yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
First mistake: not following explicit guidance. Like the guy who did the same thing a few months ago then brought the half completed device to Starbucks. Connected to an open AP while on FireOS 3.2.8 and instantly bricked. Or the one that connected to a neighbors WiFi and bricked. Turn off the WiFi radio and (as an extra precaution) put it in airplane mode.

There is no rollback guide but plenty of posts/threads describing the process in varying levels of detail. You will need to do some reading. For a time I would assist with personalized procedures but have stepped away after too many failures representing hours of wasted effort. Those contributions and others from the community live on in this forum.

Suggested threads:

- this one; look back to recent guidance (guy bricked it BTW)

- here, here, here, here plus many others

You also need to decide whether to go with Safestrap v4 (easier but KitKat based roms only) or unlock the bootloader which opens the door to wider variety of custom ROMs and significantly enhances device recoverability should something go wrong. The tool to facilitate bootloader unlocking is currently undergoing revisions; hopefully will be back online in a few weeks. There is a manual method but it's not for the faint of heart (although carries no brick risk; either works or doesn't).

Bottom line: you are going to have to invest time (likely many hours) reading through the forums to understand what needs to happen and how to execute. I am happy to review and validate roadmaps as are other contributors who still pay attention to this device. Numbers are dwindling but there are still a few out there ...
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] sinbad1971:
I will give it a shot, not the end of the world if I brick it so worth a go

Thanks for all the help!!!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] pesche80:
I'm planing on buying a used HDX 8.9 Apollo tablet.

It seams this device is not easy flashable... but I like the specs. Especially the display and the weight.

Now, as I can't check on the installed OS number of the device: Is it possible to unlock any firmware version?

From what I've understood till now. It is possible to downgrade but it is risky. Correct?

I want to install CM13 or any other stable pure Android rom.

Before I spend more time searching. Is there anything I need to know before buying an HDX 8.9 3th gen?

Thanks in advance!

Edit:

Oh Ok. I think I might have found the answer already...

So now I just need to get the device and find the recent posts regarding the unlock. :o
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Yep - further considerations:

- 4th gen models are nearly identical in specs and appearance but can not be unlocked

- age is important as lithium batteries tend to degenerate with age; not easy to replace on HDX devices

- check Amazon Warehouse; often have good deals pre-owned models and those with minor cosmetic flaws

- when choosing storage capacity keep in mind HDX models do not have a SD slot and do not support OTG devices at the hardware level; what's on board is all you get (minus ~5 GB for system use regardless of ROM)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Pusspaws:
I had the same question, having already bought the hdx 8.9. As long as you follow the instructions to the letter, you should be ok...atm tho the bootloader part is being looked at, as some people were having problems. If you go to http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/rollback-13-3-2-8-rollback-ota-captured-t3046204/page65 read the davey126 and my questions, Davey126 basically talked it thru to the end. I have the nexus rom, but if you want any other research the forum to get the answers you need (hopefully)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] pesche80:
Thanks!

hmm right. I didn't considered the battery. Is this a problem with Fire HDX devices?

With my Oneplus One (3years) and my hp touchpad (even older) I didn't experienced any bad battery degredation... although they probably don't have 100% of their initial capacity.

One HDX offer is older then 2 years but in excellent condition and 64gb.

On Amazon I can get one with "acceptable, scratches, used, etc." condition, but only 16gb. No statement on the age.

:confused:

I need a replacement for my HP touchpad, which is just painfully slow with everything..

---------- Post added at 07:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:13 PM ----------

Thanks for pointing to the Thread.

The first post refers to version 4.5.5.1 or earlier that can be downgraded.

Is it also possible if 4.5.5.2 is already installed?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
- battery has not been problematic on HDX; just a general statement that potentially carries addition weight on more expensive devices

- 4.5.5.2 can be downgraded, rooted and unlocked; need to exercise care to avoid non-recoverable brick (ie: follow instructions)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Pusspaws:
Yup, mine was 4.5.5.1 and then there was the update to 4.5.5.2 literally a couple of days after I started looking into it. So I downgraded as per the thread and then upgraded to 4.5.5.1. I was very fortunate to have such excellent instructions, and I'm no expert, so if you've looked at the thread and you have any questions, ask Davey126, hes very knowledgeable.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] nineismine:
I am in a similar boat here and I want to make sure I understand what you are saying applies to me as well. My mother in law has dropped off her completely stock kindle fire hdx 7 to me as it just wont boot up. Hers is in a bootloop saying that it is unable to boot. It says resetting her device to stock might fix it but even after using the option to reset it the device does not boot.

