I bought a Fire from PC World yesterday, after several frustrating hours discovering that there's not much hope of it being rooted I had a look on Ebay, I've seen several rooted ones that seem to be quite good value, but they are in the states.
I have absolutely no intention of using my Amazon account on them, I only really want it for XBMC and all the rooted goodness and I'm sure there'll be a killer app that makes a rooted fire a very hot property indeed.
Question is, will a US fire TV work OK over here ?
Anyone know.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, it will work fine out of the box, apart from needing a US to UK plug adapter. Only things to be aware - you'll need to block updates so the box does not update to a firmware that removes root (which it will eventually try to do). And, if you want to update to a newer firmware manually and keep root, then you will need to use a custom recovery and a pre-rooted firmware update file. Manual updates is probably not vital though if you are only using it for XBMC.
Some useful guides over at aftvnews.com. First one may not be relevant if you're buying pre-rooted.
How to determine Fire TV Software Version and Rootability on First Setup Screen
How to block OTA update for Amazon Fire TV and keep Root Access
How to update a Rooted Amazon Fire TV to the Latest Version Without Losing Root
Related
Hi,
I thought about rooting my firetv and while checking the firmware version I noted that this thing apparently updates itself without asking... (I didn't use it for a while and thought it might still be on a rootable firmware).
I now took some precautions and blocked the update servers to prevent any further updates. But yeah, I'm on a firmware version that currently is unrootable and was wondering: Is there any chance someone will root this firmware? Are there any people actively working on finding exploits on the firetv or are they happy with their already rooted devices?
Regards,
Hidden
Hidden92 said:
Hi,
I thought about rooting my firetv and while checking the firmware version I noted that this thing apparently updates itself without asking... (I didn't use it for a while and thought it might still be on a rootable firmware).
I now took some precautions and blocked the update servers to prevent any further updates. But yeah, I'm on a firmware version that currently is unrootable and was wondering: Is there any chance someone will root this firmware? Are there any people actively working on finding exploits on the firetv or are they happy with their already rooted devices?
Regards,
Hidden
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, depend on what use you have for the FireTV, root is not necessary unless you want to do more than just use XBMC/Kodi. About people finding root for FireTV, you just have to wait. Most devs are busy porting Lollipop to old phones. Once somebody has free time, a root will be found for the FireTV. This is not the Apple TV 3rd generation, which is in root limbo for almost 3 years already.
i'd be doubtful on someone ever finding a software root for the fireTV specifically, there really isnt anyone actively developing anything for the FTV except rbox, if it gets rooted via software again.. its going to be an exploit developed for a different phone that just happens to work on the Firetv i bet.
Towelroot was developped after a bounty was set-up... maybe we could try the same thing ? I would find it ok to reward someone (and maybe amazon would see we want root / USB access...)
ChriKn said:
Towelroot was developped after a bounty was set-up... maybe we could try the same thing ? I would find it ok to reward someone (and maybe amazon would see we want root / USB access...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there was a bounty already.. it was paid out to jcase for root in the early days.. he chose to keep it private.. its possible towelroot was based on that same exploit but i dont know myself. Root on the newest firmware wont do much but allow you to enable USB support. Any custom recovery or custom firmware will not be possible with the current stuff we have available from rbox so i doubt anyone is going to put in too much effort into finding a new exploit.
nhumber said:
there was a bounty already.. it was paid out to jcase for root in the early days.. he chose to keep it private.. its possible towelroot was based on that same exploit but i dont know myself. Root on the newest firmware wont do much but allow you to enable USB support. Any custom recovery or custom firmware will not be possible with the current stuff we have available from rbox so i doubt anyone is going to put in too much effort into finding a new exploit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root jcase had was a vulnerability in Android. Towelroot was a vulnerability in the kernel.
*IF* there ever is a new software root method for the FireTV, I would probably start up my work with Safestrap again. I did manage to get it somewhat working before I abandoned it for the bootloader unlock method.
vi6s said:
To be honest, depend on what use you have for the FireTV, root is not necessary unless you want to do more than just use XBMC/Kodi. About people finding root for FireTV, you just have to wait. Most devs are busy porting Lollipop to old phones. Once somebody has free time, a root will be found for the FireTV. This is not the Apple TV 3rd generation, which is in root limbo for almost 3 years already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rbox said:
The root jcase had was a vulnerability in Android. Towelroot was a vulnerability in the kernel.
