Just Root - Kindle Fire General

Hello,
I have some questions about rooting my Kindle Fire that I just recently purchased.
I have read some of the forum posting's about rooting the KF and it's just giving me a headache trying to sort all the info out so I thought I would just ask.
I strictly use Google Mail (contacts/address book), Google Calendar & Google Reader for 99% of the things I do/need on the web so I need this functionality on the KF, I prefer the apps vs. the web versions.
I'm ONLY looking to root the KF to add these apps. I'm not interested in custom rom's (outside of maybe a custom launcher) or tweaking/fiddling with anything else.
What is the easiest (current) way to root the Kindle Fire to date?
- Does rooting REQUIRE to screw around with the boot loader/ROM or anything else that might cause me to end up with a $200 paperweight that I can't afford to replace?
If anyone can point me in the right direction with instructions 'n such please feel free to respond.
Thanks in advance

Related

[Q] Kindle Fire settings

I was wondering If maybe There is a Way to get the settings menu similar to the ones found on all other android devices. I attempted to swap out the kindle settings file with one that I pulled from a pure android AVD but bricked my Kindle. I was wondering if someone with a bit more experience would be willing to answer my question or even help me figure it out.
Also, this is a double post I put this in the general help forum but Got no answers and was told i would likely get some more help here.
You'll need to wait for a custom rom, I believe. You may be able to mess with things by rooting, too, but probably not a great idea. I haven't seen anything so far that indicates there's some way to get at the missing settings yet just by digging through Amazon's UI.

HOWTO: Using Whatsapp on Kindle Fire (Jelly Bean/SGT7)

