yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire General] findrome:
My 5th gen tablet updated overnight to 5.3.3.0

UI seems snappier, more responsive. My Google Play Store is still working as well.

The overall operation seems much less restricted. I'm still hoping for root though. I'm ok with the Fire OS, I really just want to debloat and customize some of the operations.
[Fire General] DB126:
Most devices feel more responsive after an OS refresh as caches and other 'crud' gets flushed in the process. Time will tell if Amazon performed any real optimizations.
[Fire General] smmankad:
Got myself a new Fire 7, it came with 5.1.3 - I added the Play Store and was satisfied. It updated to 5.3.3.0 as well earlier today like a lot of us here. After it updated, there was another notification prompting that there is an update to 5.3.3.0. But there was an additional line below that said "Updates are ready for 8 system components. 1 component is downloading" and the Update button was available for me to hit. Turns out that these "system components" were nothing but the Amazon Apps (Kindle, Prime Video, etc.) - because as soon as I hit update and went to the Home Screen, I saw them flash one by one as they refreshed through the update (and the counts in the line counted down). Once it all completed, there were no more "update notifications" around 5.3.3.0.

As for performance, nothing new - but there are new power options available, like Smart Suspend (which turns off WiFi when the tablet is not in use).
[Fire General] jextrevor:
I thought that Smart Suspend was already implemented in earlier versions. I may be wrong.
[Fire General] crazyates:
Smart Suspend is on my Fire with 5.3.2.1. Don't know how far go back it goes.
[Fire General] Siddharth2001:
Mine got updated too

My Fire 7 (5th Gen) got updated automatically to 5.3.3.0 the 12th of April.

Im running google play store along with many google apps. They're all working fine.

Only gmail kept crashing.. and i was forced to use the stock mail app...
[Fire General] smmankad:
Thanks, folks. I stand corrected :)
[Fire General] der-mali:
My Fire tablet did an automatic update to 5.3.3.0 this week during night time.

It seems to run faster and smoother now (due to cache clean etc. probably!?).

One more thing: wasn't able to update the Facebook app from Google Play Store with the old Fire OS version, now after the OS update it worked, strange, isn't it?

PS: My location is Germany.
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
The screen on my Fire 7 (5th generation) has unfortunately bit the dust. I really liked this tablet, despite the current circumstances. So I decided to go up a level and buy a Fire 8 (6th generation). It will arrive in the next week or so.
[Fire General] amxxo:
Got the update last night
[Fire General] HoreBesokLibur:
For those having problem with Gmail crashing, try to disable sync on your second account. I have 2 accounts on my Gmail and disabling the sync on the second one kinda fix the crash. But if you try to manually sync, the app would crash.
[Fire General] jextrevor:
My tablet is having issues with the keyboard on Instagram. Probably not related to 5.3.3.0, just putting it out there to see if anyone is experiencing similar issues.
[Fire General] crazyates:
My fire updated to 5.3.3.0 today, and it's officially on Amazon's firmware update page, so it looks like it's been officially rolled out. Everyone should have it by now?
[Fire General] DB126:
Doubt it; Amazon stages rollouts so as not to overwhelm CDNs (theirs and/or others). Quite confident there is a pool of devices still running 5.3.2.1 & below that will update over time.
[Fire General] Vanb85:
Is this version okay for installing the Play Store? I'm getting a new Fire tablet today, and I wanted to know if I should try to block updates in order to get the Play Store on it first or if it's okay to let it do its thing as I'm registering it and setting it up.

eta: Well, it just came in the mail. So, I guess I'll be finding out for myself.
[Fire General] BeeWall:
It should be able to, yes.
[Fire General] bibikalka:
And 5.3.3.0 is now on Amazon's website :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201830180
[Fire General] crazyates:
That may be true, but it would seem they are ramping up the rollout? My device is usually one of the last to get updates, and as I said, it's now on their Firmware Page, so anyone who doesn't want to wait for the OTA update can download and manually sideload.
[Fire General] moiself:
I update yesterday to 5.3.3.0 on my new fire 7, and today I install google play without issues
[Fire General] DB126:
Probably. Distribution ramps slowly to insure they perform as expected in the wild. Posting to firmware page usually signifies general availability and an acceleration in pace. Not sure the historical update timing on your device is relevant to the general trend. My comments on how Amazon handles updates are based on historical observation over several generations of devices and could be totally wrong.
[Fire General] cbriarnold:
Is 5.3.3.0 rootable?

