yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Excellent. Next step is to install Safestrap 4.0.1 which provides a pseudo recovery environment that supports the installation of custom roms. It looks a lot like TWRP (but isn't). You can snag the app from here; be sure to select the appropriate format. Once installed launch the app and install Safestrap recovery which is the component that does the heavy lifting.

Important: Once Safestrap recovery is installed never (never!) attempt a 'factory reset' - either from the stock recovery menu or from within FireOS. Doing so will brick the device with no possible recovery.

Now reboot. You'll notice a new screen that has a couple options at the bottom. Select the option that launches Safestrap recovery. Take a look around but don't change anything. When ready return to the home screen and then go into the backup section. Take a backup of your current FireOS installation (selection all partitions). You will want this should you every want to restore you device to it's current configuration. The resulting files will be quite large and should be copied to another device for safe keeping. Exit Safestrap and reboot into FireOS. Tether your device and copy the files to a suitable host. You seem to be familiar with ES File Explorer so should have no problem finding them. Should be in the TWRP directory located within sdcard (or just browse internal storage from the host machine).

Next step is to decide which rom to flash. Two are available/compatible with Safestrap 4.0.1: CM11 and Fire Nexus which are both KitKat based. Both are solid, feature complete and regularly updated with security patches. My daily driver on this device is Nexus as I prefer to build upon a pure Android foundation. That said, CM11 is a fine choice and my preferred rom on secondary devices as it contains a suite of nice UI enhancements minimizing post flash tweaks. FWIW - Lollipop+ roms are not an option as they require an unlocked bootloader which is not possible on your device.

Once you decide upon a rom I'll provide the final set of instructions (really best practices) for installing the rom and related components such as Google Play Services/Store. Feel free to read through the linked threads which contain numerous 'how-to' posts, especially the first couple posts in the rom threads. If all goes well you'll be running a custom rom by this time tomorrow.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Another step complete ...

I downloaded the Safestrap apk from the link contained in the thread, choosing THOR (HDX 7"), installed the app, then installed the recovery software. After a reboot I backed up, and then copied the resultant folder to a PC.

Question: The back up folder is really big (4GB) ... is it okay if I now delete the back up on the tablet? To do this, can I just delete with ESFE?

Duly noted about not doing a factory reset.

After having a read, I think I'm happy to go with the Nexus ROM - keeping things as clean as possible. It sounds like it's very solid with no real issues.

Davey, thanks once again for your precise and excellent help.

Cheers,

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Nice!

Nexus installed, and I'm using it right now ?

Absolutely superb help Davey. I was totally confused trying to work out how to go from where I was to where am now, and you've completely sorted me out. A massive thanks from me.

Everything seems to be working well (!) ... I'm going to test things out a bit more before deleting the FireOS back up folder. I think I messed around with the xposed framework before... I'll definitely take another look.

Seriously, thank you.

Cheers,

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Great to hear! As an aside (not for me) don't forget to click the 'Thanks' button on XDA posts when appropriate, especially for newer members trying to build a reputation. Great working with you and gratified by the positive outcome.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] GunX_X:
Hey Davey,

Thanks for reaching out to my thread and directing me to your conversation here. I followed all your steps and was able to successfully install the Nexus ROM and have everything running smoothly!!! Very happy! I had been hunting for a while to find a step by step instruction like yours!.

Thanks a lot!

P.S. Wasn't sure whether I should post this here or in my own thread but figured you were actively following this :D
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
One week on and I've been using my 'new' tablet quite a bit. It's been really solid with no crashes or problems whatsoever. Fantastic. I've now deleted the 4GB back up on the device, freeing up loads of space again.

I've had another good look at the Xposed framework, but frankly I'm so pleased to have the tablet running smoothly I think I'm just going to keep things nice and standard for now.

Davey, thanks (I found the button now!) again for sharing your knowledge, and giving your time and help. Very much appreciated.

Cheers,

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Hey Aaron, thanks for the follow-up. If you are happy with native rom/app capabilities there is no need to complicate matters. That said, if you every have a need for additional core functionality Fire Nexus, an AOSP clone, has proven to be an ideal platform for Xposed Framework and associated KitKat modules.

A tip of the hat to [MENTION=5749760]ggow[/MENTION] for his outstanding adaptation and ongoing support of this rom that is cornerstone of the post FireOS experience.

Enjoy your rejuvenated HDX!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] skoop99:
Hi there. Thanks for this tutorial - I used it to install the Nexus ROM on my device. One weird thing; everything works, but I have NO sound? Any ideas why that might be?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Thoughts:

- a full power off/on (vs reboot) sometimes solves weird HW issues

- what version of FireOS was on the device prior to Nexus? 4.5.5.1 is recommended for the proper binaries

- might try a simple (dirty) reflash of Nexus in case something didn't 'take' on the first attempt (stranger things have happened)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] skoop99:
Rebooted. I was on 4.5.5.1...

