Develop Bugs

Root help new to the device

I just got my fire tv and it update to 51.1.4.2_user_514015320 and towel root wont work. Anything else I can do?

1619415 said:
I just got my fire tv and it update to 51.1.4.2_user_514015320 and towel root wont work. Anything else I can do?
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Your only option now is the hardware emmc hack. http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/hardware-root-via-emmc-chip-t2885344

1619415 said:
I just got my fire tv and it update to 51.1.4.2_user_514015320 and towel root wont work. Anything else I can do?
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Click to collapse
your other option is to return it and be careful for the next rooting experience. Its not straight forward these days and I believe only the series 3 can be rooted with the ethernet trick. If root is required, return it and rebuy it with the correct serial and root it. I've done 4 recently and its not as straight forward as it used to be earlier.

Can I still unlock bootload and put cwm on it?

No not without root

Ok well thank you, Is there any way to make apps resize better?

Has anyone herd of a updated root method?

Currently there is the usual software root method and then there is the hardware root. I wouldn't hold my breath on the new root method coming out anytime soon. If it does it's good.

[Q] Just received a rooted fire TV... What now?

A coworker gave me a rooted (towelroot) fire TV sw version 51.1.0.1_user_510055620. After I hooked it up to my WiFi and registered it with my account there's no apps on it and it won't allow me to download Netflix. What is my next step? How do I get this thing up and running?

PrO... said:
A coworker gave me a rooted (towelroot) fire TV sw version 51.1.0.1_user_510055620. After I hooked it up to my WiFi and registered it with my account there's no apps on it and it won't allow me to download Netflix. What is my next step? How do I get this thing up and running?
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Click to collapse
Do you know if CWM is installed? Im thinking the netflix available on Amazon is incompatible with your old firmware.
Basically, i youre going to want to update to one of rbox's prerooted firmware versions. Its not hard but you do need to follow the guides carefully. Best bet is to go to aftvnews. He breaks it down really well.

I'm not sure. How do I check? I also need to update the xbmc to kodi (I've started to search!)

So far I've only been able to unlock the bootloader but I can't push the recovery.img for some reason. I hope there's an easier way by now. Lol

PrO... said:
So far I've only been able to unlock the bootloader but I can't push the recovery.img for some reason. I hope there's an easier way by now. Lol
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just follow this guide up to the point of your existing software and then update to the latest custom rom by rbox.
http://www.aftvnews.com/start/

Fire TV2 - Rooted on 5.0.3.1 and have some questions

Hi all, I've had Fire TV 1's and rooted them since the day they got rooted, the main thing I use them for is Kodi and as a launcher.
I followed zeroepoch's thread and attempted root in windows but it stopped midway through, not bricked or anything, the only thing I noticed is I could not check for updates anymore (I did not disable the ota service or block in router or anything) since no root access at that point. Well I decided to spin up an Ubuntu VM and use linux to root (MUCH faster/easier btw!) I followed the video guide posted here (Thanks!) and it was a breeze.
Here's my question now though, I want to update to 5.0.4. @AFTVnews.com posted a topic about 5.0.4 but had suggessted unrooting first, then upgrading officially, then re-rooting. I"m good with doing this, I'm sure it will take some time to complete but that's fine. I'm just not sure how to go about doing this. I have kept my linux box VM, is there a guide I missed or anything? I'm sure it's similar to the rooting process I just want to make sure I do it right, don't want a brick.
Also with FTV1, xposed was working and rbox module to override launcher and this is what I used a lot of, as well as modified Kodi Confluence skin from @elmerhueso. I know xposed is not yet up and running on ftv2 but for those running Kodi, is Firestarter the best launcher replacement, even with root? Last question is, I noticed team Kodi dropped libstagefright in Jarvis, this was a major problem for the FTV1 as is was a regression in some video playback as mediacodec is not quite as mature. Is this still the case with FTV2? Or what is the reccomended version of Kodi everyone is using?
Thanks for everyones help, without your work the fire tv would be nowhere compared to what it is now!
P.S. - Any other Root programs/tips&tricks for the FTV2 now that I've successfully rooted, I'd love to hear what others are using root for on their FTV2.

