yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
SafeStrap v4 is now an obsolete solution (and will not run on FireOS 4.5.5.2) as bootloader can be easily unlocked allowing installation of any custom ROM for this device (Jellybean to Nougat).

See this post along with the OP from that thread for an overview of the unlock procedure. I also recommend reading a couple dozen posts before/after the one linked above for clarifying comments.

While bootloader unlocking is not particularly difficult or dangerous it does demand attention to detail and often patience wrestling with host (typically Windows) driver issues. Take a read; post questions in the unlock thread as needed.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] FireFlyChef:
semi-noob question

Can Safestrap be swapped for TWRP?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
No. Safestrap is a TWRP emulator that was used to support the installation of custom ROMs on a rooted but (bootloader) locked device. It is now obsolete and should not be used for new installations. Better to unlock the bootloader, install 'native' TWRP and then flash the ROM of your choosing. There is also a way to install TWRP w/o unlocking the bootloader but that will only support KitKat based custom ROMS (CM11 and Fire Nexus KTU84U). If you want something based on Lollipop or higher (Android 5.1-7.1) you'll need to unlock the bootloader.

https://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/thor-4-5-5-2-easy-to-root-unlock-t3571240
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] aerotaru:
Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 3rd generation stuck on boot screen

My son's Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 3rd generation is stuck on the boot screen. Power/volume button combo has gotten me into recovery mode

where I erased the user content but it goes right back to the boot screen loop. Is there a utility I can use on my MacBookPro to unbrick it?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
There is but the process is not straight forward and requires a certain tolerance for technical jargon, obstacles and setbacks. The process is more tedious on OS X vs Windows; suggest the latter if at all possible. Ultimately you'll score a device with an unlocked bootloader that can host several contemporary Nougat (Android 7.1) based ROMs. Post back if interested; I'll dig up the links.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] aerotaru:
Thank you, yes please

THANK YOU, YES PLEASE. Technical jargon, obstacles and setbacks - isn't that true of everything in life? I'm very interested and grateful if you could point me in the right direction and offer me some guidance. The screen resolution in the unit is fantastic and my 5 yo son would be delighted to get his cartoon machine back.

Unfortunately I have no access to a Windows machine, nor do any of my friends. I run OSX 10.8.5. off a MacBook Pro.

Happy holidays!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] aerotaru:
Happy Holidays - follow-up

Hope you had Happy Holidays - please let me know if you can direct me down the right recovery path for my kindle fire. Thanks!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Sure. First thing you need to decide is whether to go the manual route which involves the use of 'line mode' commands on your MacBook Pro. Alternatively, you can contact [MENTION=5828306]draxie[/MENTION] for a beta copy of the "1-click" utility that automates much of the dirty work. If I'm not mistaken he has a build that works in the OS X environment.

Have you every used ADB and/or Fastboot? More fundamentally, have you ever 'rooted' an Android device?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] draxie:
Recommend trying 1-Click on Mac OS

Actually, 1-Click automates pretty much everything... (-;

You don't even need adb/fastboot installed on the host.

In addition to my own tests, I had two Mac OS testers so far.

Both were happy campers.

Should you hit any snags, I do my best to resolve them.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] rabaker07:
I'm not seeing it explicitly mentioned so I have to ask. Can I install this on a rooted 3rd-gen Thor on:

4.5.5.3 ?

I also cannot access ADB (usb port is shot for anything other than charging).

Will it be "safe" to Safestrap v4 my device? As long as I follow directions carefully?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Should work. "Safe" is subjective, especially with no recovery path. Proceed at your own risk.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] rabaker07:
I suppose if I somehow get bricked, that I can go ahead and attempt the USB port replacement. At that point I'll have nothing to lose. Oh, but with no recovery already installed, ADB will be useless. Grrr... scratch that. Perhaps I should replace the USB port first just to be sure? I love this tablet for watching video and I'd hate to break it.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] n2locarz:
ignore - didn't see the Unlock Bootloader thread
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
What version of FireOS and SafeStap were installed on your device? You can only install 4.5.2 to a slot within Safestrap v4. Any other use will brick the device.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Are you stuck at the grey kindle screen?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] loco09:
yes.

safestrap 3.75 was installed as i install 4.5.2 to the stock slot.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
I have removed the Safestrap Flashable 4.5.2 images from the First Post because they are been misused. I made it very clear what they were intended for.

