If you’re setting up a new Fire TV and want to root, it’s important to know which software version the Fire TV is running before completing the initial setup. There is no way to know exactly which software version the Fire TV is running without checking the Settings menu, but you can figure out roughly where you stand on the first setup screen where you’re asked to press Play.
Connect your Fire TV to your TV and power it on WITHOUT an ethernet connection. Wait until it boots up and gets to the “Press (►∥∥) to start” screen seen above. Leave it on this screen and do not press play for several seconds. If the text on the screen switches back and forth between English and German “Drücken Sie (►∥∥), um loszulegen”, then your Fire TV is running version 51.1.3.0_user_513011520 or newer and is currently unrootable. If the text remains English, then your Fire TV is running version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 or older and is rootable.
If your Fire TV is running version 51.1.3.0_user_513011520 or newer…
You can try blocking the software update which occurs during the initial setup using my guide, but you likely will not be able to skip or block the update. You will then have to remove any domains blocked by your router, allow the Fire TV to update, then block the update domains and complete the initial setup. At this time, there is no way to root your Fire TV. All you can do is stay on the oldest software version you can and hope a new rooting method is released in the future.
If your Fire TV is running version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 or older…
You can root your Fire TV. It is important that you follow my initial setup guide to ensure that your Fire TV does not update to an unrootable version during the initial setup.
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This helps a lot thanks again keep up the good work I love this page
Just unpacked and tested my new ATF here in the UK. Unfortunately it seems that it is running 51.1.3.0_user_513011520 or newer based on the above instructions. Bummer! I wonder what Amazons return policy once the security seal is broken. I guess I could hold on to it. It was only £49. Maybe a Xmas pressie for someone!
Same here – new UK supplied AFTV – none rootable. Side Loaded XBMC though with no issues (Mac) and happily watching Y*** movies.
You say you were able to load XBMC even though your AFTV shipped with the latest OS?
Sideloading XBMC does not require root.
I might have just stumbled on a workaround for this version.
I tried blocking the domains but that didn’t work – I got the screen saying connection failed try again later with a link to fire tv support.
However, I then unblocked the domains, and pressed the back button. It took me through the setup again but appeared to continue without downloading and installing the update!
Hope this helps someone.
What did you to block the domains? Can you list a step by step? Also will resetting to factory defaults allow me to re-check to see if mine is rootable?
Mate you HERO!! That worked a charm, it gets stuck on ‘Checking for Update’ then if you leave it and orange light seems to flash and away you go!!!
Well done that is an epic find!!
51.1.3.0_user_513011520
루팅좀 하게 해줘라 쫌
What are the chances that the new FW will be lcome routable in the future? What’s the best way, if you’re on the new FW to protect against future updates?
No way to know if a new root method will be discovered. Follow this guide to block updates on non-rooted Fire TVs: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-amazon-fire-tv-update-to-ensure-rooting/
A friend of mine just bought a fire tv last month idk if from best buy or amazon but i believe it was amazon and they found someone who was able to jailbreak it. Everything is free including all the apps that needs a subscription
I plan on getting one now
I have managed to side load xbmc on a new fire tv and it works quite well,can someone tell me what rooting does and the point of it please thanks.
Oh boy… you really don’t need to be doing this if you even have to ask.
Is there a way to know from the packaging via a serial number or revision if the Unit has the rootable software or does it have to be plugged in and software version checked?
There is no way to know from the packaging or serial number. You have to power it on to know.