I didn't see any comments on whether 5.3.3.0 is rootable and whether I can install a custom rom on it. Can anyone confirm this for me?
[Fire General] DB126:
Not rootable - hence no custom ROM. However, you can install an alternative launcher and the Google Play Store to improve the user experience and gain access to a wider portfillo of apps. That said, underpinnings are still FireOS 5 and (more importantly) the auto launch bloatware that soffocates the device.
[Fire General] tygamer1234:
I need help... My notification bar will not expand, Google Play doesn't download, and full screen will not exit. Also, my home button broke. Any ideas? Can't upload screenshot due to network error... :(
[Fire General] DB126:
Reload FireOS 5.3.3.0 (no lower) via stock recovery menu. See following for further guidance.

https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/general/unbrick-amazon-fire-7in-2015-5th-gen-t3285294
[Fire General] tygamer1234:
I factory reset it last night. Fixed the issue!
[Fire General] Jjdustr340:
My Fifth Gen is rooted since the 5.0.1 OS. Would it be possible to flash 5.3.3, followed by the zip for 5.0.1 boot, then Superuser and still keep root? I know I was able to follow that process and flash 5.3.2 (I think that's the version) but just wanted to get someone's thoughts before jumping in on it.
[Fire General] jhedfors:
You would in effect be upgrading the boot to 5.3.3, then attempting to downgrade to 5.0.1. From what I have read, that would be a certain brick.

Edit: you did mention ”zip for 5.0.1 boot ". Is this a custom zip that just contains boot? If it doesn't contain bootloader, It probably wouldn't brick, but I am pretty sure it would fall to install, and you would be left with an upgraded, unrootable (at this time) device.
[Fire General] Jjdustr340:
Is that only after 5.3.1? I used the directions for TWRP on 5.0.1 bootloader found here: developers.com/amazon-fire/general/howto-install-fireos-5-1-1-root-gapp to go to 5.3.1 and still have root without bricking it.
[Fire General] BeeWall:
There is a tutorial on how to do it, basically it is

1. Flash the OTA from FlashFire/TWRP

2. (DO NOT REBOOT) Flash a zip that is pretty much 5.0.1 OTA without the system image

3. Reboot

Because you do not reboot, the device doesn't realize you ever flashed the later bootloader, and does not brick. Rebooting between 1 and 2 DOES brick.

---------- Post added at 08:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 PM ----------

It should work fine.
[Fire General] DB126:
Theoretically it should work; from a practical perspective I see no immediate obsticles. That said there is always some risk in such operations; make sure the benefits of 5.3.3.x outweigh the potential liabilities (however small).
[Fire General] jhedfors:
So you just upgraded to 5.3.1 instead? You were talking about 5.3.3 which is not currently rootable or downgradable.

Edit: just got caught up on the last couple of posts.... Good info.:svetius:
[Fire General] Jjdustr340:
Thanks for the perspective all. Gonna give it a go.

As far as why.....I have 3 Fires in the house. Mine is rooted since 5.0.1. The other two are stock.

If I plug mine into my car stereo, the lag between skipping songs is nearly 5 seconds long. Same on my wife's Fire with the update prior to 5.3.3 (I forget the exact version). However, my son's fire with 5.3.3 has no lag at all. It's the oddest thing.

I should mention this is using the USB port to plug into the head unit for audio.
[Fire General] Jjdustr340:
Update----

It worked. Fire is now on 5.3.3 with root.

Again, I'd like to point out this is a device originally rooted on 5.0.1 that I manually updated.

Now to find out if it lags or not when connected to my Jeeps head unit.
[Fire General] der-mali:
I have issues with the GMail app (from Play Store).

It opens but when I click something in the app it closes right away.

I have 4 accounts for this app, it worked until 5.3.2.1 ;-(
[Fire General] ymcn:
Auto update despite auto updates been disabled

I picked up a fire a few weeks ago and tried over the weekend to root and flash. I managed to root but it failed to flash and was looping on boot screen. I restored to 5.3.1.0 and tried again. Again it failed so I restored again. Switched off automatic updates and installed kingroot. During the night it auto upgraded to 5.3.3.0 which surprised me. I'm not sure how this happened whether its not blocking updates because of the failed tries :S

I'm wondering what to now, is it an option to root 5.3.3.0?
[Fire General] DB126:
No root or downgrade options at present. You can install Google Play store which mostly works. See below for details.

