Database Users

HDX 8.9 4th Gen. "SATURN"

So I bought the 4th gen HDX 8.9, aka "saturn", started looking around the forums, and to my surprise there is 0 development for this model. My guess is nobody was willing to upgrade to this device due to the fact there is very little difference from the previous model(couple of hardware upgrades). The only reason I purchased is Amazon gave me a no interest 5 month payment plan to buy. There are probably a lot of members(new members) looking on this forum and thinking their 8.9 is the same as what is being discussed here. There is not enough clear information to distinguish the two models. Now that Fire OS 4 is out there are no prefixes to the system version, ie: xx.4.5.2, it is just 4.5.2 across the board. As an example there is a thread in the QandA, here, where I see people calling the 4th gen "Apollo" and giving suggestions of downgrading or rooting using apollo software versions. NOT COOL. so as a warning:
BE VERY SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE A 4TH GEN 8.9 BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY MODIFICATION (ROOT/DOWNGRADE/SAFESTRAP) PROCEDURES POSTED ON THIS FORUM
Now to get to the real reason for my post. My 8.9 is currently on software version 22.4.5.2(SATURN) with wifi disabled. I would love to work with some other members to get this rooted and open the door for more development. I have tried the new method using the cve apk to no avail. I think it should work since it does on the older gens. And the only difference in the software versions would be hardware related tweaks. But, maybe I'm missing something. Any suggestions?

onemeila said:
So I bought the 4th gen HDX 8.9, aka "saturn", started looking around the forums, and to my surprise there is 0 development for this model. My guess is nobody was willing to upgrade to this device due to the fact there is very little difference from the previous model(couple of hardware upgrades). The only reason I purchased is Amazon gave me a no interest 5 month payment plan to buy. There are probably a lot of members(new members) looking on this forum and thinking their 8.9 is the same as what is being discussed here. There is not enough clear information to distinguish the two models. Now that Fire OS 4 is out there are no prefixes to the system version, ie: xx.4.5.2, it is just 4.5.2 across the board. As an example there is a thread in the QandA, here, where I see people calling the 4th gen "Apollo" and giving suggestions of downgrading or rooting using apollo software versions. NOT COOL. so as a warning:
BE VERY SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE A 4TH GEN 8.9 BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY MODIFICATION (ROOT/DOWNGRADE/SAFESTRAP) PROCEDURES POSTED ON THIS FORUM
Now to get to the real reason for my post. My 8.9 is currently on software version 22.4.5.2(SATURN) with wifi disabled. I would love to work with some other members to get this rooted and open the door for more development. I have tried the new method using the cve apk to no avail. I think it should work since it does on the older gens. And the only difference in the software versions would be hardware related tweaks. But, maybe I'm missing something. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In terms of hardware only Chipset or to be precise CPU is changed rest all is same i believe...
For rooting try CVE Rooting apk for Apollo to my knowledge that should work & root device.
Due to locked bootloader and efuse your device future is limited to safe strap that needs to be built for your device yet.
There are some developments going on with APOLLO so that can be or should be implied to Saturn as well (atleast with little modifications)

onemeila said:
So I bought the 4th gen HDX 8.9, aka "saturn", started looking around the forums, and to my surprise there is 0 development for this model. My guess is nobody was willing to upgrade to this device due to the fact there is very little difference from the previous model(couple of hardware upgrades). The only reason I purchased is Amazon gave me a no interest 5 month payment plan to buy. There are probably a lot of members(new members) looking on this forum and thinking their 8.9 is the same as what is being discussed here. There is not enough clear information to distinguish the two models. Now that Fire OS 4 is out there are no prefixes to the system version, ie: xx.4.5.2, it is just 4.5.2 across the board. As an example there is a thread in the QandA, here, where I see people calling the 4th gen "Apollo" and giving suggestions of downgrading or rooting using apollo software versions. NOT COOL. so as a warning:
BE VERY SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE A 4TH GEN 8.9 BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY MODIFICATION (ROOT/DOWNGRADE/SAFESTRAP) PROCEDURES POSTED ON THIS FORUM
Now to get to the real reason for my post. My 8.9 is currently on software version 22.4.5.2(SATURN) with wifi disabled. I would love to work with some other members to get this rooted and open the door for more development. I have tried the new method using the cve apk to no avail. I think it should work since it does on the older gens. And the only difference in the software versions would be hardware related tweaks. But, maybe I'm missing something. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The underlying exploits should still be viable on 4.5.2 for the saturn, the APK probably just needs some tweaking for other devices.

