Important This guide is out of date. You should follow the new Starters Guide instead.
The Amazon Fire TV automatically begins to download the latest software update available during its initial setup process. It does not prompt you to allow or reject the update. This poses a problem for those who want to root their Fire TV because the latest software version blocks the current method of rooting. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps you should take to ensure your Fire TV does not install a software update which blocks rooting during the initial setup.
I have written two methods you can choose from. Method 1 is the recommended method as it guarantees an unwanted update does not get installed. However, it is more technical and involves setting up domain blocks in your internet router. If that isn’t something you can do, I’ve written method 2 which involves disconnecting and reconnecting the Fire TV’s internet connection at key moments. Method 2 should work for most, but there is a tiny chance an unwanted update will automatically install, so that is why method 1 is the recommended method.
Update
10/23/2014 You should first see my new post on How to determine your Fire TV Software Version and Rootability on First Setup Screen before proceeding with this guide. That post will tell you if this guide will work for your Fire TV.
Update
10/1/2014 There are versions of the Fire TV which cannot follow this guide because they will not proceed with the initial setup if the update check and/or download fails. It is believed these Fire TVs are running the earliest software version, which is version 51.1.0_user_510047320. Additionaly, Fire TVs that arrive with software version 51.1.3.0_user_513011520 and newer also exhibit this behavior. If your Fire TV prompts you to select a language during the initial setup, then it is running software version 51.1.3.0_user_513011520 or newer. Otherwise, there is no way to determine which software version a Fire TV has until you complete the initial setup. At this time, there is no known way to avoid updating these Fire TVs.
Important This guide is out of date. You should follow the new Starters Guide instead.
Method 1: Domain blocking with Router – Recommended Method
- Before powering on the Fire TV, go into your router’s settings and block access to the following three domains:
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
updates.amazon.com
If you do not know how to do this, you can refer to my guide or search the internet for instruction for your particular router.
NOTE: Do NOT block firs-ta-g7g.amazon.com as it is unnecessary for blocking updates and will cause problems during the initial setup if blocked. - If you are using a wired internet connection, go ahead and plug it into the Fire TV and power it on. If you are using a wireless internet connection, power on your Fire TV and connect to your wireless network when prompted.
- When asked, press the play button on your Fire TV remote.
- As soon as you press this button, your Fire TV will check for software updates and attempt to download the latest version it finds. There will be no indication that the download failed, but it will fail assuming you blocked the domains in step 1 correctly.
- An unskippable welcome video will begin to play. Once it finishes, you should be on the home screen.
- From the home screen, scroll down to “Settings”, scroll right to “System”, and select “About”.
- If your Fire TV lists 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 as the “Software Version” or if you do not want to update your Fire TV software at all, you can stop here, root your Fire TV, and block updates using the recommended method. However, if you wish to update your Fire TV software to version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, which is the latest rootable version, continue with this guide.
- Unblock the domain softwareupdates.amazon.com, but keep the domain amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net blocked. This will allow the Fire TV to check for updates, but will still prevent an update from downloading. With only amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net blocked by your router, scroll down and select the “Check for System Update” option.
- Your Fire TV will try to download the latest software version and fail. Write down the number that appears at the bottom under “Downloading version…” before it reports an “Update error”.
- If the number listed is…
- 511070220: You’re lucky that your Fire TV is trying to instal the latest rootable software version, which is what we want. Proceed to step 11 in this guide.
- 510055620, 510058520, or 511069920: Your Fire TV is trying to install a software update that is rootable, but is not the latest version. You have two options…
- Option 1: Proceed to step 11 in this guide and install the update that you Fire TV is trying to install. When done, you will need to repeat steps 6 thru 15 since your Fire TV will likely want to install another update. At that point your Fire TV may try to install version 511070220, which is what you want, or it may try to install an unrootable version, which means you will have to do option 2 anyway.
- Option 2: Install the latest rootable software update manually. Stop following this guide, follow this guide to root your Fire TV, then follow this guide to block software updates using the recommended method, then follow this guide to manually install software version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, then re-root.
- 512073320 or any other version: Your Fire TV is trying to install a software update that will block rooting. You will have to manually install the latest rootable version, which is 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. Stop following this guide, follow this guide to root your Fire TV, then follow this guide to block software updates using the recommended method, then follow this guide to manually install software version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, then re-root.
- Go to your router configuration and stop blocking the domains in step 1
- On the Fire TV, select the “Check for System Update” option once again. This time the Fire TV should start to download the update.
- Once the download is complete, select “Install System Update”
- Your Fire TV will reboot and install the update. While it installs the update, you should re-block the domains in step 1 with your router.
- Your Fire TV should now be updated. If it is on version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, you should now root the Fire TV and block updates using the recommended method. If it is on version 51.1.0.1_user_510055620, 51.1.0.2_user_510058520, or 51.1.1.0_user_511069920, then restart this guide from step 6 to get to version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220.
Method 2: Disconnecting the Internet
- All steps in this guide and prompts by the Fire TV should be done immediately. Do not let your Fire TV sit ideal at any point.
- I suggest using a wired internet connection as it is simpler to unplug a cable then to unplug a router/modem when you want to kill the Fire TV’s internet connection.
- Power on your Fire TV. If you are using a wired internet connection, do not plug it in yet.
- Let the Fire TV find your remote.
- Press play on the remote when prompted.
- It will scan for wireless networks. At this point, connect your wired connection or select your wireless network, but be ready to kill the connection.
- As soon as it establishes an internet connection, the Fire TV will check for updates. The screen will change from the network screen to a “Checking for updates” screen. As soon as the screen makes this change, kill the Fire TV’s internet connection (i.e., pull the ethernet cable or turn off the modem/router)
- The Fire TV will stay on the “Checking for updates” screen for just over a minute. Eventually it will give up and continue.
