[Kindle Fire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] soupmagnet:
[SIZE=+3]Frequently Asked Questions[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]Amazon Kindle Fire[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=+1]This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please only post in this thread with feedback on how to improve this document. Do not post "Thank you" type responses. If you have additional questions or require more help, try to find an existing thread or create your own. Do not use this as a general help thread.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Q1: I have a new Kindle Fire (purchased after Nov 2012). What do I need to know first?

[/SIZE]

You will BRICK YOUR KINDLE if you don't READ THIS FIRST!!!​

[SIZE=+1]Q2: I have an older Kindle Fire (1st generation). What do I need to know first?[/SIZE]

[GUIDE] Kindle Fire For Beginners​

[SIZE=+1]Q3: How can I tell if I have a 1st or 2nd generation Kindle Fire?[/SIZE]

If you have a software version of 6.3.2 or earlier, it is a 1st generation Kindle Fire. Anything after that is a 2nd generation Kindle Fire.​

[SIZE=+1]Q4: Where do I find information on how to root the 1st generation Kindle Fire?[/SIZE]

[HOW-TO] Root / Install a ROM / Unroot / Revert to Stock (A KFFB Supplement)​

[SIZE=+1]Q5: Can I root the Kindle Fire without a computer?[/SIZE]

No​

[SIZE=+1]Q6: Is there a “One-Click” or scripted root method for the 1st generation Kindle Fire?[/SIZE]

[Root][TWRP][FFF][CWM]Kindle Fire Utility v0.9.6 (5/09/12) (Windows) - or - BreakDroid (Mac)

Be careful when using these tools and make sure you understand how to fix problems that may arise before attempting anything. Failure to do so will most likely lead to problems.​

[SIZE=+1]Q7: Is there an easier way to root the 1st generation Kindle Fire?[/SIZE]

Install custom recovery, then install a custom ROM. If you want a rooted version of the stock OS, install MoDaCo.​

[SIZE=+1]Q8: What custom recoveries are available for the Kindle Fire?[/SIZE]

Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) - and - Cannibal Open Touch Recovery (COTR)​

[SIZE=+1]Q9: Is there an easy way to install a different custom bootloader or recovery without using ADB or fastboot?[/SIZE]

[smirkit-v2.4][02/05]install recovery+bootloader COTR or TWRP​

[SIZE=+1]Q10: Where can I find a list of available ROMs?[/SIZE]

[INDEX] Kindle Fire Development *REVISED NIGHTLY*​

[SIZE=+1]Q11: What is the best ROM available?[/SIZE]

What is considered to be the best ROM is always a matter of opinion. Just pick one and try it out to see if you like it. If not, try a different one. If you are looking to find the most popular ROM, you can search the development forum for the ROM thread with the most views.​

[SIZE=+1]Q12: I just want to root my 1st generation Kindle Fire. Do I have to install FireFireFire?[/SIZE]

No, but not having FireFireFire installed on a rooted device opens you up to the potential of serious problems in case anything goes wrong, and things will almost always go wrong.​

[SIZE=+1]Q13: Where do I find information on how to unroot the 1st generation Kindle Fire?[/SIZE]

[HOW-TO] Root / Install a ROM / Unroot / Revert to Stock (A KFFB Supplement)​

[SIZE=+1]Q14: Where do I find information on how install ADB/fastboot drivers for the 1st generation Kindle Fire?[/SIZE]

[GUIDE] Kindle Fire For Beginners – Post #2 - & - Let's take some of the mystery out of getting ADB working in Windows​

[SIZE=+1]Q15: I've exhausted all available options and still can't get ADB/fastboot to connect in Windows. What else can I do?[/SIZE]

Soupkit

​

[SIZE=+1]Q16: What does it mean when my device is stuck at the Kindle Fire logo?[/SIZE]

It depends on which Kindle Fire logo you're talking about. If you're talking about the Kindle Fire logo that stays brightly lit without any change in brightness, it means the device is in fastboot mode. Just change the bootmode to normal or recovery and reboot. If you are unable to change the bootmode, then you need to fix your drivers. If the Kindle Fire logo you're talking about flashes and goes dim after being brightly lit for a few seconds, then your device is trying to boot normally to a malfunctioning operating system, likely caused by not wiping the data partition (factory reset) before flashing a ROM. If that's the case, you will likely need a factory cable to get into fastboot mode so you can access or (if needed) install custom recovery, then reinstall a ROM properly.​

[SIZE=+1]Q17: What can I do that will fix 90% of all Kindle Fire problems?[/SIZE]

Get access to custom recovery and reinstall a ROM, making sure to wipe the data partition (factory reset) first.​

[SIZE=+1]Q18: Where do I find information on some of the various commands and how to use them?[/SIZE]

[GUIDE] Kindle Fire For Beginners – Post #3​

[SIZE=+1]Q19: Where do I find information on how to use fastboot mode?[/SIZE]

[GUIDE] Fastboot Mode​

[SIZE=+1]Q20: How do I install a custom ROM?[/SIZE]

[HOW-TO] Root / Install a ROM / Unroot / Revert to Stock (A KFFB Supplement)​

[SIZE=+1]Q21: I need to get a ROM or file onto my Kindle Fire. What are the various methods of doing so?[/SIZE]

You can download the ROM or file onto your device via the Internet. You can use an app like Wifi File Explorer to transfer the ROM or file to your sdcard over wifi. While booted normally, you can mount your sdcard as a USB storage device and transfer it from your computer. If neither of those options are available, you can use ADB to push the ROM or file to your sdcard or use the “Mount” function in custom recovery to mount your sdcard as a USB storage device and transfer it from your computer.​