Anyone willing to test it? I just got my new HDX(got Best Buy to take it back and trade it out) and they gave me a Saturn.... urgh...

Same boat
I too purchased a new hdx 8.9 for the no interest payment system Amazon offers. I've been monitoring this forum for a couple of months, waiting for someone to crack into it. If there is any way I can help any devs working on the device/software, feel free to let me know. I have no development experience, but I don't mind testing and what not.
Whatever helps speed this process up.
I am of course running 4.5.3. Fun.

Terghan said:
I too purchased a new hdx 8.9 for the no interest payment system Amazon offers. I've been monitoring this forum for a couple of months, waiting for someone to crack into it. If there is any way I can help any devs working on the device/software, feel free to let me know. I have no development experience, but I don't mind testing and what not.
Whatever helps speed this process up.
I am of course running 4.5.3. Fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waiting patiently also. tried every method under the sun on my 4th gen Saturn with no success. boy was I pissed when it updated on it's own. using saferoot installs the supersu app but it's not granting apps superuser permissions. tried downgrading etc. my next step is to open one of the rootable updates rename the binary etc. to see if I can trick it into accepting it.

I have a Saturn with "Fire OS 4.2"... Build Date of September 2014... Can I towelroot???
Scratch that, it updated as I was typing that

Anyone willing to tweak the apk? I'd test, but I have no warranty on this new one...

onemeila said:
So I bought the 4th gen HDX 8.9, aka "saturn", started looking around the forums, and to my surprise there is 0 development for this model. My guess is nobody was willing to upgrade to this device due to the fact there is very little difference from the previous model(couple of hardware upgrades). The only reason I purchased is Amazon gave me a no interest 5 month payment plan to buy. There are probably a lot of members(new members) looking on this forum and thinking their 8.9 is the same as what is being discussed here. There is not enough clear information to distinguish the two models. Now that Fire OS 4 is out there are no prefixes to the system version, ie: xx.4.5.2, it is just 4.5.2 across the board. As an example there is a thread in the QandA, here, where I see people calling the 4th gen "Apollo" and giving suggestions of downgrading or rooting using apollo software versions. NOT COOL. so as a warning...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm working on a Help thread/FAQs
[Help Thread][Fire HDX 8.9 - 2014] Ask Any Question, Noob Friendly
If anyone has some Hacks/Tricks they found that work with the Fire HDX 8.9 - 2014
Please post them there.
Thanks

Rooted Saturn waiting for Safestrap
Hi all,
I have an HDX 8.9 4th Gen (Saturn) device that was updated to 4.5.5.1. Rooted with Kingroot following directions in other parts of the forums. I also had an HDX 7 (Thor) that was updated to 4.5.5.1 and also rooted with Kingroot. I installed Safestrap 4.01 on the 7" device no problem and loaded the Nexus 4.05 custom Rom. Buttery smooth works like a charm. I am waiting on the update to FireOS 5 for the 8.9 as Kingroot is supposed to work to 5.1. Real question here is, will any of the fine Devs here be working to update Safestrap to work on Saturn 4.5.5.1 or will they be waiting for the FireOS 5 update, or doing nothing at all? I truly appreciate all the work they've done in keeping these great devices relevant, even if Amazon has not.

