I just bought the 2015 Fire 7 new from amazon.com with the idea of unlocking it for LineageOS, etc.
(2015 model since it can be unlocked without opening the device)
So it arrives today and doesn't turn on which is strange because almost all devices ship with some level of charge.
I plug it in and it turns on. The problem is the battery meter shows its charging at about 20% so I unplug the cable and the device immediately dies. It does this again and again and will not charge at all.
I understand that this isn't the highest quality of device and there are a lot of reviews stating it stops charging after a few months, but for something sold by an OEM as large as amazon this is completely unacceptable for it to not charge brand new right out of the box.
The charge level increases much faster than normal so I'm guessing its not getting charged at all and the percentage is the OS reading it wrong.
I'm going to be contacting Amazon shortly for a replacement but I was wondering if anyone knows a fix I didn't think of or has a similar experience with this issue.
Unless you are an older OS pre-5.3.2, you will have to open it. It sounds like you got a defective one, since it is 2+ years old sitting dead in a amazon warehouse the battery went to die. You can leave it on the charger for hours and see if it ever does anything, but i would return it and get a newer one. Opening and the shorting the clk is easy though.
Michajin said:
Unless you are an older OS pre-5.3.2, you will have to open it. It sounds like you got a defective one, since it is 2+ years old sitting dead in a amazon warehouse the battery went to die. You can leave it on the charger for hours and see if it ever does anything, but i would return it and get a newer one. Opening and the shorting the clk is easy though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response.
I did try leaving on the charger for a while and I think its safe to assume its just not going to work. There's no sign of the battery working at all, not even for a few seconds. I'm questioning if its even connected properly, probably not.
It's just unfortunate that I was ready to unlock this but now I have to have it shipped back and wait for a replacement (and hope the replacement doesn't have an issue). Even though this is a cheap tablet, it makes me feel like Amazon has no sense of quality control now.
I checked after it booted up and surprisingly this one still had 5.1 on it.
According to the thread you can still unlock a 2015 model w/ 5.3.2+ without opening it as long as you downgrade (downgrading bricks the device until finished unlocking)
k4y0z said:
If you're on a newer preloader, there are two options:
Open the device and short the pin marked in the attached photo to ground while plugging in.
Downgrade to 5.0.1 firmware via adb sideload in Amazon recovery, then proceed to use the left volume button to enter boot-rom.
NOTE: Using option two will brick your device until you have successfully finished the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KemikalElite said:
Thanks for your response.
I did try leaving on the charger for a while and I think its safe to assume its just not going to work. There's no sign of the battery working at all, not even for a few seconds. I'm questioning if its even connected properly, probably not.
It's just unfortunate that I was ready to unlock this but now I have to have it shipped back and wait for a replacement (and hope the replacement doesn't have an issue). Even though this is a cheap tablet, it makes me feel like Amazon has no sense of quality control now.
I checked after it booted up and surprisingly this one still had 5.1 on it.
According to the thread you can still unlock a 2015 model w/ 5.3.2+ without opening it as long as you downgrade (downgrading bricks the device until finished unlocking)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao, 5.1.1? Thats almost imposible..
Rortiz2 said:
Lmao, 5.1.1? Thats almost imposible..
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Click to collapse
Likely the Android base version; common point of confusion. That said, I have seen an occasional refurb arriving with an ancient build of FireOS (how??). Seems Amazon's refurb process is lacking in QC.
Davey126 said:
Likely the Android base version; common point of confusion. That said, I have seen an occasional refurb arriving with an ancient build of FireOS (how??). Seems Amazon's refurb process is lacking in QC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm 99% sure it was the Fire OS version since stock settings software updates page shows the Fire OS version and not the Android version.
It was showing build date or last updated 2016.
I don't remember the exact version since I only glanced at it but it definitely showed Fire OS 5.1.x
I'm worried because I might not be so lucky with my replacement, but if they keep taking them off the same shelf there might be a good chance.