I'm using twa_priv's Jelly Bean ROM with SGT7 enhancements on my (first-generation) Kindle Fire, and wanted to install and use WhatsApp on this device.
Not having an Android phone, I found that the instructions here worked well: use Bluestacks on my PC to help get the needed code to install and start up WhatsApp. But when I actually tried to enter a chat on WhatsApp, the application kept crashing.
After seeing that someone else was having the same problem, and looking through the logcat.txt, I figured out that the crash has something to do with a bitmap/image operation in WhatsApp. That led me to a workaround, and now I can use WhatsApp on my Kindle Fire running CM10.
The relevant setting is found in Settings -> Chat preferences -> Wallpaper. I simply set it to "No wallpaper" (it's the conversation, not the background, that matters to me!). But I found it also works if I choose an image somewhere in my filesystem ("Android System"); selecting "WhatsApp" prompts me to download the WhatsApp Wallpaper package, which I don't really care to do. Just don't set it to "Default" -- that's what leads to the app crashing.
This workaround works using WhatsApp Messenger 2.8.4930. Hope this helps others!
Update for WhatsApp 2.9.2871
With the latest version of WhatsApp as of this writing (2.9.2871) running on twa_priv's version of the CM10.1 port, I no longer have to set the chat wallpaper to "No wallpaper" to avoid a crash when entering chats. I'm not sure whether it's because of a fix in CM10.1 or in WhatsApp, but that's one less workaround needed. Hurray!
ezekiel_quacks said:
With the latest version of WhatsApp as of this writing (2.9.2871) running on twa_priv's version of the CM10.1 port, I no longer have to set the chat wallpaper to "No wallpaper" to avoid a crash when entering chats. I'm not sure whether it's because of a fix in CM10.1 or in WhatsApp, but that's one less workaround needed. Hurray!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have recently bought a kindle fire and was hoping to use whatsapp on it. I was pleased to find the recent messages re this, however I am a middle-aged grandmother and I'm sorry but they may just as well be written in an alien language from another planet! Is there any way instructions can be given to me that I could easily follow? Thank you for any help.
you can use Whatsapp if you are willing to use a custom ROM...
mario's mum said:
I have recently bought a kindle fire and was hoping to use whatsapp on it. I was pleased to find the recent messages re this, however I am a middle-aged grandmother and I'm sorry but they may just as well be written in an alien language from another planet! Is there any way instructions can be given to me that I could easily follow? Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I attempt to do so, I'd have to first ask some preliminary questions:
1. Which version of the Kindle Fire are you using? My instructions were based on my experiences on the first generation Kindle Fire, so if you have something different, then I'm not 100% sure this will work for you.
2. Are you running the default software/firmware for the Kindle Fire?
3. If so, are you willing to install a custom firmware (like the various kinds being discussed on these forums), or would you prefer to stick with the default firmware? Installing a custom firmware ("flashing a custom ROM") is not for the technologically faint of heart, even though it's in practical terms not that difficult.
I'm not sure if my instructions will work with the default ("stock") firmware on any version of the Kindle Fire. But depending on your answers, I might still be able to offer some pointers...
ezekiel_quacks said:
Before I attempt to do so, I'd have to first ask some preliminary questions:
1. Which version of the Kindle Fire are you using? My instructions were based on my experiences on the first generation Kindle Fire, so if you have something different, then I'm not 100% sure this will work for you.
2. Are you running the default software/firmware for the Kindle Fire?
3. If so, are you willing to install a custom firmware (like the various kinds being discussed on these forums), or would you prefer to stick with the default firmware? Installing a custom firmware ("flashing a custom ROM") is not for the technologically faint of heart, even though it's in practical terms not that difficult.
I'm not sure if my instructions will work with the default ("stock") firmware on any version of the Kindle Fire. But depending on your answers, I might still be able to offer some pointers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you,
1. How can I find this out? I've looked on the box and the two small leaflets that came with it and all I can see is Model Number D01400? I have literally just bought it.
2. I presume I am running the default/firmware as I haven't made any changes or downloaded anything - would you agree?
3. I'm willing to give anything a go - as long as I can understand what I am supposed to be doing and also as long as it is not going to cause any lasting damage.
Actually I think I should not have bought the kindle and what I wanted was an android tablet - my mistake. But if by installing anything you suggest this would enable me to download Whatsapp - and any other app that Amazon does not seem to allow - then I would be happy. Is this what may be achieved?
Thanks again, sorry I'm not good at all this technical stuff!
mario's mum said:
Thank you,
1. How can I find this out? I've looked on the box and the two small leaflets that came with it and all I can see is Model Number D01400? I have literally just bought it.
2. I presume I am running the default/firmware as I haven't made any changes or downloaded anything - would you agree?
3. I'm willing to give anything a go - as long as I can understand what I am supposed to be doing and also as long as it is not going to cause any lasting damage.
Actually I think I should not have bought the kindle and what I wanted was an android tablet - my mistake. But if by installing anything you suggest this would enable me to download Whatsapp - and any other app that Amazon does not seem to allow - then I would be happy. Is this what may be achieved?
Thanks again, sorry I'm not good at all this technical stuff!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swipe down from the top of the screen. And press more, from there go to the device section, What does the software version say?
read the beginner's guide first
mario's mum said:
Actually I think I should not have bought the kindle and what I wanted was an android tablet - my mistake. But if by installing anything you suggest this would enable me to download Whatsapp - and any other app that Amazon does not seem to allow - then I would be happy. Is this what may be achieved?
Thanks again, sorry I'm not good at all this technical stuff!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, let me be the first to say that I admire your courage, at least! :good: You need to understand, though, that you probably have to do more than just install some app -- this is more like completely replacing the operating system (e.g., Windows) on your PC with another one (e.g., MacOS X). If you make it through these minefields, you'll effectively have a pretty fully functional Android tablet, but it's generally more for the technically minded (i.e., geeks) to attempt and maintain.
Maybe a good first step would be for you to go here and read through a Beginner's Guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1552547. If that's too intimidating, then you probably won't be able to get to the point where I can help you install Whatsapp on your Kindle Fire.
ezekiel_quacks said:
Well, let me be the first to say that I admire your courage, at least! :good: You need to understand, though, that you probably have to do more than just install some app -- this is more like completely replacing the operating system (e.g., Windows) on your PC with another one (e.g., MacOS X). If you make it through these minefields, you'll effectively have a pretty fully functional Android tablet, but it's generally more for the technically minded (i.e., geeks) to attempt and maintain.
Maybe a good first step would be for you to go here and read through a Beginner's Guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1552547. If that's too intimidating, then you probably won't be able to get to the point where I can help you install Whatsapp on your Kindle Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again, thanks for that - but after reading what you've said I don't think my courage extends that far! Anyway, not just so I can Whatsapp when I've got it on my phone. I'm hoping I'll get used to the kindle in time - while I save up for what I really wanted in the first place!
Thanks again.
might be just as well...
mario's mum said:
Hello again, thanks for that - but after reading what you've said I don't think my courage extends that far! Anyway, not just so I can Whatsapp when I've got it on my phone. I'm hoping I'll get used to the kindle in time - while I save up for what I really wanted in the first place!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may find that the Kindle Fire, other than its awkward launcher, may fit the bill just fine as you get used to it. Try browsing the Amazon App Store, and you will probably find most of the apps you'd regularly use on a generic Android tablet. As for Whatsapp, you can't really run it with the same account on more than one device at the same time anyway, so it might be just as well that you only use it on your phone. :cyclops:
ezekiel_quacks said:
You may find that the Kindle Fire, other than its awkward launcher, may fit the bill just fine as you get used to it. Try browsing the Amazon App Store, and you will probably find most of the apps you'd regularly use on a generic Android tablet. As for Whatsapp, you can't really run it with the same account on more than one device at the same time anyway, so it might be just as well that you only use it on your phone. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh that's made me feel a bit better about the Whatsapp!, and you're right I am getting used to it. Thanks for your advice.
Aplogies for bumping an old thread
I have a rooted Kindle Fire (first generation).
I would like to install WhatsApp Messenger on it. I don't have a CUSTOM-ROM. This is rooted without any customizations.
Is there something I can do, to get this started? Any pointers in the right direction are appreciated.
Well, it's been over a year since my original post, and I no longer run Whatsapp on my Kindle Fire now, so I can't be sure what works now. But I'd suggest you follow the links in the first post on this thread for starters, and see if that gets you anywhere.

