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.
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.
Click to expand...
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.
I am planning to buy one this month a 8gb model 7in tablet
Once I buy it, can I root it. If so where do I need to look to root this tablet. Thank you
LASERWOLF452 said:
I am planning to buy one this month a 8gb model 7in tablet
Once I buy it, can I root it. If so where do I need to look to root this tablet. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That very much depends on the kind of device you plan on getting, what OS version the device ships with, and your level of familiarity with rooting. Could you give me a price point and a seller for the device you want to get? I'm guessing you want the latest Fire, which can be found here.
monster1612 said:
That very much depends on the kind of device you plan on getting, what OS version the device ships with, and your level of familiarity with rooting. Could you give me a price point and a seller for the device you want to get? I'm guessing you want the latest Fire, which can be found here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty much what i am looking at, i dont know what OS its on and all i have is amazon gift cards to cover the rest of the rice after i sink in $30 to it for my YouTube channel, if there is a kindle fire HD that can be rooted let me know i aim for that, i dont wanna buy it and not be able to root
LASERWOLF452 said:
pretty much what i am looking at, i dont know what OS its on and all i have is amazon gift cards to cover the rest of the rice after i sink in $30 to it for my YouTube channel, if there is a kindle fire HD that can be rooted let me know i aim for that, i dont wanna buy it and not be able to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That device's codename is ford, and the XDA forums for that device may be found here. This would be the wrong forum for this discussion, but I'll provide you some important things to know for the Ford (my sister has that same device, so I've done a lot of reading):
Always read the forums. This can't be stressed enough, and I highly recommend you read the forums before you even purchase the device. I haven't covered everything, and there's likely new developments coming that I've missed. I'm giving you a general primer, but this is by no means complete. Definitely read the development threads, help threads, and other device forums before you do anything with the Fire (including buying it or setting it up for the first time!).
If you get the Fire, it's possible that it'll ship with an older software version (hopefully 5.1.4 or lower). 5.1.4 isn't rootable itself, but it can be downgraded to 5.1.2 (which is rootable). Once you have root, you'll likely want a custom ROM, so make sure to get that flashed as soon as you can once rooted.
If/when you get the Fire, do NOT connect it to wifi or otherwise set up the device via Amazon's wizard. If you do, the Fire will OTA update to 5.3.1.0, which is neither rootable nor downgradable (as of the time of writing). Given time and resources, I'm sure somebody will find a root exploit for that version as well, but don't get your hopes up too quickly.
Downgrading is complex and may not work. For example - you cannot downgrade 5.3.x to 5.1.x or 5.0.x, and you also can't downgrade 5.1.x to 5.0.x. Amazon enforces anti-rollback protection checks at the hardware level if I remember correctly, and downgrading between versions like that will brick the device.
Custom recoveries (like TWRP) can't be booted, especially with 5.1.x or later bootloaders. From what I've read, one can boot TWRP via fastboot on 5.0.x releases, but that was patched with the 5.1.x bootloader. To flash ROMs, you'll need to use Chainfire's FlashFire. Again, you will need to look through the device forum for specific directions.
In short, here's what I'd recommend you do:
Keep tabs on the forums often.
When you buy, cross your fingers and hope you don't get 5.3.x preinstalled.
When you get the Fire, do NOT connect to wifi or go through the setup wizard.
Check your software version (again, don't connect to wifi). If you have 5.3.x, wait for a root exploit. If you have anything below that, read the forums and then downgrade (if necessary), root, and flash a ROM as soon as possible.
Good luck!
monster1612 said:
That very much depends on the kind of device you plan on getting, what OS version the device ships with, and your level of familiarity with rooting. Could you give me a price point and a seller for the device you want to get? I'm guessing you want the latest Fire, which can be found here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
monster1612 said:
That device's codename is ford, and the XDA forums for that device may be found here. This would be the wrong forum for this discussion, but I'll provide you some important things to know for the Ford (my sister has that same device, so I've done a lot of reading):
Always read the forums. This can't be stressed enough, and I highly recommend you read the forums before you even purchase the device. I haven't covered everything, and there's likely new developments coming that I've missed. I'm giving you a general primer, but this is by no means complete. Definitely read the development threads, help threads, and other device forums before you do anything with the Fire (including buying it or setting it up for the first time!).
If you get the Fire, it's possible that it'll ship with an older software version (hopefully 5.1.4 or lower). 5.1.4 isn't rootable itself, but it can be downgraded to 5.1.2 (which is rootable). Once you have root, you'll likely want a custom ROM, so make sure to get that flashed as soon as you can once rooted.
If/when you get the Fire, do NOT connect it to wifi or otherwise set up the device via Amazon's wizard. If you do, the Fire will OTA update to 5.3.1.0, which is neither rootable nor downgradable (as of the time of writing). Given time and resources, I'm sure somebody will find a root exploit for that version as well, but don't get your hopes up too quickly.
Downgrading is complex and may not work. For example - you cannot downgrade 5.3.x to 5.1.x or 5.0.x, and you also can't downgrade 5.1.x to 5.0.x. Amazon enforces anti-rollback protection checks at the hardware level if I remember correctly, and downgrading between versions like that will brick the device.
Custom recoveries (like TWRP) can't be booted, especially with 5.1.x or later bootloaders. From what I've read, one can boot TWRP via fastboot on 5.0.x releases, but that was patched with the 5.1.x bootloader. To flash ROMs, you'll need to use Chainfire's FlashFire. Again, you will need to look through the device forum for specific directions.