https://xdaforums.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603
[Fire General] DragonFire1024:
I use the built in Amazon app for my Gmail so I can take speak for the issues with the Gmail app. I just find the Gmail UI to be a bit much and Amazon's app seems to run smoother. I have the Fire HD 8 and I've had no issues with the Google Play Store or any app yet. I do notice since 5.3.3.0, Amazon keeps insisting on setting the home button to be used for Alexa when I double tap, when I turn it off.
[Fire General] DB126:
There are dozens of quality mail apps; everyone seems to have their favorite! I'm heavily dependent on email (nature of the anchient world I interface with) with a vast filing system going back 10+ years. I also use several devices and expect hassle free synchronization. If looking for better alternatives consider AquaMail. Play Store ratings speak for themselves (not all glowing); free and paid versions. You'll either love or hate it. :)
[Fire General] slvr32:
Just FYI, I have a 4th gen Fire HDX 8.9 LTE (never rooted) that just got updated to FireOS 5.3.3.0, and I just checked my versions of the above...

Gmail 7.4.9.153522397.release

Google Account Manager 4.4.4-1227136

Google Play Services 10.2.98 (236-146496160)

Google Play Store... exactly the same version as yours

Google Services Framework 4.4.4-1227136

I haven't noticed any issues with my version of Gmail or any of my other apps so far.
[Fire General] PervyPrincess:
Same, I just uninstalled gmail and reinstalled. Works fine now.
[Fire General] slvr32:
I take it back... I was just looking at a message I sent in the Gmail app, and I'm not sure if this was related, but the message had a modest PDF attachment... and I just tried viewing the message (not the attachment) twice, and the Gmail app seems to consistently crash.

I'll try uninstalling and reinstalling Gmail, to see if that helps, as others have suggested.
[Fire General] hasanbd:
It would be very appreciable if you please tell the whole process in a thread . Thank you in advance . :)
[Fire General] DB126:
Interesting contribution from someone with 2 posts to their name.

Not that easy as the amount of information is far too great with numerous scenarios and interests to consider. XDA is a community where volunteers (not paid staffers) unselfishly share their knowledge and talents for the benefit of others. Members have jobs, spouses, kids, outside lives, etc, etc. What structure you see - and there is plenty if you actually go looking - falls on the shoulders of a few dedicated members who go over-and-beyond on a regular basis. Special shout-out to @sd_shadow for his work organizing the forum index and related articles.
[Fire General] ttcontributor:
Please, help link the file needed and steps to do this if possible.

I am with rooted 5.3.1 FlashFire
[Fire General] DB126:
If your device is running FireOS 5.3.1 -and- you took no prior steps to preserve a previously installed 5.0.x bootloader (likely not if you are using FlashFire) then this does not apply. If you did preserve the 5.0.x bootloader then you'll already be familiar with the procedure.
[Fire General] Jjdustr340:
As [MENTION=5488402]Davey126[/MENTION] said, unless you are still on the 5.0.1 bootloader what I did will not work.

All I did was download the 5.3.3 update from Amazon

Downloaded the 5.0.1 boot zip

Boot into TWRP by ADB fastboot.

Flashed the 5.3.3 zip

Without leaving TWRP flashed the 5.0.1 boot zip

Flashed Gapps

Flashed SuperSU

Then reboot.

For anyone interested, this did enable me to connect my Fire to my Jeeps head unit thru USB and play music thru the system without stuttering or lag.

Its something I'm toying with to use the Fire as a touchscreen media center in my Jeep.
[Fire General] MSMC:
So this method only works if u had the fire rooted before and it didn't auto update, correct?
[Fire General] DB126:
Correct - would also need 5.0.x bootloader which was only available on early (4Q15) builds.
[Fire General] jpearn:
So would one of the bootloaders from the gapps / root tutorial work using 541 or 552 ? I previously had os 5.3.1 with 541 bootloader and was rooted from the tutorial

Edit and just unbricked so in TWRP
[Fire General] jpearn:
Spent some time on this today and the latest update to 5.3.3.0 includes new uboot / bootloader but no recovery. It will not boot on the older 541 / 552 bootloader / uboot combos. So my upgrade path is to install the 5.3.3.0 update in TWRP, then SuperSu, then the 5.2.0 recovery only zip file form the tutorial. Everything seems to be fine and I have root and can still get back into TWRP from GScript if needed.
[Fire General] DB126:
541/552? GScript? Can you provide a link to the referenced material? Or might there be a typo in (presumably abbreviated) identifiers.
[Fire General] jpearn:
https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=62011272&postcount=2

Should have mentioned I'm on HD 7 Ariel (4th)
[Fire General] DB126:
Right. This thread is for the 5th gen Fire 7 so linked procedures, bootloader builds, etc. don't apply. Unfortunate Amazon did not choose a more unique name for 5th gen 7 inchers (Ford); leads to much confusion and mis-posts.

