The new Fire TV interface is currently rolling out to most Fire TV models via the latest operating system update. While there has never been an official way to roll back a Fire TV software update, Amazon seems to especially want the new interface update to be a one-way path. It seems as though Amazon has decided to blow an eFuse, at least with the Fire TV Stick 4K, when the software update with the new interface is installed. This makes it impossible to downgrade back to the old interface, even if the device is rooted.
XDA forum member July IGHOR installed Fire OS v6.2.8.0 on their rooted Fire TV Stick 4K, which upgrades the device to the new interface, and found that the device would no longer boot if downgraded. This is unusual because, while a stock Fire TV cannot be downgraded, it’s normally trivial for a rooted Fire TV with a custom recovery installed to downgrade its operating system. Upgrading back up to v6.2.8.0 presumably recovered the Fire TV Stick to working order, but downgrading to an older version was no longer an option.
Rbox, a developer who has been active among the Fire TV modding community for years, has determined that Amazon has chosen to blow an eFuse with Fire OS v6.2.8.0 on the Fire TV Stick 4K to prevent downgrading. He says a script was added in a previous Fire TV software update that did nothing, but that script was activated in the latest software update to blow an eFuse.
An eFuse, or electronic fuse, is a microscopic fuse put into a computer chip that can be triggered to blow in order to permanently change the circuitry of a chip. While eFuses have other uses, they are most commonly used by hardware manufacturers to prevent older software from running on the device. The older software expects a certain number of eFuses to be intact when the device boots, so blowing an eFuse makes older software incompatible with the device.
Amazon has blown eFuses on Fire TV devices in the past as a way to seemingly prevent newer devices from taking advantage of older software exploits that allowed the device to be rooted or allowed the bootloader to be unlocked. This latest blown eFuse seems to be a way to keep devices on the new Fire TV interface, but we’ll likely never know if that’s actually the reason. Regardless of the motivation, the fact is that a Fire TV Stick 4K that updates to the stock version of Fire OS 6.2.8.0 will not be able to downgrade, even if it is later rooted.
The good news for rooted Fire TV Stick 4K owners is that Rbox has already released a pre-rooted version of Fire OS 6.2.8.0 for the Fire TV Stick 4K that does not blow the eFuse. As long as the device has never installed the stock 6.2.8.0 update, you can install the pre-rooted version of 6.2.8.0 and still downgrade if you want. Please be sure to donate to Rbox to support him and thank him for continuing to keep all of our rooted devices updated.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
Just like Apple and Sony, Amazon has to be in total control of what you buy.
Ridiculous. Why are they so worried about anyone downgrading?
Because, i think they are gonna do an update that stops outside sources and if you can downgrade your system back to the old version, then you would still be able to dowload from outside sources… that’s my thought… to stop jailbroke firesticks
That’s what I meant. Why would they need to care what we do with them? It not affecting them.
The reason they are wanting to prevent root/downgrade is just as the above says.
Ighor who done some excellent work on the launcher… was messing with amazon stock launcher and disabling things like telemetry/sponsored ads within the device.
Amazon need telemetry because it generates advertising revenue and also plays a major role in the intelligence gathering communities (browser history, keystrokes, uptime, content viewed and home life studies through Alexa)
This efuse triggering was on the post for some time now
Evidence for the intelligence community or typical paranoia?
@Geoffrey Totten
Paranoia? Fact more like! Go do your homework on Amazon and SIS, also do some research on telemetry before you go posting nonsensical comments. You Fool!!
It’s all about money and algorithm
Money. Full stop.
If I ever did that and locked out my ability to put whatever software I wanted I would toss out my fire sticks and my fire cube and go back to using an android box. I prefer for the fire stick into size of an android box anytime I’m probably in the minority what is organized and simple were android can be manipulated to do different things that you’re not expecting. I have gone through dozens of android boxes over the years spent too much money to roll in the garbage and I’m sticking with the Amazon fire stick I am the Amazon fire TV Cube. The fire TV cube is my choice it’s rapidly fast it holds lots of software it doesn’t magnificent job and you could cut your cord who needs TV when you could build your own box with every channel he wants including the latest movies in the theater.
