yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] rtechie:
Got 4.5.5.1 update to work

I just downgraded a HDX 7" to 3.2.8.

I copied the file to \sdcard using USB after downloading the file using Chrome on Windows.

The HDX wouldn't "see" the file until I did a factory reset.

After the factory reset I was able to downgrade to 3.2.8.

After the HDX rebooted I put the HDX in Airplane mode.

I then copied the 4.5.2 ROM from this thread to /sdcard using USB after downloading the file using Chrome on Windows.

I was then able to upgrade to 4.5.2 using the same procedure.

I then copied over the Kingroot and Safestrap apks to a folder called /sdcard/APKs

I then connected the HDX to the internet so I could install ES File Manager using the Amazon App Store. The HDX immediately downloaded and staged an update (that's BAD!), if I had rebooted or left the tablet unattended it would have updated.

I installed ES File Manager and then installed Kingroot and rooted the phone, I then disabled the updates as described here. All of this WITHOUT REBOOTING. You might want to be paranoid like me and make sure you never reboot the tablet into FireOS again, just in case it tries to install that staged update.

I then installed Safestrap, and copied over the CyanogenMod 11 ROM and Google Apps to /sdcard. I then used Safestrap to reboot into recovery and flashed CM11 and Gapps following the instructions.

All worked like a champ, though I'm wondering if I should have gone with the CM13 ROM.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Couple items:

- You no longer have to downgrade/upgrade to run Safestrap v4 as FireOS 4.5.5.1 can be rooted directly and also supports Safestrap. Those on an unrootable version of FireOS can just let it 'naturally' upgrade to 4.5.5.1. In fact the newest ROMs for HDX requires a 4.5.5.1 foundation.

- CM13 is not an option (requires an unlocked bootloader; your device can't be unlocked). 3rd Gen HDXs will only support KitKat based ROMs (CM11, Nexus and FireOS v4) due to kernel dependencies. Highly unlikely that will change unless Amazon releases FireOS v5 for 3rd gen devices.

Although you did more work (rollback/upgrade) than was necessary you probably learned a few things along the way so time well spent.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] rtechie:
Everything I was reading said to downgrade to 4.5.2 so that's what I did.

Yeah, I tried to load the ROM I found here, but the HDX got stuck in a boot loop.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Damn lucky you didn't brick it. Prerequisites are clearly stated in OP.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tny618:
im so happy

I just wanna say THANK YOU SO MUCH!! My Kindle was in a constant loop at the language screen and when i hit continue it would go to my home screen for half a second and flip right back to the language screen. factory resets did not work at all. i thought i was lost until i saw this and was like this cant be that easy and lo and behold it was!!! i downgraded from 4.5.5.1 to 3.2.8 successfully which obviously stopped my constant loop, thanks again!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Great! Important - do not allow your device to establish a network connection while on 3.2.8. An 'over the air' update from Amazon will permanently brick the device. This has and will happen - guaranteed - unless you take steps to block OTA updates.

Post back if interested in upgrading to 4.5.2 or higher. There is a way...without enabling WiFi.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] thai230293:
Confirm in os 4.5.5.1

It's worked in my fire os 4.5.5.1.

But can I install android on it?

Thank you!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
What worked - a downgrade to 3.2.8? If so you better turn off WiFi now or you'll end up with a brick.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] bigboolean:
If you're saying you now have FireOS 4.5.5.1, then you'll need KingRoot, Safe Strap, and I personally recommend Fire Nexus Custom ROM.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] thai230293:
Brick...

When I turn on wifi again, It's auto update to 13.4... I didn't see any tips to disable auto update. Then, now I cannot turn on my tablet. Can I solve this problem?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Nope - non-recoverable (100% sure). Sorry for your loss.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] thai230293:
Anyway, tks for your help
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
Has this anybody tested for 4.5.5.2 ?

THX

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] ONYXis:
Yes. It works.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
THX
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
See here: http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hd...-4-1-1-probably-sangria-t2901813/post68548392

If you go for it be sure to keep WiFi off (or take other precautions to prevent a spontaneous network connection) while on 3.2.8. If your device receives/processes an OTA update it will hard brick with no possibility of recovery short of board replacement.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
One more question:

Can i go afterwards to 4.5.5.1 and take the kingroot for becoming root afterwards.

