yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
You have a couple options:

- unlock your bootloader and flash Nexus v4 in 'native' mode (best choice overall but a bit more complex; low risk)

- manually upgrade to 3.2.5 and then 4.5.2. Install Safestrap v4 and Nexus v4 (modest risk during upgrade process; no looking back once upgraded)

Unlocking your bootloader has a couple other benefits:

- more robust recovery options should something go wrong during one of the upgrades; more difficult to 'brick'

- ability to run just about any rom that has been customized for HDX

Give it some thought and bounce back with your preference. I can then walk you through the steps and provide links to the relevant files (might be a day or two before I can respond in full).
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] LunarisDream:
Thank you very much for the quick reply! I think the first option you gave me (unlock bootloader).

Is this the thread that I'll need to follow down to the letter in order to do so?

---------- Post added at 12:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 AM ----------

Thank you very much for the quick reply! I think the first option you gave me (unlock bootloader).

Is this the thread that I'll need to follow down to the letter in order to do so?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
No. Your next step is to clean up your device (as needed) and then flash native twrp. More later today. Sorry for small increments, bit of a time crunch here.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] LunarisDream:
Not a problem at all, I appreciate your help in preventing me from creating a $300 paperweight.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
EDIT: The following procedure is NOT applicable to those who wish to install SafeStrap v4 on Fire OS v4 (or any version of Fire OS above v3.2.6). It appears in this thread in response to a user inquiry. It really belongs elsewhere. Sorry for any confusion.

I reread your initial post and want to verify a few items:

- running 14.3.2.3 (rooted)

- OTA obviously blocked; do you recall the method used (probably not important)

- Safestrap v3 not installed

- Google services (eg: Play Store) not installed

If the above is accurate you are in a great position to install the required items to run Nexus v4 or CM11 in 'native' mode! Many people jump through (sometimes dangerous) hoops to bring their device to the level you currently enjoy.

Next step is to flash a patched version of TWRP which will provide a robust installation, backup and recovery environment for future tasks. While this is typically done via a tether I'm going to outline a path that may be a bit easier (the tether option can still be used if needed.) I have made some assumptions around your level of knowledge and streamlined the following instructions. Do not hesitate to ask questions if you are not sure how to accomplish any of the tasks.

Preparatory steps:

1) Insure ADB and 'sideloading' are enabled under Kindle settings

2) Download Flashify from here and sideload

3) Sideload ES File Explorer (here)

4) Sideload Hash Droid (here)

5) Download patched TWRP 2.8.7.0 here. Make sure you grab the version for Apollo

6) Use Hash Droid to verify the MD5 (listed on the download page)

The next few steps carry some risk; double check each step before proceeding:

- Launch Flashify and backup you current recovery image; save it to SDCARD.

- Within Flashify navigate to Flash -> Recovery Image

- Select 'Choose a file' and navigate to the recovery image downloaded in step #5. Make sure you have the correct file!

- Verify all information on confirmation screen (fileID and 'Flash Recovery', not Boot!) and then then hit 'Yup!'

- Flashify will install TWRP and then ask if you want to reboot. Click outside the dialog box to clear it then select 'reboot recovery' from the overflow (three dot) menu. If all goes well you should be greeted with blue Team Win logo followed by a screen with a bunch of grey buttons. Congrats - twrp is installed! You can look around but don't take any actions. When done return to the home screen and select Reboot -> System. Your Kindle should reboot back into FireOS.

Bounce back when finished (or with questions) and we will move on to the next step - installing Nexus.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] LunarisDream:
Thank you very much for the long write-up and assistance. I am on 14.3.2.3.2; I assume the fifth and final version number isn't important in this case?

I disabled OTA updates via KindleFree.

I currently have the Play Store installed and working, but not Google Play Services because it was experiencing that "Google Play Services has stopped working" bug that's been plaguing many people lately (and what prompted me to want the Nexus ROM), and the tablet was nigh unusable with it installed.

Unfortunately, it has been a long time since I've handled such things, and I can't recall whether I installed Safestrap or not. Holding the up volume button along with the power button to boot sends me to a screen that says my Kindle is unable to boot, and I could either choose to reboot or restore to factory defaults. Does that mean I don't have Safestrap?

Also, how would I be able to remove the Google services? Delete them manually w/ something like RootAppDelete? Why is it a prerequisite to have Google services be removed before starting this process?

Sorry for having so many questions.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Hi - responses below:

Fifth number isn't exceptionally relevant but for what it's worth you are on the 'recommended' version right down to the last digit. :)

I am not familiar with KindleFree. Hopefully you won't have to worry about removing the OTA block; will pursue reversing only if needed.

Ok - thanks. As with other questions this could become relevant depending on the path taken to Nexus. No worries for now.

