yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
Did you run the fastboot from the same directory where unlock files are?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] idowens:
Yes, my fastboot & unlock files are in the same dir. It attempts the unlocks (finds the file, proceeds to attempt unlock) but fails saying invalid unlock code.

Q: Where it says ' sending unlock (0 KB)' should that be 256bytes (the size of the unlock file) and not zero? Is this a permissions issue?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
You should be using the 0x4581f578ed.unlock file.

What does ls -la 0x4581f578ed.unlock say?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] idowens:
user-mbp:platform-tools user$ ls -la 0x4581f578ed.unlock
-rw-r--r-- 1 user staff 256 Dec 1 13:49 0x4581f578ed.unlock

I've tried giving it R/W Permission for User /Staff /Everyone but that didn't work either. Thanks for your feedback

Also, is there a way in fastboot/adb to check the bootloader ver to make sure I have an appropriate ver? As I said in my original post, I downgraded from 4.5.5.2 to 3.2.8, then to 4.5.2. Would the proper bootloader be in place given those changes?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
AFAIK the unlock code should work with any bootloader version.

Can you try attached file (unzip it first)?

Are you sure you got the id and serial correctly?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
There is no longer a bootloader version prerequisite for 3rd gen HDX provided you followed the procedure in step #2 of the OP. As a quick check you should be able to boot into TWRP even if the bootloader remains locked.

Other potential gotcha is invalid root...
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] idowens:
Here are the exact responses; I also unzipped and tried your provided file, and got the same failed results (invalid unlock code.)

shell@thor:/ $ cat /sys/block/mmcblk0/device/manfid
0x000045
shell@thor:/ $ cat /sys/block/mmcblk0/device/serial
0x81f578ed

---------- Post added at 03:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------

I think I was having an issue with Step 2 and not having proper route. I went allll the way back, followed step by step, and was able to successfully achieve the unlocked bootloader using the proper aboot.

Thanks for your help and that of [MENTION=2226076]stangri[/MENTION]
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] guardianknox:
I just want to say thanks the OP, as scary as this method seemed at first, this was surprisingly quick and easy.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] LZ_:
Good job!

thx for this amazing hack, love my kindle much more with cm ;)

worked flaweless and easy - had only a little mess finding a way to put the files to the hdx after flashing TWRP: tried it with several computers and different sys, an old WIN7 on a X60s saved me.... :good:
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] shawly:
Worked perfectly on my Thor, thank you!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] deathbless:
Can someone please create an unlock file for me? I have tried but I am not competent with python, etc.

manfid: 0x000011

serial: 0xdb0fab74

Thank you in advance!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
Inside the zip in attachment.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] deathbless:
EDIT: I found the solution. I did not have the unlock file in the same directory as fastboot. Thanks again for your help!

Thank you for your help. I am stuck in step 3. I get "error: cannot load '0x11db0fab74.unlock'

On my HDX 7, it just says "getvar:partition-type:unlock...Ok.' and nothing else. Just 'Ready.' underneath it. I apologize if there have been simpler steps laid out throughout the forum, but I have been searching for several hours to no avail :(
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Couldn't tell if edit proceeded/followed question. All set?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] deathbless:
Yes, all set. Thanks!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Raymodjp:
almost made it

I got through all the steps with no error messages, including the successful unlock message and thought I was home free. However, when I tried to reboot into twrp, my HDX Apollo just went blank. In windows 7 it now shows up as an unknown device. I tried both sets of drivers again (I had to install the pda drivers to get the unlock to work) but no luck so far. I've uninstalled Lab, but not sure if there is something further I need to do to get rid of 1 or both sets of drivers, or something else I am just not thinking of?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
Can you get it to fastboot?

