[Q] Hi guys! My introduction that ends in ? ?'s - Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot

I'm happy to say I will be an owner of a Kindle Fire HDx 7in.- lte/4g- 32 gb tablet. A Thor? Unless that is just the wireless one. I was contemplating an ipad for weeks, but what I wanted was easily $550- So when I saw the specs on this tablet at half the price, I pushed the button! Picked it up at Amazon's $100 off sale tuesday. $285 with tax. Minus $78 in amex points- grand total of $200 and change
My past modding was on the old white PDN e-reader that was turned into a touch tablet. lol. That had cupcake on it or was it donut??:silly: That's where I learned the basics of adb (I'm pretty bad at it but can follow directions and get the job done, at least 7-8 years ago. I'm pretty rusty at adb now. The toolkits that you guys put together spoiled me- but I did at one time do it the old fashioned way. I hope never again!!! I went cross eyed. Oh, forgot the huawei hs7 too- That took some doing too. That was after the PDN.
I graduated to the TF 101- rooted and rom'd that till it was replaced by the Nexus 7 original-I will never buy a new-never before released- product again after that one, Still have it, passed it to my daughter and she loves it. 3 months after I was one of the first owners, they dropped the price, doubled the storage space to 32 gb, and gave compensation to everyone in the world but us here in the USA. My relationship with Asus products is over. Somewhere along the way I got a nook wifi and hacked that too.
I moved next to samsung, modded the galaxy nexus, the orig. Note, a Note 8 wifi, have a Mega att version ( locked bootloader, and now unrootable on kitkat 4.4 2 so far. TR v. 1-2-3 does not work for it) Love the Note 8, but the screen is a bit fuzzy- so it was the ipad or the kindle hdx. The bargain won. With similar specs, I 'm giving it a try.
Along my history- Never had any trouble or lossed a phone or tablet due to bad flashing or modding. I read 3-4 times or more, and I follow directions pretty well to the letter.
Here is my question. Sorry if I bored you. ( Looked for an intro thread, but didn't find one.) When I get this tablet on Friday, I don't want it to auto update. I don't want to change the build prop. So after I make my adjustments, I want to make sure it doesn't update on me. Does it update over internet data connection, or just wifi?
Here is what I want to do. I Will not connect to wifi. Will check the build number I am on. If I have to, I will manually update to the best safest build by putting it in the root of the sd card, and going to update tool- not connected to the internet, and install. I have been reading all the threads here. What is the safest build if I want to possibly unlock the bootloader when it is released?? and of course root, and install google playstore?
Using the toolkit( v.0.94) I will:
1. Install driver.
2. Use TR v1 and root. Probably with the toolkit. @Faznx92- great job pulling it all together in one place. Thank you. Will by using Toolkit v.0.94.
3.. Install supersu.
4. I don't want to mess with safestrap for now, so I will pass on that. Is that OK to do??
5. Block OTA updates with #4- Does this still work on the latest, safest build?
6. Install the exposed framework, and modules, and check appropriate boxes, Reboot in between installs.
7. Install the 4 google apks in the instructions- manager, services, store, framework- and reboot.
8. Check if OTA updates are indeed blocked looking for the OTA update failed!! :
9. turn on wifi and get tmobile free data started.
Is there any way to BU original firmware before installing HDxposed stuff and google apps? Without safestrap? ( I never used that before and it intimidates me a little I also understand it is a little iffy to remove it safely. Can you just re-install a manual update to recover if things go south? After reversing all the apks, modules, root, etc. after a factory reset?
To undo the install of the play store, you just uninstall all of the above and unroot via supersu? And reverse the OTA blocking?
Does this sound like a good plan? It's what I picked up after reading for the last 24 hrs.- not straight of course!!:silly: Did I miss anything important?? Do I have anything backwards?? Would love some feedback. My first preference would be to leave it alone for a few weeks, but my priority is to avoid the updates, but be able to use and set up my tablet the way I want.
If the bootloader is ever cracked and released- Yes I have read the deed is done, but in testing- I would like to install a stable custom recovery, make good backups, and be able to reinstall if things go south any stable rom I have tucked away.
Thank you for your time if you read this whole post!!