Fire HDX 8.9 (4TH GEN) hacks/work arounds
I just purchased a used Fire HDX 8.9 4th gen. from eBay and although it could not be registered with Amazon for whatever reason (lost, stolen, or ?) I hacked it to work as a regular Android tablet with Google Play Store and Alexa access.
NO ROOT REQUIRED
First I upgraded the Amazon firmware to the latest build by downloading it, renaming the .bin extension to .zip and side loaded it with the native Fire recovery. It loaded and worked fine.
Next I installed the Google Play store and related apps and they work fine.
Next I installed Youtub and it works fine.
Next I installed an e book reader (I like eReader Prestigio) and it works fine.
Next I installed a second launcher (Nova Launcher) and deactivated the native Fire launcher using Launcher HiJacker app and it works fine. Boots to Nova fast.
Next I downloaded the the upgrade to the Alexa app for android and it works even without a registered tablet.
Finally I downloaded and installed the Windows 10 application "Debloater" and disabled many native Amazon Fire apps that will not be needed because I use this device to watch Youtube videos, movies, surf the net, and to read and play on-line chess. It is a great tablet when hacked out of the Amazon echo system.
You can do this also .
Goodluck!
Oh the stock camera didn't work but the "open camera app" works fine.

bobcat131 said:
NO ROOT REQUIRED
Next I installed the Google Play store and related apps and they work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you detail which versions you used? I'm assuming you installed Google Play Services before the Play Store. Which versions did you use? Did you have to install anything else before you could proceed to the next step?
Thanks!

I used the Open GAPPS 7.1 Pico

Fire HD8 6th Generation 5.3.2 Update

Despite my attempts to block the OTA update, my fire now has 5.3.2. It definitely lags compared to the previous firmware version. Does anyone known if it can be downgraded via ABD without bricking?

gbennett said:
Despite my attempts to block the OTA update, my fire now has 5.3.2. It definitely lags compared to the previous firmware version. Does anyone known if it can be downgraded via ABD without bricking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read and was able to downgrade my 2015 Fire HD 7 from 5.3.2.0 to 5.3.1.0. Then I was able to install a CM Rom.
I also have the new HD 8 2016, but I am not sure if the downgrade will work.

Just bought a the HD 8 2016 since it is on sale (today) for $59 at Best Buy and THOUGHT I read it can be rooted, later learned it's only the older model that can be rooted. Really don't want an Android device that will remain unable to be rooted, so, might have to take it back even at that cheap price?
Would love to have a custom ROM on this tablet!

critofur said:
Just bought a the HD 8 2016 since it is on sale (today) for $59 at Best Buy and THOUGHT I read it can be rooted, later learned it's only the older model that can be rooted. Really don't want an Android device that will remain unable to be rooted, so, might have to take it back even at that cheap price?
Would love to have a custom ROM on this tablet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it knowing that it can't be rooted at the moment. But I'm going to block updates with openDNS and cross my fingers for a future root method. Still a pretty good tablet for the money and the Play Store works too. However, I still love my cheap, year-old Fire 7" with CM 12.1 the most despite the screen resolution.

What steps are required to block updates with openDNS? Would like to try it on Fire 8, 6th gen.

OscarDiggs said:
What steps are required to block updates with openDNS? Would like to try it on Fire 8, 6th gen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this method for my Fire TVs, and it appears to work on the Fire tabs too.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-bloc...-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/#opendns

Thanks. Looks like this could work on devices that don't leave home network.

Hopefully this Fire HD 8 tablet 6th generation - 2016 can be rooted in near future. Better to block the OTA updates. By the way, can someone pin-point the codename for this device ? That is similar to KFFOWI_Ford for 7'' Fire-2015.

kesavan2000in said:
Hopefully this Fire HD 8 tablet 6th generation - 2016 can be rooted in near future. Better to block the OTA updates. By the way, can someone pin-point the codename for this device ? That is similar to KFFOWI_Ford for 7'' Fire-2015.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I was trying KingRoot today it said the code for this one is "KFGIWI"
And I also saw another thread that stated KFGIWI_GI

Fire HD 8 7th Gen 2017 - should I grab one?