- If you purchased your Fire TV directly from Amazon, it will come pre-registered, so you will now need to reconnect the Fire TV to the internet so that it can sign in. As soon as it signs in, a welcome video will start. Disconnect the Fire TV’s internet connection as soon as the video starts.
If you purchased your Fire TV from somewhere else or just factory reset your Fire TV, you will need to enter your Amazon account information. With the internet still disconnected, select register, enter your email address and password. Reconnect the Fire TV’s internet connection, wait a few seconds for it to establish a connection (there will be no indication of this happening), and then click sign in. As soon as it signs in, a welcome video will start. Disconnect the Fire TV’s internet connection as soon as the video starts. - Once the unskippable welcome video finishes, you will be asked about Amazon Prime and Parental controls. Make your selections and you will be on the homescreen with a message saying “Home is Currently Unavailable” because there is no internet connection.
- Scroll down to “Settings”, scroll right to “System”, and select “About” to see what software version your Fire TV is on.
- If your Fire TV is on…
- Version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220: Congrats, your Fire TV has the latest rootable version. You should stop this guide, reconnect the internet, quickly root your Fire TV, and quickly block updates using the recommended method.
- Version 51.1.0.1_user_510055620, 51.1.0.2_user_510058520, or 51.1.1.0_user_511069920: Your Fire TV is rootable, but it is not on the latest rootable version, which is version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. If you don’t want to update, then you should stop this guide, reconnect the internet, quickly root your Fire TV, and quickly block updates using the recommended method. If you do want to update, then continue to step 13.
- Version 51.1.2.0_user_512073320 or any other version: Sorry, but there is no way to root your Fire TV at this time.
- Scroll down to “Check for System Update”, reconnect the internet, and press select.
- Your Fire TV will start to download the latest software version. Write down the number that appears at the bottom under “Downloading version…”, then cancel the update and disconnect the internet.
- If the number listed is…
- 511070220: You’re lucky that your Fire TV is trying to instal the latest rootable software version, which is what we want. Proceed to step 16 in this guide.
- 510055620, 510058520, or 511069920: Your Fire TV is trying to install a software update that is rootable, but is not the latest version. You have two options…
- Option 1: Proceed to step 16 in this guide and install the update that you Fire TV is trying to install. When done, you will need to repeat steps 13 thru 19 since your Fire TV will likely want to install another update. At that point your Fire TV may try to install version 511070220, which is what you want, or it may try to install an unrootable version, which means you will have to do option 2 anyway.
- Option 2: Install the latest rootable software update manually. Stop following this guide, reconnect the internet, quickly follow this guide to root your Fire TV, then quickly follow this guide to block software updates using the recommended method, then follow this guide to manually install software version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, then re-root.
- 512073320 or any other version: Your Fire TV is trying to install a software update that will block rooting. You will have to manually install the latest rootable version, which is 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. Stop following this guide, reconnect the internet, quickly follow this guide to root your Fire TV, then quickly follow this guide to block software updates using the recommended method, then follow this guide to manually install software version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, then re-root.
- Reconnect the internet and select the “Check for System Update” option once again and let the Fire TV download the update.
- Once the download is complete, select “Install System Update”
- Your Fire TV will reboot and install the update. While it installs the update, you should disconnect the Fire TV’s internet connection.
- Your Fire TV should now be updated. If it is on version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, you should now root the Fire TV and block updates using the recommended method. If it is on version 51.1.0.1_user_510055620, 51.1.0.2_user_510058520, or 51.1.1.0_user_511069920, then restart this guide from step 13 to get to version 51.1.1.0_user_511070220.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
Thank you very much for taking the time to pull this guide together.
Great guide, thanks. I followed your steps exactly on my new (4th) FTV. I love these boxes. Replaced my Roku’s, WDTV, etc.
What if you can’t block URLs using your router? I know method 2 talks about disconnecting the cable but it still then switches over to blocking the URL..
I just skimmed through Method 2, and it looks to me like it only talks about blocking updates via the recommended method which is via ADB — not via URL blocking within your internet router.
Go here: http://www.opendns.com/
It’s free. You need to open an account. You use their DNS. (There are tutorials.)
Once you have done that you can block or unblock any domain.
Thank you for this! So basically I would create the account, then under the FireTV I would use their DNS from OPENDNS.com?
And on OPENDNS.com I need to block the specific domain by adding a new network which would be the FireTVs IP?
Again, super thanks for keeping us in the loop. My AFTV arrived today, and I waited for your post before I even opened it. As luck would have it, I ended up getting pushed the 511070220 firmware, so I didn’t even need to block anything during update (though of course I preemptively blocked it on my router). Now, again thanks to your site, i’m rooted via towelroot and have busybox and SU installed. Huge thanks. Now to install Kodi and see how it runs compared to my Ouya boxes… maybe i’ll end up replacing ’em all! This tutorial worked like a charm for me (I used method 1, blocking via router)
512073320 if installed wipes root, and in term the ‘su’ command from towelroot. So the guides listed all require root to downgrade. Until towelroot is able to ‘work anyway’ this isn’t a valid option…. unless I’m missing something. Found here for reference: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/towelroot-support-broken-t2847231
What if your router does not have a blocking feature?
I can’t block a domain. My box is hanging on boot.
I think its trying to install the update. Now what?
Update… the white power led on the front of the unit is dimming then bright cycle. Like it’s in a sleep mode? Still no boot, even when I unplug the power and then plug the power up again. Stuck on amazon logo?
Mine is stuck on amazon logo screen. Will not boot up? Help!
I followed your instructions to manually install the last rootable fw. Thank you again!
I’m following Method 2 to set it up, but I got struck in Step 8. Specifically, it’s showing “Your Amazon Fire TV requires an update. Please do not disconnect from the network or unplug the power cable while we download the update”. It’s simply hanging (over 10 mins).
How long does it take to give up the update? What should I do?
