Database Users

7" HDX - No Fire OS 5 - Decisions to be made

Hi all,
For those of us who's hopes have been dashed, fire OS 5 is leaving us in it's dust.
3rd gen 7" HDX's - I have one lying here - never been rooted or modified thus far.
What advice would members give. What options do I have other than selling it on or dumping it?
Is it time to return it for store credit (had 2 yr warranty - freezes occasionally) or are there roms out there that make it worth keeping?
I am a newbie - and it's the news that we are to be denied this update that is the cause of these questions.
I think many owners will be looking for options - and will really benefit from a discussion on this.
Any views/ideas/comments welcome.
CM

Capt Morpheous said:
Hi all,
For those of us who's hopes have been dashed, fire OS 5 is leaving us in it's dust.
3rd gen 7" HDX's - I have one lying here - never been rooted or modified thus far.
What advice would members give. What options do I have other than selling it on or dumping it?
Is it time to return it for store credit (had 2 yr warranty - freezes occasionally) or are there roms out there that make it worth keeping?
I am a newbie - and it's the news that we are to be denied this update that is the cause of these questions. I many might benefit from a discussion on this.
Any views/ideas/comments welcome.
CM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best option (IMO) is a rollback to 4.5.2 (via 3.2.8), root, install Safestrap v4 and then flash CM11 or Nexus v4 replacing FireOS v4. Yields a 'pure' android tablet with high end specs and full access to the Play Store. Trumps FireOS 5 but a wide margin which I like too. Possible other Safestrap compatible roms might become available now the FireOS upgrade path is known.

I suspect that sending out the message that the 7" HDX 3rd gen will be getting the fire OS 5 update, then apologising and saying 'actually it won't' - will help (accidentally of course) drive sales of newer units.
Currently my device says - OS firmware 4.5.5.
I have heard that a 4.5.5.1 update has been released. Some are speculating it could be an anti-rollback update - in which case rooting could get much more difficult.
For those of us just getting to grips with the situation - how do we block OTA update to 4.5.5.1. If it has already been downloaded awaiting a reboot to install, how can we block that too?

Capt Morpheous said:
I suspect that sending out the message that the 7" HDX 3rd gen will be getting the fire OS 5 update, then apologising and saying 'actually it won't' - will help (accidentally of course) drive sales of newer units.
Currently my device says - OS firmware 4.5.5.
I have heard that a 4.5.5.1 update has been released. Some are speculating it could be an anti-rollback update - in which case rooting could get much more difficult.
For those of us just getting to grips with the situation - how do we block OTA update to 4.5.5.1. If it has already been downloaded awaiting a reboot to install, how can we block that too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can not effectively block OTA updates without rooting which requires a modestly complex (and risky) rollback to 3.2.8 followed by an upgrade to 4.5.2. Safestrap v4 and two non-FireOS roms are also options once on 4.5.2.
I say 'effectively' as there are other methods for holding back OTAs such as IP address blocking or temporarily stopping services via clever use of adb commands on unrooted devices. Neither is convenient or 100% effective.
If an update has been downloaded and waiting to install you *may* be able to see and erase it from internal storage when you device is tethered to a host. Look for a. bin file containing the word 'update'.

Really appreciate the input.
Can I please ask for a list of ip's to block.
We can enter them into our router ip blocking fields.

Capt Morpheous said:
Really appreciate the input.
Can I please ask for a list of ip's to block.
We can enter them into our router ip blocking fields.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon rotates IPs. That's why IP blocking is only a temporary solution. I have long since lost track of what IPs are currently being used to distribute updates.
BTW - IP rotation is a common load balancing technique. It has nothing to do with trying to circumvent user blocks.

I would now update to 4.5.5.1, root with Kingroot, add Safestrap 4.01, and load the stable Nexus 4.05 rom. that is what I did with my 7" hdx. all can be done within minutes (just be sure to read over the forums for complete instruction if you have not custom rom'd before). runs buttery smooth and brings new life to an awesome tablet. these dev's here are amazing and willing to share their talents for the community.

I am other thor owners - really appreciate the input on this thread.
It's clear that the community suggest putting a custom rom on this device - since amazon have retired it.
For those of us who are newbies:
1. Which rom is seen as the most appropriate for this device (stability / security).
2. What functions/abilities would we have to give up (e.g screen mirroring or so on) by moving to a custom rom (ignore mayday)?