Edit: It would appear that the last tangerine model has been sold making every new 2015 fire 7 out of stock. Seeing as this is the old gen I highly doubt they will be restocking it. This just keeps getting better and better.
KemikalElite said:
I'm 99% sure it was the Fire OS version since stock settings software updates page shows the Fire OS version and not the Android version.
It was showing build date or last updated 2016.
I don't remember the exact version since I only glanced at it but it definitely showed Fire OS 5.1.x
I'm worried because I might not be so lucky with my replacement, but if they keep taking them off the same shelf there might be a good chance.
Edit: It would appear that the last tangerine model has been sold making every new 2015 fire 7 out of stock. Seeing as this is the old gen I highly doubt they will be restocking it. This just keeps getting better and better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe they give you a fire 7 2017 xD
Rortiz2 said:
Maybe they give you a fire 7 2017 xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon just updated the page again. 5th gen back in stock on April 20th. All good.
I'm still within the return window so its going to be an Amazon credit refund and if its not back in stock after the few days it takes to process the return I guess I'll have to order a 2017 and decide between not having root and breaking the tablet trying to open it (I'm really bad with hardware stuff).
All I know is Amazon's stock experience is the worst thing that can be done to a tablet. Having AOSP on my 2011 Fire was the best.
KemikalElite said:
I'm 99% sure it was the Fire OS version since stock settings software updates page shows the Fire OS version and not the Android version.
It was showing build date or last updated 2016.
I don't remember the exact version since I only glanced at it but it definitely showed Fire OS 5.1.x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Timeframe is right for FireOS 5.1.x (5.1.1-5.1.4). Must have dug that one out of a dusty closet in the basement.
---------- Post added at 10:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 PM ----------
KemikalElite said:
All I know is Amazon's stock experience is the worst thing that can be done to a tablet. Having AOSP on my 2011 Fire was the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardly. FireOS v6 is reasonably agreeable and somewhat customizable. Really a matter of personal preference. While most of my gizmos run custom ROMs (Moto's being the general exception) I'm perfectly happy with an unrooted but tweaked HD 8 2018 for the tasks asked of it.
Related
Thinking about getting A7 ,but want to see the new ones first,I know I can preorder but when will they be out
I heard it was suppose to be March the 7th, but other than that I am not sure. SteamTV has been promising to release A10 since January 18th and than in Feburary so don't be too shocked if it still shows up as Preorder.
Its 3/8/2011 and the A10 is STILL on the pre order list at Tiger!. I wonder if it will be at stores by 2012?
Is this about accessories?
I don't trust the company, or the specs on the A10
The reason why I don't trust the company is obvious - repeatedly delayed, with no explanation. This is not the way to build a customer base.
The reason why I don't trust the specs is that Apple is releasing the iPad 2 with a 1024x768 screen, and the new Malata device is also being released with the same. So, am I to believe that Stream TV managed to get a higher resolution IPS screen into their A10, whereas Apple could not? I am not convinced.
If this ever gets released (I'm still guessing EO this month or April), I want to hear reviews first before I decide to push the button. Bottom line: If they backpedal on the specs and add a TFT screen instead of IPS, there's no way that I'm buying this thing.
Stream TV, prove me wrong here. Get on XDA and tell us what's going on - this is a situation where I WANT to be proved wrong.
10" Elocity release? Have a 7", wishing not...
I wouldn't put much credence into anything Elocity says at this point. We've had the A7 since January, and thanks only to Dexter's mod making this thing truly usable, we didn't return it. Usable, that is, until I did Elocity's latest FW update. Mistake. Can no longer download from market. Did cache clear, data wipe, tried reinstalling Dex's mod, all to no avail. I'ts like the standard POS we got back in Jan all over again. Spent hours messing with this thing today and I'm pretty sick of it. Tried restore after restore of backups and it runs and runs for hours before finally blanking out and going to home screen, not having done the backup no less. Anyone else having the same issues with the latest Elocity FW update?
