yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] pete574:
Plan Overview

I have read through this thread and have come up with a Nexus 4 plan for my Kindle. I would appreciate any feedback:

Background

I have a Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 (3rd generation) at 4.5.5 (confirmed by CPU-Z) which I would like to use for C++ coding. Installing Nexus 4 & CPPDroid is my current plan on achieving this.

Prerequisites

Windows PC

USB Flash Cable

Minimal ADB & Fastboot Installed (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2317790)

HDX Toolkit installed (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2665683)

Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 (3rd generation) at 4.5.5

3.2.8 Downgrade

Disable OTA updates using HDX Toolkit, put Kindle into "Airplane Mode" & remove any known Wi-Fi networks

Copy 3.2.8 firmware to the internal storage folder (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2twXJIOgv-UalRFZEl3dG1jYUk/view)

Confirm OTA is disabled and select "Settings->Device Options->System Updates->Check Now"

4.5.2 Upgrade

Copy stock 4.5.2 firmware into the internal storage folder (http://click.xda-developers.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_144718090461511&key=f0a7f91912ae2b52e0700f73990eb321&libId=igtq3c6001000n4o000DLh8z32iph&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fxdaforums.com%2Fkindle-fire-hdx%2Fgeneral%2Fupdate-1314-4-1-1-probably-sangria-t2901813&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Fkindle-fire-updates.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fupdate-kindle-14.4.5.2_user_452004220.bin&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fxdaforums.com%2Fkindle-fire-hdx%2Fgeneral%2Frollback-13-3-2-8-rollback-ota-captured-t3046204&title=Stock%20firmwares%20for%20Kindle%20Fire%20HDX%20(Thor-Ap%E2%80%A6%20%7C%20Amazon%20Kindle%20Fire%20HDX%207%22%20%26%208.9%22%20%7C%20XDA%20Forums&txt=https%3A%2F%2Fkindle-fire-updates.s3.amazo..._452004220.bin)

Select "Settings->Device Options->System Updates->Check Now"

ROM Install

Root with Kingroot (http://xdaforums.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461)

Rename DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk & disable OTA using HDX Toolkit

Install Safestrap v4.01 (http://xdaforums.com/fire-phone/development/recovery-safestrap-v4-0-1-t3149888)

Backup the Stock Slot & copy to PC

Install Nexus v4.0.5 in stock slot (http://xdaforums.com/fire-phone/development/recovery-safestrap-v4-0-1-t3149888)

Install google play apps...

Have I missed any important (brick-ifying) steps? Or is there a more reliable/easier method/tool I have missed?

Thanks!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Well researched and largely correct albeit with a few important clarifications:

- HDX Toolkit is only applicable for devices running FireOS v3; it will not work on v4 and is not needed; see below.

- OTA is not disabled prior to downgrading from 4.5.5 -> 3.2.8 as you need the OTA engine to perform the work (you couldn't disable OTA anyway w/o root)

- OTA also needs to be active to complete the 3.2.8 -> 4.5.2 upgrade; therefore it should not be disabled. Warning: 'flight mode' must be engaged at all times!

- Place the following files on your device prior rolling back:

>> 3.2.8 rollback bin

>> 4.5.2 upgrade bin renamed to .bak (or something similar)

>> Kingroot apk (no official source)

>> ES File Explorer apk from here. Also place a copy of this file in the Windows folder where you installed Minimal ADB + Fastboot.

Recommend you install Minimal ADB + Fastboot and verify you can communicate via ADB before initiating the rollback. Reboot both devices and validate everything still works.

After rolling back to 3.2.8 and restarting device ('flight mode' engaged) simply rename the 4.5.2 image (restore .bin extension) and then check for updates. No need to root or block OTA while on 3.2.8 provided no network connection is established. If all goes well you'll be on 3.2.8 for <15 min.