Capt Morpheous said:
I am other thor owners - really appreciate the input on this thread.
It's clear that the community suggest putting a custom rom on this device - since amazon have retired it.
For those of us who are newbies:
1. Which rom is seen as the most appropriate for this device (stability / security).
2. What functions/abilities would we have to give up (e.g screen mirroring or so on) by moving to a custom rom (ignore mayday)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At present the only (Safestrap v4 compatible) rom choices are CM11 and Nexus v4. Both are mature, feature complete and stable. No Lollipop or Marshmallow variants. You gain much a give up little moving away from FireOS v4 as most proprietary functionality can be duplicated via official Amazon apps. Kindle book lending, Amazon's take on parental controls and Mayday are the only capabilities that can't be immediately duplicated. If dissatisfied you can always return to FireOS.

Fire OS 5 on 3rd gen
Is there any way to get fireos 5 on kindle fire hdx 7?
I wanna get one lol

KoreanAmerican said:
Is there any way to get fireos 5 on kindle fire hdx 7?
I wanna get one lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. All HDX 7" models (thor) are 3rd gen which will not receive an automatic update to FireOS v5. Whether v5 it can be adapted to run on 3rd gen devices is unknown. Source has only been recently released. Since the bootloader remains locked on the vast majority of HDX devices a 'helper' environment such as Safestrap will be needed. None exist as of this writing.

Best option currently for Fire HD 8 5th Gen (2015)?

Hey guys,
I'm a complete noob here.
Recently was handed an Amazon Fire HD 8 2015. It had Fire OS 5.1.2 installed, and I didn't know anything about it, so when I first connected on my wifi network it updated to the latest (AFAIK) Fire OS 5.3.6.4 (5.6.3.0?).
I really want to install a custom ROM, but as far as my reading in this forum allowed me to know, this isn't possible at the moment? So I guess it never will, as this is an older model, and as it seems it wasn't very popular?
So, considering all that, what are my best options to make this thing more usable? Right now it's very sluggish. Even if it's main purpose is for reading PDF files, and browsing the web also mainly for reading news and stuff.
It seems like the RAM is the main culprit with the stock software? Would changing the launcher help?
Also, is it possible to root it with this firmware? What about TWRP?
I'm really looking for help on what's possible to hack in this model with the latest firmware. Most of what I read is directed to the Fire 7 model, and I'm never sure if the methods presented in many posts will brick my Fire HD 8.
Really appreciate any help.
TIA!

mugorj said:
Hey guys,
I'm a complete noob here.
Recently was handed an Amazon Fire HD 8 2015. It had Fire OS 5.1.2 installed, and I didn't know anything about it, so when I first connected on my wifi network it updated to the latest (AFAIK) Fire OS 5.3.6.4 (5.6.3.0?).
I really want to install a custom ROM, but as far as my reading in this forum allowed me to know, this isn't possible at the moment? So I guess it never will, as this is an older model, and as it seems it wasn't very popular?
So, considering all that, what are my best options to make this thing more usable? Right now it's very sluggish. Even if it's main purpose is for reading PDF files, and browsing the web also mainly for reading news and stuff.
It seems like the RAM is the main culprit with the stock software? Would changing the launcher help?
Also, is it possible to root it with this firmware? What about TWRP?
I'm really looking for help on what's possible to hack in this model with the latest firmware. Most of what I read is directed to the Fire 7 model, and I'm never sure if the methods presented in many posts will brick my Fire HD 8.
Really appreciate any help.
TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are posting in the wrong forum; try:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10
As for 5th gen support and compatibility you'll likely find little material. Not a popular variant. It's possible some of the exploits aimed at 6-8th gen models and even the Fire 7 5/7th gen will work. You'll need to read, digest, try what seems viable and hope for the best. Good luck.

Davey126 said:
You are posting in the wrong forum; try:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10
As for 5th gen support and compatibility you'll likely find little material. Not a popular variant. It's possible some of the exploits aimed at 6-8th gen models and even the Fire 7 5/7th gen will work. You'll need yo read, digest, try what seems viable and hope for the best. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Davey126,
Thank you for your support!

Can I upgrade my HD10 (7th) tablet which is runnig on FireOS 5 to Fire OS 7 ?And how?