Others have notified me of the same issue. Mine only took about 2 minutes before it continued. My best guess is, depending on how far it gets into the update check determines if it will hang or not. It might need to be allowed to check for an update, then be cut off while it’s downloading the update. It’s impossible to know for sure. Try experimenting with the amount of time you give it before cutting it off. It’s perfectly safe to pull the power plug and restart the initial setup procedure.
Thanks for your prompt reply. Just want to confirm: if it starts downloading the new update, the screen will change to “Downloading update” or something like that, right?! Ie, if it’s still showing “Your Amazon Fire TV requires an update. Please do not disconnect from the network…” it’s still safe to leave it like that until timeout. Am I correct?
I’m setting it up using Method 1 (wanted to try Method 2 first as it seems “safer”).
Method 1 is definitely safer. As long as you’re confident you’ve blocked the download domain correctly, it’s perfectly fine to keep the internet connection alive during the initial setup.
As for your question about the screen changing, it’s difficult to answer. The Fire TV doesn’t go through steps you would assume. It doesn’t check, then download, then install, then continue. Instead, it checks, then starts to download and continues before the download completes. It continues to download in the background while you’re going through the rest of the initial setup. So just because you’re past the update check doesn’t mean it’s safe to connect the internet. That’s why you want to give it just enough internet access to move forward and then cut it off immediately.
EIther way, if the first method is possible for you, you should go that route. WIth the first method, I haven’t heard of anyone getting stuck on the “checking for updates” screen.
Hi there by any chance, I have heard of people using an hdmi / dvi cable. Fire tv doesn’t like those cables especially when first starting up thru updates. Make sure you have a true hdmi cable.
That makes perfect sense. I just blocked the site via my router and I can’t download any update from http://www.aftvnews.com/software, so I assume I set up the blocking properly.
Still can’t get pass the “update” screen. I guess I need to try a couple more times (as someone reported it works after a few tries).
Anyway, thanks a lot for your help!
Following Method 1 but still can’t get passed the update screen. Tried a couple times, and now got a different screen saying
“We are trying to update your Amazon Fire TV,
but we cannot contact our services. We will keep trying.
Please do not disconnect from the network or unplug the power cable.”
It looks like it doesn’t want to give up and keeps trying… :(
Hopefully, somehow it’ll give up and then move on.
Tried many times, now getting this sequence of messages consistently:
(1) Your Amazon Fire TV requires an update. Please do not disconnect from the network or unplug the power cable while we download the update.
(2) We are trying to update your Amazon Fire TV,
but we cannot contact our services. We will keep trying.
Please do not disconnect from the network or unplug the power cable.
(3) Unable to update your Amazon Fire TV
Try disconnecting the power cable for a few second and then plugging it back in.
If that does not work, please try again later or contact us at
http://www.amazon.com/firetvsupport.
In fact, I’ve never seen a screenshot of “Checking for update”.
Any idea?
According to a post in xda forum (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54866792&postcount=55):
Unfortunately once it knows there is an update, it’s gonna try forever. You could try blocking those URLs, and then going in to recovery and doing a factory reset…
So, it seems like my case: it detected an update is needed and thus it keeps trying to download the update forever. Also, I don’t see the “Checking for update” screen at all.
So, how can I get out of this? Is it safe to put it into “recovery mode”, do a factory reset and start it over again? Also, how can I block the checking for update (apparently, blocking “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” isn’t enough, at least not for me).
Many thanks again for your help!!
This is all very strange. There must be another factor causing yours to freeze up and not others. I wonder if it depends on which version your Fire TV ships with. My latest Fire TV (that I used to write this guide) came with 51.1.0.1_user_510055620. I monitored the traffic going in and out very closely. It checked for updates and found that an update was available. It started to download the update from amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net, but couldn’t because I had the domain blocked. It sat there for about 2 minutes and then continued.
I see no harm in doing a factory reset from recovery. I don’t think it will help, but it’s worth a shot. The factory reset just wipes your personal data and doesn’t modify any OS files. I bet the update information is stored in the OS and not in your user files.
If the factory reset doesn’t help, I would try leaving the internet connection on and unblocked until it goes past the point that your stuck on. Once it goes past that point, kill the connection. Hopefully it will start to download the update, move forward as it downloads in the background, and not care when you cut the connection.
Good luck. Report back what happens.
Exact same issue here with a box that was purchased at the end of July I just took out of the box tonight.
I blocked the domain and when I first turned on my AFTV I got the following message after connecting to my network:
“Unable to update your Amazon Fire TV
Try disconnecting the power cable for a few seconds and then plugging it back in.
If that does not work, please try again later or contact us at http://www.amazon.com/firetvsupport”
I cannot get past this screen at all. Seems like the exact same thing is happening to me…
I tried several times and I can’t get pass the initial update with blocking (either Method 1 or 2) – even if I block it only when it started downloading the update, it still failed. Basically, I have to let it download the update in order to proceed to the initial set up.
I took my chance and let it do the initial update, and luckily it’s merely updated to 51.1.0.2_user_510058520. Ie, I can still root it and block any future update.
The different behaviour may be caused by the old initial firmware version (FYI, I bought mine from BestBuy in early August).
Here’s the details (in case others get into the same problem):
(1) Connect network cable to my router without any blocking, turn on FireTV
(2) It detects it needs update (no screen showing “Checking for update” in my case).
(3) Let it download the update (took ~2-3 min)
(4) It reboots and then shows “Installing the latest software”. I enabled the blocking “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” via my router
(5) It reboots again and then shows “Installing the latest software” again
(6) Don’t recall if it reboots one more time. Anyway, the update is done and it shows the initial setup/intro video. Then sign in, etc.
It works for me (again maybe I’m lucky) but it may not work for others (ie, CANNOT guarantee the latest update won’t be applied during the initial update).