If you install Safestrap 4.0.1 as per the instructions, then install Nexus ROM v4. Then in the future if you decide you want fireOS again then you'll have to do your homework and figure this out on your own.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Bricked. Sorry mate. Really need to read those instructions carefully.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Sorry to hear you did this. It is a brick.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] loco09:
****.

but i follow the instructions.

prereq: 4.5.2.

after this i could install safestrap 4.01

is there no chance via adb or s.th. like this???
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
The 4.5.2 images were meant as a means of getting back to fireOS if needed later

As the quote from the OP says confirm your stock firmware was "update-kindle-xx.4.5.2_user_452004120.bin". You needed to be on this version before attempting to install anything from this thread.

Again sorry to hear this happened to you.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] loco09:
>> You needed to be on this version before attempting to install anything from this thread.

means to me i have to update to v4.5.2 before i can proceed. :eek:

nevertheless... i does happen now.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] mrw187:
OK well good news from me at least, I am up and running nexus v4.02 from stock FireOS 4.5.4 HDX 7" Locked bootloader

I will type up the steps I did and what happened and post a reply.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] mrw187:
1. Download 3.2.8 rollback rom and put it in root folder of tablet

https://mega.co.nz/#!os4mFaiJ!FSYI8kmeNyRVNdG5keIJes5aRfsD-HJz2lfdyACscA4

2. Put tablet in airplane mode and run the system update and install the 3.2.8 rom

3. Skip connecting to wifi during the initial setup wizard on the first boot into 3.2.8,

or put tablet in airplane mode again after the wizard

4. Download the 4.5.2 stock rom and put it in root folder of tablet

https://kindle-fire-updates.s3.amazonaws.com/update-kindle-13.4.5.2_user_452004120.bin

5. install the 4.5.2 rom and after it boots back into 4.5.2 put into airplane mode again

Now the offical step 6 to root is to install the cve20147911.apk (and click gimme root twice once in the program) via adb but that did not work for me for some unknown reason,

so my step 6 was install kingroot 4.1.

now be very careful at this point because I nearly screwed it all up, kingroot will need brief access to the internet to be able to root,

you have to stay very aware because while u are connected the system will try upgrading to 4.5.3 in the background.

(I thought I had disabled ota because I adb shell renamed DeviceSoftwareOTA.apk so I was surprised to see it downloading in the notification area).

My eyes nearly popped out a bit so I quickly put the tablet back into airplane mode to prevent the system finishing the download of 4.5.3, and went back to kingroot and it was happily working away and the root was successful, I think kingroot only needs a short 5-10 second connection to the net to download whatever it needs.

7. Download the Nexus ROM for thor and GAPPS and put them in the root folder of the tablet

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

8. Install safestrap v4.01

- Grant root access if needed

- Read user agreement and accept to proceed

- Then click install recovery

- When recovery is installed click reboot to recovery

- You should eventually end up in safestrap recovery.

9. I then installed the Nexus ROM and the GAPPS and was searching around for a factory reset in safestrap but I couldnt find one so I just wiped dalvik/cache then I powered tablet off and on.

10. It got stuck on the dots moving around to form the logo stage for about 10-15 minutes I thought oh damn.

11. I then powered off the tablet then holding the volume up key and the power at same time for about 5 seconds and waited then it came up with a File System Recovery i selected Reset to Factory Defaults.

12. Rebooted then yayyy!!! after the customary first time boot of a new OS on an android system taking longer than usual I was in Nexus!!!