I can see the device in my device manager in windows for a short while on reboot but when I try "adb devices" it doesnt ever show up as a valid device. This tablet has never been rooted or monkeyed with, it just stopped working one day. Is there no way to install a rom on it?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
- adb will not work if rom doesn't boot

- factory reset only erases personal apps/files; does not touch system partition where FireOS lives (and likely source of bootloop)

- the warranty has likely expired; if so your in-law now owns a paperweight
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] pesche80:
Just out of curiosity. Does this happen randomly to Fire HDX devices?

Never heard of such problems till now..
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Not common but does happen. Typically follows a botched OTA (over-the-air) update from Amazon. If it happened recently guessing the 4.5.5.1 -> 4.5.5.2 update is the culprit. Amazon will fain regret but will offer no meaningful assistance if the device is out of warranty.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] pesche80:
I see. By using a custom recovery like TWRP it should be possible to omit situations like these?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Yes. Most take it a step further by installing a custom ROM (thus eliminating OTA risk) but using a custom recovery with FireOS is also possible. Custom recoveries also offer the possibility of repairing or replacing a borked OS.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] stangri:
I'm on the fence about 3rd gen HDX 7". I can get a refurbished one at about $80 all in, or I can buy something like the Chuwi Hi8 Pro with 8" HD-like screen, Atom Z8300 and USB Type-C (convenience feature) for about just as much.

It's nice to have Marshmallow on thor, whereas Hi8 Pro will be forever stuck with Lollipop (and I don't care about Windows on a stupidly small screen), but I'm concerned that thor is a 3 year old model, so not sure how snappy Marshmallow is on it and overall how well would it perform. Is thor's snapdragon 800 exactly the same chip as in Nexus 5? N5 was quite laggy when I got rid of mine a year ago. :(

I'm getting a tablet (my old one died) to mostly watch Plex/YouTube with some casual gaming (PvZ, Fallout Shelter).

Would my $80 be better spent on thor or some chinese Intel-based tablet?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Lollipop and Marshmallow based ROMs perform well on HDX Thor. No lag, fluid scrolls and decent multitasking tolerance limited only but the 2GB memory. All ROMs have proven stable. Your Nexus 5 likely lagged due to Google's launcher (better with Nova) and other Alphabet bloat. Relevant considerations:

- expandable storage; no SD slot or OTA capability on HDX

- panel: few devices can match quality/clarity/color/lux of HDX display

- battery: after 2-3 years performance begins to decline regardless of number of charge/discharge cycles

- bootloader: all 3rd gen HDXs can be unlocked

- graphics (GPU): largely irrelevant unless you gaming; HDX is weak

- GPS chip: N/A on HDX Thor

- USB-C: meaningless given amount of data transfer

- charge rate: HDX is rates (and achieves) 1.8A

As for Lollipop vs Marshmallow there is no meaningful difference once you layer on Xposed (with a few key modules) and Greenify.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Antonntminh:
Hi, I got one question, does the HDx7 support osb OTG?

Thanks
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Unfortunately, no. Appears to be a hardware limitation on all 3rd and 4th gen HDX models. 5th gen Fires do support OTG functionality (plus have expandable storage via sd cars slot) so it appears Amazon has had a change of heart. Older devices are limited to onboard storage and wireless peripherals.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Tee-bag:
Hello all. I have the 2013 model 7" Fire HDX tablet, that I previously rooted with Towelroot and had Google apps (gapps) installed on. It's remained on OS 13.3.2.4_user_324002120 since I rooted, so I'm pretty sure that after rooting I did whatever steps were needed to prevent OTA auto-updates from Amazon . I never tried flashing any custom ROMs or anything, since I really just wanted access to my Google apps and purchases, and was fine with keeping the rest of the OS as-is, and was unsure I wouldn't break stuff in the process tbh. The thing is, about 12-18 months ago (I think) gapps suddenly stopped working, and kept displaying an error message literally every minute saying it'd crashed, or stopped, or something (I forget what, precisely, the message said - sorry about my terrible memory!). So, I uninstalled all the gapps, and just figured Google had changed them so it would never play nice with the Kindle again. My main question at this point is, is that still correct? Is there now anything I can do to my already-rooted 2013 Kindle HDX to get gapps working? I'm struggling to search for responses that have helped anyone with a similar situation, as most search results return threads from years ago, which probably aren't relevant any more. A million thanks in advance y'all.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Given device is rooted suggest unlocking the bootloader and flashing the custom rom of your choice. Attempting to install/maintain a stable GAaps portfolio on FireOS v3/v4 is an exercise in frustration. Situation is better with FireOS v5 but that's not an option on 3rd gen HDX devices. I am using the exact same device with CM 12.1 as my daily driver. That old HDX has plenty of potential. Just have to get rid of FireOS if you want reliable access to Google's ecosystem.