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sashusmom said:
I'm happy to say I will be an owner of a Kindle Fire HDx 7in.- lte/4g- 32 gb tablet. A Thor? Unless that is just the wireless one. I was contemplating an ipad for weeks, but what I wanted was easily $550- So when I saw the specs on this tablet at half the price, I pushed the button! Picked it up at Amazon's $100 off sale tuesday. $285 with tax. Minus $78 in amex points- grand total of $200 and change
My past modding was on the old white PDN e-reader that was turned into a touch tablet. lol. That had cupcake on it or was it donut??:silly: That's where I learned the basics of adb (I'm pretty bad at it but can follow directions and get the job done, at least 7-8 years ago. I'm pretty rusty at adb now. The toolkits that you guys put together spoiled me- but I did at one time do it the old fashioned way. I hope never again!!! I went cross eyed. Oh, forgot the huawei hs7 too- That took some doing too. That was after the PDN.
I graduated to the TF 101- rooted and rom'd that till it was replaced by the Nexus 7 original-I will never buy a new-never before released- product again after that one, Still have it, passed it to my daughter and she loves it. 3 months after I was one of the first owners, they dropped the price, doubled the storage space to 32 gb, and gave compensation to everyone in the world but us here in the USA. My relationship with Asus products is over. Somewhere along the way I got a nook wifi and hacked that too.
I moved next to samsung, modded the galaxy nexus, the orig. Note, a Note 8 wifi, have a Mega att version ( locked bootloader, and now unrootable on kitkat 4.4 2 so far. TR v. 1-2-3 does not work for it) Love the Note 8, but the screen is a bit fuzzy- so it was the ipad or the kindle hdx. The bargain won. With similar specs, I 'm giving it a try.
Along my history- Never had any trouble or lossed a phone or tablet due to bad flashing or modding. I read 3-4 times or more, and I follow directions pretty well to the letter.
Here is my question. Sorry if I bored you. ( Looked for an intro thread, but didn't find one.) When I get this tablet on Friday, I don't want it to auto update. I don't want to change the build prop. So after I make my adjustments, I want to make sure it doesn't update on me. Does it update over internet data connection, or just wifi?
Here is what I want to do. I Will not connect to wifi. Will check the build number I am on. If I have to, I will manually update to the best safest build by putting it in the root of the sd card, and going to update tool- not connected to the internet, and install. I have been reading all the threads here. What is the safest build if I want to possibly unlock the bootloader when it is released?? and of course root, and install google playstore?
Using the toolkit( v.0.94) I will:
1. Install driver.
2. Use TR v1 and root. Probably with the toolkit. @Faznx92- great job pulling it all together in one place. Thank you. Will by using Toolkit v.0.94.
3.. Install supersu.
4. I don't want to mess with safestrap for now, so I will pass on that. Is that OK to do??
5. Block OTA updates with #4- Does this still work on the latest, safest build?
6. Install the exposed framework, and modules, and check appropriate boxes, Reboot in between installs.
7. Install the 4 google apks in the instructions- manager, services, store, framework- and reboot.
8. Check if OTA updates are indeed blocked looking for the OTA update failed!! :
9. turn on wifi and get tmobile free data started.
Is there any way to BU original firmware before installing HDxposed stuff and google apps? Without safestrap? ( I never used that before and it intimidates me a little I also understand it is a little iffy to remove it safely. Can you just re-install a manual update to recover if things go south? After reversing all the apks, modules, root, etc. after a factory reset?
To undo the install of the play store, you just uninstall all of the above and unroot via supersu? And reverse the OTA blocking?
Does this sound like a good plan? It's what I picked up after reading for the last 24 hrs.- not straight of course!!:silly: Did I miss anything important?? Do I have anything backwards?? Would love some feedback. My first preference would be to leave it alone for a few weeks, but my priority is to avoid the updates, but be able to use and set up my tablet the way I want.
If the bootloader is ever cracked and released- Yes I have read the deed is done, but in testing- I would like to install a stable custom recovery, make good backups, and be able to reinstall if things go south any stable rom I have tucked away.
Thank you for your time if you read this whole post!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of your questions have been answered before but I will try my best to re-answer them. I will try to clear up any misguided understanding you may have.
-Does it update over internet data connection, or just wifi?
+It updates over a internet connection.
-What is the safest build if I want to possibly unlock the bootloader when it is released??
+We don't know yet. Stay on the version you're on for now.
-4. I don't want to mess with safestrap for now, so I will pass on that. Is that OK to do??
+If you don't know much about what it does it's best for you not to worry. Yes, it's fine to leave safestrap alone.
-5. Block OTA updates with #4- Does this still work on the latest, safest build?]
+Yes, it works. The only time it may change up is if Amazon pushes a update with different package names or functions.
-Is there any way to BU (Back-up?) original firmware before installing HDxposed stuff and google apps without safestrap?
+No. I'm not aware of any other way to backup the stock rom.
-Can you just re-install a manual update to recover if things go southafter reversing all the apks, modules, root, etc. after a factory reset?
+You can't re-install a update. You can factory reset it.
-To undo the install of the play store, you just uninstall all of the above and unroot via supersu? And reverse the OTA blocking?
+There is no need to uninstall play store before a factory reset because the reset wipes it out. You should un-root via SuperSU and remove my ota block. (I reset while root but was unsure how safe it was. It did work out in the end without issue.)
Keep the wifi off once you undo the ota block and then factory reset so you don't update. Once the reset is done, re-install the blocker. I'm not sure if you need to remove safestrap before a factory reset.
To make clear:
If you install a ota blocker it's good to check that it works by being connected to the net and then going to Settings->Device->System Updates->Check now. If it says Last update failed it is working else it is not.
The current roms for the hdx require Hashcode's safestrap. But to get the rom's working you need a backup of the stock rom or you could use the backup he provided. Once a slot is made you would install the rom zip to the slot.
I believe safestrap works be emulating a new system/data/cache partition in a file as a full rom to the bootloader. I recommend blocking ota before you make a backup or installing a basic stock rom. If you create and install the stock rom to a rom slot without blocking ota, the amazon system files are still in place to call for a update and hand it off to the system and bootloader.
Safestrap is safe as long as you do not touch the stock rom but only to make a backup of it.
If you don't feel comfortable using safestrap then don't.
Quick word of advise, you should include the version of your device when asking questions for that version. I'm guessing your on 13.3.2.4, the current latest.
Also I highly recommend staying on your current version and not moving forward.
Last thing, give this a read.
I hope I answered your questions as clear as possible.
Anybody else please clear up anything I missed.
Also good luck with your device and play safe.