Once on 4.5.2 enable USB debug in FireOS, tether device and make sure you can communicate via ADB. Use ADB to install ES File Explorer (reference) then use it to locate and install the Kingroot apk on your device (adb install would also work). You will need to enable wifi briefly for Kingroot to work it's magic. No longer than 60 seconds as Amazon will immediately begin downloading the latest version of FireOS (4.5.5 as of this writing). Once rooted you can block OTA by renaming DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk as described here. At this point it is save to establish a network connection, download/install Safestrap v4 and Nexus v4.

Greatest danger of an unintended brick comes when the device is temporarily on 3.2.8. Best way to avoid an OTA (and guaranteed brick) is to keep flight mode engaged at all times. Also, skip Wifi setup when the device attempts to initialize after rolling back to 3.2.8 and try to stay out of range of any nearby hotspots.

Suggest posting back after reaching 4.5.2 for additional suggestions on installing/configuring Safestrap and Nexus. Good luck.

Edit: Suggest letting this post sit for 48 hours before starting the rollback to allow other contributors to weigh in with thoughts. Always possible two sets of eyes missed something :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] grandamle91:
Ive tried the 10 times so far and everytime it says error! after restarting
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Device type (7", 8.9")? If the larger HDX when did you purchase it? 4th Gen HDX devices can not be downgraded.

BTW - you original post went unanswered due to lack of detail. The more info you provide the greater chance someone will be able to assist.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] grandamle91:
Sorry forgot this was a multi forum.

Its the Kindle Fire HDX 7" 32 GB 3rd Generation

My other one that was running 4.5.2 i could downgrade, this one running 4.5.5 i cant
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Thanks. Thoughts ...

- Possible (albeit unlikely) the upgrade bin is corrupt. Side load ES File Explorer from here and verify the MD5 (0371E50D222048D329BDAA3F12FE66BD)

- Occasionally a native factory reset can restore upgrade/rollback functionality (normally native resets are a bad idea and should never be done after device is rooted). Power down and then restart via <power>+<vol-up>, select factor reset, restart and then repeat rollback steps.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] bodo128:
Is there a way to downgrade the 3rd generation fire with 4.5.5?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cl4ncy:
Yes. [MENTION=5488402]Davey126[/MENTION] gave a good overview here, so read all the info and ask before you brick your HDX! If you don't follow the procedure 100% correctly, you will brick your HDX!

Note that you must keep WLAN off/flight mode active during the down- and up-date procedure, getting updated by Amazon by OTA will brick your HDX!

After successful update to 4.5.2 you must root with Kingroot.

Kingroot requires a short internet connection, so just enable it to root, and disable right after success! Otherwise you will get updated to 4.5.5. and have to do the whole down- and upgrade process again, with all the risks!

After successful rooting you can install Safestrap v4 and use eiter Nexus or CM11. Now while CM11 works in secondary slots it is recommended to use the stock slot due to higher battery usage of secondary slots (Nexus works in the stock slot only - WLAN won't work in secondary slots). Do NOT restore a backup of a secondary slot to the stock slot! This will overwrite Safestrap files and will brick the HDX! Safestrap is not like the real TWRP!

Be sure to create a backup of your stock slot before you flash any custom ROM, and copy that backup to your PC!

If you've any questions please ask first, before you brick your HDX. ;)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] bodo128:
Thank you, but I don't have the HDX, just the HD-version from 2013. Can I use the same tutorial or is there another way to downgrade it without root permissions?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cl4ncy:
Well, for the HD you should ask in the related (sub-)forum then. I don't know anything about it, sorry.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
No - the procedures and files available are only applicable to HDX models. Check here for options specific to your device:

xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hd
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] pete574:
Nexus 4 on HDX 8.9 4.5.2 Install Steps

Thanks to Davey126 helpful post, I am now at 4.5.2 with Safestrap 4.0.1 installed, device rooted & OTA disabled.