When true, can i install safastrap 4.01 after this ?

THX

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Yes:

- be sure to grab the 4.5.5.1 (not 4.5.5.0/2) image for your device type from here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55954966&postcount=1

- you do not need to go to 4.5.2 first; can update directly to 4.5.5.1 from 3.2.8 (using file from above)

- take steps to block OTA once on 4.5.5.1 and rooted to prevent an OTA update to the latest FireOS release (unless you plan to immediately install Safestrap v4 and replace FireOS with a custom rom)

- keep WiFi off while on 4.5.5.1 to avoid an unwanted gift from Amazon
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
Thanks a lot. I will show you my action-plan later. It were very kindly when you take a look then.

THX

Christian

---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:50 PM ----------

What is the best way to install ES-Explorer after installing 4.5.5.1 ?

THX

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
Do i have enough time to go online and install the ES-Explorer, that the OTA not make an update ?

---------- Post added at 08:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 PM ----------

My Plan:

- Put 3.2.8- Image to /sdcard ==> mod-update-kindle-thor-13.3.2.8_user_713328020.bin

- Make "Update"

- Disable Wifi / Airplane Mode / Reboot

- Put 4.5.5.1 - Image to /sdcard ==> update-kindle-13.4.5.5_user_455002120.bin

- Make Update

- Install ES-Explorer ( How can i do that ? ... enough time to go online ? )

- Diasable Wifi / Airplane Mode / Diasable OTA-Update ( rename to /system/priv-app/DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk.old

- Reboot

- Make root via Kingroot

- Install supersu ( 1Mobile Market )

- Reboot

- Install safestrap ( Safestrap-Thor-4.0.1-B03.apk )

==> http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/development/recovery-safestrap-v4-0-1-t3137840

- Make backup ==> save on pc

- Install gapps (open_gapps-arm-4.4-pico-20160907 ==> pico ) ( Method 1 )

==> http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/root-how-to-install-google-play-store-t3339865

THX

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Comments in blue italics

You final set of steps suggest you have no immediate plans to run a custom ROM. I strongly advise AGAINST installing GAaps on FireOS v4. Not only will it perform poorly but may present significant obstacles for future upgrade efforts. Also increases the chance of rendering FireOS non-bootable which may not be recoverable via Safestrap.

---------- Post added at 06:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 PM ----------

Wouldn't risk it. However, most apks can be installed via tether using 'adb install <apk>'
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
OK ... i took the Nexus-Rom.

How long takes the Installation of the Nexus-Rom ... i have installed the Nexus-Rom and i see only "Rolling Balls" for a long time after booting this. Connect via adb shell is ok.

THX

Christian

---------- Post added at 10:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 AM ----------

**** ... i have forgot the factory reset ... now, it seems ok.

Thanks a lot

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
That was my actionplan ( Thanks for your help ):

- Put 3.2.8- Image to /sdcard ==> mod-update-kindle-thor-13.3.2.8_user_713328020.bin

- Make "Update"

- When FireOS initializes do not provide WiFi credentials to your local AP

- Disable Wifi / Airplane Mode / Reboot

- Put 4.5.5.1 - Image to /sdcard ==> update-kindle-13.4.5.5_user_455002120.bin

- Make Update

- When FireOS initializes do not provide WiFi credentials to your local AP

- Diasable Wifi / Airplane Mode

- Reboot

- Make root via Kingroot

==> I had to go online for that

- Reboot

- Diasable OTA-Update ( rename to /system/priv-app/DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk.old)

- Establish network connection (eg: enable WiFi; disable flight mode; etc)

- Install safestrap ( Safestrap-Thor-4.0.1-B03.apk ) ==> http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/development/recovery-safestrap-v4-0-1-t3137840

- Make backup ==> save on pc

- Install Safestrap recovery from Safestrap app / Reboot

- On Safestrap splash screen choose 'boot to recovery' (approximate wording)

- Install Nexus-Rom

==> http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/development/rom-hdx-nexus-v4-0-1-t3125808

Dont forget the factory reset.

I had to go online for kingroot.

Can/Should i install supersu and how ?

THX

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
You installed a DISCONTINUED build of Nexus (clearly stated in the thread title) which is no longer being supported. Grab the current build from here (has GAaps and SuperSU built in among other improvements), return to Safestrap recovery, perform a 'factory reset' to flush current build and reflash Nexus.

