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.
Related
Right, I just plugged in my new Fire TV and I cannot progress without Upgrading. I have logged on to my router and I have the IP address of the AFTV . Is there anything I can try remotely (via SSH perhaps) to bypass the upgrade?
Thanks in advance.
hi,
i dont have one yet but done some research and you can do the following:
Block Connection to amazon servers
Enter your router settings page and block access to the following pages:
Code:
http://amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
http://softwareupdates.amazon.com
Unsure this will work on the UK version though
Could you let us know what FW version comes with it?
I had already blocked those pages, and I also tried just blocking the second page. Both had the same effect and resulted in me not being able to progress with the install.
This also means I am unable to report the Firmware version.
To add to this, I inadvertently unblocked the websites after rebooting my rooter and the FTV updated itself.
I am on Firmware Version 51.1.4.0_user_514006420 and cannot root. Hopefully someone is working on an exploit for this, but in the meantime I'll be using it without root.
What's root good for on these things anyway!?
TylerDurdenK said:
To add to this, I inadvertently unblocked the websites after rebooting my rooter and the FTV updated itself.
I am on Firmware Version 51.1.4.0_user_514006420 and cannot root. Hopefully someone is working on an exploit for this, but in the meantime I'll be using it without root.
What's root good for on these things anyway!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't feel bad about inadvertently unblocking the website. There is currently no known method to block the forced updates on newer Fire TVs. Units that ship with 51.1.3.0 or newer are now all forcing the first update during setup.
If the Fire TV displays a language selection prompt during setup, which I assume yours did, then it is already running 51.1.3.0 or newer software.
AFTVnews.com said:
Don't feel bad about inadvertently unblocking the website. There is currently no known method to block the forced updates on newer Fire TVs. Units that ship with 51.1.3.0 or newer are now all forcing the first update during setup.
If the Fire TV displays a language selection prompt during setup, which I assume yours did, then it is already running 51.1.3.0 or newer software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grr! My UK version just arrived, and it will not let me do anything unless it upgrades. I so wanted root for USB access!
Lisali said:
Grr! My UK version just arrived, and it will not let me do anything unless it upgrades. I so wanted root for USB access!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't really matter. It ships with an unrootable version to begin with.
Lisali said:
Grr! My UK version just arrived, and it will not let me do anything unless it upgrades. I so wanted root for USB access!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rbox said:
It doesn't really matter. It ships with an unrootable version to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has been known since the German release. You just got to wait & hope for a new root method.
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
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
Install TWRP and flash an older rooted image or is there something HW wise on these newer devices that prevents this? I am unsure what version of the OS this came w/ but I did just get it last week. Is there any recovery or way to image my current system in case I brick this thing before flashing TWRP?
I've been reading rooting methods and I'm reading that the requirement "was" A Fire TV 2 running stock software version 5.0.5.1 or older but I'm unsure if this is an obsolete post at this point.
Thanks much, Dave
TT_Vert said:
Install TWRP and flash an older rooted image or is there something HW wise on these newer devices that prevents this? I am unsure what version of the OS this came w/ but I did just get it last week. Is there any recovery or way to image my current system in case I brick this thing before flashing TWRP?
I've been reading rooting methods and I'm reading that the requirement "was" A Fire TV 2 running stock software version 5.0.5.1 or older but I'm unsure if this is an obsolete post at this point.
Thanks much, Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly no the current version is not rootable.
Here is a guide to everything about root on a Fire TV.
http://www.aftvnews.com/start/
Yeah that is what I saw, wasn't sure it was still current. And from what I've read there really is no way to stop OS updates aside from somehow intercepting packets at the router right?
TT_Vert said:
Yeah that is what I saw, wasn't sure it was still current. And from what I've read there really is no way to stop OS updates aside from somehow intercepting packets at the router right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a way to block them...
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-software-updates-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/
I think in your case it will be Method 2. Elias over at AFTVNews.com keeps the Start Guide Updated. It's the go to site for guides & latest info.
Doesn't seem like this is an option as i'm on 5.2.4.1 "This method requires Fire OS 5.0.0 thru 5.0.5.1 to be installed on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to work. "
For now I just blocked those URLS on my router we'll see if that helps. Hopefully they don't change where the updates come from.
Dave
TT_Vert said:
Doesn't seem like this is an option as i'm on 5.2.4.1 "This method requires Fire OS 5.0.0 thru 5.0.5.1 to be installed on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to work. "
For now I just blocked those URLS on my router we'll see if that helps. Hopefully they don't change where the updates come from.
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method 2 is a better solution. Blocking updates thru router can sometimes block other Amazon content. And you can never really have a full list of all the possible IP's. If you can solder, there might be a hardware option for your device. Not sure.
Yes I can solder but I'm not going to break it open to root it. Method two is for people who are on an older version as I quoted before.
Dave
TT_Vert said:
Yes I can solder but I'm not going to break it open to root it. Method two is for people who are on an older version as I quoted before.
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it. That part about the FW range might be outdated. You won't mess anything up by testing that command. Since if something change it won't find the file it is trying to hide or the hide command will be off. I don't have any unrooted devices here to test it for you. But my best guess is that it still works.
The Router/OpenDNS method of blocking things might block more then just the updates. And the list fluctuates, so it's not 100% proof. So it's good to stay away if possible.
Pardon me if this is a stupid question or the wrong place - but I am new to this type of thing. Does anyone know if/when it will be possible to root a firetv version 5.2.6.0 ?
Hi. and welcome to the board.
For all things regarding the aftv, the site http://www.aftvnews.com/tag/guide/ is a good starting point.
It's also there than you can check to see if root for your software revision has become available. For starters it's always good to learn how to block on the air updates for your device asap, so that rooting vulnerabilities have not been patched already before we learn about them (which is the usual way: they got patched and we just learn about them afterwards when the new update already patched them).
As an answer to your question, there is no known way atm to achieve software root on a device with 5.2.6.0.
Yes, thanks. I actually did look at the aftvnews website and saw that my version was market in red, but it didnt give much details as to why its not do able.. it just said no possible. I was curious as to why the limitation
Which version is installed on new fire tv sticks ?
Which version is the latest one which is rootable?
If i buy a new fire tv stick today and first thing i will do, is block the ota update, can i root it or are the new sticks all unrootable, because they already have the new firmware which is not able to be rooted?