13. Installed kingroot again to root Nexus v4.02.

.....so yeah that is my experience folks going from FireOS 4.5.4 Bootloader locked HDX 7" to Nexus v4.02

:D :D :D
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] rob583:
I tried this but after clicking install it gets superuser permissions, says installation complete, but then says that the state is not installed and the reboot to safestrap button stays dark. I double checked my firmware, and it says it's update-kindle-xx.4.5.2_user_452004220.bin. I am rooted. Would this be caused by not having *120.bin? Do I just need to reinstall the correct firmware? Or should I install this from ADB/terminal emulator?

I'm on an apollo.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
I'm not certain what the last three digits reference but it should not make a difference IMO. Let's start with a clean slate. Uninstall Safestrap (if you haven't done so already) and reboot. Verify you are running FireOS 14.4.5.2 and your device is rooted. Sorry for both of these seemingly redundant checks but I have seen folks come back saying they are on one version and present evidence to the contrary. Same with root.

My sense is you may be trying to install the wrong version of Safestrap. Confirm you are attempting to install Safestrap-Apollo-4.0.1-B03.apk and the MD5 matches that shown for the download (side load 'hash droid' if needed). Then execute the apk from ES File Explorer or tool of your choice. No need to do an adb install.

What happens?

Edit: I noticed in other threads that you attempted to install Google Play Services, applied various 'tweaks' and at some point experienced file permission difficulties. Not sure there is any correlation with the problems you are currently having installing Safestrap. Just keep in mind your device may have other issues that need to be addressed first.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] rob583:
For some reason I can't even access or reinstall supersu right now and it seems like it's not working, so I'm going to rollback/forward again and start from a truly clean slate. I'm worried something got borked from trying to get google play working, I'd rather not do something stupid and brick my device.

Edit: I reinstalled SuperSu and it said there was no binary installed, I definitley screwed something up so I'm going the safe route.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Be very careful with the rollback and subsequent upgrade as reported bricks are on the rise. Primary casue is receiving an OTA while on 3.2.8 which is a guaranteed brick; keep your device in airplane mode and/or wifi off. There is no need to block OTA at any stage you intend to install Safestrap v4 and Nexus in the stock slot (effectively expunging FireOS). Be aware that if 4.5.2 is sufficiently damaged the 3.2.8 rollback may fail with disastrous results. Sorry to bark the grim reaper tune. Just letting you know what you may be in for.

Assuming you make it back to 4.5.2 I think you will be happy with Nexus as everything just works. It's a tad awkward with Safestrap but certainly better than the alternatives if you don't care for FireOS and the restricted Amazon ecosystem. Running FireOS and bastardized version of Google Play on the same device is a Frankin-Kindle at best.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] rob583:
Did a factory reset from settings instead. Going to root and try again, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the warning, made me reconsider trying rollback before anything else.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Thanks for such a detailed account and happy to hear you're up and running :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] carlwong_kf:
Hi ggow and all,

My device is running on 13.3.2.6_user_326001820 (stock slot of Safetrap 3.75). To install this Safetrap 4.0.1 so I can install ggow's HDX Nexus v4.0.x ROM later, what is the reliable way to do this, as I notice many people have had trouble in the process?

I also read that it may not be necessary to install Safetrap 4.0.1 to install ggow's ROM. If true, should I just uninstall Safetrap 3.75 and install the latest version of TWRP before installing ggow's ROM (Pls, anyone send me a link of the latest TWRP)?

Thanks!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
As you are on 13.3.2.6, the best course of action for you would be this:

- downgrade from 13.3.2.6 -> 13.3.2.3.2

- root

- unlock your bootloader

- install TWRP <- Requires you to be on stock firmware 13.3.2.3.2

- then flash nexus 4.0.1 and gapps

Start a thread in the Q&A if unsure about anything :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] carlwong_kf:
Thanks for the quick reply. To downgrade to 13.3.2.3.2, do I have to downgrade all the way to 13.1.0 first before flashing the firmware from your other post: http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/development/twrp-flashable-3-2-3-bootloader-upgrade-t3025504 ? Any suggestion to downgrade to 13.3.2.3.2 safe and reliable?