Also note standard Safestrap v4 cautions (post grabbed at random; sorry for extraneous clutter)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
Thanks ... done. Its very hard for a noob with restrictions in english language.

Danke

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
You are doing a great job! I was a bit terse in my response - sorry about that. :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] tramCS:
No problem. Thanks for all your help and patience.

Christian
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] paomiao:
Some questions about your action plan

:laugh:

I have an Apollo on 4.5.5.2 and I would try to run your action plan (for Apollo of course) but before to start I'd have some questions:

a) After reboot to 3.2.8 shouldn't install ES File Explorer (via adb) to put 4.5.5.1 to /sdcard?

b) How and where is the tethered version of Kingroot? (to avoid to go online...)

c) After boot on recovery on Safestrap to install Nexus-Rom, what kind of wipe must be done? Also factory reset from recovery?

Thank you for your great job
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Pusspaws:
ooooh I also have apollo 4.5.5.2 8.9 HDX... would this action plan work for me? Excellent plan by the way, especially for those who arent completely sure about the steps to take, and where to get the links from... would feel alot better if someone has run the plan and its been successful.....or if theres hiccups along the way, to document also, again mainly for those who would find that part quite daunting. its fascinating to me, how this all works... and the more I read on this forum the more I learn, :)) Thank you
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
- no need to install ES File Explorer as you can place the file directly via 'adb push' or more conveniently from Windows Explorer ("Internal Storage")

- Kingroot, although desktop version should be fine over slower connections (<50 Mbps); no time for 4.5.5.2 download to complete before reboot

- perform a 'factory reset' (slider at bottom) from Safestrap Wipe menu prior to flashing Nexus (or CM11)

Caution #1: A known good flashable Safestrap compatible rom zip but reside on the device BEFORE performing a factory reset. Strongly suggest verifying MD5 after file has been copied to device. If a serviceable zip is not on the device after performing a 'factory reset' the device may be non-recoverable if the current rom will not boot.

Caution #2: All actions take place in the STOCK slot; do not create or populate secondary slots in Safestrap v4. Bad outcomes await ...

Caution #3: Never perform a factory refresh/reset outside the Safestrap environment once Safestrap v4 has been installed. Instant brick.

---------- Post added at 11:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:02 AM ----------

Yes it would but there is considerable risk involved as mentioned in an earlier post. Keep reading and learning :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Pusspaws:
Oh absolutely I'm not that confident yet, I am happy to keep learning:) thank you
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] paomiao:
So tonight I tried to begin the procedure but the 1st step failed!

I put the image "mod-update-kindle-apollo-14.3.2.8_user_714328020.bin" to /sdcard.

Then I tapped on System Updates and the update was ready to install.

After tapping UPDATE the system replied "LAST UPDATING NOT SUCCEEDED" !

I tried also with WIFI off with the same result.

Now the question is : Is it sure that this downgrade is possible from 4.5.5.2 ???? If yes, is there some other config to change?

Thanks a lot.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
At present no reason to believe it will not work with 4.5.5.2 until proven otherwise. Quick checks/questions:

- confirming you have a 3rd gen Apollo and not a 4th gen Saturn

- did it ship with 4.5.5.2 or did you recently receive an OTA uodate?

- was the device previously rooted or have Play Services installed?

- any prior attempt to block OTA updates?

In the past performing a 'factory reset' from the stock recovery menu sometimes allowed rejected downgrades to progress. Note this will remove personal apps/data as will rolling back to 3.2.8.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] paomiao:
- yes 3rd gen Apollo

- OTA update last 2nd September

- never rooted, no Play Services just Aptoide

- no

Tonight I'll perform a factory reset from the stock recovery menu as last chance.

I'll note you the result later.

Thanks
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Also validate 14.3.2.8 MD5 on device using ES File Explorer, HashDroid or similar tool. Expected value can be found here: http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hd...8-rollback-ota-captured-t3046204/post64614464
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] paomiao:
Tonight, after a backup of all my data and a full restore factory defaults, finally installed the 3.2.8 version.

And now, after all other steps, I am on Nexus ROM!

