, but if it is possible it would be useful.
Second, with regard to OS updates on CM, are they automated or do they need to be done manually (and, if so, with care?)
Thanks again!
Bob Boblaw said:
Two more quick questions and I'll leave you alone....!
Is it possible to have the SD card to be used as combined storage?
Second, with regard to OS updates on CM, are they automated or do they need to be done manually ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short answer: 'yes'. There are various approaches to utilizing SD cards for app installation/storage each with pros, cons and compromises. I highly recommend using a tool that leverages 'symbolic links' which is by far the most reliable method. An example is Link2SD which you can find in the Play Store.
All custom roms for this device are updated manually via FlaahFire or TWRP (if available). Instructions can usually be found in the OP.
@Bob Boblaw
did you open up the file manager and install the flashfire.apk? I am on the same problem you had on your post #11, but my problem I ran into now is flash fire says "root access could not be acquired" otherwise this would be a easy to do.
I think I might have to reinstall everything and start over. >_<
Yes, I copied it over via USB and installed it from the file manager. Do you have root enabled in the developer settings, I enabled it for adb and apps.
Bob Boblaw said:
Yes, I copied it over via USB and installed it from the file manager. Do you have root enabled in the developer settings, I enabled it for adb and apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! Thank you, that is what I had missed plus I didn't reboot my device so took like 15mins trying to figure out why it wasn't still working.
Glad you got it working ! :good:
Great post guys!! I am getting ready to root my fire OS 5.1.4 and this helps me greatly! Been searching for a downgrade guide and this is it! Have one question is Cm only recovery program or is there a TWRP version for this ? I would think that lastest TWRP would work since its all android but have to ask .I like TWRP myself cause i have it on rooted tablets
thunderman98 said:
Great post guys!! I am getting ready to root my fire OS 5.1.4 and this helps me greatly! Been searching for a downgrade guide and this is it! Have one question is Cm only recovery program or is there a TWRP version for this ? I would think that lastest TWRP would work since its all android but have to ask .I like TWRP myself cause i have it on rooted tablets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can not boot/install/use twrp on this device unless running FireOS 5.0.1 or lower. Nor can you rollback to any version below 5.1.2 without bricking the device. FlashFire is the tool of choice for installing roms and performing other maintenance tasks that are typically done in a custom recovery environment.