Nexus 4 Installation

Backup the Stock ROM using SafeStrap

Download Nexus 4

Download Gapps

Download SuperSU

Download Dolby Digital Add-on

Reboot to the Safestrap recovery menu

Select "Boot Option" and ensure "Stock ROM" is active

Select "Install", select the ZIP's previously downloaded & swipe to flash

Select "Reboot" and then "System"

Questions

Is there anything wrong/inadvisable with the above steps?

Previous posts mention "Factory Reset" as the final step - where is this located in Safestrap?

An "Unlocked boot loader" was also mentioned - what is this and do I now have this with Safestrap?

Thanks again for the feedback & comments!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Your Nexus v4 install procedure is spot on. Additional thoughts and (hopefully) responses to your Qs:

- After backing up the stock slot leave a copy on your device for a few days in case a restore is needed. Once satisfied with Nexus (or CM11) you can move those files (entire folder) to another environment which will simplify returning to stock should the need arise.

- Always keep a copy of the Nexus v4 and SuperSU images on your device for emergency recovery. They are relatively small but can be a lifesaver if you can not get Nexus to boot but can still gain access to Safestrap. This is rare but does happen.

- After flashing a new rom you should be presented with an option to perform a factory reset. In the event that does not happen siimply return to the Safestrap main menu, select 'wipe' and then swipe the slider at the bottom of the screen. There is no need to choose any options (partitions) as the proper choices have already been made. Then reboot.

- When Nexus starts for the first time there will be some delays (including a heart stopping blank screen) as the OS initiates. One of the earlier animations is a series of bouncing balls. If this persists for more than 2-3 min shut down your device, reboot to Safestrap recovery and then perform a second factory reset as described above and reboot. Should fix the problem.

- Without delving into detail you can not unlock your bootloader due to Amazon anti-rollback protections. An unlocked bootloader grants ultimate access to all areas of your device, permits installing a more robust recovery tools (eg: TWRP), flashing a broader array of roms (eg: CM12) and access to 'fastboot' for low level operations/recovery. For your needs you won't notice the difference other than having to push through the SS splash screen on boot. A minor inconvenience.

- Once Nexus v4 is stable make backup in TWRP and then move it to another environment to free up space on your device. You may have to move the original stock backup first depending on the amount of storage available.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] anonymous93:
I have Kindle HDX Thor. STarted with 4.5.5. Rolled back to 3.2.8 and forward to 4.5.2. Installed ES file explorer. Trying to run kingroot to get root. Don't want to keep the wifi on for so long that it downloads the update, but not sure how long that'll take.

Tried once, it got a partial update download, but not long enough for kingroot to root the tablet. Before I try again, I'd like to delete the partially downloaded file. And how long is "safe" before it downloads the entire update?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] anonymous93:
I used the most recent version of kingroot. It would not root without an internet connection. I tried a second time and my device got the 4.5.3 download before it fully rooted. So, now I have the 4.5.3 version ready to install. And I'm not sure, maybe a partially rooted tablet? I tried reinstalling the 3.2.8 and the 4.5.2 and with both I got the message "missing APK file".

I did delete a file from the downloads folder (using the es file manager), should have paid more attention to what it was called. Not sure if it was the update file or something to do with the rooting process.

I don't want to let my tablet sit for too long. It says it'll update to the 4.5.3 when it's not in use. Should I let it do the update?

Then I start over and use a different version of kingroot?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Put your tablet in flight mode or disable WiFi. Tether to host of your choice. Look for a '.bin' file containing the word 'update' and delete. File should be located in internal storage when viewed from host or the root of sdcard from ES File Explorer. You can then try Kingroot again, preferably at another time when the domain/host Kingroot is trying to reach is more responsive. Network traffic can also play a role; weekend traffic is full of video streams that slow everything down.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] anonymous93:
Thanks for the good tip re: network traffic. I'll try again maybe tomorrow.

As for the update, I searched using windows explorer and didn't find anything like that. Also searched again using ES file Explorer, nothing. So maybe it was the file I mentioned I deleted from the download file?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Hopefully - can't say for sure without knowing the file name.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] anonymous93:
I was going to ask and forgot, would it still say that an update is ready to install? And if it thought that it was ready maybe it wouldn't try downloading again?