In short, here's what I'd recommend you do:
Keep tabs on the forums often.
When you buy, cross your fingers and hope you don't get 5.3.x preinstalled.
When you get the Fire, do NOT connect to wifi or go through the setup wizard.
Check your software version (again, don't connect to wifi). If you have 5.3.x, wait for a root exploit. If you have anything below that, read the forums and then downgrade (if necessary), root, and flash a ROM as soon as possible.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for all the info. that i needed. i hope it comes with 5.1, i had a feeling not to have it on wifi but thank you for the heads up, i wont get my hopes up cause i know these companies dont wont us to root our devices even tho the gov. passed that we can do what we want with it that we paid fior
im not to worried about MM as i am staying away from phones and android devices that can no be rooted and if i am suck with one, it either be a Netflix device, camera or dust collector
my elipises tablet almost became a dust collector cause its a sucky tablet from Verizon but i was able to disable most of the bloatware without root and there is no support that well for it
I've got a rooted 5th Gen I've been thinking about throwing Lineage on, but had a couple questions first about going back to stock FireOS if I wanted to...
1, Is it possible?
2, Do I need to know what FireOS version I currently have, then flash ONLY that version if I want to go back (assuming going back is possible)? With updates in FireOS blocked, I can't easily see exactly what I'm running, but I have found a way using hex editor to look at the UBOOT partition to see what I've got before flashing anything else.
Thanks in advance for any help.
scooter1979 said:
I've got a rooted 5th Gen I've been thinking about throwing Lineage on, but had a couple questions first about going back to stock FireOS if I wanted to...
1, Is it possible?
2, Do I need to know what FireOS version I currently have, then flash ONLY that version if I want to go back (assuming going back is possible)? With updates in FireOS blocked, I can't easily see exactly what I'm running, but I have found a way using hex editor to look at the UBOOT partition to see what I've got before flashing anything else.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes - see here; be sure to watch the video
2) Always best to restore the same version that you came from.
scooter1979 said:
I've got a rooted 5th Gen I've been thinking about throwing Lineage on, but had a couple questions first about going back to stock FireOS if I wanted to...
1, Is it possible?
2, Do I need to know what FireOS version I currently have, then flash ONLY that version if I want to go back (assuming going back is possible)? With updates in FireOS blocked, I can't easily see exactly what I'm running, but I have found a way using hex editor to look at the UBOOT partition to see what I've got before flashing anything else.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always use ADB sideload.
hi guys. I was running the Nexus fire Rom using flashfire. its was on 5.1.2. I tried to flash the new updated version from this year of nexus fire from a clean wipe and now I dont have play store or anything. i cant remember the intial root process...its been while. I'm a little fuzzy as to how everything work cuz of the locked bootloader.
I dont have play store. i tried to side load flashfire into my downloads from pc but it wont show. it say dowloads empty. i literally have clock, calculator, downloads, settings and SU. i dunno what to do at this point. why arent the apks showing in downloads? any help is apprecaited. sad to see there is no real root yet..
havikx said:
hi guys. I was running the Nexus fire Rom using flashfire. its was on 5.1.2. I tried to flash the new updated version from this year of nexus fire from a clean wipe and now I dont have play store or anything. i cant remember the intial root process...its been while. I'm a little fuzzy as to how everything work cuz of the locked bootloader.
I dont have play store. i tried to side load flashfire into my downloads from pc but it wont show. it say dowloads empty. i literally have clock, calculator, downloads, settings and SU. i dunno what to do at this point. why arent the apks showing in downloads? any help is apprecaited. sad to see there is no real root yet..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is "real" root on FireOS 5.1.2. Best option is to sideload (reinstall) that build of FireOS via stock recovery then use the SuperTool to root and prepare your device for installation of Nexus. Going through that process will refresh your memory. A few tips:
- be sure to get the 5.1.2 binary; no higher/lower
- don't register with Amazon on initial boot
- keep off WiFi to avoid forced OTA update to an unrootable FireOS build
- be sure to flash the version of Nexus ROM that includes GAaps; you likely used the ROM only variant on your last refresh attempt
Davey126 said:
There is "real" root on FireOS 5.1.2. Best option is to sideload (reinstall) that build of FireOS via stock recovery then use the SuperTool to root and prepare your device for installation of Nexus. Going through that process will refresh your memory. A few tips:
- be sure to get the 5.1.2 binary; no higher/lower
- don't register with Amazon on initial boot
- keep off WiFi to avoid forced OTA update to an unrootable FireOS build
- be sure to flash the version of Nexus ROM that includes GAaps; you likely used the ROM only variant on your last refresh attempt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now that you mention, thats probably exactly what i forgot to do. Also, i'm on 5.1.1. My bad. As far as i know, 5.1.1 system still has that locked bootloader preventing android upgrades. Though I havent kept up with development too much. Ill get started on returning to stock and rerooting. Hope this little tablet get a breakthru in the near future!
ok, so i sideloaded flashfire thru ADB and decided to switch over to lineage. thanks for your help. easier than returning to stock.
havikx said:
ok, so i sideloaded flashfire thru ADB and decided to switch over to lineage. thanks for your help. easier than returning to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. The technique you used doesn't work for everyone; hence my generic 'return-to-stock and redo everything' guidance. Glad you are back in business with minimum fuss.