Unlocking instructions: http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/thor-unlocking-bootloader-firmware-t3463982
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Tee-bag:
Brilliant, thanks so much Davey :)

I've always been a bit worried about bricking my device, but I would really like to have some updated apps on the thing, and especially Google's apps. I presume that installing a custom ROM will completely wipe everything already on my Kindle, so I guess I better look into backing it up first. There's a fair bit to learn doing all this stuff - I always feel like a noob :P Any real downsides to loading a custom ROM btw? Does it break anything? If I still want to use Amazon's app store, I probably still can, just through their Amazon Underground app, right? Thanks again mate, and if you're a yankee, Happy Thanksgiving :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
The suite of custom ROMs for this device are very robust and typically support a overwhelming majority of compatible applications available in either the Amazon or Google stores. That said, sometimes there are minor hiccups that cause one/both app stores to misidentify the device and state an app is not compatible. That's easily remedied by sideloading the application from a trusted 3rd party such as APKMirror.

Flashing a new custom rom usually involves a full device wipe - especially when going to/from FireOS. You only need to backup personal data as apps can be reloaded from one of the stores.

Given the device (more accurately FireOS) is rooted your first task will be unlocking the bootloader which is the most difficult but also least risky (no chance of bricking). At present there is no automated method so you will need to follow the guidance here. The process is not for the faint of heart but community members are typically willing to help as needed. Take a peek through the thread and assess whether you are prepared to take this on. If not there is another path (SafeStrap v4) but that limits you to a couple KitKat based custom ROMs. Both are excellent but growing long in the tooth. Some recent apps require Lollipop or above.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Tee-bag:
Thanks again Davey!! Apologies for the late reply, but I was away from my pc for a while after Thanksgiving. I'll check out the links you sent, and give it a shot when I've got some free time. Again, many, many thanks :)

edit: Shoot - I probably shouldn't mess up this thread with thanks messages, should I? I can't see a delete button, so hopefully the mods can nuke it from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
An occasional written acknowledgement (typically at the end of an engagement) is fine as it may prove reassuring to future readers looking for reliable guidance. In general the 'thanks' button should be used to keep threads tidy and easy to read.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Palome:
rooting while update is happening

Hi, I am trying to root my device (kindle fire HDX 7) and I have an issue. I'm running FireOS 4.5.5.1 and I want to root it with the KingRoot app. My problem is that it seems that to root my device I need internet, but when I connect to the internet an update to 4.5.5.2 tries to install (currently at 60%...). I have tried to disable OTA updates using ES Explorer, but to do so I need root access!

I don't know how to proceed, any help is very appreciated!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] sd_shadow:
there is a pc version of KingRoot
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Palome:
Thanks for the answer! I know there is a pc version and I have downloaded it several times, but I can only find it in chinese, and unfortunately my chinese is still a bit rusty... Is there an english version available?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
There is no English version. That said only a minimal amount of interaction with the app is required; pretty easy to figure out what icons need pressing.

Rebooting device typically discards partially downloaded OTA image files. Consider going to a local coffee shop or public library that offers free, slow WiFi. That should allow rooting to complete before the OTA update fully downloads.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Palome:
Great idea, thank you very much!

And one last thing, I think I know what to do in order to flash CM11 in my kindle, but I would like someone more experienced than me to confirm that all the steps are correct:

1- Root device (in my current FireOS 4.5.5.1 )

2- Install safestrap

3- Put CM11 rom and GApps in the device's internal memory

4- Reboot into recovery mode

5- Wipe Cache, flash CM11, flash GApps (in that order)

And everything should be fine

Is that correct? Did I forget any step or mess up the order? Thanks in advance!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
See additions/comments below in blue italic

1- Root device (in my current FireOS 4.5.5.1 )

2- Install safestrap

>> launch Safestrap app and install Safestrap recovery (option within app)

3- Put CM11 rom, SuperSU and GApps in the device's internal memory storage

4- Reboot into Safestrap recovery mode (reboot device and select recovery from 'robot' menu)

5- Wipe Cache, System, Dalvik, Data. Then flash CM11, flash GApps and SuperSU (in that order)

And prey everything should be fine

As above. A couple additional footnotes:

- once Safestrap recovery has been installed NEVER perform a factory reset (or any other operation) from the stock recovery menu; device will brick

- do not create or populate secondary slots in Safestrap v4; everything happens in the STOCK slot (restriction specific to v4)

- at anytime you can unlock the bootloader opening the door to a larger suite of ROMs including CM 12.1 and three different Marshmallow builds
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Palome:
Thank you so much for the amazing answer! I have already flashed CM and everything works flawlessly :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] guardianknox:
I just received a new-to-me Thor, great condition but have no idea of the history. The device>system update>current version is 13.3.1.0_user_310079820 Build date Friday, November 15, 2013 3:06 AM GMT . I rooted with towelroot and blocked OTA using KFHDX ToolKit v0.95 . Can I assume the bootloader can be unlocked as well ? It seems too good to be true this was never updated yet still has the FireOS on it, am I missing something? I have noticed that while I can run ADB commands, when I reboot into recovery fastboot devices returns nothing, and fastboot command just hangs waiting on device. I'm a bit puzzled.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] sd_shadow:
probably just need to select the correct drivers in Device manager
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] sd_shadow:
while in fastboot mode
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
See OP in this thread for drivers and unlock procedure.