10-4
I agree.
This new interface is awful and ramming it down our throats is even worse.
I don’t bother rooting my devices anymore but this still bothers me a lot. I firmly believe if you buy something it’s yours to do with what you want. Void the warranty. Take responsibility if you break it, but it’s yours to break.
Totally agree!
Can someone help me understand? Do I have to do anything to my firesticks to prevent something bad from happening? I don’t want to lose any of my apps.
I had a update and my toshiba fire tv wouldn’t update. Not it won’t do anything. Says can’t update your Tv.
Haven’t had that problem but my Toshiba Fire TV says my storage is full and will not work unless I delete some apps. I had to delete everything except Amazon apps.
No Fire OS 7 and now blocked from downgrading, too.
Bravo.
Out of curiosity, what is the earliest software update to contain the inactive script?
Well can they go ahead and blow my eFuse?? I still don’t have the new interface. How long is this rollout going to take?
Right? I’ve got a 2020 device that came with the new interface, and two 4K Sticks. Neither has received the update. I’ll figure out whatever interface they throw at me. As long as I can get the content I came for, I’m good. What I don’t like is the inconsistency within my home. That’s a nuisance to me, and annoys the heck out of my wife. So blow my fuse and update my sticks already.
I have 2 FS 4ks active in the house. One was updated 2 weeks ago and the other one was updated yesterday. My remote control on the one updated yesterday is now acting like the batteries are weak but that is not true. My Samsung tv is slow to respond to fs remote commands and my Vizio 5.1 surround system has stopped responding to the fs remote. The system that was updated 2 weeks ago is also a Samsung tv and has a Vizio 2.1 sound bar and woofer. There has not been a single problem with the operation of this system.
What are the disadvantages of a rooted 4k stick? Do you not receive updates?
Glad I blocked updates on My 4k fire stick, after reading this I’m going to block it on my 2nd gen cube when I get home.
Interesting. I had no idea they could do such things. Maybe they could use this tech for something we might want.
so can we still block further updated on the latest FW or have they done something to prevent us from using ADB to disable updates too?
I mean I’m already stuck with the new POS launcher on one of my sticks
but as someone posted above they might try and stop side loading in a future update so I’d like to block anymore updates
I don’t even see the need for this I mean couldn’t they just do something server side to make the old FW not work for certain things
Amazon sells too many ( and I mean too
many ) fire sticks knowingly about 3 rd party apps . If they block 3 rd party apps they lose big money on the sale of there products . Directv made millions on their receivers knowing they were being bootlegged . It’s part of the game !
From what I understood Amazon sells their hardware like fire TV devices and tablets at a loss or break even price point and depends on people purchasing their content to make a profit
but I could be wrong, at least for the fire TV devices , but pretty sure it is definitely the case for the fire tablets
I have this Fire Stick, but haven’t yet installed on my new TV.
I have no idea what this Message means.
I’d appreciate, if anyone could explain this information to me, in very simple layperson language.
In short, you have little to nothing to worry about if you are an average, everyday user of a Fire Stick. A new Fire TV software update is bringing a new interface to you, sometime soon.
The longer answer is: There is a new Amazon Fire TV interface rolling out to devices. The list of devices getting it can be found here: https://www.aftvnews.com/when-will-your-fire-tv-or-firestick-get-the-new-interface-current-and-future-rollout-status/
How the new interface looks can be found here: https://www.aftvnews.com/first-in-depth-look-at-the-new-amazon-fire-tv-interface-redesign/
Some people are not fans of this new interface and much prefer the old one. One way some people get around this forced update is to go deep into the software of the Fire Stick and prevent updates, or in some cases, roll the software backward to their preferred version. This article goes into detail about how Amazon has implemented a very difficult to circumvent block on someone’s ability to roll the software backward. This new software update, containing the new interface, once loaded, causes an efuse to “pop” (think of an overloaded circuit breaker in your house) within the Fire Stick, which would prevent aspiring individuals from rolling the software backward.