And at this point would it brick my tablet if I just did the update? (then redoing the roll back and reupdate)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Risk is very low going from 4.5.2-> 4.5.3. Suggest long pressing power (up to 20 sec) to prevent an automatic update then restarting. Then check to see if 4.5.3 update is still pending. I'd so and you can't locate the file you'll probably need to let it complete and then do the rollback again. While you can root 4.5.3 safestrap v4 requires 4.5.2. Others have tried under different versions of FireOS;it's a nogo.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] ONYXis:
Update ota file downloading into /cache.

Need root to see it.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] pete574:
3rd Gen Fire HDX 8.9 4.5.5 -> Nexus 4.05 Steps

Here are the steps I took to install Nexus 4.0.5 on my Kindle HDX 8.9 4.5.5. Hopefully this will be of help to readers.

Warning: This only worked for my specific circumstances. I highly recommend you read through this thread to fully understand the procedure and common issues people have had.

Once again, thanks to Davey126 for his help.

Prerequisites

USB Flash Cable

Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 (3rd generation) at 4.5.5

Minimal ADB & Fastboot installed on your Mac/Linux/Windows machine

File transfer tested between Kindle and ADB

3.2.8 Downgrade

Put Kindle into "Flight Mode" & remove any known Wi-Fi networks

Download and install ES File Explorer to your Kindle using ADB

Copy 3.2.8 firmware to the internal storage folder

Select "Settings->Device Options->System Updates->Check Now"

4.5.2 Upgrade

Put Kindle into "Flight Mode" & remove any known Wi-Fi networks

Download and install ES File Explorer to your Kindle using ADB

Copy stock 4.5.2 firmware into the internal storage folder

Select "Settings->Device Options->System Updates->Check Now"

ROM Install

Put Kindle into "Flight Mode" & remove any known Wi-Fi networks

Download and install ES File Explorer to your Kindle using ADB

Download and install Kingroot to your Kindle using ADB

Connect to the internet, Root with Kingroot and then disconnect from the internet (should only be connected for < 1 min)

Rename DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk

Backup the Stock ROM using SafeStrap

Download Nexus 4 to your Kindle

Download Gapps to your Kindle

Download SuperSU to your Kindle

Download Dolby Digital Add-on to your Kindle

Reboot to the Safestrap recovery menu

Select "Boot Option" and ensure "Stock ROM" is active

Select "Install", select the ZIP's previously downloaded & swipe to flash

Return to the Safestrap main menu, select 'wipe' and then swipe the slider at the bottom of the screen

For futher information, see this post and this post.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] anonymous93:
Alright, so I tried rooting with kingroot 4.6, 4.5 and today with version 4.1. With versions 4.6 and 4.5 it seemed like it needed a longer internet connection than the 5 -10 seconds I was willing to give it so that the update didn't fully download.

Today I tried twice with version 4.1. Again, left it connected only the 5 - 10 seconds. Both times it got to about 70% rooted and then quit. Am I doing something wrong or do I just need to keep trying?

Does kingroot restart the tablet? If I leave it connected to the internet long enough that the update fully downloads,

will it try installing the download? Or will the tablet root and I'll have a chance to delete the update file before it runs the update?

And what about rooting it with the CVE file I've seen mentioned? At this point it seems like that might be a safer option so I don't brick my tablet since that doesn't seem to require an internet connection at all. Is there a difference in the two methods or are they pretty much the same?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Other posters have suggest 30-60 sec is needed for Kingroot to complete. Most Amazon OTA updates are pretty large (hundreds of megabytes) so unless you have a very fast Internet connection the entire update file probably would not download in under a minute. Another option is to use public or cafe (eg: Starbucks) wifi as it tends to be much slower. I doubt Kingroot exchanges much data - probably just a few handshakes. However, the slower connection would effectively throttle the OTA download.

