Database Users

About to buy a Kindle Fire today at lunch.

Hey guys,
I am about to buy a KF here today on my lunch break. I had a few questions though. I see all the steps and downloaded all the tools needed to Root, one thing I wondered though is if you do root and install a custom rom (Which ones the best one to get?) can you still utilize the Amazon Prime and other amazon features that you get when you purchase it?
Which Rom would be the best choice? Something light weight but customizable of course. With full Android market.
Also, I have an evo 3d, and of course it uses my google account to know which apps I bought and such, will all that + my google wallet work for the Kindle also?
Thanks all!

Do It
Buy it, use your free month of amazon prime for about 4 days until you realize that its streaming is more useless than netflix and that the bookshelf launcher thing is more annoying than using Microsoft BOB on a 386DX. Even the amazon reader PDF viewer is total garbage
1. Copy CM7 and Gapps to the kindle in disk mode
2. Root using the Kindle Fire Utility (the only problems you may face are getting the right drivers on your PC), this will burritoroot it, install the firefirefire bootloader and install the TWRP touchscreen recovery
3. When you get to the bootloader, backup first, then flash CM7+Gapps. Login with your account that is tied to your Evo3D. Multiple device win.
4. Without hardware buttons, CM7 has tablet tweaks under CMsettings. Check the box for home button as it isn't there by default. If you are right handed, change from the default to right-side, this will now put the home button in the middle in portrait mode.
5. Set up google voice so you can send/recieve text messages on your awesome tablet (it is way more than a kindle now). GrooveIP for calls if you use a headset with mic built in. Gmail app for push gmail.
6. Install the amazon kindle app for your books/syncing and then adobe pdf viewer
7. Install Google Currents and Pulse if you read the news a lot. Especially if you want to read the news anywhere you won't have a wifi connection, like on an airplane. They both prefetch.
8. Dolphin browser is so much more awesome than silk.
9. Enjoy your $200 nerdgasm in other ways you see fit...

In short, as far as I know there isn't any CURRENT way to use a custom ROM and use amazon's software aside from the SILK browser which is garbage compared to the opera equivalent (Opera Mini) which in turn is JUST as useless because you're using WiFi and not 3/4G... So save yourself the headache and get a full featured browser (I'm personally happiest with regular Opera, but there is of course Firefox, Dolphin, etc)

Just bought mine and rooted last night. I tried cm7 but didn't like how small the apps looked so i quickly flashed ics rom and it's pretty cool so far. The only thing is no sound and no video, but that's not a big deal for me. I noticed too it's not to responsive, didn't really play with it before i rooted, so not sure if it's rom related or just the way it is
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

If you use a launcher such s Go Launcher you would of been able to change your grid size. Thus making your icons bigger. I will share a screenshot in a bit.

sladehawke said:
Buy it, use your free month of amazon prime for about 4 days until you realize that its streaming is more useless than netflix and that the bookshelf launcher thing is more annoying than using Microsoft BOB on a 386DX. Even the amazon reader PDF viewer is total garbage
1. Copy CM7 and Gapps to the kindle in disk mode
2. Root using the Kindle Fire Utility (the only problems you may face are getting the right drivers on your PC), this will burritoroot it, install the firefirefire bootloader and install the TWRP touchscreen recovery
3. When you get to the bootloader, backup first, then flash CM7+Gapps. Login with your account that is tied to your Evo3D. Multiple device win.
4. Without hardware buttons, CM7 has tablet tweaks under CMsettings. Check the box for home button as it isn't there by default. If you are right handed, change from the default to right-side, this will now put the home button in the middle in portrait mode.
5. Set up google voice so you can send/recieve text messages on your awesome tablet (it is way more than a kindle now). GrooveIP for calls if you use a headset with mic built in. Gmail app for push gmail.
6. Install the amazon kindle app for your books/syncing and then adobe pdf viewer
7. Install Google Currents and Pulse if you read the news a lot. Especially if you want to read the news anywhere you won't have a wifi connection, like on an airplane. They both prefetch.
8. Dolphin browser is so much more awesome than silk.
9. Enjoy your $200 nerdgasm in other ways you see fit...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All good some extras... 7. Also consider buzz box for news.
Also pair it with a phone, use wifi tether and you have net anywhere. Also you can use GPS tether and use google maps for navigation
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium

Here is a screen, showing how I have set my grid via Go Launcher, for bigger icons.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Well, I have a question regarding the software uses. Say I buy the Kindle Fire.. will I be able to borrow books from the Kindle store if I were on a custom ROM or do I have to be on their stock ROM in order to borrow any books and use that feature/advantage.

to borrow books you have to be on the stock rom - so far as i know - i don't borrow books - the same for premium vod

Or to play it safe, you can use the STOCK rom with a custom launcher like the GO Launcher (shown above by a member).
You can still customize it with a stock rom, which I do it, cuz CM7 is not all that great on Kindle Fire yet (at least from my experiences).
Kindle Fire is great. It's fast, responsive, but the amazon apps aren't all THAT great. Best of all, you can switch between your Kindle and custom launcher at any time instantly.

How do you set up Google voice so you can send/receive texts? I just use Google voice for getting my vmails I don't use it for anything else.
Sent from my HTC Rezound using XDA Premium

Takenover83 said:
If you use a launcher such s Go Launcher you would of been able to change your grid size. Thus making your icons bigger. I will share a screenshot in a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Took your advice and went back to cm7. Its definitely better this time around. Ics is nice, but too many bugs. Plus a lot of apps dont support ics yet. Much more responsive too compared to ics.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

Nova Widgets Still Possible (without ADB)?

Platform: Fire HD 8 (6th edition)
OS: 5.4.0.1
Willing to rollback?: Yes (it has broken some email functionality)
Launcher: Nova paid
I have activity launcher installed, as well as launcherhijack v3.
I have set the home screen button in accessibility, and have Nova enabled as the home. I have Nova enabled as the launcher, but have not deleted the fire launcher, as I would prefer not to.
The issue I'm having is that I can't seem to use widgets. I have read up on adb use for the fire, but Windows doesn't want to play nicely, and I don't currently have a linux machine available (yes, I could VM one, or setup a bootable USB, but I'm looking for a solution that would work with what I have currently in place).
Issue: Any time I go to place a widget on a Nova launcher screen, it brings up the list per normal, but when I go to place the widget, I get bounced back to the Kindle settings UI, and am unable to sort out a workaround.
Any suggestions would be appreciated, particularly if they don't require ADB, as so far Windows does not want to allow me to update the ADB drivers (it shows them as current stock drivers and functioning, as well as stating that the ones from google are a no-go).
Sadly, pushed the update when I did not expect it, so all of this was done after update rolled out. Play store was isntalled prior, and settings are for allowing debugging and developer settings, so at least I got the play store on prior to the update (which apparently some people are having issues with). For me, the store is working well, as is sideloading, which is why I'm thinking there must be a reliable solution to get widgets functioning in Nova without needing to ADB command it on.
Thank you,
--bb

No, you definitely need a working adb, it's your gate to all Fire HD hacks and improvements. If you can't - stay with Amazon bits and don't ask questions like this here.
Thanks to @DragonFire1024, we have a pretty nice hack to enable widgets on any launcher; it's very easy to apply and use. But PLEASE don't complain about prerequisites, if you can't get adb working on Windows, it's better to stay off all hacks and actually this site. Just enjoy your Amazon Fire HD (it's pretty cool even with OEM software installed).

Agreed! There is no need to be rude to those who are just learning. I appreciate those like Dragon who gives help to others without making them feel like idiots. With the help of this forum, I have gotten everything but gmail working! And that weird go to black screen and back to lock screen when I swipe application off the screen. An sure it will get fixed.