Others will correct me if I'm wrong, but on non-Fire devices you can start boot recovery by doing something like:

fastboot -i 0x1949 boot <full path to twrp on your computer/twrip.img>
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Raymodjp:
nothing but a blank screen and any commands hang with <waiting for device> or something similar.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Long press <power> for 20+ sec to insure device is truly off. When restarted (or active charge applied) it should go to fastboot as no rom is installed. Unfortunately there is no fix for this type of brick short of board replacement.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Raymodjp:
ok. I have been long pressing the power button. Believe me. It also had about 40% charge, but I put it on the charger and will leave it there while I get some sleep. I'm not sure how I managed to brick it with everything going so smoothly. I was in fastboot, my tablet showed the message that unlock was successful, but on reboot it went blank and never came back. Its frustrating to think you are done and then get a brick!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Spontaneous bricks are a rare but recognized risk of flashing (or other forms of partition maintenance) and are especially devastating when dealing with bootloaders and other 'low level' components. Possible the downloaded bootloader was corrupted in transit (always confirm md5 before applying) or you inadvertent grabbed the wrong one.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] versatilias:
made the unlock code.

after "adb reboot bootloader"

my hdx freezes when it gets to fastboot.

"fastboot -i 0x1949 flash unlock 0x4542ed5feb.unlock

< waiting for device >" <--- stuck this way cause it can't connect to my device

is there anyway i can fix my fastboot?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Nothing wrong with device; need to install/replace drivers on host machine. See OP for links to suggested drivers. Genetic approach (Windows):

- open device manager

- tether device in fastboot mode

- delete device that got added when HDX was connected

- reboot windows

- repeat first two steps directing Windows to recommended drivers
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Raymodjp:
I'm not sure what worked, but I am in TWRP! Whew, not a hard brick after all. After pressing power and volume up too many times to count last night and all day today, I decided to open it up and see how hard it would be to replace the board. While I was in there I disconnected the battery for awhile.. After reconnecting the battery i connected it to pc and held power, but same problem of not recognized. Disconnected battery again. longer this time, held the volume up key first, then the power and Kindle logo (think it was gray, too excited that my tablet was alive to remember for sure), then TWRP popped up almost immediately.

Ok, time to get an OS then close it back up again. First things first. :)

EDIT: Wait, I am getting ahead of myself. I don't know if I have an unlocked bootloader or why the tablet wouldn't go into fastboot. It looks like it will just sit in TWRP, so I think I will close it up and wait for advice on what to do next.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Nice to hear! Not sure why the device will not enter fastboot mode. Typical key sequences:

- press/hold <vol-up> + <power> in that sequence to enter recovery; release both keys after gray Amazon logo disappears

- press/hold <vol-down> + <power> in that sequence to enter fastboot; release both keys after gray Amazon logo disappears

Above assumes device is powered off before attempting to access a 'special' mode (long press <power> for 20+ sec until screen goes dark; device must be untethered).

To verify bootloader status issue the following command from host (assuming you can get the HDX into fastboot mode): "fastboot -i 0x1949 oem idme". A response will only be generated if the bootloader is unlocked.

I see no immediate risk moving forward with flashing the compatible ROM of your choosing. Lollipop+ ROMs require an unlocked bootloader; KitKat based ROMs can be flashed to an unlocked device. Don't forget to perform a full wipe of common partitions (system/data/dalvik/cache) before flashing first ROM. Normally no need to wipe "internal storage" or any of the other partitions. Rule of thumb: never wipe an unfamiliar partition unless explicitly directed to do so by an experienced/trusted advisor. Point barrel at head, pull trigger is normally not the best answer to a headache.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cykodelic:
Hello, I cannot seem to get phyton to work. So could anybody please make me an unlock file?

0x000015

0x1500ad93

THX!
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Raymodjp:
Ha! Good advice, as usual. Several months ago you helped me flash safestrap and nexus fire rom, as well as the prior nexus and cyanogen ROMs (among other things).