Convert Kindle Fire into Kiosk/Smart Home tool

Hiya,
I have some old Android tablets lying around, two of which are Kindle Fires. I'd like to figure out some use for them.
One thought is making one connected all the time to a to-do list app (like Google Keep) and have that mounted on a wall. I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions and getting an extremely barebones ROM on a Kindle Fire, but with the ability to login to Google and use up-to-date apps like Google Keep. Preferably it would be "pinned" that that app all the time. Wondering if there is a ROM that eliminates the launcher entirely and just goes to a single app (but with the ability to do full authentication with a Google account)
Thanks for any help!
This probably could be done - like you say, we'd need to have a non-stock rom that could utilize the tablet features of the kindle instead of the reader features.
I like the idea a lot!
I'll see what I can dig up, since I also have this tablet and would like to do that as well.

Please help root tablet kindle fire HDX 8.9 3 gen OS 4.5.5.3.

Please help root tablet kindle fire HDX 8.9 3 gen OS 4.5.5.3. Please, can you tell me how to root that tablet
Hi, spotted your question, I am in the same boat as you and a Newbie. I purchased 8 of these Tablets on eBay and am now trying to get them rooted. I suggest you read the Kindle Fire for Beginners https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/guide-kindle-fire-for-beginners.1552547/ I found it very usefull and am still going through the documentation in the links. It was all written 10 years ago, so I won't be looking for a quick fix. Unless you find one first
ricracz said:
Hi, spotted your question, I am in the same boat as you and a Newbie. I purchased 8 of these Tablets on eBay and am now trying to get them rooted. I suggest you read the Kindle Fire for Beginners https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/guide-kindle-fire-for-beginners.1552547/ I found it very usefull and am still going through the documentation in the links. It was all written 10 years ago, so I won't be looking for a quick fix. Unless you find one first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for answering.
If you manage to root and want to share it, I would appreciate it.
I barely know English and computer science.
Hi Luis
I have tried many ways, but none of them work. Its too old for anyone with the right skills to spend time on it. If you want to run non- Appstore applications then I found some of them work fine. The real question is why do you want to root it in the first place?
ricracz said:
Hi Luis
I have tried many ways, but none of them work. Its too old for anyone with the right skills to spend time on it. If you want to run non- Appstore applications then I found some of them work fine. The real question is why do you want to root it in the first place?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for responding. I wanted it root because most applications already tell me that they do not work with that old version. I'll have to end up throwing away that tablet. A pity. With which applications do you use it?. Thank you.
Hi Luis, I have side-loaded Fotoo that I use on my Android Phone, It creates a slideshow from your photo's. You can link it to One Drive so getting the photos onto your Kindle Fire's poor storage is not a problem. It also have a start and stop feature, so I just leave it plugged in and running 24/7
If it complains about Google Play then you will need to install some Google related files - see below.
I have attached the 4 files you need to get started, because the Fire is not rooted these files do not get you connected to the Play Store, but its seems its enough to get some apps working - maybe even the ones you have tried.
You need to install them in order, A,B.C then D, don't run them - they just need to be installed.
Good Luck.....
Did you look in this post?
Unlock and Root of Kindle HDX 3rd Gen with Fire OS 4.5.5.3
Hey Guys, I have tried to my knowledge over the past year every now and then, whenever I came across a new method/guide, to unlock and root my device. I want the f-ing Google Play Store on my Kindle too. I come from the Previous Version to...
forum.xda-developers.com

Is rooting best option or is there another better option to lock down a Fire Tablet with Google Play installed

Hello everyone! I'm sure this has been discussed in part in other threads, but I want to see what the best way to do this is (if it's possible), and how to do it.
I have a stock Amazon HD 8 (10th generation) tablet running 7.3.26 (November 1th 2022). I can get the Amazon Fire Toolbox to run fine on it, and it enables me to download and run an app from the Google App store that isn't available on the Fire store. My issue is I'm going to be giving hand this tablet (and a couple others like it) off to other people where I want them to be able to only open this app, and not access anything else on the tablet. Is there a way to set up a "child" profile or something like that on this tablet so only the one app could be accessed? Does it involve rooting? If someone can point me in the right direction (and hopefully link instructions) as well, I would greatly appreciate it.

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