Will try a quick re-flash. ? Thanks!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] skoop99:
Update, I have sound over headphones, but not over the speakers... :-S
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Suggest you backup your current Nexus build from within Safestrap, then flash the Safestrap compatible version of cm11 to see if the problem persists. Yep, a bit of trial-and-error but not sure how else to diagnose. You could also try the Safestrap compatible build of FireOS (4.5.2; be sure it's the Safestrap build as a standard FireOs build will brick the device). Another option is to flash the Dolby enhancements which use a different suite of binaries. Post back if you need links to any of the above.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] draien:
Thanks for the tutorial. Helped a lot getting the mindset on how to flash properly with a sneak peek of what's going inside the device :)

As I saw that there is now an '1-Click-Bootload-Unlocker', do you think it's possible to get Android 5+ (Lollipop) running on this device?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
- if FireOS is > 3.2.6 you can not unlock (period)

- can't roll FireOS back to unlockable version; device will brick

- two lollipop builds and one experimental marshmallow build available for unlocked devices; locked devices limited to kitkat builds
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] skoop99:
Yes, I did that; flashed CM11, all works fine. A bit of messing around with GApps, but it's working great now. Apart from the fact it drains the battery in a matter of hours, which is annoying.

On stock, it'd quite happily sit in standby for 2 days or so, but CM11 is dead in at most 5/6 hours...
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Guessing you flashed CM11 to a secondary slot vs overwriting FireOS in the stock slot. Secondary slots don't work well in Safestrap v4; high battery drain is a characteristic symptom.

If CM 11 is resident in the stock slot you'll need to do a little digging to identify to source of the draw. Likely something is blocking deep sleep. Core rom is not inefficient on this device based on personal experience and those of many other users.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] kyoceralover:
The links you provided are for HDX 7. Do you know if I can use them for my HD 7 3rd gen (2013)? Thank you!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Absolutely not. Entirely different devices despite sharing a common mfg (Amazon) and screen size.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] kyoceralover:
Thanks! I thought they were similar :) Are you aware of similar software/steps for Fire HD 7 3rd gen (2013)?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Appears so. See HD 6/7 forum: http://xdaforums.com/fire-hd
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] kyoceralover:
Thank you! I think I found what I need

http://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hd/7-development/unlock-kfsowi-bootloader-unlock-t3262770
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] fluffyangel:
Hi! I'm sorry if this is a silly question, but I was wondering if I should install a custom rom in a secondary rom slot, or over the stock slot? I've seen people suggest one or the other and it's a little troubling to decide…
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Q

If using Safestrap v4 and FireOS v4 all work should take place in the STOCK slot. This isn't just a preference; secondary slots do not support deep sleep, quad-core processors, WiFi (except with CM11) and a host of other issues. This is the HDX forum on XDA where deep expertise on this device resides. There are many voices to consider when searching for answers. Consider your sources and act accordingly.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] fluffyangel:
Thank you for your reply! After some more research I found posts about the issues with the wifi but I had no idea about the issues with quad-core! I'll definitely (carefully!) be using the stock slot then. :good:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Marcucco:
Not sure if I can pull this off...

I've been trying to do this without a PC but I hit a snag. Kingroot and Safestrap were installed no problem, but the 'kk-fire-nexus-rom-thor.20160813.zip' file didn't un-zip after it downloaded to the Kindle.

I was able to move it to a MacBook and un-zip it using Android File Transfer.

I don't have anything listed as 'SDcard' in the list of files on the Kindle that the Mac is showing. (I do see it in the Safestrap file manager on the Kindle).

I have no clue as to where the 'kk-fire-rom-etc' package should be transfered to so I can relocate it under the SDcard file.

Anybody got any clues?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Don't unzip the Nexus archive; transfer it intact to the Kindle. Place it in "internal storage" which will be the root/base directory as shown on the MacBook; this will be the root of SDCard when viewed from Safestrap. You can leave it there for the initial flash in Safestrap which expects a zip archive.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Marcucco:
The Android File Transfer works well with my old Kindle (running 6.3.4) but it doesn't seem to like this Thor thing at all.

…of course it could also be because I'm a dope.

I put the zipped Nexus archive back in the downloads folder.

The AFT isn't showing a folder named 'Internal Storage' or anything called a root or base directory. I can see Kingroot and TWRP on the AFT, and I can see Safestrap on the Kindle's menu screen (but not in the AFT window)

Is there a way to move the Nexus archive to where it's supposed to be using just the Kindle?

