Thanks to everyone that submitted their Fire TV serial number information, I’ve been able to determine a relationship between the Fire TV’s serial number and the original software version likely on the device. Since the serial number is written on the outside of the Fire TV’s box, it is now possible to know if a particular Fire TV is rootable before purchasing it at a retail store.
The chart below may not be 100% accurate. I did received a few serial number submissions that do not conform to this chart, but I believe those submissions were mistakes by the submitters. If you purchase a Fire TV that does not follow this chart, please email me about it. Also, please continue to submit your Fire TV serial number information whenever you purchase a new unit so that I can keep this chart accurate.
| Software Version Indicator | Probable Software Version | Rootable (Via towelroot) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4011-4182 | 51.1.0 or 51.1.0.1 | Yes | Rootable, but are more likely to refuse to go past a blocked update during initial setup. See this guide for more information. |
| 4183-4194 | 51.1.0 or 51.1.0.1 or 51.1.0.2 | Yes | It's unclear if this range falls into the previous group or the next group, but it is rootable. |
| 4195-4302 | 51.1.0.1 or 51.1.0.2 | Yes | Best for rooting because blocking the initial update is less likely to result in an error message and these likely don't require downgrading to install ClockworkMod. |
| 4303-4311 | 51.1.0.1 or 51.1.0.2 51.1.1.0 | Yes | It's unclear if this range falls into the previous group or the next group, but it is rootable. |
| 4312-4355 | 51.1.1.0 | Yes | Rootable, but not ideal because they require downgrading to install ClockworkMod. Some have newer recovery partitions which block downgrading. My downgrading guide covers how to bypass the downgrading block. |
| 4356 | 51.1.1.0 or 51.1.3.0 | Unknown | It's unclear if 4356 falls into the previous group or the next group. |
| 4357-4384 | 51.1.3.0 | No | |
| 4385-4411 | 51.1.3.0 or 51.1.4.0 | No | It's unclear if this range falls into the previous group or the next group, but it is not rootable. |
| 4412+ | 51.1.4.0 | No |
Regardless of which Fire TV you have, you should follow my Starters Guide for your best chance at rooting.
Serial Number Decoding
See my post on how to decode the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick serial number for a detailed explanation of the various serial number parts.
Update
1/8/2015 The original version of the chart above used the Fire TVs revision number to determine its software version. I have since learned that the manufactured date is a better indicator of the software version, and have updated the chart accordingly.
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Wow I got unopened 303 that I’m thinking of shipping back to amazon for refund since i never had time to play with it for 3 weeks now.
You might want to hold onto that, since after there are no more rootable units around, you’ll be able to sell that for more than face value for someone looking for a rootable aftv. Just don’t plug it in and update :)
Interested to sell ‘rootable FTV???
I have some rootable ones I can part with: http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/4979126144.html
mate were do u live would u sell
new york, maybe I’ll put it on ebay, see what happens, got 30 days to return.
except i can’t really say it’s 100% rootable based on this, i dont think.
Thanks so much for this guide. This is super helpful! Hopefully we’ll still see rootable units around for a while, if we can’t find an alternative method of rooting the newer units.
As always, we (the community) appreciate all the work you put into this!
Very helpful guide! Hopefully it will save some a lot of grief.
This has also reminded of a thought I’ve had. With all the effort put into getting and keeping root on the Fire TV, has anyone given thought to a Guide for those thinking of getting one. IMHO, if they have no interest in Amazon content and are intending to root they might be better served with one of a number of generic devices. For example the Tronsmart S89 or R28 come with KitKat out-of-box, Google Play, easily rootable, microSD slot. Plus, as mentioned earlier, if they already have a rootable one in box, they could sell it to someone so inclined.
I bought a bunch of them around christmas, they came in 3 batches, one batch of 9 were al 310,s i’ll check for the software version. The other 2 batches came with the 0201 I imported them to europe from the $79 sale
I too ended up with a 310. My guess is they are probably not rootable… Dont know what version it has as I’ve not opened it yet. Let me know what you discover.
thanks.
That’s some mighty fine police work! :-) Great info. Thanks for taking the time to put this together!
Greetings,
I ordered a fire tv during the black friday sale for $79, I’ve just received it today Jan 5th 2015 and it shipped w/ “70900305” 51.1.1.0…I guess i’m lucky that…I will like some step by step guidelines on how to root it please…I took off the internet after I got pass the setup screen and i’m afraid to put it on w/ the wifi on
thank you
I got it rooted and i’m now wondering if to downgrade or not
Nicky, I would say it pays to get to the point where you can’t stay lockstep with the OTA updates. I had a problem with Netflix because I didn’t have a new enough firmware and I wouldn’t want to have other problems and have no support for them because of an old firmware. Fyi, I got to the point of downgrading, flashing the CWM recovery and installing the boot loader in an effort to future proof.
I don’t really understand the first part of ROB comment ” I would say it pays to get to the point where you can’t stay lockstep with the OTA updates.”
But i’ve gotten the point where I blocked automatic updates on the fire tv…So now i’m just wondering if to downgrade install CWM and upgrade back to 5.1.1.0 or I’m good enough with being rooted and the blocked automatic updates? My question may be a little annoying but please bear with me.
Thanks again
Sorry for the delayed response. I meant to say CAN stay in lockstep, meaning as long as the prerooted roms keep coming anything that that changes on the app side (netflix for example) should be compatible. That is what I mean by future proof (loosely speaking). I went all the way to installing the boot menu to further protect myself from bricking
To answer your question directly. If you are happy with how it performs now, you are likely okay and can always fuss with it later if apps stop working like the problem I had with Netflix not installing.