*IF* there ever is a new software root method for the FireTV, I would probably start up my work with Safestrap again. I did manage to get it somewhat working before I abandoned it for the bootloader unlock method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rbox. Thats interesting. I wanted to give my parents a rooted device as the one I gave them was rooted but not blocked with updates. Therefore I purchased another one from amazon for 69 and thankfully got lucky. If root come out, then I'll have an extra as a backup.
With Root, there are a few things I personally like.
1. Google Play. Can buy emulators
2. Google Music
3. Power Options on Xbmx.
Currently I believe there is a hardware rooting method that has been released.
Forgive my ignorance...but I just bought a Fire TV yesterday with the hopes of being able to play movies off of my external HD by rooting it, installing XBMC, and side loading Stick Mount. What sort of options do I have now that I'm stuck on 51.1.4.1?
GNEXUZ said:
Forgive my ignorance...but I just bought a Fire TV yesterday with the hopes of being able to play movies off of my external HD by rooting it, installing XBMC, and side loading Stick Mount. What sort of options do I have now that I'm stuck on 51.1.4.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for root...
If you hook that drive up to another computer, you can probably share it from there. Without root, the FireTV USB is useless for storage.
I recently picked up a rootable FireTV from a local BestBuy, so they are still out there in the USA.
the fire tv i just got from amazon the other day was rootable it was on 51.1.01 so i would say if the one u have isnt rootable to return it and get another. make sure to block the updates so it wont update when u turn it on.
Hi all. I bought a pre-rooted Fire TV today that came with Kodi and a bunch of other things installed. I'm new to Android and am a bit puzzled about something: the current firmware is 51.1.4.1 but that's unrootable....but my AFTV is definitely rooted and Amazon updates are turned off.
Can someone please elaborate on how my AFTV can be rooted but currently running an unrootable firmware?
Cheers
Sounds like you got used one from some local seller. He might have installed pre-rooted stock rom by rbox
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/development/prerooted-stock-images-t2882337
I bought it from a guy on eBay who sells a lot of these. I'm almost certain it was new but had been rooted and set up prior to sale in order to boost his profit. I originally purchased a brand new unopened unit from him but when I turned it on, I realised it had 51.1.4.1 firmware and couldn't root it.....so I contacted the guy and paid extra to get a rooted/set-up unit instead. He told me that his latest batch of AFTVs had the newer firmware and therefore couldn't be rooted, but he still had a few rooted units available (which is what I ended up getting). However, I'm still confused as to how the current firmware can be 51.1.4.1 but still be rooted?!?
Sorry for the noob question....my background until now has been iOS and I've been running jailbroken ATV 2s with XBMC. WIth iOS, if you upgrade from a jailbroken firmware to a non-jailbreakable firmware then you lose the jailbreak. I'm puzzled as to how my AFTV is essentially "jailbroken" but running a non-"jailbreakable" firmware version....that doesn't make sense to me.
EDIT: I just remembered that when my AFTV boots, Rbox's Boot Menu appears with Boot Kernel and Launch Recovery options. I'm going to have to do a lot more reading about all of this stuff. I guess I'm lucky in that I have a rooted AFTV but from what I understand so far, I'd lose root if I mucked around and tried to downgrade.
You,'ve got custom recovery so you can upgrade, d mowngrade , factory reset , etc. This is done through clockworkmod recovery. But...if you don't know what I'm talking about you should read aftvnews starter's guide.
Btw--you're good right where you're at. There's nothing to upgrade, and far as I know, no reason to downgrade.
Thanks KLit75, that makes more sense to me. I really appreciate your advice.
So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
jonandi said:
So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should definitely should root aftv. This gives you more freedom to do what you want with fire tv, example use usb as external hard drive, install Google play store, ect. If you update youre fire tv with amazon latest updates You will not be able to root.
Follow this guide root your firetv http://www.aftvnews.com/start/, read first before you start and follow steps carefully. The end process will guide you hoe to upgrade to prerooted firmware if you wish too.
FYI when you push update Firmware to aftv over Wi fi with adb it takes a long time, mine took over 40 min. The guide does not mention this so be patient. Double check each step and adb commands some folks have bricked there fire tv by not following steps in order.
Thanks
jonandi said:
I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?
wellersl said:
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.
jonandi said:
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:
wellersl said:
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root the device! Plus they may never give user the option to use USB but instead come out with Amazon Fire TV 2 with 16gb, 32gb or future updates might block you from side loading apps, who know what future updates will bring.
thank you
Hey guys,
we had a nice Fire TV 4K sale here in Germany and so I got that little box. However, now I am a bit confused and I hope that you could help me out.
Shall I update the box?