The widget script might work in a terminal emulator. Jack Pals on the play store is by far the best. Just search for terminal emulator for Android, place the script in the internal storage and try running it in the emulator. I honestly don't know if that will work though as all the hacks I do are usually with ADB.

DragonFire1024 said:
The widget script might work in a terminal emulator. Jack Pals on the play store is by far the best. Just search for terminal emulator for Android, place the script in the internal storage and try running it in the emulator. I honestly don't know if that will work though as all the hacks I do are usually with ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I will give that a try.

Let's try to keep the comments directly related to Q&A for this device.
Getting snarky with other users and starting a back and forth argument is off-topic, and usually rude (both violations of the rules).
So, please; keep the Off-topic back and forth off the thread. If you are offended by, or feel another user's comment violates the rules, simply REPORT the comment and do not engage the other user further. No need to add MORE clutter.
Thanks for your cooperation.

sensboston said:
No, you definitely need a working adb, it's your gate to all Fire HD hacks and improvements. If you can't - stay with Amazon bits and don't ask questions like this here.
Thanks to @DragonFire1024, we have a pretty nice hack to enable widgets on any launcher; it's very easy to apply and use. But PLEASE don't complain about prerequisites, if you can't get adb working on Windows, it's better to stay off all hacks and actually this site. Just enjoy your Amazon Fire HD (it's pretty cool even with OEM software installed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain to me how I can update the ADB? I'm not familiar with how to do this at all.

https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/

Yeah, but...
bladebarrier said:
https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is where I started, but I have been unable to find a way to find anything mentioning ADB (much less enable it) on our Fire HD 8 (7th Generation).
I have been looking through multiple guides for the past 20 minutes, but the newest firmware seems to have hidden or disabled the ability on the actual device. I am logged into the tablet on the main account, but even under "Device Administrators" it says "No available device administrators".
Did Amazon manage to lock these down to be nothing but a pimp for Amazon (as was their intended goal)?
Edit: Fire OS 5.6.1.0

Did Amazon manage to lock these down to be nothing but a pimp for Amazon (as was their intended goal)?
Yes, they did. It's the razor and blades business model. Such as one item is sold at a low price (or given away for free) in order to increase sales of a complementary goods.
When you go into the Setting then into Device Options, is Developer Options at the bottom of the list? If it isn't I think you need to tap the Serial Number 7 times, then it should appear and that is where you can enable ADB.
The dedication of the members of the xda forums are the only reason why a lot of devices such as these manage to reach their potential. I'm pretty new here (joined in February) but I never seen any member give up on a device. What most see as frustration, including myself, a lot of the members here not only see a challenge but an opportunity.

caldersm44 said:
Agreed! There is no need to be rude to those who are just learning. I appreciate those like Dragon who gives help to others without making them feel like idiots. With the help of this forum, I have gotten everything but gmail working! And that weird go to black screen and back to lock screen when I swipe application off the screen. An sure it will get fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now without a rooted device the kick to the lock screen cannot be fixed. That is an unfortunate event which is a result of disabling fire launcher without root. Gmail is give or take. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. If I really had to take a guess I would say Google and Amazon are fighting between each other to get Gmail to work or stop working. It seems when enough users complain Gmail stops working within a few minutes it works again in a couple days later Amazon stops it. I would go back to an old version of Gmail, take your pick and keep trying different versions from there. If he older versions don't work that I'm at a loss at the moment. I do not currently use Gmail on my Amazon tablets. Only because I get too much mail lol. however with that having been said I have never had a problem with Gmail on any of my Amazon tablets with or without root.

dondraper23 said:
Did Amazon manage to lock these down to be nothing but a pimp for Amazon (as was their intended goal)?
Yes, they did. It's the razor and blades business model. Such as one item is sold at a low price (or given away for free) in order to increase sales of a complementary goods.
When you go into the Setting then into Device Options, is Developer Options at the bottom of the list? If it isn't I think you need to tap the Serial Number 7 times, then it should appear and that is where you can enable ADB.
The dedication of the members of the xda forums are the only reason why a lot of devices such as these manage to reach their potential. I'm pretty new here (joined in February) but I never seen any member give up on a device. What most see as frustration, including myself, a lot of the members here not only see a challenge but an opportunity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reminder of how to enable Developer Options - it has been a while since I had to do that. ADB is now enabled!
Thanks to everyone in the xda-developers community!