Thanks again for your help and understanding.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
I have not worked with an Amazon device tethered to a 'mac' so do not a full understanding of the obstacles you are facing. You should have full access to the device file tree from the file manager tool within Safestrap v4 including move/copy/delete options. Not the easiest tool to use but gets the job done.

There are other File Managers that kinda/sorta work from FireOS. Not sure it's worth the effort given you are moving away from this platform.

My suggestion is to forget moving the Nexus zip. Modified install guidance:

- boot into Safestrap recovery

- backup existing FireOS image (system and data partitions)

- do NOT wipe system and data partitions following backup

- flash Nexus rom (you'll need to navigate to the download folder)

- when prompted wipe dalvik and cache partitions ONLY

- reboot device; see if Nexus starts
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Marcucco:
Mac's have their high points and their low, and this thing is officially a dinosaur.

I've located the following screen:

Safestrap 4.01 (TWRP v2.7.1.0

ROM Slot: stock

12:44pm Battery99%+

Select Zip to Install

Storage: Internal Storage (23542 MB)

/datamedia/media/0/Download

{folder icon} (Up A Level)

{page icon} kk-fire-nexus-rom-thor-2016813.zip

Seem like I'm in the right place?

I backed everything up as per your earlier instructions and I haven't deleted anything from the Kindle.

If it bricks I'll only be upset with myself for spending 4 days on it, I've spent more on lunches then this Kindle.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Agreed/understood on all points. You are in the right place. Go ahead and install (flash) Nexus. When complete you will likely receive a prompt suggesting a wipe of cache and dalvik. Accept that. Then reboot system. Might take a few minutes to complete the initial boot. Post back results.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Marcucco:
Thanks again Davey, dropping the hammer now.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Marcucco:
The good news is: It's running the same start-up animation my Google Nexus 5 phone ran.

The bad news: It's still running the animation 12 hours later.

If I hold down the power button I can get it to restart and then get it into Safestrap, but I have no idea where to go from there.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Happens on occasion. Boot into Safestrap v4 recovery and perform a factory reset (slider at bottom) from the wipe menu; then reboot. Usually fixes it.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Marcucco:
That did it, Thank you ever so much for your patience Davey

Warmest regard. M
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Avarix:
Is there an easy way to undo the root and safestrap and restore back to stock FireOS?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Yes. Basic steps:

- download Safestrap v4 compatible version of FireOS 4.5.2

- install above package in the STOCK slot

- reboot to FireOS and uninstall Safestrap recovery and app

- reenable OTA update functionality

The last step will allow your device to download and install the latest version of FireOS from Amazon which may or may not be rootable. It will also remove existing root permissions.

I can provide links when if/when you are ready to proceed.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] Avarix:
Thanks, thats all i needed.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] robguthm:
Davey, if I send you my HDX 8.9 4th generation will you do all of this for me? I'm sure we could agree on the terms. I find my HDX to be worthless with fireOS and would love it to be a 'real' android tablet. I don't have the time in my life to learn how to do this myself.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Hi Robguthm - unfortunately, 4th gen HDX devices are locked down and can not be modified in the manner described in this thread. You're pretty much stuck with FireOS. The Google Play Store can be added to some builds but the experience is no where near a 'real' Android tablet. In your shoes I'd consider selling the HDX and look for another device.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Hello Davey :) Back again!

So everything has been working perfectly well on the tablet with the Nexus ROM. It's been great ... until yesterday. I don't know the exact source of the problem, but it happens when I attempt to update Google Play Services (requested by other apps). After downloading from the Play Store the update install fails with the error message "Insufficient storage".

- I have several GBs of storage free

- I have manually cleaned the cache (through "Settings")

- I have run "App Cache Cleaner"

- I have uninstalled Play Store updates through "Settings"

- I have rebooted several times on the off chance that would fix things

- I'm pretty sure I'm still properly rooted (root explorer functions in ES File Explorer)

I don't know if this is just a general Android issue, or specific to my install. I am at a loss as to how to proceed with fixing things.

Any ideas?

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Couple things to try:

- go into Safestrap recovery and wipe cache and dalvik partition

- try installing from apkmirror (link below). Device type 036. Sometimes Google Play itself gets in the way of installations

- if still no joy it's likely you system partition (where Nexus lives) is full. This typically occurs when a full GAaps package is flashed vs the smaller package recommended for this device. Google packages grow over time; what worked before may be too large now. While the system partition can be manually culled it's often easier/safer to reflash the rom.

Try the first two options and post back results before conceding to a reflash.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Davey, thanks for the reply.