I use the latest stable version of Kodi 15.2, running Konfluence skin (modded confluence), get yourself a Logitech K400 plus keyboard their great & have also a mouse touch pad (make sure you unable us debugging or your usb socket won't work). Their isn't a proper guide yet I've looked! We will have to wait I'm sure it won't be long? Their is a quick upgrade in the forums but also some have reported bricks with the "quick upgrade" , so for me I'm not taking the risk just yet, I'd rather do a longer flash of my AFTV2 than a super quick flash & end up with a "brick".

Skater4599 said:
Here's my question now though, I want to update to 5.0.4. @AFTVnews.com posted a topic about 5.0.4 but had suggessted unrooting first, then upgrading officially, then re-rooting. I"m good with doing this, I'm sure it will take some time to complete but that's fine.
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Click to collapse
Just enable OTA via package manager then install the 5.0.4 update. It will unroot your device and you have a stock 5.0.4. Then just root as you did for 5.0.3. There is no reason/need to go to stock 5.0.4 and then rerooting. I've done 3 devices with exactly this method, no issues.

I'm sure it's safe but I would rather wait for an official guide than take a risk
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Thanks everyone!
Good info here, I'm glad to hear that re-enabling the OTA is "safe" to just go ahead and update and re-root, I thought there might be something else needed but I aired on the side of caution as I'm pretty new to the FTV2 and the rooting method used for it.
Your tips/input is much appreciated!

Skater4599 said:
Thanks everyone!
Good info here, I'm glad to hear that re-enabling the OTA is "safe" to just go ahead and update and re-root, I thought there might be something else needed but I aired on the side of caution as I'm pretty new to the FTV2 and the rooting method used for it.
Your tips/input is much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about OTA'ing from 5.0.3 to 5.0.4 being "safe". It SEEMS to work... but I still have some reservations about it.

rbox said:
I don't know about OTA'ing from 5.0.3 to 5.0.4 being "safe". It SEEMS to work... but I still have some reservations about it.
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Click to collapse
Same here, I recall from previous experiences in the past with many rooted devices (mainly phones or consoles) that in most cases that you don't install OTA updates straight from a rooted device because 9/10 times It leads to Bricks! Now I don't know if this would be the same with the AFTV2 but I'd unroot then install the OTA & then reroot.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

deanr1977 said:
Same here, I recall from previous experiences in the past with many rooted devices (mainly phones or consoles) that in most cases that you don't install OTA updates straight from a rooted device because 9/10 times It leads to Bricks! Now I don't know if this would be the same with the AFTV2 but I'd unroot then install the OTA & then reroot.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
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There any instructions to do this? I would rather do it the safer method, dont care if it takes longer thats ok. Im not sure how to full unroot, use an app or reflash stock image or something? Thanks again

Skater4599 said:
There any instructions to do this? I would rather do it the safer method, dont care if it takes longer thats ok. Im not sure how to full unroot, use an app or reflash stock image or something? Thanks again
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Hopefully someone will provide a full working guide very soon, it is almost Xmas so I can't see anyone putting a guide up anytime this week? Or Amazon doing another update until at least the end of January? So we will have to just wait. Ask in the main Root thread for AFTV2 if you like?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/root-update-5-3-0-1-to-5-0-4-3-min-t3277997 @aboshi posted this 5.0.3.1 to 5.0.4 guide. It's not an official OTA update but a few people have used it with success.

gen3benz said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/root-update-5-3-0-1-to-5-0-4-3-min-t3277997 @aboshi posted this 5.0.3.1 to 5.0.4 guide. It's not an official OTA update but a few people have used it with success.
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Cheers mate I've seen this already & as tempting as a 3-5min flash upgrade I think I'd rather be safer with the longer root process than the quicker one, I'm not gonna jump in feet first when rooting (especially when we have no recovery yet).
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

I hear ya man. I havent tried it either. Im happy with my flawless kodi streaming from my pc to my ftv and phone. Dont really see a need for the 5.0.4 update myself, since i use Firestarter anyways. Cheers bud and merry xmas.