AnotherNameFFS said:
Thanks for the reminder of how to enable Developer Options - it has been a while since I had to do that. ADB is now enabled!
Thanks to everyone in the xda-developers community!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got it enabled! It's one of those steps that is easy to forget

Why are you saying that he should get off the site. Thats rude

Post 5.6.2.0 Update: New Super Annoying Background System Process Causing Major Lag

Hello Fire Folk,
I decided to go ahead take the plunge and let my 2017 Fire HD tablets do their thing and update to 5.6.2.0. Well, the too-good-to-be-true advertising lulled me in anyway ("Show Mode!? You mean I can finally use my Fire Tablet for multi-room audio? And I can stop calling half the Alexa devices in the house "Alexa" while I call the others "Computer" and we can all live as one big happy, desegregated family?! And I can play Spotify on any of the devices and make drop in calls until my heart's content!??" Well, we're not quite there yet...
Anyway, the purpose of my post... Is anyone else noticing the annoying "Ghost" notifications (where it's just a blank white bar at the top, popping up regularly, but if you tap on it/long-touch it enough it eventually reveals its true self) appearing more frequently now? I have three HD 8s and one HD 10 and the background app is running rampant on all of them, resulting in super-frustrating and function-impairing crumminess. Fortunately, the 10 has root and on that tablet I can put this resource-gobbling ghost in its place. However, I'm at a loss on the Fire 8s. In the past I've tried various "no root" app freezing applications but I've never really found one that truly is capable of doing what it claims to be able to accomplish. Does anyone have any tips? I know for a while we could run that one script and make magic happen but can no longer use that trick. :-/
The background ghost app is "Tachyon Calling App" and I gather it's part of the messaging system that is supposed to make the Fire, post 5.6.2.0 update, more "Show"-like. But it runs wiiiild. I'll grabbed a few screenshots which tell a little more about this background pest and will include them below. If you've upgraded to the latest OS and haven't noticed this yet, I hope you never do, but I'd be surprised should you not soon become well-acquainted.
Oh also, my tablets all have Play Store et al. installed and I'm using Action Launcher, if that might have any impact on why I'm experiencing this conflict.
Thanks all! I've been lurking in the Fire section for a long time now and decided to finally make a profile, interact, etc. I am very appreciative to many people here for sharing the awesome findings/discoveries/techniques you've brought forward. I am still holding out hope - some day - even if it's 2046 and these tablets are beyond obsolete/somehow still manage to exist in physical form somewhere in the world, that we will get root access on HD 8! ??????
Screenshots w. additional details:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/album.php?albumid=15035

Having this same problem on a Fire 8 that's got the Play Store loaded. Also my model doesn't even have a sim card, does yours?

This is a new one. Never heard of or seen this app in any Amazon tablet I own (and I own several from the Fire 7 all the way to 10). Just from doing a general search, it appears it belongs to tachyon Mobility. At least that's the most likely culprit. For whatever reason it's on a device I have no idea unless you own a Samsung phone or tablet. I've seen other Samsung apps and Hardware configurations on Motorola devices but never on an Amazon device. If you don't mind uploading a copy of the APK, I can decompile it and take a look inside and see what it actually does or at least try. For now disable it by changing the file name to: appname.apk_ because some system apps like that may become useful in the future. By the way if you are rooted on the HD 10 Google 'rooted activity launcher'. Download the APK from the GitHub source. You can use that activity launcher to launch almost every system app that has a user interface. If this application does you can launch it with rooted activity launcher and see what it does.