This actually makes sense…I bought mine from Best Buy in the beginning of August as well! So It might have an old initial firmware like yours does. Maybe I’ll try to do what you said and let it update to a newer firmware first and then try blocking the updates. Just hope I don’t get the newest unrootable firmware. But my situation sounds EXACTLY like yours so I’m hopeful.
I just set up my 2nd box last night. This time I set up & used OpenDNS to block the two Amazon domains. Surprisingly, I can set it up without any problem (no hanging, no initial update).
Here’s my observation:
(1) If I block the domains via my router (TPLink WDR4300)
– if I try to download an update from Amazon site via my browser, it’ll “hang” and “wait”, ie it will NOT return/stop right away
– my 1st box will keep trying to download the update during initial set up, and it’ll simply never give up.
(2) If I block the domains via OpenDNS
– if I try to download an update from Amazon site via my browser, it’ll stop right away and my browser shows OpenDNS page saying it’s blocked
– my 2nd box just simply skips the update during initial set up.
To sum up, for some routers, it’s easier to set up using OpenDNS (even though there is more work to join/set up OpenDNS).
Hope it helps.
It’s not woofing for me either (method 1). After I hit pause/play, I get a brief message like “looking for an update” then the screen goes blank. It just stays blank, waited up to an hour and no change.
I meant working, not woofing. Duh
In the end, the problem was of my own making.
I had use an hdmi cable that was attached via a dvi adapter…tha causes the screen to go blank after briefly flashing the checking for updates. This box will not work through dvi.
Just did my third box and the procedure works perfectly. Thanks you for all your hard work. Great site, very helpful and clearly written procedures with good screenshots.
Thanks for the update! Glad everything worked out in the end.
Does this mean that we are forever stuck with 511070220? I don’t have a problem sticking with this version, but hopefully apps and other things won’t require firmware updates in the future, if this is the case.
You never know what the next version will bring, it may be root able.
I am having tons if issues as the last few posters. I am using method 2, pulling the ethernet cable when it starts the download. I actually started to see the download progressing and pulled the plug but it keeps saying “The network connection has been lost.”
What other steps should be taken now to insure it doesnt update my aftv? Not sure what else to do.
Just a thought, has it been confirmed that if we go through the very first update upon setting up the aftv that it would not necessarily update to the “unrootable firmware”? Instead it would update to the last workable firmware??? Still cant get mine to bypass the downloading stage.
There is no way to know which update it is trying to install unless you’re monitoring the traffic through a program like Wireshark. Odds are, it is not trying to update to the unrootable version right now since that version is still going through a slow roll out.
For those having issues with method 1, here are a couple things to try.
1) If you can, try to redirect the download domain to a functioning webpage instead of blocking the connection outwrite or sending it to 127.0.0.1. It may be that the Fire TV is getting stuck because it is trying to download the update and getting no response. Where as if you give it a response, like a 404 page, it will continue the setup.
2) If your router is capable of blocking words, you can block “51.1.2.0_user_512073320” instead of the update domain. This way the unrootable update is blocked, but other version are let through.
Please report back your results so that others can hopefully get help figuring out the best way to proceed.
Could it be an option to, use wireshark to monitor traffic and know what version is being downloaded and proceed with the initial download just to get through to the registering part. Then root the aftv and block access to the updates?
If you know how to use Wireshark, that’s definitely the way to go. That way there is no mystery of which update the Fire TV is trying to install. Unfortunately, it’s not an intuitive program and not the easiest to setup. I thought about writing a guide to use Wireshark, but that would also involve instructions to setup internet sharing on all the major operating systems, which is a complicated task on its own. If enough people continue to get stuck on the update step of the initial setup, I may need to revisit the idea of writing a guide for using Wireshark with the Fire TV.
please DO ….
or at least tell me how to filter the part that tells me which version is getting downloaded.
i see so much traffic on the wireshark and its hard to find the part that i need . anyway to filter that out ?
Hi all, just an update on my current situation with my aftv. I bought my aftv last sunday 8/17 at staples b&m, tried using AFTVnews (both methods) and didn’t work as someone mentioned above may have pulled the plug to late and amazon already knew it needed to update. So i bit the bullet and decided to “download the latest software” in hopes that i would get the a version other than unrootable firmware. Went through all the aftv unskippable video and checked my software version, and low and behold it was 51.1.0.2_user_510058520 which is still rootable!
I’m not saying this is guaranteed if AFTVnews’ method does not work, but i would say if anyone has purchased the aftv recently may attempt this at their own risk as Amazon seems to not have made the latest version mandatory upon first starting up your aftv.
Just picked up one from BestBuy last night
It was stuck at the update screen and I found a little trick to take some of the risk out of allowing the device to update
1. Using your router or possibly other methods to use the block trick to redirect the DNS for amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net to a server on your local network.
2. On that system, either use HFS (windows) or python’s built in SimpleHTTPServer (linux & mac) and watch the logs.
3. When the Fire tv looks for its update, it will hit your webserver and it will request a file that doesn’t exist and that request with the file name will appear in your logs.
4. look at the filename and compare it to the safe list, if it is rootable, remove the DNS override and reset the amazon fire tv and let it download.
5. After it reboots and moves to installing, put the override back in place.
6. For my unit, it looked for a 2nd update. I simply ran through steps 4 & 5 again and after verifying it was a safe update, I removed the DNS override and let it complete and then put the override in after it downloaded.
7. For my system, the 2nd update was 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. It had downloaded and then I had it install manually through the menu and then everything was up to date and ready to root.
Unfortunately for me step 7 is impossible because it happens so fast that I can’t get the ethernet cable unplugged fast enough.
Thanks for the guides! I had it easy. Took one update to 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 and it never tried updating to the latest version. Rooted, SU, busybox, disable update app, and I’m good to go.
Picked up a Fire from Staples the other day for $60. Can’t wait to get XBMC setup.