I was able to reboot to Fastboot from TWRP, entered the fastboot command and got OK response so I am all set. Recognized by Windows so I can move a ROM to the HDX, wipe and flash. I have experience with that, having moved back and forth between ROMs looking for various working features.

So <ahem> rather than taking apart my HDX and disconnecting the battery, I simply needed to hold the volume up or volume down button BEFORE holding down the power key? :silly: Would just the power key alone or power and volume up at the same time do nothing so tablet appears bricked and not recognized? I thought that maybe my power button wasn't working on the long hold to power down and that's why the battery disconnect worked, but maybe it was just my own ignorance of the correct sequence and dumb luck to finally try it! I guess I took the road less traveled. Thanks for being so thorough, it really helps.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Attached.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
We all learn a little along the way...either by reaching out for guidance or listening to the views of others. Glad all is well with your device; hopefully others will benefit from the exchange.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cykodelic:
Thank you! For the next step, when I try to type in

dd if=/sdcard/twrp_cubed.img of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/recovery

it gives me: cannot open for read: no such file or directory.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Give some thought to the error message:

- did you download the files as described in step #2 of the OP?

- are they located in the same directory/folder where the command is being executed?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cykodelic:
Ok that worked. It had to be on the internal root of the kindle.

Ok when I hit the flash unlock line. It says: waiting for device

I restarted the kindle and it says "fastboot" in the middle of the screen.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Need to install/replace Fastboot drivers as noted in the unlock prerequisites. This can be an exceptionally frustrating experience on Windows as auto-install typically grabs the wrong ones. You may have to disable signature verification if running a 64-bit version of Win 8/8.1/10. Some tips here. There is not much I can do do help with this step as it is local to your machine. Try a different host or get help from a tech-savvy friend if you run into problems. Good luck.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cykodelic:
Ah damnit. And I thought I was done...

You think it is easier on Mac? I have access to one too.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Might - contributors report different experiences on different platforms. Linux is supposedly a cakewalk. At least you have a couple options.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cykodelic:
Hell yeah. It worked with Mac! Easy as pie. Should have started with that from the beginning!

Thanks for your hard work and support. I'm starting backing up my system and everything and then I am ready to install CM13! Or do you suggest another version? Should I wait for a much more stable version?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
CM 13 nightlies have been dicey of late; often fail to boot (I much prefer a static/reliable build updated as needed vs the nightly lottery). CM 12.1 is fine. If Marshmallow is a 'must' consider Fire Nexus 6.01 which is solid. Note bluetooth does not work on LP/MM builds; gotta stick with KK if you depend on a BT keyboard or audio. Also know OTG devices are not supported on this device regardless or ROM (eg: external flash drives). Only way to get stuff on/off device is via WiFi or tether. All storage is internal; allocate wisely.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Raymodjp:
Absolutely and thanks again, me too. What I still don't get is why the power key alone didn't work, so I checked to see if I could recreate my problem. From the Fastboot screen I powered off with the long hold on power key exactly as I did the first time after unlocking bootloader. (was tired and didn't think it would cause a problem) This time, pressing the power key after power off takes me right back to Fastboot. The first time, the power key didn't do anything and the tablet seemed bricked. I don't get it, but maybe just something unique to my tablet or situation.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Cykodelic:
Thanks for the advices. I'm trying for 5.1 for now. Installed fine for me here.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
Alright, Imcaving, but I cant get everything to work right. Could I get some help with it? I can get up to the manfid and serial part just fine. After I can.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] idowens:
Leafen; I don't see any previous posts from you on this thread. Can you tell us which steps you've taken thus far, where you're getting stuck, and what (if any) error messages are showing? This will help us point you in the right direction.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
Ive installed python, and gmpy2. I have adb working. But command prompt doesnt want to show python up. So I use python line. I do the steps up to getting the unlock image. . Then I get a syntax error when doing it. Am I just missing something important with the text in the line?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] idowens:
It may be that python isn't installed correctly. Windows/Mac/Linux? If you want to provide your ManID and Serial, one of us can help you with creating the unlock.unlock file and perhaps you can get it from there (since you won't need Python past that point.)
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
Yeah, sure, ill get that next im on the computer. I should have the rest from there. And thanks for being so fast with answering.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
If the error message happens to be referencing line #7 it *may* be an issue with gmpy2 version. I had that with v2.0.8; resolved by installing v2.0.3 (did not have to remove v2.0.8).
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] woomdawg:
I tried adb for the first time tonight and it was not to bad hopefully I got it right lol here is what I got.