These were my steps:

- Backup all my data (from Apollo 4.5.5.2)

- Restore Factory defaults

- WIFI OFF

- Put "mod-update-kindle-apollo-14.3.2.8_user_714328020.bin" to /sdcard

- Make "UPDATE" and reboot

- WIFI OFF

- Put "update-kindle-14.4.5.5_user_455002120.bin" to /sdcard

- Make "UPDATE" and reboot

- WIFI OFF

- Tried two times Kingroot tethered from Windows ==> failed

- adb install "NewKingrootV4.9.6_C151_B309_xda_release_2016_08_26_105243.apk"

- adb install "ES_File_Explorer.apk"

- then (crossing fingers) WIFI ON

- Kingroot (about 2 or 3 very long minutes)

- WIFI OFF and reboot

- Disable OTA-Update (rename to /system/priv-app/DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk.old)

- put "kk-fire-nexus-rom-apollo-20160813.zip" to /sdcard

- Install Safestrap-Apollo-4.0.1-B03.apk

- Install Safestrap recovery from Safestrap app and reboot

- On Safestrap splash screen choose 'RECOVERY'

- From Safestrap recovery "WIPE FACTORY RESET"

- From Safestrap recovery tap "INSTALL" and choose from /sdcard "kk-fire-nexus-rom-apollo-20160813.zip"

- REBOOT

ANDROID.....

Thanks very much to all (in particulary DAVEY126)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Glad it worked out. Be sure to keep a copy of the Nexus rom zip on the device at all times for emergency recovery. It's not terribly big but can save you from an unrecoverable 'soft brick' should something go wrong in the stock slot. With Safestrap v4 file transfers are impossible without a working rom. Enjoy your liberated device!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Pusspaws:
Oh congratulations, I'm so glad it worked for you.....
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] ivacor:
Hello, why?

How is it possible?

I have a bricked one too, may I help in some way to help find a recovery??
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] ONYXis:
Need signed flash programmer from amazon.

Details here - http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/how-to-unbrick-kindle-fire-hdx-firmware-t3277197 to understand process in outline.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
My original response was to individual who manually downgraded to 3.2.8 but failed to block OTA updates yielding a known *hard* brick condition with no known resolution short of board replacement. I believe this still holds true today.

If the device is still responsive (powers up) and you can secure the device/machine ID and serial number there *may* be a way to unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery. An alternative method exists for devices that were never updated past 3.2.6. Previous post provides a link to the appropriate thread.

[MENTION=5594063]ONYXis[/MENTION], [MENTION=5828306]draxie[/MENTION] - in light of recent developments please comment if I messed this up. Don't want to be misleading folks.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] draxie:
Reflashing the vulnerable bootloader presupposes that you can still boot your device and connect via adb...
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Pusspaws:
rollback

hi ya,

this may sound stupid, but im going to ask anyway...my hdx 8.9 is runnning 14.5.5.2. I want to rollback to 3.2.8. If I put "mod-update-kindle-apollo-14.3.2.8_user_714328020.bin" to /sdcard , and turn wii off and update 3.2.8, do i have to instal all the other updates in numerical order, or is it safe to just use the update-kindle-14.4.5.5_user_455002120.bin.

thanks
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Reasonable question; from v3.2.8 you can go directly to any FireOS v4 build including the one that you propose. Just don't take a OTA update while on FireOS v3 or device will brick.

Be aware you can now unlock the bootloader on *any* rooted 3rd gen HDX which opens the door to Lollipop/Marshmallow/Nougat custom roms and/or rooting any build of FireOS. The path from 3.2.8 involves rooting via Towelroot (or Kingroot) and then unlocking the bootloader using techniques described elsewhere in the HDX forums. The latter can be frustrating to those not familiar with fastboot and/or Windows driver issues but definitely yields huge rewards.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Pusspaws:
So is it safe to use the KFHDX toolkit once ive downgraded?. Is there a better custom rom for the hdx or is it a personal preference...Ive not owned an android before, I have an Ipad, but I wanted the kindle hdx so I could have similar games on it so both the grandkids dont fight over who has the ipad..but the kindle doesnt have the kind of games the boys like playing...where as an android can use google play store which is great... So i got the hdx because the graphics are great so thats why i want the android route.....
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Fire and iPad are different beasts; don't expect a similar experience.