Hi Brian,
I just got my new Fire TV today evening from staples. I would like to root it and install XBMC. I have been reading the guides..its little confusing for me. I’m not clear on the sequence of steps we should follow when we are setting up the Fire TV for the first time, I’m extra cautious to avoid being updated to the latest versions and not able to root my device.
Appreciate if you could list down the sequence of high level steps from first time setup.
Thanks in advance
Brian,
I bought my fire tv around on 21th or 20th, I did not see & read this guide and I remember that my AFTV was updated and took so long for the update, it was updated and after that. I could still root it with the adbfire program and towelroot,
how come? What firmware versions are not working for rooting?
I have not read anywhere else that whether your AFTV is updated then you would not be able to root.
I appreciate your input.
The only software version we know of that is not rootable is: 51.1.2.0_user_512073320.
This version has not gone through a full roll out, meaning only a very small number of Fire TVs are receiving this update. I have a software summary page with more info here: http://www.aftvnews.com/software/
Thanks :)
Hello, I need some help in rooting my device. I got my AFTV last week from staples.My device came with software version 51.1.0.1_user_510055620. I successfully blocked the updates using your method 1 through my router firewall.
My problem is when i click on “Check for Updates” it gets struck there with message “Checking Now”. I know i have blocked the updates but how i get over this step to find out what version its downloading to update?
Can i still go ahead & root AFTV with my current device version of 51.1.0.1_user_510055620?
My objective is to root my device & install xbmc.
Pls help.
Thanks in advance
Ryan,
Unblock the domain “softwareupdates.amazon.com” and keep “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” blocked. This will allow you to check for updates but will not allow the Fire TV to download the update. I have updated step 8 in method 1 with these instructions.
Alternatively, you can: root now, manually update, then re-root.
Good Luck!
Thanks for your quick response. Your suggestion worked. It was able to check for updates & it displayed the version to updated and tried to download and got the error unable to download. This happened so quick and i did not notedown the complete no of it… but i remember few nos like 70220. My guess this is the latest rootable version. If Yes, then i should also remove the block on “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” and let it update correct?
Yes, that’s correct. Unblock both domains and allow the update to install. Just remember to re-block both domains after you’ve installed the update.
Perfect !!!! It worked successfully as you explained. I have now updated to version: 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. I have enabled the blocks on router. Really appreciate for your help. You guys rock.
One last question.How do i easily root my Fire TV? the last 2 days reading online, i came to know there are some tools to sideload apps like ADBfire or AFTV tools (http://goo.gl/lUNWaT). Which one do you recommend to root my AFTV device?
The next steps for me is the below
1. Root my FireTV using APKs like TR.apk, SuperSU & Busybox
2. Block OTA updates
3. Install XBMC
Pls correct me if Im wrong.
Thanks a lot for your help & support.
Glad it worked. Any of those tools are fine. Those tools just execute the commands in my rooting guide for you. I personally suggest rooting without those tools so that if something doesn’t work, you know more about what is happening. Those tools don’t really give you error messages.
Hi, I am actually on this step and it just seems to be stuck at “Checking for Updates” nothing seems to happen after that. It sat for about 10 minutes. I didnt proceed further and just re-blocked both for now. Wasn’t sure if you have heard of this at all.
i am on version 510055620 – wasnt sure of what you would do if you were in my situation.
I was going to try again today. If not… root, then manually upgrade to most recent rootable version. thoughts?
Thank you AFTVnews, I was able to successfully root my Amazon TV. You guys rock. I’ll donate for your service.
Noob here, can you explain the purpose of busybox? I’ve already successfully rooted and blocked future updates, I had side-loaded xbmc prior to rooting and so far everything seems functional. What’s the benefit of busybox?
Thank you for the very clear instructions, I was lucky I had a rootable SW version out of the box with the initial update as I was unaware of any issues until after I did the initial setup. I purchased mine from amazon this week.
Great question. Traditionally, the Linux operating system usually comes with many small utilities/programs that make life easier for software developers. The Fire TV runs a stripped down version of Linux where many common utilities/programs are missing. BusyBox is a collection of these small utilities/programs. Installing BusyBox on the Fire TV brings the Fire TV’s operating system closer to a “full fledged” Linux operating system.
This is useful because, often times, a Fire TV mod/app which requires root will call on one of the small programs included in BusyBox. If you don’t install BusyBox, there is a chance a future “root-only” app you try to use will fail because the developer just assumed you had BusyBox installed. Since it’s often difficult to determine if BusyBox is needed for a particular “root-only” app, most people just install BusyBox from the get-go so that not having it is one less thing that could cause issues. There is no harm in installing BusyBox as the programs included just sit idle if you never install a “root-only” app that needs them.
I hope that was clear enough for you. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Just curious but I found a MUCH MUCH easier way. What’s the downside?
2) Go to Settings > System > About and check to see which version you have. Compare it to the list you compiled on the webpage: http://www.aftvnews.com/software/
3) If you could use an update, say from 51.1.0.2_user_510058520 to 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 then let it update. It will say updating to version 512073320 in the Settings > System > About > Check for System Update
4) If it doesn’t seem to be downloading, then click cancel and try again. If this doesn’t work reboot and try again. Stay on this screen until the update is done. You may have to push the “Right” button on your remote once or twice depending on your internet speed to avoid the screensaver. Once download is complete it will give you the option to select to install. Install it.
5) Once installed turn off automatic updates (once you get the version you want).
Is there a downside to this – will it skip multiple updates and start updating to the most current update or will it do several updates until it reaches the update ending in 0220 which is where you should stop because anything after isn’t rootable.
Just curious – Thanks! Btw – this method worked for me for now….who knows what tomorrow brings.
Hey guys is this still working?? Anyone try it recently? I’ve got my box from staples in and want to try it out.
Nothing has really changed form when this was written and now, so it should work fine for you.
Has anyone figured out how to block update from apple airport extreme router. I even went to OpenDNS, but they dont have a update for my firmware which is 7.6.4, if anyone can offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Anyone know how to block these sites with a Linksys EA6200 style router? I tried to add the first address into parental controls block site but it the address is one character too long.