C:\Users\woomd>adb -s D0FBA0A0348604A5 shell

7[r[999;999H[6nshell@thor:/ $ cat /sys/block/mmcblck0/device/manfid

/system/bin/sh: cat: /sys/block/mmcblck0/device/manfid: No such file or directory

1|shell@thor:/ $ cat /sys/block/mmcblk0/device/manfid

0x000045

shell@thor:/ $ cat /sys/block/mmcblk0/device/serial

0x0992e4e7

shell@thor:/ $

Does this look right? Can you get me an unlock code please?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
You should write twrp recovery if you have root on your device. Unlock file is attached (inside zip).
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] woomdawg:
Like as in these? twrp_cubed.img and aboot_vuln.mbn?

My concern moving forward from here is I have safestrap. Can I have safestrap and twrp at the same time? I am guessing no.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
Leafen again! My manfid is 0x000011, serial 0x1e98a776
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Surprisingly, yes! Safestrap v4 is not a true recovery; it emulates TWRP yet lives in the system partition along with the stock rom. You can safely flash the 'real' TWRP (assuming bootloader prerequisites are met) without disturbing Safestrap v4 or your existing environment. Just follow instructions in the OP. Details matter; carefully check everything before making any commits. Ask if unsure.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] woomdawg:
I am taking this one slow lol. Thank you for the help.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
I keep getting Error cannot load 0x111e98a776.unlock
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
Did you unzip the file? Did you put resulting 0x111e98a776.unlock into the folder you're running a fastboot command from?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
what folder would that be? Just to make sure.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
AFAIK on Linux/Mac the new shell opens in your home folder (~). On windows -- I have no idea. If you type dir in the command prompt on Windows you'll see the content of your current folder. Make sure unlock file is there.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] twocrows:
I feel you, in the same boat [emoji29] Everything was fine until it rebooted and then just a blank screen, not recognized by Windows.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
Okay, i tried making the unlock myself again. ran into syntax error ON cuberHDX.py . whats up with that?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] bigboolean:
Now that's exactly why I'm extremely hesitant to do this process, everything could be going well, but some unexpected error occurs. Right now I have CyanogenMod via Safestrap v4, and I wouldn't mind attempting to unlock my [Thor] Kindle Fire HDX, but the problem is that I'm not experienced enough to do such a task.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] stangri:
You're doing it wrong. What kind of reply would you expect when you didn't provide neither the exact command you ran, nor the output?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
I used the command in the guide. However, I took off the mmsssssss thing so I could see what was wrong. It was apparently that part. The output was literally Syntax Error.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Best explanation for this behavior is the wrong aboot.bin was used -or- the file was corrupted in transit, either when originally downloaded or when transmitted to the device. There is always a risk flashing low level components such as bootloaders. A single flipped bit can (likely will) brick the device.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Stick with what you have. CM 11 (or Fire Nexus) under Safestrap v4 is a perfectly serviceable ROM with few drawbacks. A few apps require Lollipop+ for full functionality but unless you are encountering one of those don't mess with Fire (pun intended!). Three builds of HDX Nexus powered by daily driver for 18+ months. Was never dissatisfied. As an aside the hardware is still in use.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] bigboolean:
Originally I was curious about using a Marshmallow ROM, but I guess it would be pointless seeing as how I already have a 2013 Nexus 7 with Marshmallow. Hey did you know that the Fire HDX has a slightly superior processor? I mentioned this because I remember a reviewer stating that no one would see the difference, but I played several games on both tablets , and the HDX has a much more consistent frame rate with little drops.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Yes - 3rd gen HDX is superior to 2013 Nexus 7 in many respects including CPU (SnapDragon 800 vs S4 Pro) panel quality (accuracy of colors rendered). GPUs are equivalent but tuned differently and still rely on the CPU for various tasks. Nexus bests the HDX with OTG support, rootability and Google's commitment providing regular Android updates. Durability is a toss-up; both have strengths/weaknesses that proponents/detractors tend to exaggerate. On a personal note my Thors have pulled through several unfortunate incidents that should not have been survivable. Be kind to the USB port and the device should provide many years of trouble free service.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] impact79:
Help please!

