Hi all
I'm toying with installing Android 4.1 on my new Kindle Fire (non HD) so that I can get access to all the bits that I have my Android phone. The only thing I'll lose is access to LoveFilm but that's not a biggy.
However, is it possible to go back to the Kindle Fire OS if I don't like using Android on it? I can find several 4.1 installations but I can't find any Kindle Fire OS installs to apply so I'm wondering whether it's possible to remove Android 4.1 and put the factory OS back again later on.
Any ideas?
Olly
oliverm said:
Hi all
I'm toying with installing Android 4.1 on my new Kindle Fire (non HD) so that I can get access to all the bits that I have my Android phone. The only thing I'll lose is access to LoveFilm but that's not a biggy.
However, is it possible to go back to the Kindle Fire OS if I don't like using Android on it? I can find several 4.1 installations but I can't find any Kindle Fire OS installs to apply so I'm wondering whether it's possible to remove Android 4.1 and put the factory OS back again later on.
Any ideas?
Olly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is a new KF, I'm not sure where you've found these installs of 4.1 but I do't think they are for the new model. The bootloader was just recently cracked and CWM and CM10 are in the early stages of being ported to the new KF's, mainly the 8.9. There are definitely no stable versions yet. Using any roms,tools,recovery, utilities, etc... meant for old model kindles will definitely brick your device. Check out the development section for progress. For now though rooting, installing play store and custom launcher will give you a good android feel without compromising performance and stability. Nova and Apex launchers are based off ics/jb interface.
Kindle Fire vs Kindle Fire 2
oliverm said:
Hi all
I'm toying with installing Android 4.1 on my new Kindle Fire (non HD) so that I can get access to all the bits that I have my Android phone. The only thing I'll lose is access to LoveFilm but that's not a biggy.
However, is it possible to go back to the Kindle Fire OS if I don't like using Android on it? I can find several 4.1 installations but I can't find any Kindle Fire OS installs to apply so I'm wondering whether it's possible to remove Android 4.1 and put the factory OS back again later on.
Any ideas?
Olly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oliver,
Can you go into the Menu, Other, Device, About
What is the Software Version? If it is 10.2.3 or 10.2.2 you have the new Kindle Fire 2
and not the old Kindle Fire. Having said this, you do not have any Bootloader options
or at least any stable ones, this Android 4.1.2 is Out on the Kindle Fire 2. Onemeila
is correct, most of the development (Custom ROM) is focused around the Kindle
Fire HD 8.9" not the Kindle Fire 2 7". This is not to say we will never see a Custom
ROM, it is to say, we are a long ways away.
Like the title says, I recently rooted my Fire 7 I got last week from Amazon prime day with the Nexus rom. I have just a few questions.
I should be safe from Amazon firmware updates since I'm not running their version of Android correct? (Amazon won't recognize my tablet and push an update)
If I decide I don't like this particular ROM can I still switch to CM12.1?
Lastly,
If I decide I need to return the tablet to stock, can just side load an old 5.1.2 amazon.bin file?
Any advice on apps that make a rooted fire great? Whats the purpose of Nova Launcher?
mmar141 said:
Like the title says, I recently rooted my Fire 7 I got last week from Amazon prime day with the Nexus rom. I have just a few questions.
I should be safe from Amazon firmware updates since I'm not running their version of Android correct? (Amazon won't recognize my tablet and push an update)
If I decide I don't like this particular ROM can I still switch to CM12.1?
Lastly,
If I decide I need to return the tablet to stock, can just side load an old 5.1.2 amazon.bin file?
Any advice on apps that make a rooted fire great? Whats the purpose of Nova Launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Amazon can not push an update w/o FireOS
- You can switch to a different rom at anytime
- Sideloading 5.1.2 will return your device to "stock"
Thanks! This answers all my questions.
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
I have had my Amazon fire 5th gen for a couple months now and I want to know if there is a way to root my tablet without a computer, anybody know?
ChompDroid126 said:
I have had my Amazon fire 5th gen for a couple months now and I want to know if there is a way to root my tablet without a computer, anybody know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither without, nor with a computer. The last rootable firmware was 5.3.1, long ago.
Using Tapatalk on a Ford
I am in the same boat as the OP what can be done to downgrade the version and get this device rooted?
Nrocket3 said:
I am in the same boat as the OP what can be done to downgrade the version and get this device rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't as a quick of the dozen+ threads on the same topic would reveal:
- no root on any build of FireOS above 5.3.1
- 5.6 can not be rolled back to a rootable build
Nrocket3 said:
I am in the same boat as the OP what can be done to downgrade the version and get this device rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Nrocket3 Downgrading will brick your device unfortunately
Still no fix?
my son reset the kindle fire i had already had it rooted and factory reset was done...... i forgot how to root it and so i went back online looking to day how to do it again and now it states that u cannot root 5.6.+ and i checked the kindle i have and its running 5.6+ now :0( just wanna know if there is any update to this yet or a way to root
FatGuy870 said:
my son reset the kindle fire i had already had it rooted and factory reset was done...... i forgot how to root it and so i went back online looking to day how to do it again and now it states that u cannot root 5.6.+ and i checked the kindle i have and its running 5.6+ now :0( just wanna know if there is any update to this yet or a way to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no root once FireOS has progressed beyond 5.3.2.0. Status quo for many months and is unlikely to change going forward. You can still install the Play Store and ask Amazon to remove lock screen ads. That's about it.