Safestrap reveals itself at boot with a 10 sec hold on a splash screen with a readably identifiable icon and the word 'Safestrap' clearly stated. You would know it if Safestrap was currently active.

You do not need to remove Google Services now nor would I recommend doing so. However, know that it is/was installed can become relevant if you opt to upgrade FireOS versus flash Nexus in 'native' mode.

Good questions - keep them coming until you feel comfortable. Far to many have failed to ask/clarify or made assumptions and trashed their device.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] LunarisDream:
Your instructions were foolproof. I've rebooted successfully into TWRP, and then back to FireOS. Thank you. I'm ready for the next step! Is there anything different I have to do to install in "native mode" apart from the instructions given in the Nexus ROM thread?

Edit: Seems like the bootloader unlock process isn't particular difficult but also quite confusing to newcomers such as myself. I'm looking at this post now and am fairly sure that I'd miss a number and break everything if I tried it. Lol
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] masterchop:
i am running Nexus Rom, can i install this for multi-boot?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Yes you can but, at the moment the WiFi module isn't working on the secondary slots.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] spoondoom:
Just thought I'd post to say I went into on online char with Amazon and plead ignorance, because it was less than a year old they sent me a new HDX without too many questions.

It came with 4.5.2 on it, and immediately upgraded itself to 4.5.4 (which of course I knew it would do and was really kicking myself about). I thought I was screwed at that point but I managed to downgrade to 3.2.8, upgrade to 4.5.2, root and install safestrap plus Nexus ROM. If anyone reading this wants to go this root remember you must not connect to wifi after downgrading to 3.2.8. I believe if you do it will immediately OTA update back to 4.5.4 and this will brick the device, those two version not being compatible.

Only slight concerns were:

GGow states the file required is update-kindle-xx.4.5.2_user_452004120.bin , I used update-kindle-xx.4.5.2_user_452004220.bin, which I think is the only such file for 4.5.2.

Despite doing factory reset after flashing the zips I still ended up stuck on spinning circles splash screen. Resolved by manually powering down, starting Safestrap and factory reset again before rebooting.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] LunarisDream:
My stubbornness for the "best" got the better of me, and I spent the past few hours looking through all the threads as well as your comments trying to help other people. After all that, I ended up with this:

I then followed the instructions in the HDX Nexus ROM 4.0.2 thread and am now running it after a lengthy boot. I'm a bit confused about why I unlocked the bootloader, though, as it seems like I could have flashed the ROM from TWRP without having to unlock. What'd I miss?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Contrats!! Unlocking can be a challenge but you obviously worked through it. You now have a very powerful device capable of running multiple roms (Nexus, CM11, CM12, FireOS) and robust recovery capabilities should that be needed. OTA worries are a thing of the past. While hard bricking is still possible you'd have to work hard at it. Rule of thumb: Never flash anything unless it has been customized for a HDX by the XDA community. That includes stock images provided by Amazon (doing so could indeed brick your device).

If you flash Nexus v4 on a device with a locked bootloader it will stall at the grey Kindle logo. [MENTION=5749760]ggow[/MENTION] can provide a technical explanation if interested. While there are ways for developers to get around the prerequisite (believe it involves signing binaries) most are reluctant to do so to reduce the chance of unrecoverable bricks from individuals who either don't read instructions or make a simple mistake.

Enjoy your revitalized Kindle. Don't forget to toss [MENTION=5749760]ggow[/MENTION] a cup of java; many of the tools and images you used are a direct result of his efforts.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] LunarisDream:
I will. Once again, thank you very much for your help! I feel like I learned a lot from this.

Edit: sent my donation as well. First time I've ever donated in my life.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] veaceslav:
Thank you very much for your work. Fixing secondary slots is a challenging task?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] Davengerr:
So i'd like to confirm if what i will be doing is correct before i go ahead and do it,currently i am running 13.3.2.7 with safestrap and HDX nexus installed on my rom slot,i should first delete the rom,factory reset my stock firmware from safestrap,reinstall safestrap app and remove the recovery then remove the app,update to 13.4.5.2 and install safestrap v4,would that be correct?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Yes, that is essentially correct. If you previously disabled OTA updates then you will need to undo those changes to be able to update manually to 13.4.5.2.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Once OTA update capability has been reenabled you must stay off the network or risk receiving an update that may brick your device. Keep WiFi off and/or remain in airplane mode.