Note the firmware version is no longer relevant as *any* rooted 3rd gen HDX can now be unlocked. You should also update the bootloader to 3.2.3.2 before/after unlocking. See here.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] guardianknox:
Thanks for quick responses.

So apparantly I need to add "-i 0x1949" between fastboot and any commands, but i'm not sure why, i've never had to do this before. Is this something specific to the HDX ?

Good to know the version is irrelevant, that's what I thought until I ran into this fastboot issue. Thanks for the 3.2.3.2 tip, saved me alot of time on my next step.

Thanks again, bootloader now unlocked, time to play (:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] katsuowota:
fubar'd fire hdx 7"

So a few months back, I was messing around my hdx 7" to make sure that the playstore wouldnt crash on me every time I opened it (I had already installed TWRP and android CM11 on the tablet). I think I accidentally installed the wrong ROM or something (the HD 7 instead of the HDX 7?) and currently I'm experiencing the great troubles of having just a black screen and windows that says that "A request for the USB device descriptor failed." for the tablet. I wish I could ADB connect to it, but nothing, neither can I install the ADB drivers for it for some reason? hope any of you can help with this problem! :angel:

symptoms:

-black screen and holding the power button doesnt fix this

-not recognised by windows (shows up as Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)

-no access to ADB or fastboot

thanks in advance!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Unfortunately, FUBAR is a good descriptor. Symptoms suggest a borked bootloader which is terminal (as in fatal) on this device. Sorry 'bout that.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] katsuowota:
thanks for the confirmation, time to get rid of that tablet :)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Antonntminh:
Hi,

I need help to unbirck my HDX 8.9 apollo, it goes straight to fastboot mode when power on, and show the word Ready when connect usb cable or fastboot cable to my pc, but when I type command adb devices or adb shell it does or recognize my kindle.

I there anyway I can recover my HDX?

Thanks
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
ADB isn't available in fastboot mode. Ditch the fastboot cable; useless on this device. Not bricked BTW since it goes into fastboot.

Is the bootloader unlocked? Have you tried to boot into stock recovery? What actions preceded the failure?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Antonntminh:
I dont know if the bootloader unlocked or not, cant boot in to stock rocovery.

I got this tablet from a friend who got into this situation by trying to root or something, not sure what make this happen. :(
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Not much can be done w/o relevant details. Sorry about that.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Cl4ncy:
No, it means to install Minimal ADB and Fastboot, then copy the apps you want to install in the adb directory (if you use Windows it should be c:\adb), then open a command prompt/DOS box and enter cd\adb to change dir to the adb directory, and enter adb install app.apk (with app.apk being the file name of the app you want to install). You must connect the HDX by USB to your PC, and enable USB debugging in Fire OS.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] adeba:
Thanks, which Rom can i use what is stable with Play store who i can install sky go app?

The 12.1 Rom needs unlocked Boot loader, how do this?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] sd_shadow:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=3030281

[DEV] Bootloader unlock procedure and software
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
You can't unlock the bootloader on your replacement device as it came with FireOS v4. You can only install Nexus v4 or CM11 on this device via Safestrap v4.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Cl4ncy:
You're on Fire OS 4.5.2, thus you can NOT unlock the bootloader or use TWRP. Thus no CM12.1 for you.

Due to rollback protection by Amazon you can NOT downgrade below 3.2.8 (if attempted result would be a bricked device!), so 4.5.2, rooted, Safestrap v4 and either Nexus v4 or CM11 are your options.

... too slow. :D
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] adeba:
Thanks everybody, cm11 runs. Next Problem : i am from germany and want the sky go app, play store says Not comparible, what to do?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] EncryptedCurse:
Look for the APK online. You can then manually install it using a file manager on the device or through adb.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] thwartycall:
Edit: nevermind. One last search showed me it wasn't possible to fix a kindle that's been factory reset after bootloop, I can't delete this post though unfortunately
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] rohanrashid:
can someone walk me through the process of unlocking the bootloader to but a custom rom on to it? I have gotten to the part when i create the unlock.img but not matter what i keep getting the unlock code is not correct. is it possible to install twrp without unlocking the bootloader?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Cl4ncy:
First of all which Fire OS version do you use? Note that TWRP and unlocking the bootloader require a Fire OS version below 3.2.4, i.e. 3.2.3.2 or lower.