Hello,
My 2 year-old Fire HD 10 (7th) tablet is running on Fire OS 5.6.6.0 which is based on Android 5 as obvious. Everything works great actually, but I sometimes need to install some office apps. But sometimes I can't find them in Play Store. So that it is kinda challenging to find the suitable apk file.
Shortly, is it okay and possible to flash Fire OS version 7 to my HD10(fireos 5) tablet?
Did anyone try?

mirmirk said:
Hello,
My 2 year-old Fire HD 10 (7th) tablet is running on Fire OS 5.6.6.0 which is based on Android 5 as obvious. Everything works great actually, but I sometimes need to install some office apps. But sometimes I can't find them in Play Store. So that it is kinda challenging to find the suitable apk file.
Shortly, is it okay and possible to flash Fire OS version 7 to my HD10(fireos 5) tablet?
Did anyone try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not a good practice posting the same question in 2 areas of the same device.
That being said, no it wont work...
You are at Amazon's mercy. If you try to flash a different rom not made for the HD10 (7th) it will not work. Your options are to unlock and install lineage 14.1 (which is android 7.1.2) or stay with amazon...

Michajin said:
It is not a good practice posting the same question in 2 areas of the same device.
That being said, no it wont work...
You are at Amazon's mercy. If you try to flash a different rom not made for the HD10 (7th) it will not work. Your options are to unlock and install lineage 14.1 (which is android 7.1.2) or stay with amazon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
I reported the other post, since it is not in the right forum.

A Custom ROM for Fire HD 8 (KFGIWI) 2016

Greetings and Salutations!
I have an Amazon Fire HD 8 (KFGIWI) a.k.a. 6th Generation tablet and I've been recently considering root/unlock in order to install a custom ROM. With no TWRP and/or LineageOS support for the device it's clear my options are limited. I was following this thread with interest
[discontinued][ROM][unlocked][ford,austin] Fire Nexus ROM [26 MAY 2019] but it would seem this thread has since been locked as the developer has moved on to other projects.
I don't see any recent posts in this forum about this device. Has no one managed to "crack" the 6th Generation Fire? Any success stories? I'm about to pay to have someone root/unlock my device for me.. but only if I can get something even as unrecent as Android 7
Please, indulge me with your Two Cents

I too have just picked up a 2016 HD 8 hoping to root/install lineageos, but have seemingly hit the brick wall that it isn't possible for some reason...?!
Anyone able to shed any light on this? Have seen success with the 2015 and 2018 versions... why is this one such a problem?

Billy.J.Zeramin said:
I too have just picked up a 2016 HD 8 hoping to root/install lineageos, but have seemingly hit the brick wall that it isn't possible for some reason...?!
Anyone able to shed any light on this? Have seen success with the 2015 and 2018 versions... why is this one such a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to get root, but there's no way to unlock the bootloader and flash a custom ROM that I know of. So, you can do stuff like disable amazon apps including the launcher (so the home button will use your own favorite launcher) and try to make the best of what there is on FireOS, but it's an ancient android version with a lot of crap on it, and it's getting less useful by the day. I would love it if I could make mine more useful. It really is tempting to just sell it and get a different year's version that is more hackable, but part of me doesn't even want to ever buy an Amazon tablet again. Nothing but trouble from these things.
For root, use these.
GitHub - R0rt1z2/AutomatedRoot: Root your MediaTek device with CVE-2020-0069
Root your MediaTek device with CVE-2020-0069. Contribute to R0rt1z2/AutomatedRoot development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
Amazing Temp Root for MediaTek ARMv8 [2020-08-24]
Software root method for MediaTek MT67xx, MT816x, and MT817x! So it's no big secret that not too long ago, I found a way to achieve temporary root on MediaTek chipsets. No preinstalled root solution or device unlock was needed. The tool I...
forum.xda-developers.com
I also found the auto.txt file here useful, long list of things it will disable when used as described.
Fire HD 8 2016: System apps list to disable and links to get it more "google"
Fire HD 8 2016: System apps list to disable and links to get it more "google" Thanks to users in OPs links below this tablet comes to a new life (abandoned mine because lack of Show Mode) but now we are able to have Google almost fully...
forum.xda-developers.com
It is notably missing the line for the launcher, though. If you've got something like OpenLauncher installed, additionally do this:
`pm disable com.amazon.firelauncher`
I recommend getting additional apps from F-Droid rather than adding Google apps and services. This thing has enough spyware on it as it is.