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Thank you so much Faznx92 for reinforcing all that I read ( lots in a short time period). I didn't want to mix up the info I read from the beginning of the year to where this tab is now. You did clear up anything I was unsure about. Thank you! And safestrap- I am not comfortable with it at all- there is no safestrap for my Mega, all my other tech toys have unlocked bootloaders. So I have absolutely no experience with this custom recovery. I am used to CWM and TWRP. Totally comfortable with them, although I have to admit kitkat twisted my arm to try TWRP since that was the only way to flash those roms on a lot of tablets and phones. Now I am partial to that. So I won't say no to safestrap, just now when an unlock is so close. If a safestrap was released for my Mega, I would definitely give it a try.
Oh, I know to report what build I am on when asking questions- that's just polite and informative, right?? But I am not getting this tab till tomorrow, at least that's what tracking says. So I don't know yet. When I check the build I will post back and let you know what they are shipping now with. Hopefully it is still rootable and eligible for unlocking the bootloader when that is released. That is very exciting!
I give you credit for reading my epic long post, and thank you for taking the time to address my concerns. I appreciate it! I'll check back in tomorrow afternoon. Mail comes late where I am.
Your link was the First thing I read on this forum!!!! Which is why I am sticking with what I am comfortable with. Also, in my case I only learn by doing. But I have always realized that hacking leads to problems sometimes. My motto is stay calm, and reach out for help. Panic doesn't solve anything. And if you are hacking your only phone that you rely on, be prepared to go buy a cheap prepaid phone to bail you out till you straighten out your expensive semi brick! lol. I've gone from holding my breath when hitting go, to just being curious on how to do stuff and finding out how things work. I guess I'm living life backwards!! I can afford it at this point in my life.

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Just received my kindle HDx 7 from Amazon.
So, I placed this order 1 am Wed. morning- the sale must have been on PST. Took free shipping- non prime. Received on Friday around noon. Way ahead of the promised date.
The build received was 13.3.2.1. Sim chip was installed and connected to the internet, so I took it out as a precaution even though it is not yet asso. with an account. Skipped wifi set up till I get OTA updates halted. Now it's time to play!
I Really like the size of this tablet.

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@Faznx92, now that I know I am on build 13.3.2.1 do you recommend I update manually to 13.3.2.4 or can I stay on this one?
Thanks for your advice and help. Rooted, OTA blocked and confirmed, superuser installed, binary updated. I will hold off on google stuff for now and see how this OS works.