After flashing the above firmware 13.3.2.3.2, do I have an unlocked bootloader w/o the need to do other things?

BTW, what is the latest TWRP for Thor? If possible, can you post me a link?

Thanks again!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
I'll put together some links for you. basically don't try and flash TWRP yet. There is a method somewhere on here of how to use a rollback script for 13.3.2.6 - I'll see if I can find it.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
[MENTION=5488402]Davey126[/MENTION] is familiar with the process to rollback from 13.3.2.6, he's going to help :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Hi [MENTION=758318]carlwong_kf[/MENTION] - I will try to help you with downgrading your Kindle and installing TWRP. From there we can decide whether to unlock the bootloader which is a bit more complex. The decision is an important one because you can not unlock later once your device updates beyond a certain level.

I need to know a little more about your device before proceeding. I believe you are running Safestrap v3.x with FireOS 13.3.2.6 in the stock slot and Nexus 1.0.1 in a secondary slot. Your device is obviously rooted and presumably OTA is blocked. Do you recall what method/technique was used to block OTA? This may become important during the 3.2.6->3.1.0 rollback.

Edit: Quick outline of next steps (assuming OTA is blocked):

- verify you can boot FireOS from the stock slot

- boot into Safestrap recovery and delete all secondary slots (wipes Nexus)

- reboot into FireOS and uninstall Safestrap using original apk (available here)

- tether you kindle to a host (assuming Windows); make sure you can see/access your Kindle from File Explorer

- create a new folder on Windows and download rollback file (here) and 'helper' script (here)

- copy the rollback file (update-kindle-13.3.1.0_user_310079820.bin) to your device's Internal Storage (root of sdcard); this will also confirm the two devices can communicate

- unzip the script file (you may need extra tools to do this as Windows may block self extraction); do NOT execute the batch file (install.bat)

Once the above is complete we'll got through the steps to unblock OTA and begin the rollback. Note there are may additional steps that come after (long process). Also note there are risks associated with rolling back including bricking your device (often unrecoverable). Make sure you understand these risks before proceeding.

Although we may eventually continue this off-line I am posting to the forum now in hopes it may help others in a similar situation. These instructions ONLY apply to 13.3.2.6 rollbacks.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] carlwong_kf:
Hi Davey126, Thanks for your detailed reply.

My Kindle is running in the stock slot (all other slots are empty) of Safetrap 3.75 on 13.3.2.6. The ROM I believe is an early version of Nexus (not at the computer now and I don't have the Kindle at hand so don't remember the version). My device is rooted and OTA update is blocked by Faznx's Toolkit v0.95. I'll go read your instruction more carefully tomorrow and work on rolling back when everything is ready. Thank you!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
There may be a problem. If your secondary slots are empty and you are running Nexus then FireOS is not in the 'stock' slot. Your can not rollback or upgrade. If you uninstall Safestrap your device will brick on the next boot.

Your options at this point are quite limited. You can continue as is (safestrap v3 / Nexus v1.0.1) which has no immediate drawbacks other than v1.0.1 being Jelly Bean based. Or you can attempt to replace Nexus with FireOS in the stock slot (requires a custom version; don't flash stock 3.2.6!) but this is very dangerous as there is no recovery if things go wrong. The greater risk comes if you attempt to uninstall safestrap after replacing FireOS. Several devices have bricked for unknown reasons, potentially due to incompatibility between recovery and system partition contents.

Sorry to deliver the bad news. Better now then after your device becomes a brick.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Hi Davey126,

Not quite, can flash the 13.3.2.6 safestrap flashable image from here in Safestrap 3.75 to get back to stock: http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/development/hdx-stock-images-pre-rooted-updates-t2911954

I have done this on few systems myself without any problems.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Hi ggow,

I was aware of this image (great resource) and directed people to it. But outcomes have been variable including bricks. I suppose it depends on device history and how well the person following instructions. I had since given up on recommending this approach assuming a reflash from within Safestrap was somehow different than a native flash once Safestrap was removed from the equation. Suppose I could try this myself with any unlocked device that should be recoverable from this type of brick.