I have a 4k fire TV box and have kodi installed etc,what's the benefits of rooting them

More features, mod the look of stuff, have more control over everything, if in the future Amazon blocks kodi, if your on an earlier update (custom firmware) you maybe able to still use (because we block the ota updates with root), get rid of ads in apps, more accessories options/mods, the list goes on.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

First gen 51.1.3.0 upgrade to 5.0 to obtain root?

Hello, all I just dug up my old first gen Fire tv and I'm wondering in on 51.1.3.0 and I've researched a bit I guess I can't get root or anything on that version but is there a way to upgrade to a rootable version of 5.0? I looked around there are questions like this but they usually end up hardware rooting, that's an option but I'm just curious if I can go the soft route first. thanks in advance have a great day!!

ive tried kingroot and my fire tv 1g got root... im on 51.1.4.3... u can try that... but i have no clue what the next steps are... i want to install those prerooted fws 2 but i dont know if theres twrp for this firmware nor if its possible to update to any firmware above somehow... could someone help us out?

itakucrysis said:
ive tried kingroot and my fire tv 1g got root... im on 51.1.4.3... u can try that... but i have no clue what the next steps are... i want to install those prerooted fws 2 but i dont know if theres twrp for this firmware nor if its possible to update to any firmware above somehow... could someone help us out?
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Here you go, guide contains everything you need:
http://www.aftvnews.com/start/

i know that site, theres no guide for my firmware and im unsure if i can use another without brick... is it safe? which one can i use?

ups, http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-install-twrp-custom-recovery-on-a-rooted-fire-tv-1/

Bought new kindle fire during Monday Cyber sale. Need advice

Hello all,
Posting from freezing Britain here. Bought a new kindle fire 7" and have heard that installing custom software is would be wiser. I used to have an ainol 7" tablet from years ago so have some experience installing custom software. so the questions I have are:
*How do I find out what firmware I'm using? If I boot the tablet up is it going to instantaneously update once connected to the internet? Is there a way of stopping that before it happens?
* I've been reading that there is a cynagenmod and nexus firmwares available for the tablet. Do either of these need to be manually updated or is it possible to automatically update once they have been installed? What are the main differences?
I'm using this tablet for mostly reading and the odd games and some video streaming so not looking for anything to advanced.
Appreciate any advice that can be sent my way
Many thanks
Dr Cross

To be honest, I would have same question. Seems that those Kindle Fires (I have purchased two for the christmas gifts for the family in Poland) are 5th generation. Is there a way to flash them with something else as I have heard that once those would be delivered to Poland, my family won't even be able to install any apps on it as Amazon Store blocks polish IP addresses.
Anyway could provide some basic info if those tablets can be flashed with some other ROM to at least provide functionality for Gapps and polish language (dreaming...)
edit: ok... have to say that xda "search" wasn't helpful enough however when I have used google, I have found this thread which might come in handy:
5th Gen - 2015
KFFOWI | Ford
[INDEX]
Helpful Information
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/index-amazon-fire-2015-t3210485