Good luck with your Ariel!
[Fire General] martytoo:
I'm new to Fire HD. I bought a Fire HD8 this week. The price reduction and a non tech friend's easy installation of the playstore made it seem like a good choice.

I installed the playstore and sideloaded some other apps. I'm using Nova launcher.

I now have a problem. Mine updated to 5.3.3.0 and I don't seem to be able to sideload apps. Can someone else with a 6th gen HD8 confirm whether they can side load with 5.3.3.0? Can another app be blocking the sideloads?
[Fire General] martytoo:
I was wrong. This is a Dropbox issue. I was able to sideload an app no longer available on the playstore. I used Google drive to transfer and install this app. So 5.3.3.0 is working fine for me.
[Fire General] martytoo:
I have an update question. I understand attempting to block updates by blocking Amazon servers as I have tried to do this with my Firestick. It makes sense as it is always connected to the same wireless router.

I bought the Fire HD8 to take on vacation. I'm planning an overseas trip. I don't want to bring my Nexus 7 because I feel it would be a hassle to replace if it were lost or stolen. The sale price from Amazon was too good to pass up.

My question is how can someone prevent updates if on vacation hooked into someone else's WiFi? (I use VPN when using public WiFi!)
[Fire General] DB126:
A no-root VPN based firewall can perform this function. Several worthy options in the Play Store. Some professional grade ad-blockers also have an integrated, user configurable network firewall. I use a paid solution (AdGuard) which you'll have to grab off the web as Google banned more robust versions from the Play Store. Good luck.
[Fire General] martytoo:
I see if I buy this service I must decide how many devices I want to install it on. Thanks for the tip. How long have you used it? Do you know if it works well on a Firestick with regard to streaming video through the VPN?
[Fire General] DB126:
I have used AdGuard for nearly two years, primarily for browser based ad blocking. Also blocks ads in apps and filters network traffic for malware. As for apps I generally purchase the 'pro' version or donate to show appreciation and support ongoing development. So no guilt. Each license is aligned with a single device. The license can be easily reassigned but not concurrently shared. I believe the 'free' version contains basic firewall capability which may be sufficient for your needs.

But this is turning into a product promo which was unintended. If your objective is to block OTA updates use a dedicated VPN firewall. You'll need to experiment with a few to find something you like *and* exposes system level apps/IPs/process/services that should not have network access. It's a somewhat tedious process that does not provide bullet proof protection from OTA updates. If the VPN Firewall fails to start, has leaks or is not properly configured an OTA update can sneak in. Same can be said for any software based solution.
[Fire General] Gengis26:
Is there a rom for (Cyano etc) for Fire OS 5.3.3.0?
[Fire General] DB126:
At present a custom ROM can not installed on devices running FireOS 5.3.2.1 or 5.3.x as: 1) bootloader remains locked; and 2) no root.

Downgrading is not possible as device will brick.

If/when root is secured (bootloader exploit is unlikely) Fire Nexus is best bet as all other ROMs have been discontinued or are no longer supported.
[Fire General] martytoo:
Go Launcher on 3.3.3.0

Many have posted success using Go Launcher with 3.3.3.0 and I have had luck with Go Launcher, but I have not found a way to add browser shortcuts to my home pages. This means I will be relying on Nova. A working weather widget and a few great shortcuts to various settings will not make up for a lack of shortcuts. Perhaps a different browser will allow this but I haven't been able to add home page shortcuts with Chrome!

HD8 does allow Go Launcher to function on this version of the OS. I hope this post will help some use widgets!
[Fire General] BeeWall:
Widgets do not work without root. It is a limitation of FireOS. I'm not sure why browser shortcuts don't work, but maybe that has something to do with it. Not sure about the HD8.
[Fire General] martytoo:
Go Launcher's version of the weather display on it's home page acts like a typical widget and it does work with my HD8. The shortcuts work on Nova but I can't figure out a way to make them work with Go Launcher.