Don't expect Elocity to do anything about it
I'm waiting until the end of April, and after an initial review before I also buy the device. Dexter did a great job keeping us appeased with A7. I am not sure whats going on lately with SteamTV, somehow I think they wanted to get honeycomb and couldn't so now they might be waiting again. By that time I will probably find something else of interest.
I love my A7...
I think a 10" would be too big. But agreed, they need to stop delaying on everything. This is why the customer base is so small. Solid product though.
deletepost
cwolfpack3 said:
having the same issues today. Elocity only says to do the factory reset, which takes me down to the original awful firmware. Any updates or mods I try to install won't run and the A7 gets stuck at the word "Android" without moving forward into booting up all the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... and this thread is about the a10 release date. Wrong thread.
Thread closed.
Hi,
I was going to buy one and there is no Stock till day 19. Do you think or know if they are going to be on 5.1.1 already?
Thanks
edit
It appears people are now receiving a mix of 5.0.1 and some 5.1.1 peinstalled.
Dec 31 update, I just received another 5.0.1 Fire (shipped 12/30). Amazon is still shipping at least some 5.0.1 Fires. The date molded into the inside of the back cover is Dec 14 2015. But of course that is only when that one part was manufactured.
There have been no confirmed reports yet of a Fire shipping with 5.1.1 preinstalled.
You may see a couple posts from people who mistakenly thought they got 5.1.1 preinstalled, they did not realize that the Fire will update as soon as you agree to connect to a wifi network & that amazon will not ask at all before installing it. Also the Fire will sometimes show a message similar to "updating system" when it's just optimising apps. This message has been confusing some users. It's just amazon's version of "Android is starting... Optimizing app xx of xx" and it is not an OS update. As of yet, no one who has known to keep wifi off has seen 5.1.1.
Got mine about 3 days ago and it had 5.0.1. Ordered Nov 27
Got mine from Amazon Prime Now last night, 5.0.1.
I buy 13 tablets for my family and friends the tablets arrive friday 11 just five arrived with 5.0.1 the other ones 5.1.1
Got one today with 5.0.1
So, there is no way to install CM12 on 5.1.1?
Roughnecks said:
So, there is no way to install CM12 on 5.1.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO
Maybe in the future, but no way to do it today
Please check here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/orig-development/root-t3272362
I ordered mine on Black Friday and got it yesterday. It came loaded with 5.1.1.
kleydejong said:
I ordered mine on Black Friday and got it yesterday. It came loaded with 5.1.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered 4. They just came in today. All four are one 5.0.1, but the first one, on start up asked to connect to wifi. Once I did it immediately updated to 5.1.1.
On the other 3, I did not connect to wifi and I skipped the setup. Still on 5.0.1
Got mine today .. Skipped Setup -> 5.0.1 installed
I bought mine from Best Buy after the Black Friday sale, it came with 5.0.1.
Breach said:
...but the first one, on start up asked to connect to wifi. Once I did it immediately updated to 5.1.1...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just how fast is your internet for it to download 600mb that quick?
Just received another Fire today (ordered 11/28 for $35),
5.0.1
But it has two white stuck pixels. Actually one of them appears to be a group of 2, so maybe 3 stuck pixels.
I just received a replacement for my Fire with stuck pixels.
It's 5.0.1 and it was shipped on 12/30. Amazon is still shipping at least some 5.0.1 Fires. The date molded into the inside of the back cover is Dec 14 2015. But that is only when that one part was made.
Just received one today it is a 5.01
I just got one replaced that had 5.0.1. Check thread below if you want to install ROM from new shipped tablet.
Basically, when first powering up don't setup WiFi then check in settings if still 5.0. If so and you want to install ROM, see this thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/help/tip-buying-fire-powered-want-to-install-t3277552
Actually if you want to install a rom you don't even need to ever boot up into FireOS.