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sashusmom said:
@Faznx92, now that I know I am on build 13.3.2.1 do you recommend I update manually to 13.3.2.4 or can I stay on this one?
Thanks for your advice and help. Rooted, OTA blocked and confirmed, superuser installed, binary updated. I will hold off on google stuff for now and see how this OS works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still on 13.3.1.0 and not moving any time soon.
13.3.2.1 is fine.
Stay on your version!
Also you will need to registered your device.

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Faznx92 said:
I'm still on 13.3.1.0 and not moving any time soon.
13.3.2.1 is fine.
Stay on your version!
Also you will need to registered your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I will hold where I am then. I guess since I bought it from amazon- an account I already had there- when I connected to wifi it sort of registered itself and associated it with my amazon account by Magic!!:silly:
I do have to say just using the native kindle OS, I am not a fan. I will be installing the HDxposed modules and google stuff. :fingers-crossed:

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Yeap, magic brick lol Hopefully not for you though, you seem to have done a little homework. I would be thorough with your own research at least skim the threads of the modifications you wish to do just to see what problems other people have had may save you a lot of trouble. Good luck

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jimyv said:
Yeap, magic brick lol Hopefully not for you though, you seem to have done a little homework. I would be thorough with your own research at least skim the threads of the modifications you wish to do just to see what problems other people have had may save you a lot of trouble. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks jimyv Everything went as planned, couple hiccups that I solved by all the info posted here in this forum
The only thing I seem to have a problem with is sideloading apps now. It worked prior to downloading the google platform, but I can't seem to install from my sd card, app installers, or dropbox. I went back and checked that unknown sources is checked, and adb is turned on.
I had this same problem on my Note 8 on totally stock with just root applied and philz touch recovery. I fixed it by installing a stock hacked kitkat rom and that solved the problem.
Anyone have any ideas? Not too much of a problem since the play store/ market is up and running. I wanted to install samsung milk music that did install on my note 8 (not approved for that tablet). When sideloading was working for the hdx 7 I could load that apk, but it refused to install.
Now nothing will happen when I try to install any apk from dropbox or app installer. The buttons don't respond. If that's my only problem I can live with that!!

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too much
sashusmom said:
Thanks jimyv Everything went as planned, couple hiccups that I solved by all the info posted here in this forum
The only thing I seem to have a problem with is sideloading apps now. It worked prior to downloading the google platform, but I can't seem to install from my sd card, app installers, or dropbox. I went back and checked that unknown sources is checked, and adb is turned on.
I had this same problem on my Note 8 on totally stock with just root applied and philz touch recovery. I fixed it by installing a stock hacked kitkat rom and that solved the problem.
Anyone have any ideas? Not too much of a problem since the play store/ market is up and running. I wanted to install samsung milk music that did install on my note 8 (not approved for that tablet). When sideloading was working for the hdx 7 I could load that apk, but it refused to install.
Now nothing will happen when I try to install any apk from dropbox or app installer. The buttons don't respond. If that's my only problem I can live with that!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are trying to install into system it may be too crowded
Personally I use titanium back up and it shows the size of the ROM I only have like 34 MB left of room after installing gapps. And if you are using safestrap by chance you need to remake your slot delete the slot first then go to remake it it will show available space. I increase that cache by 200 MB then use the rest of my available space up in the data partition then create slot .

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jimyv said:
If you are trying to install into system it may be too crowded
Personally I use titanium back up and it shows the size of the ROM I only have like 34 MB left of room after installing gapps. And if you are using safestrap by chance you need to remake your slot delete the slot first then go to remake it it will show available space. I increase that cache by 200 MB then use the rest of my available space up in the data partition then create slot .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No safestrap. I have a 32 GB. Is the internal partition for installing apps tiny on this tablet? I got the 32 gb so I wouldn't have this problem. Stock other than being rooted and having the HDxposed modules with google market installed. That might be taking up the room.
I have 1.1 GB of apps, system apps are close to 397 mb. I have 21 GB free.
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Must have been a space problem. I deleted AngryBirdsSpace and was able to install Adobe flash and Cerberus. Milk music still will not install, so don't think that is the issue with that one. It did install last week on my Note8 and my Mega so maybe because it's a samsung app??
Will Titanium BU work for moving apps to the sd card on this device? And free up space that way?
I can't seem to find the move to sd card on a long press with tit.BU, so I guess not.