Assumption is you are running FireOS in the stock slot and Nexus in a secondary slot. If you accidentally installed Nexus in the stock slot then more work is needed. In that case don't uninstall any Safestrap components until FireOS has been restored to the stock slot. You'll need a custom version; don't flash anything else.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] Davengerr:
thanks for the confirmation,i'd like to wipe my apps/whatnot while i am in the process of this,would you recommend doing the stock firmware factory reset while i am on my current firmware or after updating,also if it's not too much trouble might i ask for a link to the update just to be on the safe side
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Rule of thumb, never use the stock firmware factory reset. If you have to, do a factory reset from Safestrap.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] Davengerr:
sounds fair enough,might i ask where to obtain the 13.4.5.2_user_452004120.bin update from,only one i found so far is the update-kindle-13.4.5.2_user_452004220.bin
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/update-1314-4-1-1-probably-sangria-t2901813
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] Davengerr:
ah ok,the one i downloaded is indeed the one from there but the last 3 digits were different so i wanted to confirm it
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Hold on didn't see the last 3 digits were different.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Here you go, this is the correct one.

https://kindle-fire-updates.s3.amazonaws.com/update-kindle-13.4.5.2_user_452004120.bin
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] Davengerr:
thanks,i suppose my paranoid nature saved me this time
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
No worries, I think someone used the 220 version and had success but better to be safe than sorry.

I built Safestrap v4.0.1 with .452004120.bin version so I will only ever recommend using this.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] candiflan:
I used the 220 and I all good
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] eichelkind:
Can somebody tell me why my Thor hangs at boot animation when I try to update it? Tried to uninstall 3.75 Safestrap before , tried with stock firmware pulled to internal storage and Amazon Ota
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Well, ya gotta provide some more info:

- which animation is it hanging on? Grey kindle logo, yellow Kindle logo or something else?

- what version of FireOS (if you recall) is on your device?

- what steps were taken just prior to the first hang-up?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] CanadaDave77:
Whoo... intimidating stuff. I might bow out of this round, though I'd love to try the newer Nexus ROM.

I'm at FireOS 3.2.8, (rolled back from 4.5.2) Safestrap v3.7.x and Nexus 1.0.1. (FireOS in stock, Nexus in the first slot but set as the primary boot). I'm thinking that the only way I could upgrade my Safestrap version is to make a copy of 3.2.8, upgrade that forward to 4.5.2, then install this version of Safestrap?

Once all is said and done, I'd need to use the stock slot for the new Nexus in order to use the Wifi module.

Is that about right?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Correct on all points. You're in pretty good shape to upgrade should you choose that path. Major steps:

- backup Nexus slot from Safestrap recovery if you want to restore data and possibly apps in Nexus v4

- delete Nexus slot

- boot into FireOS; immediately disable WiFi (precaution even though you probably have OTA blocked)

- uninstall Safestrap recovery using original apk; reboot; make sure WiFi remains disabled (or put device in Airplane mode)

- remove OTA block by reversing the method originally used (probably HDX toolbox)

- upgrade to 4.5.2; immediately disable WiFi

- root 4.5.2 (suggest Kingroot; you'll need to enable WiFi briefly during the rooting process)

- install Safestrap v4; reboot to Safestrap recovery

- flash Nexus v4, gaps and SuperSu (optional) in the stock slot; perform a factory reset from within Safestrap (don't forget this step)

- optional: restore content from backup made in first step (do this after confirming Nexus v4 boots)

With Nexus v4 in the stock slot you don't have to worry about Amazon OTA updates ruining your day (or your device). Before beginning you will want to download required files and/or establish a tether for file transfer. There is some additional fluff around each of the above steps. You'll find details in the forums or ask if you have specific questions. As always, take it slow and understand each step before proceeding.

Note Nexus v4 isn't remarkably different than the version you are using. There are some incremental enhancements (Jelly Bean -> KitKat) but you aren't missing out on fundamental capability. That said, some apps will only run in KitKat or above so you'll probably need to upgrade at some point.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] CanadaDave77:
Fantastic response - thank you!

I think for right now, I`m going to stand pat, but I`ll give it a little thought. There are a couple of apps that I`ve found that won`t run on Jelly Bean, but it isn`t an avalanche, so risking a brick is probably not quite worth it just yet. Time to do some research. :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] eichelkind:
Well, if I reboot, it does boot again, only if I try to update I am stuck.

Grey kindle logo at 13.3.2.5_user_325001120

Before I got stuck, I tried to update with the amazon ota to 13.4.1.1 or I tried to install the .bin I pulled from a thread on xda (4.5.2)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Good info, thanks. I have some ideas, stay tuned (out for a few hours). Shouldn't be hard to sort. Don't keep trying to update; at some point you could get permanently stuck at grey logo. Definitely don't want that.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
There are a couple paths depending on your ultimate goal. If you are looking to flash Nexus v4 or CM11 then it may be best to downgrade, unlock your bootloader, install twrp and then flash these roms directly to the system partition. If you simply want to upgrade to the latest version of FireOS then that's a different path.