Also I makes you pick what device you want it blocked on. If I did not turn the device on yet it will not be on the list.
Thanks
Hi, anyone tried rooting the device after the latest unrootable firmware version rolled out. I tried method 1 and was stuck at checking for updates. I am not sure I should take the risk to do one update if it wouldn’t go straight to the unrootable version.
Thanks in advance.
Hey everyone, i bought my AFTV a while ago and rooted it as i was possible and also blocked the updates. Thats what i thought, but today i just saw that it updated to an unrootable version. i could cry !!
So i guess there is even if i try to softwarereset the aFTV there is no way that it would install an rootable version back again ?! or is it maybe possible because i bought one of the first AFTVs ?
The same thing happened to me! I did step #1 (blocking the updates via router), and it showed that I had 5.1.1.0.1_user_510055620. I left it alone for less than 30 minutes, didn’t unblock anything, and now it says I have 51.1.3.0_user_513011520 (unrootable). Very upsetting!
Yesterday my AFTV arrived from Staple’s. But as others have lamented, mine also was stuck at the initial update check, and blocking via OpenDNS didn’t help.
Using Wireshark, I saw that it was trying to download a known safe version, 510058520.
I let it update, rooted it, did a manual update to 511070220, and re-rooted. Life is good. :)
how do you use wireshark to know what version it was downloading ? can you shed some light ? or small tips .
Could you set up OpenDNS and instead of applying the dns servers to the router, just apply it to the Fire TV by specifying a static IP and DNS in the devices networking settings (ie it doesn’t get this from the router anymore).
I didn’t want to apply the DNS globally via the router.
I did openDNS and router–rooted machine, turned off updates and still left the blocks in.
I buy stuff from amazon all the time–and I use prime streaming. My kids watched their prime TV shows and my wife and I watched a prime movie while the blocks were in effect. I haven’t seen any issues with blocking what they list.
If you wanted you could just keep the blocks in until you turned off the updates in the system. Then you could unblock in openVPN.
Not an expert on openvpn but I think you would need to have multiple IPs at home and create 2 networks to do what you want. You can setup a free account and mess around to see if that is an option but I didn’t see anything obvious when I was checking.
Did u downgrade and upgrade to the latest pre rooted version? I rooted my 51.1.1.0 but never downgraded then upgraded to the latest pre rooted version. I tried watching a prime video but it just keeps on with the loading circle. It says my internet connection is slow but when I load my XBMC I can stream and watch anything.
I just bought a Fire TV on 9/24 and got it delivered 9/26.
I ran through the guide–and it all worked–rooted without issue. It blazed through the update (and failed)
I used openDNS (just spend a little time to setup) and the router to block the amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com domains.
I suggest OpenDNS as it’s a known quantity.
Machine was coming from Amazon with the 510055620 installed.
Hi Ladies and Gents,
I purchased 3 FireTV’s and was able to root all of them successfully when all 3 TVs were stuck on “checking for updates”
Step #1 – Add the two links above and use block keywords to add the specific firmware that cannot be rooted.
Step #2 – At this point you will be stuck on the “checking for updates” forever. The next step you do is go into recovery mode and do a wipe out.
Step #3 – Have both of the links removed but on a second tab have the “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” link ready to get added to the router if you see “downloading software.” At this point you will see 2 use cases:
case A) you will see “checking updates” and then you will go into the sign on with your amazon account. Once you sign in you will get full access to the fireTV and you can quickly block “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” until you root. You will be on a very old firmware version.
case B) you will see “checking updates” then “downloading software” at this point you block “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” and let the software download and it will attempt to install the file but it will crash multiple times. You then can disable “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” and restart your amazon but keep “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” link ready to be added again on your router. You will see “checking updates” again but this time you will go into the sign in account and then block “amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net” until you successfully root.
I hope this helps. cheers!
I have now successfully rooted over 10 FireTV’s that freeze at update screen with this method. Let me know if you have any questions.
Question on Case B.
Is the procedure you’re seeing:
-AFTV checks for updates
-AFTV start to download update
-You block download domain
-AFTV thinks download completes
-AFTV tries to install update
-AFTV fails to install update
-AFTV starts the whole setup over
-AFTV checks for updates
-AFTV doesn’t try to install update
-AFTV proceeds to the next step in the initial setup
The second to last step above is the important one. It seems like you’re saying that if the Fire TV tries to install a downloaded update and fails, then it will not try to install it again during the initial setup. Is this correct?
You are correct but you have to be very careful when you go to system settings it will NOT say “checking for updates” it will say “install update” if you press that there is non return and you cannot unroot
Got some problems while trying to root a german Fire TV, maybe because my router (Fritzbox 7390) blocks on http level. When trying to open a blocked site with a webbrowser for example, the router displays a custom page that says something like “this site is blocked”.
So method 1 did not work for me and I couldn’t manage to block updates with method 2 either.
After trying back and forth, even partially downloading updates, disconnecting network / internet at 90% and so on I nearly gave up, but as a last try I set up a DNS server on my NAS, redirected the 2 mentioned urls to 127.0.0.1 and set the new DNS server as preferred one in my router. After a ftv reboot everything worked as expected :-)
I received my new Amazon Fire TV, and attempted to follow the guide to setup a new device without blocking root. I blocked the two domains:
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net , softwareupdates.amazon.com in my Router, and it showed that I had 5.1.1.0.1_user_510055620. I left it alone for less than 30 minutes, didn’t unblock anything, and now it says I have 51.1.3.0_user_513011520 (unrootable).
I’m not sure how this happened. Can someone tell me (step-by-step) how to block future updates effectively so that I can stay on 513011520, and hope for future development that may allow rooting on this version? Thanks.
Using a service like OpenDNS or blocking the domains in your router is the only way. Try downloading one of the official updates from AFTVnews.com/software to see if your blocking works.