Okay ... I've tried both options, and unfortunately it's the same result:

1) I went into Safestrap recovery, and wiped the cache & the dalvic cache => update of GPServices via play store results in error "Insuffucient storage"

2) I downloaded GPServices apk version 036-133155058 (same as on the play store) from the apkmirror website => install of the apk gave a similar error message

A question: is it possible to 'see' the problem through the file system? I have a terminal installed on the device, and am happy to use a bit of Linux command line ...

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Try installing DiskInfo (free in the Play Store) to assess loading of system partition. Need 200-300+ MB free for many packages to install. If free space is abundant need to try something different.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Diskinfo gives:

Cache: 33MB used / 990MB free

System: 490MB used / 757MB free

Data: 6.5GB used / 5 GB free

For the 'System' partition:

mount: /system

File system: ext4

Access: Read only

Block: 4KB

Partition name mmcblk0p22

Partition label: system

Partition number: 22

Device: Internal storage (mmcblk0)

Device type: MMC

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Obviously free space is not a problem. Next logical (and safest) step is a rom reflash using the latest Nexus build. You should not loose any personal apps/data provided the user partition is not wiped.

- download the latest build of Fire Nexus

- from Safestrap Recovery verify you are working against the STOCK partition

- from Wipe->Advanced tick Dalvik and Cache (only!); slide to execute

- locate and reflash Nexus rom via the install menu

- reboot tablet

Verify the included version of GAaps is satisfactory.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Hi Davey.

Thanks for your reply, and sorry for going quiet ... I had some 'real life' rubbish to deal with. Very annoying. Anyway ...

... so I just downloaded the 20160813 Fire Nexus ROM, and re-flashed it as per your instructions. After doing a reboot, and some updates, everything seems to be working perfectly. It only took a few minutes, and it worked like a charm. Outstanding.

Davey, thanks once again for your knowledge and help.

Cheers,

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Glad everything is working again. Thanks for checking in; sharing your experience and positive outcome may help someone else.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Hi Davey ... are you still around for a little help/advice?

I seem to have run into the same problem again with GApps: "insufficient storge", etc.

I think I've got enough space, and I've been into Safestrap to wipe 'cache' & 'dalvic cache', but that still doesn't fix things.

Assuming I want to go for a re-flash or similar, what's the best way forward?

Thanks,

Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
That should not be happening ... obviously something else is amiss. Did you install a custom GAaps package?

Things have changed a bit over the past 6 months. It's now possible to unlock the bootloader on any rooted HDX opening the door to the full suite of ROMs for this device. Also removes Safestrap v4 from the equation which is getting long in the tooth.

Unlocking entails a full device wipe including personal apps and data. If that's not a concern then I'd suggest going with LineageOS 14.1 which is the latest stable ROM for this device based on Android 7.x (Nougat). KitKat based Fire Nexus (sans Safestrap) also remains an option and is preferred if you make frequent use of Bluetooth devices or have a LTE equiped HDX.

Let me know how you want to proceed.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Hello again :)

Very happy to go with a complete wipe of everything, and get whatever is the 'best', clean solution available now.

The device is not LTE (wifi only), but I do use Bluetooth quite a bit to connect to a speaker ... from what you said, maybe the KitKat based ROM would be more sensible.

What steps do I need to take to get things set up?

Thanks, Aaron

BTW, no I didn't go for a custom GApps, just the standard one
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Take a peek at the following thread (OP in particular). Should provide what you need. Be sure to grab the proper files for your device and verify their integrity before flashing. After unlocking you can reinstall Nexus but avoid layering on your own GAaps package as nano is already baked in. There are strategies to obtaining additional Google properties (apps) depending on what's required. Ask questions​ as needed.

Edit: link added ...

https://xdaforums.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/thor-4-5-5-2-easy-to-root-unlock-t3571240
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Hi Davey.

Which thread did you mean?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
Sorry...thought I dropped that link. Here.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] alhroot:
Hi Davey.

Thanks for the link.

I'm trying to understand exactly what it is that I need to do ...

The tablet is rooted

I am using Ubuntu 16.04 to connect via USB

adb version 1.0.32 is installed

When I follow the link to get the drivers to connect to the tablet

https://developer.amazon.com/public...etting-up-your-kindle-fire-tablet-for-testing

... there is no option for Linux drivers.

So I thought I'd just try connecting it up anyway:

$ adb devices

List of devices attached

D0FBA0A0345104E4	unauthorized
​

As usual, I'm really confused ...

What do you think I should do next?

Thanks, Aaron
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] DB126:
It would appear your device is communicating via adb (which suggests Linux drivers are OK). Try this:

- untether device

- head to developer options in settings (Google is your friend if developer options section is not shown)

- revoke usb debugging and then reenable it

- on host issue following commands: 'adb kill-server' followed by 'adb start-server'

- retether device; you should get a prompt on the device asking for authorization