I learned that I need to root the Box in order to be able to connected my external HDD that is formated with NTFS. That is because originally the Fire TV does not support NTFS. I also learned that getting root is still possible with the newest two fireware versions but way more complicated because you need a A-to-A USB cable.
Of course I could block updates and just root the firmware that is currently installed. But I learned that Kodi is way better integrated into the interface of the newer firmwares. Is it possible to root the old firmware, do an OTA update and still have root on the newest firmware?
Since there are several firmwares out there. Is there any best firmware version that you recommend?
wohltat said:
Hey guys,
we had a nice Fire TV 4K sale here in Germany and so I got that little box. However, now I am a bit confused and I hope that you could help me out.
Shall I update the box?
I learned that I need to root the Box in order to be able to connected my external HDD that is formated with NTFS. That is because originally the Fire TV does not support NTFS. I also learned that getting root is still possible with the newest two fireware versions but way more complicated because you need a A-to-A USB cable.
Of course I could block updates and just root the firmware that is currently installed. But I learned that Kodi is way better integrated into the interface of the newer firmwares. Is it possible to root the old firmware, do an OTA update and still have root on the newest firmware?
Since there are several firmwares out there. Is there any best firmware version that you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure if this will help.
http://www.aftvnews.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-usb-storage-with-the-amazon-fire-tv/
You could go with either the latest 5.0.5.1 or with 5.0.5. I personally use 5.0.5 because I like using Firestarter to access all my sideloaded apps. Until Firestarter is officially updated by the programmer, you could use Firestopper which has been updated to work on 5.0.5.1.
I also wirelessly transfer movies to my external hard drive which is an NTFS drive so that I can have HD video. I have use the Kingroot method and the USB cable method. I'd also recommend aftvnews.com for guides as they are a great resource (especially for windows users). I also have guides for Mac users over at marksmods.com
How can I install the 5.0.5, I am still on the 5.0.3.1 and I guess the 5.0.5 would be better for me (used it on my aftv stick before) autoupdates will probably lead me to 5.0.5.1, which I try to avoid due to firestarter and sky go
shaDNfro said:
How can I install the 5.0.5, I am still on the 5.0.3.1 and I guess the 5.0.5 would be better for me (used it on my aftv stick before) autoupdates will probably lead me to 5.0.5.1, which I try to avoid due to firestarter and sky go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.aftvnews.com helped me a lot. You root with kingroot, install recovery, install prerooted 5.0.5.1. Just follow their instructions.
wohltat said:
http://www.aftvnews.com helped me a lot. You root with kingroot, install recovery, install prerooted 5.0.5.1. Just follow their instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for your reply, I checked that page. But what I really want is the following:
I am currently under 5.0.3.1 original and I want to have 5.0.5 (not 5.0.5.1), but without root! (SkyGo does not run on rooted devices, if it detects root).
I could perform OTA update --> would lead me to 5.0.5.1
What I really want is a way to push the official 5.0.5 to my aftv (best withoug kingrooting, due to the fact you need a full whipe, wich may also then give problems to my sky go accounts, which are limmited).
Is there some way to get an official rom, which I then can push via adb or put it on my aftv, that the aftv detects it and installs it ?
(I can still block the ota update after I am on 5.0.5)...
Bests,
shaDN
Is no one providing the original rom? However, in order to install it, you would need to root and install a recovery first anyways. Just instead of installing a prerooted rom you would install a not rooted one.
hmm, there must be a way to place an update somewhere on the aftv, that the aftv recognizes it as an official update and install it...
just installed 5.0.4, then 5.0.5 then unplugged lan and blocked updates
I love the new update routine
I have been searching around, and most of the exploits that I have found are either for different devices, or they are for older versions of the FireTV.
After trying Towelroot, the only other option that I can think of is Magisck root. I can push the app onto the device with adb, and get the zip installed, but I would like to make sure that my device will not brick after doing this. If it does brick, is there any stock firmware that I can flash on this TV that is confirmed to be working?
My FireTV home version is 6.0.4.3, and my Fire OS version is 6.2.4.2 if that helps anything.
I appreciate any and all replies. Lastly, I have considered Kingoroot, but from what I have read, they install adware with the root, but I am not certain as I have not rooted a phone in about a year or so, and I am sure that things are slightly different when installing to something like a TV.
I think that I can load a patched ROM through fastboot since I can connect to the TV, but I would like to make sure that I am doing this the most efficient way possible, and at the very least I hope that this can serve as help to people who also bought this TV and are looking to root it.
I dont think there are any exploits to root any of the fire TV's and more. No one is making customs roms or rooted updates. Even if you find a root, you can never get any updates. ADB Sideloading Apps works well on all devices though.