When I tried downloading an official update on my laptop just now, it appears to download as any other file I would download. This means I’m doing something incorrect with the domain blocking via the router, right? I have a Zoom 5352 router, and I read that OpenDNS doesn’t work on this.
I have another Fire TV on the way, so Method 2, pulling the internet, might be the only way. Does anyone have a Zoom router, that can help me with the blocking? I prefer trying Method 1.
Yup, if you can download the update from your PC, then so can your Fire TV.
Looks like this is your routers owners manual:
http://www.zoomtel.com/documentation/cable/5352-UserManual-Eng.pdf
Follow the directions on page 75 for parental controls.
Thanks for this information. I decided to go with Method 2 and it was a success on the 2nd Fire TV. It came with version 511070220. So I rooted and then blocked OTA updates. Thanks again!
I alreadly had updated the last version. Is these some others method to get root? I am very need root.
Sorry bud, try returning AFTV and get a new one. If your under the return policy time frame.
Just wanted to thank you for the guide. When I first connected my AFTV to broadband [having already determined that it was *not* preloaded with the new system that alternates between English & Deutsch upon starting] & having blocked the amz.digital… and softwareupdates… domains per your setup instructions, my unit launched into a “checking for updates” that went on forever. I left in in this mode for close to an hour, and after deciding your note from 10/1 meant my unit came with the very early system that wouldn’t load without a satisfactory check for updates, I 1st tried unblocking the softwareupdates… domain: it still just displayed “Checking for updates.” So, I went back downstairs to the router and removed the block on the amzdigital… domain, and immediately ran upstairs to find my unit was now playing the welcome video [which your guide says is unescapable.] Seeing that in play, I immediately unplugged the broadband cable from the AFTV, and waited for the welcome routine to finish. Meanwhile, I went back downstairs to the router & re-blocked the amzdig… & software… domains. Coming back, I went to check the system version: …220! Also checked the “pending update version” and it was …830 [not on the “approved” list of rootable systems], so it seems I luckily managed to keep my early system from updating past the point of no return! So, all I have to do now is master the whole side-loading process and update to the …710 system you list as the last rootable version, & Robert’s your mother’s favorite brother! Have really enjoyed your site [I’ve got at least 1k of Amzn coinage due to your timely alerts], and now that I have an AFTV, I might have some chance of actually *using* the coins before they expire! [Sure wish Amzn would get w/ the program & let me use them for ebook titles… ;) ] Might I point out that YOU ROCK!?! ;)
I know, it’s gauche to reply to one’s own post, but I just reread things & I guess that my mind was playing tricks on me, I thought I’d read on one of the pages about updating the system manually that version …xxx710 was the latest/best rootable version, but looking at your pages again in the light of day I guess I’ve already got the latest&greatest rootable version at …xxx220? Regardless, thanks for your setup guide. :)
I’m glad everything worked out. To clarify, 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 is the newest rootable version. However, you can update beyond that if you do so with a pre-rooted ROM. Instructions on doing that can be found here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-update-a-rooted-amazon-fire-tv-to-the-latest-version-without-losing-root/
Fantastic info & instructions. I Have followed your steps (Method 1) and sucesfully completted two Fire boxes.
I have a question Im hoping someone might be able to clarify for me in regards to AFT box that a family member purchased at Best Buy in Sept this year. One of the first fire tv’s I configured. I did not root it. As most of my friends and family use AFT’s solely for xbmc and S***, I didn’t see a strong reason for rooting. I am actually only intersted in rooting now primarily just to unlock the ability to place XBMC, s***, google play, exc Icons on the home screen to make it easier for friends and family, to operate. unless this can be done another way w/ out rooting. ( Currently using Lamah)
This particular fire box, I believe has already suffered the unrootable update. “SW Ver. 51.1.40 user 514006XXX.
My question is, If this is indeed the unrootable ver, is there any method to work around it, wipe & manually reload updates. If not, in regards to my prev question, is any aware of another method to get the side loaded APK’s (xvmc, shoebox) on the home screen, other than bypassing another app to use its icon as a short cut via Liama? Sorry for the long post being a bit off topic but there appears to be many with a bit more experience than myself in regards to the fire tv. I primarily use a Mac Mini my home base entertainment center. But as you know, friends and family see and must have so for $80-130 with a good fly mouse/remote you can’t beat the fire tv. I have 2 Gbox midnight MX2’s also. No comparison performance wise, and we enjoy the simplicity of the custom amazon launcher interface and would be even better with True app icon on home-screen. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. thanks again, & in advance for your time.
As to your first question, no, there is no method to root or downgrade once you’ve updated beyond 51.1.1.0
And your second question, no, there is no way to place sideloaded apps on the homescreen.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
I have one of my two FTV’s rooted. Also installed ClockworkMod which is impressive. That being said, I find my unroofed unit works better ( this is very subjective so not to read much into it). I don’t really make use of root except to launch XBMC occasionally. Consequently I want to unroot the unit and rid it of any modifications.
Is there a simple way of getting rid of root, busybox, ClockworkMod, etc … and be at the latest OS? Can I just update to it manually and that will get rid of all modifications and make the unit unrootable?
I realize this seems a bit extreme but the latest Netflix app issue and mirroring just makes not rooting a reasonable approach for me ( not generally true of course).
Thanks …philip
Thanks for putting all this together. Tried the first method of blocking the domains listed but my AFTV still updated to version 5.1.4.0. I’m assuming there are either new domains that need to be added and this guide needs to be updated.
I got a box from staples and it gets stuck at downloading I do not have the two url’s blocked on my router only the firmware# are blocked by keyword.
I get the message that everyone has unable to update your amazon Fire TV.