Just go straight into fastboot.
If you can load twrp: Congratulations you have 5.0.1! Pass "Go", Collect $200 & Install your rom!
If you can not load twrp: Sorry, Do not pass "Go", Do not collect $200, Go straight to Jail! You have 5.1.1. Make friends with your jail mate Mr. FlashFire. He is in beta & a little buggy but he's your only option at the moment.
blueberry.sky said:
Actually if you want to install a rom you don't even need to ever boot up into FireOS.
Just go straight into fastboot.
If you can load twrp: Congratulations you have 5.0.1! Pass "Go", Collect $200 & Install your rom!
If you can not load twrp: Sorry, Do not pass "Go", Do not collect $200, Go straight to Jail! You have 5.1.1. Make friends with your jail mate Mr. FlashFire. He is in beta & a little buggy but he's your only option at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree, this method takes you straight into loading ROM from TWRP.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/help/tip-buying-fire-powered-want-to-install-t3277552
Does any one knows a possible solution to this?
The Amazon fire stays with black screen all the time. It is impossible to turn it on, nor recovery neither Fast Boot...
It is completily dead!!
From what I've heard, any downgrade from 5.1.1 or higher to 5.0.1 = total paperweight. Someone will probably come by and explain the mechanics of it, by my assumption is that something changed relating to the Recovery/System partitions between those revs. and thus tossing on the older software just destroys any low level communication ability the thing has.
As a rule of thumb I think you're not really supposed to be putting any older FireOS on from the latest that's been on there. I guess people may be fudging that with the last few minor revs though because the ability to root it is getting more and more impossible.
You may be able to talk someone at Amazon into giving you an exchange for a new one. Not sure the best thing to try and tell them to talk them into it. I mean I am also assuming you're out of your initial warranty period, so you'd need a creative story. Perhaps someone here will have tips on that.
snark.shark said:
From what I've heard, any downgrade from 5.1.1 or higher to 5.0.1 = total paperweight. Someone will probably come by and explain the mechanics of it, by my assumption is that something changed relating to the Recovery/System partitions between those revs. and thus tossing on the older software just destroys any low level communication ability the thing has.
As a rule of thumb I think you're not really supposed to be putting any older FireOS on from the latest that's been on there. I guess people may be fudging that with the last few minor revs though because the ability to root it is getting more and more impossible.
You may be able to talk someone at Amazon into giving you an exchange for a new one. Not sure the best thing to try and tell them to talk them into it. I mean I am also assuming you're out of your initial warranty period, so you'd need a creative story. Perhaps someone here will have tips on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called Amazon for the warranty and they have already replace it for a new one without asking anithing. Really happy with the Amazon warranty.
Now I need to send the bricked one back to them in a month time, but I was wondering if I can bring it back to life in the meantime...
dihablo said:
I called Amazon for the warranty and they have already replace it for a new one without asking anithing. Really happy with the Amazon warranty.
Now I need to send the bricked one back to them in a month time, but I was wondering if I can bring it back to life in the meantime...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@snark.shark is 100% correct. Device is toast. Never roll back unless specifically advised it is safe to do. Forums are your friend. Read before acting. Amazon won't replace it again; one time courtesy exchange.
My Fire is dead
Davey126 said:
@snark.shark is 100% correct. Device is toast. Never roll back unless specifically advised it is safe to do. Forums are your friend. Read before acting. Amazon won't replace it again; one time courtesy exchange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently suffering from the same issue except the warranty expired plz help :''(
OpalDragon said:
I am currently suffering from the same issue except the warranty expired plz help :''(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing can be done.
I'm looking for an image of the original box and or main screen of a device that has not been updated. Can anyone help?
AFAIK there's no way to know a 5.4 (or whichever other version) device from the box it comes in. Two of my Fires came in an orange "bag" while the third (a warehouse deal) was packaged in a non-standard box. FireOS 5.1.1 and twice 5.3.1.