If the term ‘rooting’ doesn’t ring a bell with you, then this article shouldn’t be a cause of concern.
You don’t have to worry about getting the Fire OS7 on your fire stick, or fire stick 4K. All this hype from these so-called editors/developers, are quick to jump the gun with hype about events that won’t even happen.
Fewer and fewer devs are gonna stop supporting Android 7, which Fire OS 6 is based on. OS 7 is based on Android 9.
Hope you’re going to enjoy the lack of apps.
That explains why you’re unable to get passed the initial setup on older firmware. It forces you to update no matter the version unless you edit the build.prop with TWRP and add insecure ADB and by putting adb shell monkey -p com.amazon.tv.oobe -v 500 to actually bypass the “Checking For updates” screen
just resell your firesticks and buy tivo4k sticks or an android box. Now you have no more bullshit, no more pre-loaded low storage space. And best of all any apps, and launchers you like. Firesticks are nice but not the only player in the game. Hundreds of really good streaming devices available out there, YOU control, not Amazon
Well said
Oh boy my Fire TV 4K Stick just forced updated when I was using it to the “All-New Fire TV Experience”
This is the last Amazon device I am buying.
I guess the 3rd gen pendant will also blow an efuse, since it has the same OS as the 4K stick.
I don’t understand all the tech talk. Can someone help me understand? Do I have to do anything to my two firesticks to prevent something bad from happening? I don’t want to lose any of my apps.
If you don’t do anything to your Firestick, you are fine as there is nothing to do. If you play around with your firestick and like to side load apps non official apps or make changes to the OS then you have something to worry about.
So is this why my firestick won’t do anything?. It just displays Fire Stick TV for hours. I unplugged it and just hooked up my Roku tv. So should I just throw it away? I really liked my fire,had it for a few years. But will not be forced to buy another. I’ll stick to my Roku tv,if so. Thanks if someone can answer.
You can still sideload apps with the new software change,so no worries…but the new interface is horrible,not a fan
The new interface is still a too busy mess. I am using the Wolf launcher and it’s as easy to use as a Roku.
I agree I’ve changed to a new launcher that way I don’t have to look at the horrible new interface
The MLB app is toast after the new update on my 4k Stick! I’ve been futzing with it for days with no luck. It still works on an older stick. Plus I really hate the new interface. It’s just way too “busy” and seems to be all about promoting sponsored content. It just sucks.
Amazon is on that BS especially w/ the rollout of the new UI. Why can’t they just let us have fun w/ our new toys after we’ve let them take our money…
It’s wrong that software updates can change or take away existing features & functions that were in the original device at time of purchase. It’s paramount to false advertising!
Because my 2004 Prius always gave me close to 50 Mpg, I replaced it in 2015 with a 2007 model for $16,000. It’s been great, it’s Mpg has been around 50 – 55 Mpg.
Last Oct 2020 I noticed it’s Mpg was barely able to get upto 45 Mpg. I took it for a compete diagnosis at the dealer but found no specific reason for the change.
After some internet research and phone calls some felt it might have been a software update. Something about the EPA forcing Toyota to make the change for some reason. The dealer tells me there hadn’t been any software updates for the 2007 in years. As I have no way to prove it, I’m stuck with a car that no longer gets great gas mileage.
I feel very, very cheated. How can this be legal?
Imagine paying $1,000 for a washing machine that has a special feature that a competing machine lacks. Perhaps after washing the clothes it transforms into a dryer and drys the clothes.
Then a few years later the company does a software update that removes that feature. You’re not even aware the update was done, and have no way of uninstalling and restoring that feature. Now you have a washer that no longer automatically drys the clothes. Maybe you got rid of your old dryer cause the new machine made it useless. But now after that software update you have no way to dry your clothes. Does it seem this should be legal? No, but that’s what’s happening and us consumers are just rolling over and taking it.