Is there a way around this
So, I was having the same issue as everyone else on here. It kept trying to update, and then saying that it couldn’t. Maybe I just got lucky… but heres my solution. After it said it failed and to try again later, I held the “select” button and the “play” button for a few seconds to reboot the fireTV, and once it rebooted, it went to the “checking for updates” screen this time instead of “downloading update,” then it proceeded to the register screen. So far so good. Using the domain block method. Hope this helps others.
i should have known! i bought couple of fires for resell but i didn’t get to open them all! half of them are un rootable because of the forced update.. i should have setup all of them early last month… i guess now ur forced to update to the latest firmware, blocked the firmware stuck at downloading firmware update…
hey so i did the setup (blocked sites from router) months ago , works greatbut today now all the ftv auto update to the newest ver. so i cant root em , any soultuions?
So, I was having the same issue as everyone else on here. It kept trying to update, and then saying that it couldn’t. Maybe I just got lucky… but heres my solution. After it said it failed and to try again later, I held the “select” button and the “play” button for a few seconds to reboot the fireTV, and once it rebooted, it went to the “checking for updates” screen this time instead of “downloading update,” then it proceeded to the register screen. So far so good. Using the domain block method. Hope this helps others.
New box from Stables.
Blocked the two sites at the router. Confirmed, not pingable.
No dual language start up screen, press play, starts to download the update, so I unplugged the network, had to reboot, and repeated the start up and it went to the sign into amazon account.
No Update before the unstopable video. Good.
Signin, open the ADP setting. Check-firmware-51.1.0.2_user_5100#####.
Used adbFire via Win8.0 computer. Loaded the towelroot v3. Success.
Rooted device.
Happyness.
I think the key is if it does start an update just interupt it by unplugging the network cable, and restart as needed.
Trying again with another device.
JoC
Did the onscreen text chang to indicate it was downloading as opposed to checking updates? Also when you rebooted did you leave the Ethernet unplugged?
The process never indicated it was “Checking” only showed that it was downloading. I did unplug the internet when it got to the installing part. After that the I logged into amazon account and the intro video started.
j
Just bought a few of these. I’m stuck on the “Checking for Updates” screen. I blocked the addresses on my router and I’ve been stuck on the checking for updates screen for 20 minutes. I don’t know what else to do.
My version says 51.1.0.1_user_510055620 …. is it rootable?!!!
Yes
Got mine from staples today, blocked all 3 web sites, now stuck on the checking for updates page
Your posts have been very informative as I’ve read through almost all of them before I attempt to root my FTV. I’m on software version 51.1.0.1 510055620 but I can’t get adb to connect to my device and I’ve tried downloading the side loader app from xda but that hasn’t been downloading right instead keeps giving me ODM and PC utility that I have to keep on removing. I’ve tried the new adb 1.14 as well but can’t get it to connect. What can I do from here I’m so close to just rooting it.
Did you enable ADB form within the Fire TV settings menu?
Also, be sure you’re following the new starters guide at AFTVnews.com/start
I actually figured it out an hour into attempting the connection via adb. All good now rooted with SU and busybox on. Today I will follow the rest of your guide to get it rooted on latest update version. Thx a bunch! Great write ups!
Also I have updates blocked via host and adb shell method.
I follow the steps and rooted/blocked updates on my FTV. I can launch the Playstore, so my FTV is Rooted. The issue I’m having now, my Amazon store does not have a launch/install button….the Netflex will not launch/install from the homepage. No issues with the other homepage apps. I also notice the Playstore does not offer all the apps, like my other android devices. I can’t download Netflex and Hulu, through the Playstore or the Amazon Store. Can you assist me with these issues?
I’m having similar difficulty with netflix once denying the suggested domains through opendns.
Haven’t narrowed down which domain specifically.
Right so just in case anyone else is having the same issues, when I block these sites through openDNS I have an error in Netflix. I’m not sure if it is because of using openDNS for DNS generally or the blocking of these three sites.
So this is not a practical solution for me.
hi , i have just bought a new amazon fire tv in the UK , will your guide allow me to root it as i need to install a vpn on it . thanks
No. UK Fire TVs are currently not rootable.
Help, I just received my FireTV and can’t get past the initial setup.
The 3 address are blocked at router dnsmasq domain level.
After plug in lan cable it autodetect the new connection and proceed to “Downloading latest software update”.
If I pull out the cable, it errors out and prompt to retry.
Plug lan cable back and it continues the “Downloading…” and here is the interesting part – it can resume download! Looking at the progress bar, it jumps to the earlier disconnect and continues from there.
Now I don’t know what to do. Should I let it continue to the end?
to add mine is direct from Amazon US and the text doesn’t switch between languages.
WARNING!!! FireTV is able to bypass dns domain type block. Do not rely on your router dns or OPENDNS to block it!
It bypass it by using its own hard-coded DNS address.
Confirmed by me, now stuck with a freshly updated unit.
Ignore my last warning, it was a router error.
Is it necessary to downgrade and upgrade to the newest pre rooted version to use the Amazon prime features? I’ve rooted and stayed on 51.1.1.0 but everytime I use my prime apps and load a video or from my library it just stays on the circle loading screen. Ocasionally a pop up comes up stating my internet is slow but I’m able to stream HD movies from kodi.
I followed the directions in the guide here to block the auto updating. It updated anyway to the latest software, and now I can’t root the device.
Need your expert help – ASAP !!!
I have received my FireTV and can’t get past the initial setup.
The 3 addresses are blocked at router.
Have tried 30 times to unplung / plug internet cables but still
can not get it going. It currently stop at “unable to get update
unplug your power and try it again ”
Have tried 30 times….
Hi, need help please with my amazon fire tv. Even after blocking the three domains listed above am still getting the “Unable to update your Amazon Fire TV” error message. Am lost at the moment and do not know how to make it work.
Need your advice please.
Just bought a few of these. I’m stuck on the “Checking for Updates” screen. I blocked the addresses on my router and I’ve been stuck on the checking for updates screen for 20 minutes. I don’t know what else to do.