hey ,
Anyone got an old Amazon Fire HD 8 (KFGIWI) a.k.a. 6th Generation lcd screen ribbon they can maybe pull out of an old tablet for me ? will obv pay + postage
i was unbricking the gf tablet and broke the connecctor .tried fleabay and everyhere.
thanks in advance

Ok I'm new here but I was given this Amazon Fire HD8 I got to checking it out and it's a 2017 7th generation model KFDOWI / LOLLIPOP MR1 Android 5.1.1 API level 22 build number LVY48F Release Date March 9, 2015. I was looking for a way to install a new home and app launcher and clean out the Amazon trash. $zAdding google playas well. But I don't have a laptop or computer. The only other device I have is a Motorola Moto g stylus. So I would need to do it all by either APK files or something. Please let me know what my choices are

WolfDragon51 said:
Ok I'm new here but I was given this Amazon Fire HD8 I got to checking it out and it's a 2017 7th generation model KFDOWI / LOLLIPOP MR1 Android 5.1.1 API level 22 build number LVY48F Release Date March 9, 2015. I was looking for a way to install a new home and app launcher and clean out the Amazon trash. $zAdding google playas well. But I don't have a laptop or computer. The only other device I have is a Motorola Moto g stylus. So I would need to do it all by either APK files or something. Please let me know what my choices are
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Development for this device has began to continue after the device was recently unlocked.
If youre looking to change things around a little
ie launcher, remove ads and updates etcetera have a look here :-
Amazon FireHD Toolbox
[WINDOWS/LINUX][TOOL]Fire Toolbox V30.2
Fire Toolbox V30.2 All-In-One Toolbox for Fire Tablets! The Fire Toolbox is a collection of useful ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tweaks that can be applied to Amazon's Fire Tablets. The Toolbox project aims to help users fully customize and...
forum.xda-developers.com
The dev of this little beauty has done well here.
hope this helps
Regards

There is a way to unlock Fire HD 8 6-th gen
[UNLOCK][ROOT][TWRP][UNBRICK] Fire HD 8 2016 (giza)
Read this whole guide before starting. This is for the 6th gen Fire HD8 (giza). Current version: amonet-giza-v1.3.zip NOTE: This process does not require you to open your device, but should something go horribly wrong, be prepared to do so...
forum.xda-developers.com

one-stop knowledge bank for replacing my OS?

I have Kindle Fire HD 8 (7th gen, 2017, now 5.6.8.0), but recently got fed up and want to replace Fire OS with something else. I have been referred to XDA Developers website by several other online sources, but when I come here, I cannot find an easy source for information about my question (which I gather is "rooting" and "flashing").
Logically, it should be under this website's "Guides" section, like at
How to Root Kindle
www.xda-developers.com
However, I am pretty sure that the method suggested there is not current or correct for my model. My sense from reading some forum posts is that there are more than one method for "rooting" and "flashing" another OS--maybe one is a hardware-based method, and maybe there is a software-based method too... Question: Is there any place on this website to see all current rooting/flashing methods without reading through all the forum threads?
FYI: I have looked at a few threads, including...
Is there any new root methods as of 2021 that work?
I don't have experience with the hardmod option, I can't downgrade the firmware because they removed Apply Update From ADB and the mtk-su method doesn't work. I'm on Fire OS 5.6.8.0 and nothing's worked. How would I downgrade if there's no apply...
forum.xda-developers.com
Fire hd 8 7th gen root
I tried all rooting methods for fire hd 8 7th gen but didnt succeed... the apply update in the recovery is also not there... can anyone help me? :eek: im new... Welcome to XDA ... as a newbie It would help, I think, for you to let us a little...
forum.xda-developers.com
All of your advice/help is of course very appreciated.
PS.
My Kindle info is above. (It recently de-registered me spontaneously, so I set it back to factory settings, which it updated immediately.) I use Lubuntu on an old laptop PC and have a little high-level (i.e., superficial) coding knowledge. I am very bad at tech, but I can follow directions. I am willing to brick my device to try replacing the OS.

Know your device info, which you apparently do.
Then look up threads with titles of your device mentioning key words like "rooting", "unlocking" or "flashing" etc.
This is the only way.
Everyone here is doing their best to share whatever they know about or have done on a particular device. If you go to the appropriate threads, there will be lots of answers to your queries.
But nobody will spoon feed you with what you want.
This is a no fee, volunteer forum.
Thus you have to do your part to diligently look up.
I can assure you, you will get more than what you put in.
Well worth the effort, from my personal experience.