Some thoughts around the freeze after upgrade attempt:

- altered system components

- invalid upgrade file

- partial OTA block still in place

- bad recovery partition

You may be able to 'fix' problems with the current stock image by performing a factory reset from the Kindle recovery menu. Please note there is some risk in performing a factory reset if core components (files) on your device are missing or damaged. You will also loose most personal content. Here's the procedure:

- power down device

- press power + vol-up (volume up) at the same time. Release the power button when the grey logo appears followed by vol-up a few seconds later. Eventually a menu with two choices will be presented. Select 'reset to factory defaults' and then reboot.

- try upgrading again using the 4.5.2 bin found here (only do this if you have no interest in unlocking your bootloader)

As you know every flash/rollback/upgrade attempt carries a risk - especially with FireOS. If something bad happens you will have few (if any) recovery options with a locked bootloader. Your safest approach is to reinstall Safestrap 3.75 and enjoy the older Jelly Bean based variant of Nexus (a very solid rom). But that's not very exciting ...

Hope this helps.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] eichelkind:
Hey, I tried the to perform a factory reset, still stuck at grey logo though. I also uninstalled Safestrap at the second try.

I read the bootloader unlock procedure, and I don't have a linux machine. Any tips?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
You don't need a Linux host; the unlock tools will also work on Windows. The process is a bit more complicated and getting some Windows machines to communicate via tether can be frustrating due to driver issues. However, it can be accomplished with persistence and you don't need to do anything crazy/risky to either device.

Reflashing your recovery partition may solve the problem (unlikely) but this carries a high risk; I wouldn't go there yet.

If your Kindle won't process the upgrade bin it may not rollback either which is a prerequisite for unlocking. Bounce back if you want to peruse further; there are some risks associated with rolling back. As previously noted the safest approach is to simply reinstall Safestrap v3.7.5 and enjoy Nexus v1.0.1 (functionally identically to v2.0.5) which remains a very nice rom with few limitations.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] eichelkind:
I'd still like to update my Safestrap, because YouTube doesn't work at 1080p which is very frustrating and a few other design flaws. If it's not too much of a burden for you, of course :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] Oh_wow:
Oops wrong thread
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] DB126:
Updating Safestrap won't impact YouTube. You need a different ROM such as Nexus v4 or CM11. To run those ROMs you need to be on a different version of FireOS which requires a rollback (plus some other steps) or an upgrade. It would seem you are not able to upgrade (device hangs at grey logo) so I doubt a rollback will work.

I suspect you still have OTA updates partially blocked. You must undo this block using the same method that was used. Given the current firmware level there is a good chance OTA was blocked using HDX toolkit. The same tool can be used to undo the block. Once OTA is reenabled you must disable WiFi or put your device in 'airplane mode' to prevent an automatic update to 4.5.4. This version of FireOS can not be rooted at present; you obviously don't want that!

Once OTA is re-enabled let's try something different. Instead of jumping directly to 4.5.2 try an incremental upgrade to 3.2.6. If that works you may be able to make the jump to 4.5.2. From there you can root, block OTA and then install Safestrap v4 followed by Nexus v4 or CM11.

General procedure:

- clear out any remnants from 13.4.1.1 and 13.4.5.2 update attempts (.bin files)

- download 13.3.2.6 and 13.4.5.2 updates from here.

- put device in airplane mode; keep WiFi on

- place the 3.2.6 .bin file in the root of sdcard (root of 'internal storage' from a tethered host) and reboot

- use the FireOS 'check for updates' function under device settings. It should pick-up and process the 3.2.6 update file

- if your device restarts correctly immediately disable WiFi or place into airplane mode; you don't want to receive OTA updates

- verify your device upgraded to 3.2.6; stop if it did not

- move 13.4.5.2 .bin file into the root of sdcard, reboot and check for updates (same procedure as before)

- if your device restarts correctly immediately disable WiFi or place into airplane mode; you don't want to receive OTA updates

- verify your device upgraded to 4.5.2

- post results for further instructions

Please understand manually upgrading FireOS carries some risks including a hard (unrecoverable) brick. Go into this with eyes open. YouTube at 720p is better than a dead device should things go wrong.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] djclark25:
Am on rooted4.5.2 as came from amazon. Installed safestrap and rebooted to recovery. Sitting on grey kindle logo at mo for about 5 minutes. How long is "eventually" end up in safestrap recovery?

Edit : Half hour and still on grey logo..... Scared to hard reboot in case it only needs 2 minutes more!!!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] ggow:
Hi there,

- what device are you on apollo or thor?

- what was the exact file of the safestrap application you installed?

If you're stuck at the grey kindle logo then you may have no other option than to reboot...
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Android Development] eichelkind:
I know, I tried the HDX toolkit before and also unblocked OTA (Supersu granted and stuff) but it doesn't seem to work... I tried the update bin amazon recommended me at the settings menu, so I don't think 3.2.6 would work

---------- Post added at 12:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 PM ----------

My guess is that the recovery section is somehow broken, since I can't even boot fastboot mode