Please help me get back to 6.2.7.1

Basically the short version of this topic is 1 way or another I need to find a way to get all my FTV 4K sticks back to 6.2.7.1 as the latest 6.2.7.3 has a firmware update that is glitchy on UK OTA TV. I appreciate it has fixed most issues for most of the world but for the UK it has ruined live TV.
The long version is I have 7 FTV 4K sticks around the home which are linked to my HDHomerun tuner via an app called channels which streams Freeview to each tv perfectly, at least it did until the latest 6.2.7.3 update where the firmware has made watching live HD TV unwatchable, it glitches continuously on some streams.
So ideally I need to get the firmware on all these sticks back to 6.2.7.1 (earlier also works but 6.2.7.1 was the latest version which had everything working perfectly) it is not essential but If I am going to all the trouble of flashing out dated firmware and stopping future updates and such I am guessing I may as well also install a custom launcher, I was never a fan of the Amazon launcher with all the adverts, despite paying for prime I never really use the TV service as I tend to use my own media through Plex, I just lived with Amazon’s launcher because the devices are cheap and it worked perfectly for my family to do everything from a single device.
What is my best way forwards to resolving this issue and getting my FTV running older firmware and a custom launcher? Do I need to root the device? I am not overly worried about warranties as most of the sticks are a bit of age now and despite not wanting to throw money away I am not too worried if I need to buy another stick on Prime day at £25. I feel they are very cost effective when you look at the 7 I have were about the same cost as a single Nvidia Shield at for my needs to the same job…. At least they did until a couple of weeks ago.
Any help and advice anyone can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks very much

dougie175 said:
Basically the short version of this topic is 1 way or another I need to find a way to get all my FTV 4K sticks back to 6.2.7.1 as the latest 6.2.7.3 has a firmware update that is glitchy on UK OTA TV. I appreciate it has fixed most issues for most of the world but for the UK it has ruined live TV.
The long version is I have 7 FTV 4K sticks around the home which are linked to my HDHomerun tuner via an app called channels which streams Freeview to each tv perfectly, at least it did until the latest 6.2.7.3 update where the firmware has made watching live HD TV unwatchable, it glitches continuously on some streams.
So ideally I need to get the firmware on all these sticks back to 6.2.7.1 (earlier also works but 6.2.7.1 was the latest version which had everything working perfectly) it is not essential but If I am going to all the trouble of flashing out dated firmware and stopping future updates and such I am guessing I may as well also install a custom launcher, I was never a fan of the Amazon launcher with all the adverts, despite paying for prime I never really use the TV service as I tend to use my own media through Plex, I just lived with Amazon’s launcher because the devices are cheap and it worked perfectly for my family to do everything from a single device.
What is my best way forwards to resolving this issue and getting my FTV running older firmware and a custom launcher? Do I need to root the device? I am not overly worried about warranties as most of the sticks are a bit of age now and despite not wanting to throw money away I am not too worried if I need to buy another stick on Prime day at £25. I feel they are very cost effective when you look at the 7 I have were about the same cost as a single Nvidia Shield at for my needs to the same job…. At least they did until a couple of weeks ago.
Any help and advice anyone can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be able to downgrade without unlocking it first. At least i'm not aware of another solution which doesn't require the unlock.

Pretoriano80 said:
You won't be able to downgrade without unlocking it first. At least i'm not aware of another solution which doesn't require the unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I sort of thought as much, would this be a good place to start on 1 of the sticks? https://forum.xda-developers.com/fi...ewbie-guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-t4015273 I am guessing it’s a case of unlocking, then go from there.
Sorry if I don’t sound very informed I have tried reading the guides but getting a little confused, its been a long time since I have done anything like this as I haven’t felt the need on my phones or anything for years.

dougie175 said:
Thank you, I sort of thought as much, would this be a good place to start on 1 of the sticks? https://forum.xda-developers.com/fi...ewbie-guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-t4015273 I am guessing it’s a case of unlocking, then go from there.
Sorry if I don’t sound very informed I have tried reading the guides but getting a little confused, its been a long time since I have done anything like this as I haven’t felt the need on my phones or anything for years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you could start from that thread, but basically you only need to follow the unlock procedure and then use TWRP to install a full 6.2.7.1 firmware (i think you can find it here on xda).
So there's no need to root if you only want to downgrade.