Hi,
so I am fairly new (tbh: completely new) to Amazon tablets. I just saw the new tablets announced for June and thought about replacing my old-as-f*ck Nexus 7 with a HD7 or HD8. How is the experience so far - is it likely that you can easily root/remove the ads, put on a custom rom and so on? Will this limit the tablet in any way? Or do I need to leave it stock, otherwise not be able to use Kindle/Prime Video and so on? Thanks!

fBx said:
Hi,
so I am fairly new (tbh: completely new) to Amazon tablets. I just saw the new tablets announced for June and thought about replacing my old-as-f*ck Nexus 7 with a HD7 or HD8. How is the experience so far - is it likely that you can easily root/remove the ads, put on a custom rom and so on? Will this limit the tablet in any way? Or do I need to leave it stock, otherwise not be able to use Kindle/Prime Video and so on? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the times as you can clearly see here on xda it takes a while or maybe even a long time, for the amazon tablets to be root able. I would buy a 6th gen right now, when your not connecting it to the internet it should be possible for you to root it right now (if it has the right software version installed).
If you want to buy a 7th gen then there is the problem that you can't connect it to the internet, because it will automatically upgrade you will have to wait until there is a method to root it before you can normally use your tablet....:crying:

Both the 6th and 7th Gen. Fire HD 8 are near if not identical specs wise, as above if your hoping for root buy the 6th Gen. as you may get lucky and get one with a pre-installed lower software version that's rootable, however you may not, the 7th Gen is very likely to come with 5.3.3 which I don't think is currently rootable.
As for custom ROMs, Amazons tablets are pretty locked down and as such there's little to no custom ROM development going on, not in recent years anyway. Go with something else if you like trying new ROMs otherwise the Fire HD tablets are pretty well made and you can sideload the Google Play Store pretty easily too.

Okay, I cross-referenced 2016 and 2017 and it's basically the same specs. Not sure it would be that much of an upgrade. I'll check what a 2016 HD 8 goes for at ebay.

Gilly10 said:
Both the 6th and 7th Gen. Fire HD 8 are near if not identical specs wise, as above if your hoping for root buy the 6th Gen. as you may get lucky and get one with a pre-installed lower software version that's rootable, however you may not, the 7th Gen is very likely to come with 5.3.3 which I don't think is currently rootable.
As for custom ROMs, Amazons tablets are pretty locked down and as such there's little to no custom ROM development going on, not in recent years anyway. Go with something else if you like trying new ROMs otherwise the Fire HD tablets are pretty well made and you can sideload the Google Play Store pretty easily too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it expected that loading Google Play on the 7th gen will work the same way as it did for the 6th? I don't need root or a custom ROM, but I don't want to be limited to the Amazon app store.

I will say that loading google play has worked so far on the latest HD 8. Used instructions and files linked here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603. Was able to load paid version of a couple apps and they worked fine.

joshparr said:
I will say that loading google play has worked so far on the latest HD 8. Used instructions and files linked here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603. Was able to load paid version of a couple apps and they worked fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so just to confirm...
I don't need to root it to get play store working?
just need to get the Google drive suite up and running as it's mostly used for work.
is so, I'm all set to take the plunge and get myself a firehd8!
[my Nexus 7(2013) just died. :crying:]

psychoxman said:
so just to confirm...
I don't need to root it to get play store working?
just need to get the Google drive suite up and running as it's mostly used for work.
is so, I'm all set to take the plunge and get myself a firehd8!
[my Nexus 7(2013) just died. :crying:]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took my HD 8 (7th Gen) straight out of it's box and followed the instructions. Now someone reported in the other thread their Fire 7 (7th Gen) had issues with the versions linked in the thread. Mine was sitting at Amazon OS 5.3.3.0 out of the box and I didn't update that first. The guy with the Fire 7 stated he was at 5.4.0. One other person with the Fire 7 ran into a similar issue, but used newer versions of the Play Store and Play Services to get it working.
I just checked on my tablet and the Play Store and Play Services on the HD 8 just updated in the last 5 minutes, they are within the same build cycles as the one guy listed as working on his Fire 7.