I need your help guys. I followed the instructions in the OP, but now i am stuck at step 3.

My device seems to boot into fastboot (grey kindle fire logo and one line stating "[ fastboot ]" below).

But i am not able to send the unlock command, because my PC doesnÂ´t seem to find the device any more!

At least i managed to go to twrp. Did nothing there and ran the "adb decvices" command again.

Result was: "D0FBA0A034560K09 unauthorized"

Can you give me some advise please ?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
While there are various 'hacks' to get this working perhaps the easiest approach is to return to FireOS (or whatever rom is currently loaded) and disable/enable USB debugging. Then retether. That will typically bring up a prompt to authorize the device you are trying to connect to.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] impact79:
Thanks for your fast reply. The device currently has CM11.

But how do i actually do that ?

If I try to boot the system in the TWRP Menu it instantly boots back to fastboot.

I also tried to mount the system partition first. Didn´t work...

The CM11 rom file is still in the root folder of the device. Shall i flash it again using TWRP ?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Draekhost:
Is it okay to put the TWRP/BACKUPS folder onto my computer to free up ~1.5GB of space, and just move it back to my apollo if it's needed?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Yes - try to reflash CM 11 along with the SuperSU zip (not apk) from here. To copy the SuperSU zip onto the device boot into TWRP and then tether. The device should be visible/accessible in Windows File Explorer or the Linux/Mac equivalent. Just drag SuperSU to a suitable folder, preferably the same folder holding the CM 11 zip.

I will admit a bit of concern about the state of your device:

- pretty unusual to see the 'unauthorized' message at this stage of the game

- given the above not certain you will be able to copy files to/from the device even with TWRP

- system partition (rom) should not have been wiped/disabled by the actions taken in step #2

Hopefully those concerns are misplaced and everything will go smoothly.

---------- Post added at 07:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:06 PM ----------

Yes - backups can be moved to a suitable host and deleted from the device.

Suggest keeping a rom zip (preferably Fire Nexus) on the device for emergency recovery if the active rom goes belly up. The install package is relatively small (<300 MB last I looked) and has SuperSU and a minimal GAaps package baked in. Given the hardware does not support OTG you want a reliable fall back for moving files on/off the device should a tethered connection fail.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
Since nothing is working for me, right now, how do I get out of fast boot?
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Untether the device then long press <power> until it shuts down (8-15 sec). From there you should be able to power up to whatever rom is currently installed.
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] Leafen:
Well I had gotten to the part of getting twrp and aboot. That's as far as I got. Now I've tried getting back to FireOS like explained. A few times. Hasn't works so far
[Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General] DB126:
Can you boot into TWRP? That is accomplished by pressing and holding <power>+<vol-up> from a cold start. Release both buttons once the grey Amazon logo vanishes. If you can access TWRP it's possible to flash one of several KitKat based custom ROMs even with a locked bootloader. If the device simply returns to Fastboot there are bigger issues.

Hint: press <vol-up> first then <power>. Continue to hold both buttons until initial logo vanishes as directed above. No need to mash...just hold :)