HDX graphics and game performance are not strong points although it should be fine for younger kids. Yes, the device has an excellent screen but internals were never optimized for game play. If your grandkids are looking for a few specific titles there is a good chance they can be sideloaded under FireOS saving you the hassle/risks associated with rollbacks, unlocking and flashing custom ROMs.

Assuming similar compatibility/stability choice of ROM comes down to personal preference. All have pros/cons. FireOS is not horrible once the Amazon cruft is stripped away.

Yes, HDX tookkit is safe to run on any FireOS v3 build including 3.2.8.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Pusspaws:
Ok... So, Ive done alot of reading and grabbed from ONYXis, paomiao and Davey126, a list of instructions for rolling back and installing a rom... Im hoping that ive covered all bases before i take the plunge.. if theres anything ive omitted, or is in the wrong order please can you help me..

1. Back up everything

2. Factory reset

3. WiFi off

4. Put "mod-update-kindle-apollo-14.3.2.8_user_714328020.bin" to /sdcard https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2twXJIOgv-UalRFZEl3dG1jYUk/view?usp=sharing (Thanx ONYXis)

5 Make "UPDATE" and reboot

6. WIFI OFF

7. Put "update-kindle-14.4.5.5_user_455002120.bin" to /sdcard http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/update-1314-4-1-1-probably-sangria- t2901813 (Thanx ONYXis)

8. Make "UPDATE" and reboot

9. WIFI OFF

10 using HDX Toolkit , tether and block OTA updates

11 using HDX Toolkit root with towelroot (you'll need to switch on WiFi briefly for root to complete) (number 1 in kfhdx toolkit)

12 using [MENTION=5828306]draxie[/MENTION]'s "1-click" utility (http://wikisend.com/download/762032/1-Click.zip) unlock the bootloader

13 install (flash) TWRP and the rom of your choice (both must be compatible with HDX devices) Im choosing kk-fire-nexus-rom-apollo-20160813.zip

Where do I install TWRP and the Rom? I also want Google App Store, is this something I need to instal as well?

Thank you guys for all your advice, warnings, instructions and help..... :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
See above for suggested changes (in red italics). Good choice of ROM; has Google App Store built in. TWRP recovery is most easily flashed with Flashify (here). Suggest using an older version (here) as the latest has issues with some roms including Nexus. Once installed you boot into TWRP recovery to flash the ROM.

Sure you want to do this? I appreciate the willingness to do research and pull together the various pieces. That said, techniques in this procedure fall somewhere between novice and expert. You are bound to run into a few hurdles. Plan accordingly...time and patience are a virtue.

I mentioned sideloading apps under FireOS in a previous post; still a viable alternative ...
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] NBonaparte:
If I remember correctly, 1-click includes TWRP installation.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] draxie:
Yes, the latest version does flash TWRP, if you opt to flash ABOOT.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Pusspaws:
Thanks Davey126, I have sideloaded apps already, I reeally want google apps store and I cant get that to work...:( on the fireos. As long as theres nothing else I need to do, and I follow the steps carefully, I think the toolkit and the click1 apps has probably lessened the chance of making mistakes, as its just a case of selecting the correct steps within the apps (is that correct,?) I should be OK.. I do appreciate your warnings and I am not taking this step until Im really happy that Ive covered all the bases:)

---------- Post added at 10:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:15 AM ----------

ooh thats good to know as well, thank you :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
[MENTION=5828306]draxie[/MENTION] - appears there may be some negative interactions with select ROMs and [MENTION=5749760]ggow[/MENTION]'s current build of TWRP. Flashing Fire Nexus ROM reliably terminates with error 7; some have reported this with CM 12.1 as well. For whatever reason CM 11 and CM 13 install fine.

Suggest including TWRP 3.0.1.0, 3.0.0.1 or 2.8.7.5 in 1-click until the issue is sorted. You can grab v2 from the forums; I have a copy of the first v3 release if you prefer that (can PM it to you).

Edit: Links to 3.0.0.1 are now included here.

---------- Post added at 12:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 PM ----------

Yep - in the end you will likely be happier with a custom ROM. The HDX toolkit and 1-click streamline some portions but there are still steps that assume familiarity with Android devices and modding techniques. I'm sure you'll get through it with help from the community. Just be prepared for some down time and head scratching along the way. :)