Not even the serial number is a reliable source of versions as a device may have been refurbished.
The only way to learn about the FireOS version is from the "About" screen (or by exploring the filesystem, which may require elevated rights). Is that what you were looking for?
Yes thanks that helps I have supplied 7 of these for my family members with kids and have Nexus rommed them all. I just bought one off of eBay that the guy said was never opened so I took the chance. It came sealed with 5.1.3 and i was thrilled. It seems there are a couple left there that have never been opened and a good chance they are rootable. The last one I paid about 38$ for and it was a 16 gig. I have another one coming for 48$ with free shipping and i will post what version it comes with if anyone is interested. These tablets with nexus are great. Thanks to the community that made all this possible.
daniel3016 said:
Yes thanks that helps I have supplied 7 of these for my family members with kids and have Nexus rommed them all. I just bought one off of eBay that the guy said was never opened so I took the chance. It came sealed with 5.1.3 and i was thrilled. It seems there are a couple left there that have never been opened and a good chance they are rootable. The last one I paid about 38$ for and it was a 16 gig. I have another one coming for 48$ with free shipping and i will post what version it comes with if anyone is interested. These tablets with nexus are great. Thanks to the community that made all this possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently learned the 8.9 Fires can be rooted. I managed to find a couple used ones in fair condition for $35.00 a piece a few days ago. They haven't yet been rooted or put on WiFi. I'm pretty excited. I had successfully rooted one already, and flashed TWRP, but a problem flashing the ROM, left me stuck in TWRP for infinity. Having done a wipe before installing the ROM, and the ROM install failure, I was left with no OS and no Fastboot to save me. It was my friend's who had it being used as an alarm clock. Never turned the WiFi on. I was mad when it failed. I had a perfect track record until then lol.
I noticed something though. I wonder why the 8.9s, an HD tablet, would have KitKat instead of Lollipop...off topic I know. It's more of a comment than a question
I just got another 16 gb off of ebay it is a blue one. It was unopened and still sealed. The seller had 9 left and I paid around 48$ for it. It came with 5.1.3 on it. Jackpot.....
So after doing a factory reset it now refuses to even turn on. I factory reset last night (But I was on 5.3.2.1 so I was able to disable ota.) This morning it was off when it shouldn't have been. Plugged it in and the low battery indicator came up. Weird because there was 50% last night. (I also noticed it was getting much hotter than it should be.) Now it won't even show that if I plug it in. I could hold the power button for 7 minutes straight. Nothing, zilch, nada.
Jake1702_ said:
So after doing a factory reset it now refuses to even turn on. I factory reset last night (But I was on 5.3.2.1 so I was able to disable ota.) This morning it was off when it shouldn't have been. Plugged it in and the low battery indicator came up. Weird because there was 50% last night. (I also noticed it was getting much hotter than it should be.) Now it won't even show that if I plug it in. I could hold the power button for 7 minutes straight. Nothing, zilch, nada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you disable OTA updates on 5.3.2.1 given that build is not rootable? As for the non-responsive device, symptoms suggest a hardware failure or attempt to down level to an invalid FireOS build.
Davey126 said:
How did you disable OTA updates on 5.3.2.1 given that build is not rootable? As for the non-responsive device, symptoms suggest a hardware failure or attempt to down level to an invalid FireOS build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember that those under 5.4.4.0 or something I can't really remember can be "debloated" and it works to disable OTA updates. I had mine on 5.3.2.1 for months thanks to that. I forgot to mention. It did work today, but I left it charging and when I came back it wouldn't turn on. I think it's something to do with hardware, what a coincidence it happened right after I factory reset.
Well, I guess I might have to get a new device.
Jake1702_ said:
Remember that those under 5.4.4.0 or something I can't really remember can be "debloated" and it works to disable OTA updates. I had mine on 5.3.2.1 for months thanks to that. I forgot to mention. It did work today, but I left it charging and when I came back it wouldn't turn on. I think it's something to do with hardware, what a coincidence it happened right after I factory reset.