Again, you’d feel very, very cheated. How can this be legal?
My Philips TV originally had the Apps down the left hand column and titles under the videos icon. Taking away the ability to jump to an apps home page. They call it an improvement, I ask why change it if it’s bkfst broken. I have no way of restoring the old version.
Again, I feel very, very cheated. How can this be legal?
We’re paying top dollar for products, like appliances that lasted 20+ years, to get new ones that cost much more but hardly last 5 years.
We need to band together to put an end to it!
You make a very good point and I wonder if there is a valid case for a class action here.
I’m with you a MILLION percent. We do need to protect our property from being vandalized. Sucks when the company that we bought the product from is the vandal. It’s very much like the “RIGHT TO REPAIR” thing that’s happening now, and needs to go to congress so consumer laws can be updated to reflect the interest of the people and not allow corporate greed to bury us.
Years ago, I thought this way too but read the fine print. You are purchasing and retaining ownership of the HARDWARE only (in this case a Fire TV Device) You are NOT purchasing and thereby owning the SOFTWARE (in this the FIRE OS) you have no rights to alter or rewrite the code. Sure, you can block updates, but that’s not the same thing and you can only fight that battle for so long before the device will become unstable. Don’t get me wrong, I wish we could customize the OS at will but that is not Amazon’s business model. Any “Class Action Lawsuit” would fail. A court would not consider your property vandalized as you only own the hardware itself.
After the latest update USB debugging is not available on the menu I lost my USB available on my firestick 4k 3rd GEN tried to get it back no can do. So all external storage is gone for me. Thought about buying a 4K MAX but unsure if it allows for USB storage or not and when will they take it away again and when. The Cube has more storage and Roku has a SD card slot on their Ultra LT the Roku may be the way to go to have external storage. If anyone has thoughts please post
i see this post is a little old but just some new info for everyone
this just happened to me using i had a 2nd gen rooted firestick and i was caught off guard and before i could stop it some how amazon got into my
2nd gen and ran some sort of exploit and it crashed i worked on it for prolly close to 50hrs and was able to do a flash and got it back going then they did it again and this time i was ready and i was watching them access it and i ran a blocking program a friend sent me and what ever they sent got sent back to the sender (FUNNY PART NOW I WAS ON THE PHONE TALKING WITH AN CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AND SHE SAYS TO ME SIR COUD YOU HOLD THE LINE FOR A MOMENT IT SEEMS OUR SYSTEM JUST CRASHED HEHETHIS IS THE BEST PART I ASKED HER IS YOUR SYSTEM IN A BOOTLOOP SHE SAY AND DONT THINK SHE EVEN RELISED SHE TOLD ME AND I THE TOLD HER TO TALK TO YOUR
CO-WORKER NAMED AYJAY THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX IT SINCE THIS AYJAY IS THE ONE TRYING TO CRASH Y 2ND GEN OK AND NOW THE MORAL OF THIS WHOLE THING IS I FOUND OUT THEY ARE CRASHING THE 2ND GEN STICKS TO MAKE WAY FOR A NEW MODEL AND IF YOUCALL THEM OUT ON IT THEY SAY YOUR FIRESTICK IS JUST OLD AND THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT CRASHING
ITS NOT RIGHT AMAZON IS FORCING PEOPLE TO UPGRADE
Will ppl PLEASE STOP with the whole Firestick 4k “3rd Gen” crap!! There is no 3rd gen… hell there aint even a 2nd gen! There is 1 generation of Firestick 4k… do your research. The SAME firestick 4k has been updated with FW only, and a quick look at the MODEL number imprinted on the plastic of the housing will prove my statement! The firestick 4k ONLY comes with model E9L29Y. It was released in 2018. There has NEVER been another model released, only fw updates. In order for there to be a 2nd, or 3rd gen, there would have to be some sort of hardware change, and any visual inspection will easily show you that there has not been a single thing changed in the 4k stick since release.