I have tried several browsers with Go Launcher and have had no luck saving browser shortcuts.
[Fire General] BeeWall:
I don't have an HD8, so my post might not be accurate for that device. Thanks for the correction.

Do the shortcuts work on launchers besides Nova? It might not be Go-specific.
[Fire General] martytoo:
Shortcuts for Chrome webpages work with both Nova and Google Now launchers. Widgets work with Google Now without root. I use Launcher Highjack 2.1 to access the home function since I do not have root on the HD8.
[Fire General] Feenix0:
I just bought a Fire 7 (5th gen) that came with 5.3.3.0. I purchased it with the intent to root, but sadly, this doesn't seem possible at the moment. Is this the right thread to follow if I want to know if/when that changes and a successful rooting method is developed for this device and version?
[Fire General] DB126:
Probably best to watch this section for new post and/or updates to existing threads.
[Fire General] bonniej88:
I tried using launcherhijack so I can use Nova instead of the Fire launcher, but the home button press option in accessibility is no longer there and I can't get Nova to stay as the launcher. Has anyone else had this issue? Fire HD8 with 5.3.3.0.
[Fire General] ctodd111:
Under Settings --> Accessibility is the option "To detect home button press" which you would switch to "On". It's been a while since I installed it, but I don't think that option was there until after I installed LauncherHijack V2. I also have HD8 with Fire OS 5.3.3.0 and it is working well for me.
[Fire General] bonniej88:
"To detect home button press" isn't in accessibility. I've looked in accessibility, looked all over settings. It was on my Fire 7 last fall, with a previous version of the OS, but I don't see it there now.
[Fire General] ctodd111:
Ok - I just tried it on a Fire 7 that was just reset and running 5.3.3.0. Before installing LauncherHijack v2.1, there was no option to detect home button press. AFTER I installed LauncherHijack v2.1, the option to detect home press was listed at the very bottom of the Accessibility screen under "Services". I activated it and installed Nova Launcher. I have been using LauncherHijack v2 with Nova Launcher on my HD8 (also running 5.3.3.0) for a while now, and except for a brief flash of the Fire home screen when I press the home button, it seems to work well.
[Fire General] bonniej88:
Oh good grief - I had started to install the apk, got distracted by the kids, and never got around to it. Thanks for the help!
[Fire General] Stonkers:
I got launcherhijack working and play store but I had to install every app through ADB because the install button doesn't work. I believe it's cause of the built in app blueshade.

Also I can't use adguard or noroot firewall because the ok button won't work just like the install button. Amazon sucks. The blue filter thing is a known issue and I think they did this on purpose.
[Fire General] DB126:
- likely blue shade filter can be temporarily disabled; just need to identify the offending apps/services

- seriously doubt Amazon implemented this feature to thwart the minute fraction of customers who choose to wander outside the Amazon ecosystem

- device (hardware) and FireOS (software) are sold as a unified package that are designed to work together; if you don't like the package don't buy it
[Fire General] Stonkers:
Im so sorry. I didnt mean to offend any amazon employees.

Lol maybe that isnt why but to actually suggest that they dont update their system to thwart modifications is ridiculous.
[Fire General] DB126:
Didn't​ say that; responded to specific (unfounded) assertion regarding blue shade intent. Amazon employees got a laugh.
[Fire General] Stonkers:
Lol nice
[Fire General] BeeWall:
A known cause for this problem is having ES File Explorer installed. Do you have it?
[Fire General] Stonkers:
Yes! Its my friends tablet. Ill give that a shot when i see him later. Thank you.
[Fire General] Stonkers:
Hey it worked! Thanx alot for the info@PorygonZRocks
[Fire General] Technocian:
Does anyone know if the Amazon Warehouse used ones are shipping with 5.3.X operating systems? I bought this with the sole intention of rooting and installing a slim ROM.
[Fire General] BeeWall:
It depends. Some of them might, some may have older versions. As far as I know, Amazon does not go into them and update them, but leaves it on whatever firmware the previous owner had.
[Fire General] niravP:
no, they come with os5.1.2. I got a new one through warranty but made the mistake of updating it so I suggest you block OTA updates in case Amazon will update it themselves :)
[Fire General] DB126:
You may have received 5.1.2 but that is not assured. Seen reports of versions ranging from 5.0.0 to the most current build of FireOS. The odds of getting a lower (rootable) build of FireOS depends on available stock when the order is processed.