Pretoriano80 said:
Yes, you could start from that thread, but basically you only need to follow the unlock procedure and then use TWRP to install a full 6.2.7.1 firmware (i think you can find it here on xda).
So there's no need to root if you only want to downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I will need to have a play with 1 of my sticks and familiarise myself with the unlock and install TWRP procedure. Not managed to find an untouched stock 6.2.7.1 on here but I can certainly find a pre-rooted firmware which I may as well use as it'll no doubt benefit me if I want to run a custom launcher / hide the amazon launcher in the future.
I'll need to do a bit of research but hopefully ideally I can build up 1 stick exactly how I like it when just backup that image, unlock the rest of the sticks in the house and chuck the image across so it shouldn't be too much work, possibly that a bit of wishful thinking though!

dougie175 said:
Yeah I will need to have a play with 1 of my sticks and familiarise myself with the unlock and install TWRP procedure. Not managed to find an untouched stock 6.2.7.1 on here but I can certainly find a pre-rooted firmware which I may as well use as it'll no doubt benefit me if I want to run a custom launcher / hide the amazon launcher in the future.
I'll need to do a bit of research but hopefully ideally I can build up 1 stick exactly how I like it when just backup that image, unlock the rest of the sticks in the house and chuck the image across so it shouldn't be too much work, possibly that a bit of wishful thinking though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A great guide is: https://flakie.co.uk/firestick-4k/
(Note: I didn't opt to delete the Amazon Launcher)

GenericAsianGuy said:
A great guide is: https://flakie.co.uk/firestick-4k/
(Note: I didn't opt to delete the Amazon Launcher)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a fantastic link / guide I can't thank you enough. Everyone loves a video guide! I'll watch the videos properly and follow them to the letter but it looks very achievable now.

GenericAsianGuy said:
A great guide is: https://flakie.co.uk/firestick-4k/
(Note: I didn't opt to delete the Amazon Launcher)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link makes things very simply, I followed step 1 and step 2 to the letter and it worked perfect getting root on 6.2.7.3
I then found a pre rooted 6.2.7.1 (the goal of doing all this) followed the same process but also installed the 6.2.7.1 zip file. Everything went to plan I'm now back on 6.2.7.1 with a stock rooted stick so my TV now works correctly again!
I will follow step 3 soon and run with a custom launcher and get rid of the Amazon launcher all together I think
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

GenericAsianGuy said:
A great guide is: https://flakie.co.uk/firestick-4k/
(Note: I didn't opt to delete the Amazon Launcher)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of interest what happens with you click "Check for updates" in the about screen after following the guide and disabling OTA updates? I assume nothing and it will throw an error or something.
I just wanted to make sure if my children were getting a bit inquisitive or something that it wouldn’t force and update and undo all of my hard work!
Thanks

6.2.7.1 is also my favorite i also went back.

So how to you prevent the firestick from just updating itself again?

Download an apk called disable services . it lets you select ota updates , and block it .
Sorry Amazon , you can't control
my box .

install google play store on 2019 fire hd 10

apologies if this is in the wrong section, I wasn't sure where to post this.
-------
I just ordered an amazon fire hd 10(2019 version) and there's a couple apps I want on it that are not normally available, such as youtube, and microsoft edge(hate google chrome, have even less love for firefox), with edge wanted for the simple reason of it having a built in adblocker.
I've been running into differing and sometimes even outright contradictory sets of installation instructions, and wish to have the RIGHT set of instructions in front of me before I actually have the device and start monkeying about with it.
I've no desire to brick it by being a moronic dodo...hence me seeking out the experts here.

Use this tool: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/windows-tool-fire-toolbox-v15-0.3889604/post-78664542