Google play works
I took my tablet (hd 8 2017) straight out of the box in 5.3.3, follow the instructions in the link from this thread, google play works but location services dont. Factory reset, install google play with the files from the link again, and everything works!! after that, the tablet upgrade itself to 5.4, google play and services still works perfectly fine :victory::victory:. So the method and files in the link works, for me at least, if any problem appears just factory reset the tablet and try again. Sorry for my english.

alex192004 said:
I took my tablet (hd 8 2017) straight out of the box in 5.3.3, follow the instructions in the link from this thread, google play works but location services dont. Factory reset, install google play with the files from the link again, and everything works!! after that, the tablet upgrade itself to 5.4, google play and services still works perfectly fine :victory::victory:. So the method and files in the link works, for me at least, if any problem appears just factory reset the tablet and try again. Sorry for my english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. Did you try the Gmail app from the Playstore? Does it work correctly for you?

trovatrice said:
Thanks for the suggestion. Did you try the Gmail app from the Playstore? Does it work correctly for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Gmail from Google Play work correctly in my HD 8 2017.

so ive just found this site, only a couple days too late by the looks of it. i read (not very carefully) that it would be easy to root a kindle fire hd 8, so i just got one in the mail today (7th generation). i havent connected it to the internet, its got 5.3.3.0 on it, and my goal was to replace the stock OS with regular android. is this not currently an option?
(if not, any suggestions on what i should do/not do with it in the meantime? will connecting it to the internet begin an automatic software update that will render the device even more useless? i thought i read someone post something about that)

Fire HD 8 (2017) here on 8.4.0.0. Google apps sideload just fine. Removed lockscreen ads permanently just by submitting a help ticket.
It's a fabulous tablet for the price. I'm using mine primarily as a retro emulator although I can't find any good compact tablet gamepads (hoping to find a joycon-ish clone).

Fire HD 7thG- Screen cracked... What to do????
my FIRE HD 7th G screen cracked in a SPIDER WEB! I do not have warrenty. What to do? Is there a replacement screen for this new one?

cataldridge said:
my FIRE HD 7th G screen cracked in a SPIDER WEB! I do not have warrenty. What to do? Is there a replacement screen for this new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the difference between the 6th generation and 7th, is pretty much the programming and a few internal tweaks. I am about 90% sure there is nothing different about the physical hardware of the devices. So if you can find an HD 8 that's 6th generation, for real cheap, you can probably swap out the screen. There are several tutorials online if you do Google search, on how to do that. It sounds harder than it actually is. With that said, i am still looking for a cheap HD 7 so I can replace the screen in the one I have tucked away in a drawer.

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) Model - root, rom, anything?

I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Primary uses will be to watch kodi, amazon prime tv, netflix, and general social media.
mine comes with the advertisements, but $15 charge to get rid of em, i will have to see how annoying that is.
Appreciate the feedback!

boadicea said:
I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Primary uses will be to watch kodi, amazon prime tv, netflix, and general social media.
mine comes with the advertisements, but $15 charge to get rid of em, i will have to see how annoying that is.
Appreciate the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering the same, I've got one coming Saturday and I'm kinda scared to update or connect in case I miss an opportunity to root. Hopefully the older methods will work for Play Store and such.
---------- Post added at 08:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 PM ----------
@boadicea I did find this, a post with apks for sideloading Playstore on the 7th Gen. Hope it works and helps!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603

No root, but google play works
boadicea said:
I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody's really cracked root on the 2016 or 2017 versions yet, as far as I can tell. There are some folks at LineageOS working on getting a version of that rom onto this device, but not a lot of word so far.
I got Google Play sideloaded successfully by using this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603
NOTE: When you enable the installing of apps from unknown sources, make sure you restart the device before attempting to open any of the downloaded apks. Otherwise, the install button just won't work and you might go crazy trying to figure out why. For whatever reason, Amazon's device settings need a fresh restart after you tick that box.
NOTE 2: If you just bought these, you likely have the 2017 edition. If that's the case, you'll want to pay attention to the red letters in that guide marked "Note (3)".
SOURCE: Just got mine today.