Well, I guess I might have to get a new device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - forgot about the alternative OTA block which isn't 100% reliable but works for most. It's possible some previous debloating invalided the factory reset function. Pure speculation, but not out of the realm of possibility given the irresponsible actions taken by some the the debloat scripts. Lots of cow boys/girls whipping these things up.
Davey126 said:
Thanks - forgot about the alternative OTA block which isn't 100% reliable but works for most. It's possible some previous debloating invalided the factory reset function. Pure speculation, but not out of the realm of possibility given the irresponsible actions taken by some the the debloat scripts. Lots of cow boys/girls whipping these things up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, because of my issue with the battery and the overheating issue, I think it's a hardware problem and it's just a coincidence that I reset it the night before. Lucky I did - resetting means I backed up stuff I needed. My screen was badly cracked anyway. It might be best to get a new tablet. Are there any non-Amazon ones that are of a cheap price and at least similar specs to this one? If I'm getting a new one I want one I can root and possibly install a custom ROM on. Being locked down isn't my style,
Jake1702_ said:
To be honest, because of my issue with the battery and the overheating issue, I think it's a hardware problem and it's just a coincidence that I reset it the night before. Lucky I did - resetting means I backed up stuff I needed. My screen was badly cracked anyway. It might be best to get a new tablet. Are there any non-Amazon ones that are of a cheap price and at least similar specs to this one? If I'm getting a new one I want one I can root and possibly install a custom ROM on. Being locked down isn't my style,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want root at a comparable price point look into a 3rd (not 4th) generation HDX 7 or 8.9. These devices will run circles around any Fire 7 or HD 8 and will give a HD 10 a run for the money. Fully rootable & bootloader unlockable with a nice selection of custom ROMs.
Davey126 said:
If you want root at a comparable price point look into a 3rd (not 4th) generation HDX 7 or 8.9. These devices will run circles around any Fire 7 or HD 8 and will give a HD 10 a run for the money. Fully rootable & bootloader unlockable with a nice selection of custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think any device that can't have expandable storage is very practical though.
Jake1702_ said:
I don't think any device that can't have expandable storage is very practical though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on use case. 16GB HDX (11GB available) with a suite of powerful apps is my daily driver. Not even using 50% of available space.
Davey126 said:
Depends on use case. 16GB HDX (11GB available) with a suite of powerful apps is my daily driver. Not even using 50% of available space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I barely used mine since the screen got cracked and I completely filled internal storage and only had 2GB out of my 16GB card remaining. So for my case, that won't be a suitable option.
Jake1702_ said:
I barely used mine since the screen got cracked and I completely filled internal storage and only had 2GB out of my 16GB card remaining. So for my case, that won't be a suitable option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to change your mind but in my line of business what, why and where (among other curiosities) are paramount. Amazing what gets retained locally. I also understand the virtual appeal of a bottomless shoebox. Good luck in your search.
Davey126 said:
Not trying to change your mind but in my line of business what, why and where (among other curiosities) are paramount. Amazing what gets retained locally. I also understand the virtual appeal of a bottomless shoebox. Good luck in your search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So due to financial issues, my brother might be buying me a new Fire. I'm 99.9% sure it's going to be a 7th gen (As that's most likely). What is the oldest firmware available for it? From what I've seen it seems to be 5.4.0.0? That version can be debloated right?
Jake1702_ said:
So due to financial issues, my brother might be buying me a new Fire. I'm 99.9% sure it's going to be a 7th gen (As that's most likely). What is the oldest firmware available for it? From what I've seen it seems to be 5.4.0.0? That version can be debloated right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct on both.
Davey126 said:
Correct on both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're also looking at getting a 5th gen that has CM installed on it from Ebay. Looks like a couple other people are watching it also though, and I can't find any others that are rooted/have a custom ROM flashed.