Just confirming - you reflashed FireOS 3.2.6 over Nexus 1.0.1 within Safestrap (stock slot; custom 3.2.6 image) and everything was good after Safestrap was uninstalled. If so I will recall the grim reaper (boy, he hates that).
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Yes, reflash over nexus 1.0.1, then after perform a factory reset from safestrap. Do not under any circumstances perform a wipe on the /system partition as safestrap 3.75 does not offer the same protection as 4.0.1 affords.

Upon rebooting after flash there will be a long delay before seeing the boot animation. Somewhere in the region of 15 - 30 seconds.

Once rebooted into fireos you can reinstall safestrap 3.75 and then uninstall the recovery. Then you can uninstall the safestrap app.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Thanks. Just realized I can't (easily) test on my devices due to previous work with Safestrap v4. I have complete confidence in your testing anyhow :).

[MENTION=758318]carlwong_kf[/MENTION] - guessing you have been monitoring this exchange and know what needs to happen. Please post before flashing if you have any questions or simply want to verify procedures. Ggow and I (plus several others) are happy to help. Sorry for the earlier confusion; didn't want to lead you down a bad path.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] rob583:
Pretty sure I bricked. Tried rolling back to 3.2.8 after all other avenues failed, and it just stalled validating the update for 2 hours. Hard reset, and got stuck on the gray screen. I assume there's nothing I can do at this point, not sure if it's worth going to Amazon with my problems. I recovered a difficult soft brick before, doubt I'll be doing that this time.

Part of me is happy to be possibly done with this amazing and willfully crippled platform. Probably going to move on to an actual nexus.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Sorry this happened. A persistent grey logo screen is an ominous indicator; very difficult (usually impossible) to recover from this state without permissions your device does not have. It seems your Kindle was a ticking bomb based on behaviors reported in recent posts. It would be great if you could completely overwrite a borked OS but that capability only comes with an unlocked bootloader on HDX models.

If the device is under warranty (12 months) Amazon will usually replace without much fuss. Otherwise it's an uphill battle. Sometimes they will offer a modest discount on a replacement or account credit. It can't hurt to call.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] carlwong_kf:
Hi Davey126 & ggow,

I apologize as I realize that my Kindle is not running a Nexus ROM but FireOS 13.3.2.6 in the stock slot of Safetrap 3.75. I got that confusion because I did install Nexus ROMs a couple times in the past but later rolled back to the FireOS ROM - using Toolkit to root, to block OTA updates, to install HDXposed, etc and can use Google Play Store/services and Nova launcher so gives me the false impression I'm using a Nexus ROM. I can switch between Kindle's stock launcher and Nova's so, yes, I am at FireOS 13.3.2.6 now.

That said, what should be my course of action now? Start rolling back to 13.1.0 based on Davey126's earlier instruction, then upgrade to 13.3.2.3 w/ an unlocked bootloader according to ggow's post? Afterwards, install TWRP (no need for Safetrap 4.0.1, right?) then Nexus 4.0.x and gapps ... Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Super thanks again!http://cdn4.xda-developers.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
You are correct with what you said. And confirmed there is no need for safestrap.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] LunarisDream:
Hi there! I rooted my Kindle Fire HDX 8.9'' about 1 year ago and installed SuperSU, and rooted w/ towelroot and KindleFree. Right now I'm on version 14.3.2.3.2_user_323001720 from June 1, 2014. I'd like to know if there are any resources I can follow to enable OTA updates again, and whether update-kindle-xx.4.5.2_user_452004120.bin is the one that will be installed when I do so that I can install Safestrap and get that HDX Nexus ROM. I've been browsing the forums but am more lost than anything else, and would greatly appreciate any guidance offered. Thank you.