So far there is no root for any Amazon tablet at this time, unless you have an OS earlier than 5.3.2.1. There may not be root at all for these tablets. Amazon offers a 30 day refund policy on them. If you find they aren't for you, that's how long you have to return them

Thank you all for the responses! just unpacked, screen protected, and turned it on. Looks like its running 5.3.3.0 so looks like im SOL for now.
No worries either way, sideloading stuff is all i need. was just meant to allow me to save battery on my phone/usage and not have to be bent over on a laptop.
Will follow the aforementioned guides to install google play
Appreciate the help!

I can suggest three apps to help in the battery, space and memory saving department. 'All In One Toolbox,' 'Brevent' and 'NetGuard.' All available in Google Play Store. If you need help giving All In One Toolbox it's usage access, let me know and I'll link you to a few threads i wrote on how to give apps proper usage access that need it and to revoke the access to some Amazon apps.

I just bought a new 2017 7th generation Fire HD 8 for $50 during prime day sale. I jumped the gun not realizing that there is no root. I have the previous generation fire 7 with Slim Rom installed that I rooted back on Christmas of 2015. It still works great and my kids use it everyday. I'm impressed with the older fire 7 as I have daydream on displaying the weather while it's charging and the daily abuse it gets from the kids. I really would like to have a bigger, better screen with dual audio for the kids, hence why I bought the HD 8. I might return it, or hold on to it till root and custom Rom becomes available... Hopefully in the near future.

having fun
boadicea said:
I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Primary uses will be to watch kodi, amazon prime tv, netflix, and general social media.
mine comes with the advertisements, but $15 charge to get rid of em, i will have to see how annoying that is.
Appreciate the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi boadicea,
apart from my feedback on Gmail that you can read here,
there is no issue at all at installing (side loading)Google Play.
I just bought my first tablet, and installed Google Play in few seconds following the link above
Only thing where I have been spending some time is to make sure to disable the OTA updates. (my post here)
Happy tweak.

Anyone has been able to root fire hd 8 and install lineage os ?

finwefeanor said:
Anyone has been able to root fire hd 8 and install lineage os ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.

FireOS Versions - Fire HD 10 2017

Quick question - a friend and I both bought some Fire HD 10 2017 models on teh recent Amazon price reduction. Been doing the system updates, and both got OS updates to an earlier version.
Anyone got an idea why this has happened? Amazon say current version is 5.6.6.0

lybad said:
Quick question - a friend and I both bought some Fire HD 10 2017 models on teh recent Amazon price reduction. Been doing the system updates, and both got OS updates to an earlier version.
Anyone got an idea why this has happened? Amazon say current version is 5.6.6.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some amazon dev was high when they posted the FIreOS version numbers???
Amazon has messed up the FireOS version numbers, they no longer follow sequentially. 5.3.7.1 is the latest version.

lybad said:
Quick question - a friend and I both bought some Fire HD 10 2017 models on teh recent Amazon price reduction. Been doing the system updates, and both got OS updates to an earlier version.
Anyone got an idea why this has happened? Amazon say current version is 5.6.6.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon OTA updates doesn't contain any security updates, bug fixes, preview builds, and stable builds.
Don't update your Fire tablet. You can make a greater risk to security threats and viruses, and also remove any certain features.
Make sure your Fire tablet is stay offline to prevent updating your Fire tablet.