Dr M Cross said:
Hello all,
Posting from freezing Britain here. Bought a new kindle fire 7" and have heard that installing custom software is would be wiser. I used to have an ainol 7" tablet from years ago so have some experience installing custom software. so the questions I have are:
*How do I find out what firmware I'm using? If I boot the tablet up is it going to instantaneously update once connected to the internet? Is there a way of stopping that before it happens?
* I've been reading that there is a cynagenmod and nexus firmwares available for the tablet. Do either of these need to be manually updated or is it possible to automatically update once they have been installed? What are the main differences?
I'm using this tablet for mostly reading and the odd games and some video streaming so not looking for anything to advanced.
Appreciate any advice that can be sent my way
Many thanks
Dr Cross
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did this last night from firmware 5.3.1 and it worked fine. You can find your version by going to Settings>About Tablet>Build Number I believe though now that my tablet is flashed with a new rom it does not look the same. From what I understand you cannot root 5.3.2 but can downgrade back to 5.3.1 and then root.
The easiest way to root is with RootJunky's supertool which was just upgraded a week ago and worked fine on my tablet. Download and instructions are here http://www.rootjunky.com/amazon-fire-5th-gen-supertool/ You can install the correct drivers, root the tablet, remove adds, and install flashify. Once you have flashify you can install whatever ROM you'd like. If I understand correctly you cannot install a custom recovery on 5.3.1
I am running the Nexus rom and it seems to be working great. Got a replacement for my stolen Nexus tablet for $33 on black friday. That's a deal!

Personally I have spend two days on this Kindle. What I have found has lead to a decision that I am returning those Kindle Fire tablets back to Amazon.
Originally purchased on Cyber Monday. Item which has arrived is 5th gen 5.3.1. Kindle. Once connected to Wifi it download 5.3.2 and waits for user action before updating (the OTA). I have used the supertool without luck. Even after 25 restarts, the Kingroot hasn't rooted the device to then be replaced by "su". From what I understand, if the Kindle originally had older bootloader and was upgraded to 5.3.1, than it still possible to root the device and install custom ROM. If the device is already on 5.3.1, based on todays tools and xda / reddit / youtube videos - rooting is not achievable as bootloader is different. Downgrading 5.3.1 WILL BRICK the device and of course shouldn't be performed!
If anyone has any other info - I am happy to hear about it, however at this moment I know that ADB and fastboot works fine, but Kingroot just hangs on 86% to than say that it wasn't able to root the device.

edmun said:
Personally I have spend two days on this Kindle. What I have found has lead to a decision that I am returning those Kindle Fire tablets back to Amazon.
Originally purchased on Cyber Monday. Item which has arrived is 5th gen 5.3.1. Kindle. Once connected to Wifi it download 5.3.2 and waits for user action before updating (the OTA). I have used the supertool without luck. Even after 25 restarts, the Kingroot hasn't rooted the device to then be replaced by "su". From what I understand, if the Kindle originally had older bootloader and was upgraded to 5.3.1, than it still possible to root the device and install custom ROM. If the device is already on 5.3.1, based on todays tools and xda / reddit / youtube videos - rooting is not achievable as bootloader is different. Downgrading 5.3.1 WILL BRICK the device and of course shouldn't be performed!
If anyone has any other info - I am happy to hear about it, however at this moment I know that ADB and fastboot works fine, but Kingroot just hangs on 86% to than say that it wasn't able to root the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was absolutely able to root my kindle from 5.3.1 yesterday. Brand new one straight from Amazon. Make sure you are using the very latest supertools which includes updated kingroot. Link is on my post above.
By the way I don't think kingroot ever said it had successfully rooted my tablet but I replaced with super su rebooted and I definitely have root.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

So the instructions in the supertool are misleading... As it does say to run kingroot over and over again to root and and then replace with SU. Yep. I am using the latest version. Seriously. 2 days of constant running of Kingroot with no vain. On 5th gen with 5.3.1. Never had any issues with any devices, even HTC with S-On, Nexus, Motorola Xoom, this Kindle Fire does give me a headache....
I will try today or tomorrow again. It is already after factory reset as it is waiting to be posted back (luckily Amazon told me that I have time until 2nd of February to return the tablets)
edit: Hmm... after factory reset rooting went fine without any issues.
I can only assume that once the device is "assigned" to Amazon Account, it is somehow changed.
So ... After factory reset and starting from a scratch - I do have root on amazon fire 7" 5th generation 5.3.1.

this isn't the 5th gen forum see
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire

Hi all,
Thanks for your helps. Appears a friend of mine updated the OS to 5.3.2.1..... so I'm essentially stuck until there are further developments...