[SIZE=+1]Q22: What can I do if I am unable to mount my sdcard to USB in recovery?[/SIZE]

[HOW TO] Fix "Failure to mount" sdcard, system, data or cache​

[SIZE=+1]Q23: I like the stock OS but is there an easier way to install Google Play, Google Apps, Disable OTA updates, change wallpapers, etc., rather than doing it manually?[/SIZE]

Install MoDaCo while in recovery​

[SIZE=+1]Q24: Where do I find information on how to restore the Kindle Fire to it's original unmodified state?[/SIZE]

[HOW-TO] Root / Install a ROM / Unroot / Revert to Stock (A KFFB Supplement)​

[SIZE=+1]Q25: I tried to restore the stock OS and now my device is stuck at the Kindle Fire logo. What happened?[/SIZE]

It is most likely that you forgot to wipe the data partition (factory reset) in recovery before flashing the stock update.zip. As a result, you will need a factory cable to get into fastboot so you can reinstall custom recovery and flash the update.zip properly.​

[SIZE=+1]Q26: What is a factory cable? What is it used for? How do I use it?[/SIZE]

A factory cable, not to be confused with the OEM USB cable that comes with the Kindle Fire, is a USB cable made to emulate a Motorola factory programming cable. With the Kindle Fire, it is an easy way to access fastboot mode, especially when no other options are available. To use it, while plugged into your computer, simply plug it into a Kindle Fire that has been completely powered down.​

[SIZE=+1]Q27: Where do I find information on making or purchasing a factory cable?[/SIZE]

[Info]Making/Using a Factory Cable - or - SkOrPn ​

[SIZE=+1]Q28: What needs to be wiped when installing a ROM?[/SIZE]

When installing a minor update to a ROM, it is generally considered safe to just install the ROM without wiping anything. When installing a major update or

a different ROM altogether

, you must, at the very least, perform a factory reset in custom recovery, which wipes the data and cache partitions. Not doing so will usually result in major problems.​

[SIZE=+1]Q29: I tried to install a ROM and now my device is stuck at the ROM's boot animation. What happened?[/SIZE]

It is most likely that you forgot to wipe the data partition (factory reset) in recovery before flashing the ROM. If you have FireFireFire installed, you can use the power button at startup to access custom recovery and reinstall the ROM properly. Otherwise, you may need a factory cable to get into fastboot mode so you can access or (if needed) install custom recovery, then reinstall the ROM properly.​

[SIZE=+1]Q30: Is it true that letting the battery die will reset the device and fix whatever problem I'm experiencing?[/SIZE]

NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! The flash memory storage of the Kindle Fire is capable of holding data without ANY power until your grandchildren's grandchildren have their own grandchildren...probably even longer. Not to mention, a dead battery will cause much bigger problems than you ever had to begin with,

on top of the problems you had to begin with

. Whatever problem you're dealing with, it is always best to avoid letting the battery die at all costs.
​

[SIZE=+1]Q31: Why is my boot logo flashing every 5-10 seconds?[/SIZE]

You have a near dead battery. The most effective way fix it is to power the device down by holding the power button for 10 seconds, plug the device into a power source, then IMMEDIATELY hold the power button until it shuts off again. If it shuts off and stays off (no display, no led), let it charge for at least half a day. Otherwise keep trying, or get another battery.​

[SIZE=+1]Q32: My Kindle shows the boot logo for 20-30 seconds and either goes to a black screen or reboots itself.[/SIZE]

You either don't have a ROM in place or your ROM is seriously malfunctioning. If you have FireFireFire installed, you can use the power button at startup to access custom recovery and install a ROM . Otherwise, you may need a factory cable to get into fastboot mode so you can access or (if needed) install custom recovery, then install a ROM.​

[SIZE=+1]Q33: When my Kindle Fire boots, a message keeps popping up, preventing me from doing anything, how do I fix it?[/SIZE]

This is either caused from not wiping the data partition (factory reset) in recovery before flashing a ROM or you installed an app that is incompatible with the Kindle Fire and it is causing problems. If it the latter is true, use ADB to access the shell and locate and remove the offending app. Otherwise, if you have FireFireFire installed, you can use the power button at startup to access custom recovery and reinstall the ROM properly. If not, you may need a factory cable to get into fastboot mode so you can access or (if needed) install custom recovery, then reinstall the ROM properly.​

[SIZE=+1]Q34: My Kindle Fire does not power on or show any outward signs of life; no display, no sound and no LED when plugged in. What does this mean?[/SIZE]

There was a problem while installing a custom bootloader, or the bootloader partition was, in some way, compromised and the device was shut down before it was fixed. If the device is a 1st generation Kindle Fire, you have to use Firekit or usbboot along with the shorting trick to reinstall the bootloader. If the device is a 2nd generation Kindle Fire, unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it.​

[SIZE=+1]Q35: I have a question about a particular ROM but I can't post in the Development section. What can I do to get the help I need?[/SIZE]

The Development forum is for sharing ideas on development. If you have a question about a particular ROM, ask it in the Q&A section. Contrary to what some may believe, the Developers of this community are very aware of questions being asked in the Q&A section, especially when it comes to their ROMs.​

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This FAQ is part of a Recognized Contributor Group Initiative. Please look for a similar FAQ thread when visiting another device forum.​