Davey126 said:
Unfortunately, no root once FireOS has progressed beyond 5.3.2.0. Status quo for many months and is unlikely to change going forward. You can still install the Play Store and ask Amazon to remove lock screen ads. That's about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root from FireOS 5.4.1.0 all the way to the current 5.6.0.1, on the Fire HD 10 only. At the moment no other current (2017) tablets can be rooted. I plan to reload FireOS on my HD 10 sometime soon to re-root and see if I can't get some logs of it and see what's going on. The closest to root any other Amazon tablet has, beyond 5.3.1.0, is disabling system apps on 5.4.0.0 and earlier versions.
DragonFire1024 said:
You can root from FireOS 5.4.1.0 all the way to the current 5.6.0.1, on the Fire HD 10 only. At the moment no other current (2017) tablets can be rooted. I plan to reload FireOS on my HD 10 sometime soon to re-root and see if I can't get some logs of it and see what's going on. The closest to root any other Amazon tablet has, beyond 5.3.1.0, is disabling system apps on 5.4.0.0 and earlier versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seen this movie before. HD 10 uses a different architecture (64-bit) utilizing different binaries with different vulnerabilities. It is unlikely that any exploits from the HD 10 can be leveraged to FireOS builds for the Fire 7 and HD 8.
Davey126 said:
Seen this movie before. HD 10 uses a different architecture (64-bit) utilizing different binaries with different vulnerabilities. It is unlikely that any exploits from the HD 10 can be leveraged to FireOS builds for the Fire 7 and HD 8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Though to see what's going on, could be beneficial. Though I do giggle a little at the thought of Amazon "patching" the disabling of system apps, only to have their most expensive tablet rooted. I have been wondering if whatever they patched caused this.
I don't really know how kernels are patched. Example: when a kernel is patched to stop potential exploits, how is the data written? Like is it in rotation? As new patches are uploaded, does it push off the older data?
I have a kindle fire that used to belong to my brother and he had it rooted. I did a factory reset and upon registering the kindle it throws me into a language selection loop. I can still manage to get into apps, settings, etc.. if I click fast enough before the language selection pops up again. I'm assuming this is happening because it is rooted and I deleted files that were needed with the factory reset. I believe it's a 3rd gen kindle but I don't know how to be sure. Current version is 13.3.2.3.2_user_323001720 Build date Sunday, June 1, 2014. I prefer it to be unrooted for a fresh start but if it's easier to get past that error loop I'll take it. Can anyone help me with this please?
prisonmike1021 said:
I have a kindle fire that used to belong to my brother and he had it rooted. I did a factory reset and upon registering the kindle it throws me into a language selection loop. I can still manage to get into apps, settings, etc.. if I click fast enough before the language selection pops up again. I'm assuming this is happening because it is rooted and I deleted files that were needed with the factory reset. I believe it's a 3rd gen kindle but I don't know how to be sure. Current version is 13.3.2.3.2_user_323001720 Build date Sunday, June 1, 2014. I prefer it to be unrooted for a fresh start but if it's easier to get past that error loop I'll take it. Can anyone help me with this please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you may have a 3rd gen HDX. You'll need to identify the exact model as recovery procedures differ among the various fire devices.
Bumping this to see if I can get any help on it. I have decided to try again after finding my tablet. The tablet is a Kindle Fire HDX 7 3rd gen. After researching for a while I found out my brother rooted it using SuperSU as there's an su file under system/xbin (my brother doesn't remember anything) but no SuperSU app installed due to the factory reset. I was able to solve the language selection loop error but now I'm stuck on what to do next. Some apps work some don't. I just want to be able to use newer apps/games. Would you guys recommend trying to unroot or can I update current root to something not stuck in a 2014 update?
prisonmike1021 said:
Bumping this to see if I can get any help on it. I have decided to try again after finding my tablet. The tablet is a Kindle Fire HDX 7 3rd gen. After researching for a while I found out my brother rooted it using SuperSU as there's an su file under system/xbin (my brother doesn't remember anything) but no SuperSU app installed due to the factory reset. I was able to solve the language selection loop error but now I'm stuck on what to do next. Some apps work some don't. I just want to be able to use newer apps/games. Would you guys recommend trying to unroot or can I update current root to something not stuck in a 2014 update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest go to amazon and download the full update. Also there is a hdx thread that might be more relevant. I do not have one of these devices and this thread is for the fire 7. See the next post...
Thanks @DB126
Here is a link to the amazon files
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G2JXLC4L34GX73TE
Here is a link the the HDX thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/orig-development
Michajin said:
I would suggest go to amazon and download the full update. Install the update. Also there is a hdx thread that might be more relevant. I do not have one of these devices and this thread is for the fire 7. ADB sideload should do the trick to get back to stock if you do not know what has been done to it.
Here is a link to the amazon files
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G2JXLC4L34GX73TE
Here is a link the the HDX thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/orig-development
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reloading FireOS (any build) is not an option on unrooted HDX device. Also rather dangerous without an understanding of compatible versions; a difficult to correct brick can easily result. Re-ask your question in the HDX help thread; someone (most likely me) will respond. You'll need to do a fair bit of work to restore that device including unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM. Not for the faint of heart.
Thank you guys!