The CVE method remains valid but many have difficulty getting it to work. I have not personally used this technique so can not vouch for the difficulty. That said, it was the only method for rooting FireOS v4 prior to Kingroot.

The above suggestions may sound crude/uninformed but it goes with the territory. You are utilizing 'homegrown tools' to perform unsupported actions on a device that is as unique as a fingerprint. Just have to work the angles until you find a successful path. Good luck.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] anonymous93:
Thanks for the tips. I do have a superfast internet connection and it was "only" downloading the update to 4.5.3 from 4.5.2, so I'm not sure it was that big of a file.

I ended up trying the cve and it worked! So we're on to the next steps.

Thanks!!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cooljonas0:
do not trie afther i updated it it wont turn on :crying

do not trie afther i updated it it wont turn on :crying
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Guessing you rolled back to 3.2.8 but did not block network connections. If true your device attempted to upgrade to the latest version of FireOS and bricked. Sorry for your loss.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Yes - as outlined below and detailed here. A big shout-out to [MENTION=7068324]pete574[/MENTION] for the nice writeup.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] abc360:
Amazon Kindle HDX8.9

Hello,

can someone give me please the 14.3.2.8 recovery.img, because I can´t update to 14.4.5.2, it gives me alway an error while updating. I installed TWRP recovery before and after that the recovery was dead. Than I found a 14.3.2.3.2 stock recovery and this works. But updates always fails. Please help me to update to 14.4.5.2. I like to have CM11 on my Kindle.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] ONYXis:
first of all you need to read installation guide otherwise you will get brick if you continue to do something like this.

TWRP is not accessible for you, your option is safestrap . from safestrap you can install CM11.

Yes, need to restore recovery >=13.3.2.5 and update to 4.5.2 before safestrap. Need someone dump it for you (I am without tablet now) or you can install it from recovery-resource.dat (i can't provide detailed instructions now, sorry, afk).
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] abc360:
Thank you for your reply. I would be very thankful, if someone can dump me the matching recovery for my system or give me information, how I can get back the stock recovery via recovery-resource-dat, so that I can finally update to 4.5.2. without errors.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] abc360:
Unfortunately my Kindle Fire is bricked now. The screen is black, the computer shows only qhusb. Can I do anything or is the kindle now finally dead?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Unfortunately, there is no known recovery from this condition on a device with a locked bootloader (even unlocked it would be a challenge to recover). Sorry for your loss.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] w595shubham:
Kindle not able to find system update image in settings

Bravo to developers!!! They are doing amazing job.

I am not able to roll back from Fireos 4.5.5 to 3.2.8, my kindle fire hdx 7(last updated: september 16 2015) is in flight mode and I have removed all wifi networks registered.

I have put 'mod-update-kindle-apollo-14.3.2.8_user_714328020.bin' this firmware on my kindle outside of all folders.

Then tab on check for update button under settings->device option->system updates->updates : check now.

But it says "your fire is currently in airplane mode. you will need to disable airplane mode to use this feature".

When I disable airplane mode then it complains for wifi, and when I enable wifi, it says no updates found.

What to do?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
First verify you have a 3rd gen HDX (Apollo 2.2 GHz processor); 4th gen (Saturn 2.5 GHz processor mfg after Sept 2014) can not be downgraded.

Reboot your device and let it sit for 10-15 min before checking for updates. You can also attempt a factory reset from the native FireOS recovery menu (power + vol-up). However, I recommend reserving that for a last resort as sometimes factory resets can lead to more problems.

Be aware your device does NOT need to be in flight mode (nor WiFi disabled) when initiating the roll back from 4.5.5 -> 3.2.8. The danger comes once you are on 3.2.8. If a device receives and processes an OTA update while on 3.2.8 it will hard brick. Also note flight mode and radio status will not carry over from 4.5.5 -> 3.2.8. Both must be set while/after you boot 3.2.8 for the first time. This is where many get burned.

Give those suggestions a try and post back if still having difficulties.