Thanks for the reply Rob, I seem to have ran into a problem during the downgrade…Adb says “Protocol failure” any ideas what’s happening?
I cannot reproduce your problem at the moment, but it sounds like a connection issue with your FireTV. Remember, after reboots and other things you have to reconnect. “adb connect XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX.” I once tried to do that while still connected and it let me make an adb connection within the shell. So see if that helps.
Thanks for all of your work on this. It is appreciated.
I’ve added “70900310” serial numbers to the chart. I hadn’t received a single submission with that serial number before posting this chart, but have since received 3 new submissions with that serial number. Looks like it’s the first unrootable US units. I’ve also added country indicators to the chart since it seems that each country is getting their own set of serial numbers.
Thanks for all the work on this – awesome! I have three AFTVs:
– 1 purchased mid-Oct from Staples.com with some Staples rewards and the local store had not yet started carrying the AFTVs.
– 1 from the local Staples store (Christmas eve)
– 1 from RadioShack.com when they had that coupon.
Interestingly, the first one from back in Oct has the 305 serial number. If I understand the information I have read on this site correctly, rooting adds the ability to use “writable” USB devices (HDD, flash drives etc) – is that correct?
Thanks again! :-)
I’m the one with a bunch of the “70900310” serial numbers. I’ve ordered and rooted dozens of these devices but I guess this time when I ordered 6, I got “Lucky” because each and every one of them are in the same group. So far, I’ve configured 4 that are all on the same firmware so I’m assuming the other 2 are as well. I’ll know for sure when I’m done with the others tomorrow sometime. But in order to help your most noble cause, I’m religiously entering serial number, purchase location (Amazon.com), and firmware information for each device as soon as I open it.
I have updates blocked on my router but I’m 100% sure when these devices go home with their new parents, they will be updated to new firmware post-haste…
I really appreciate your effort! The 0310 units are some of the newest ones, so without you there’d be very little info about that group. Thanks so much for being so methodical!
It really is a doggoned shame that Amazon is crippling these devices like this. I’ve already had one of my earliest rooted customers get their device bricked when it updated to the newest firmware. I seriously think a class-action lawsuit is in order. I don’t feel Amazon has any right to damage property which a customer has legally purchased and rightfully owns.
Hi there!
I’m from Germany. I bought 2 units. One before Christmas with the serial number 306 (German) and now one with the serial number 309 (according to the table is this a UK Device). So the serial number determine only the initial country?!
Just picked up a 2nd box from Staples today. its a 70900303.
So they are still around.
I’ve been trying to get some help for a good while now, I’ve already rooted blocked updates but now I want to install cwm but during the downgrade process it fails and when i try to adb push recovery.img it says no such file or directory…Can someone please help me
So far i’ve sideloaded
Kodi
BusyBox
Es Explorer
Towel root & SU
You are not in the folder in which the image is. Use the full path or CD to the folder with the image.
I’ve learned that the the device’s manufactured date is a better indicator of the device’s software version. I have updated the chart accordingly.
For example, the original 0309 units were manufactured in October with 51.1.3.0. A new batch of 0309 units was manufactured in December with 51.1.4.0.
I have the 4233 with 51.1.1.0.
Still have su root w/ ota block. no issues.
usb 4 port hub attached for mouse.
What software version am I using? 7090030342520EW5
all you have to do is type it into that box at the top of the page:
Rootable: Yes
Likely Software Version: 51.1.0.1 or 51.1.0.2
Manufactured: By Foxconn on 6/17/2014
Hardware Revision: 03
Unit Revision: 03
Condition (New or Refurbished): New
Hey. I’ve run into a strange occurrence. I have three boxes, 7090030342430B9G, 7090030342430BSN, 7090030342820GTR. From what I understand all 3 of these should be rootable. Problem is after sideloading Towelroot via adbfire, direct adb, and AFTV Utility, when I try to open it (Towelroot), absolutely nothing happens. I just get kicked back out to the option to launch it. I am stumped, frustrated and desperate. This is the first time I’ve run into this problem. What am I doing wrong here? If this isn’t the right place to ask, please direct me to the correct forum.
Thank you kindly.
Your FireTV has to be running on one these firmware, only these are root able.
51.1.0.0, 51.1.0.1, 51.1.0.2 and 51.1.1.0
If they are running one of these, then i am not sure. Try uninstalling Towelroot and sideload it again and see if it works, If it does not. You can also post your question on XDA website and your question will likely get more attention and response there.
Thanks
Thank you so much for your reply. All of the four boxes on which I’m seeing this behavior are on rootable firmware so I’m really scratching my head. I’ve sold and rooted dozens upon dozens of these, so I have no doubt that I’m doing everything right. I will definitely ask on XDA’s site.
So numbers between 4011-4182 are good to go or no? What does more likely to refuse to go past a blocked update during initial setup mean?
Just received my new AFTV today and…
Rootable: No
Likely Software Version: 51.1.4.0
Manufactured: By Foxconn on 1/11/2015
Hardware Revision: 01
Unit Revision: 12
Condition (New or Refurbished): New
Damn, oh well, hopefully we figure how to root these at some point.
Is (HW Rev 03 Unit Rev 03) or (HW Rev 03 Unit Rev 05) the preferred version?
I’ve seen both 03/03 and 03/05 out there and unsure which one to hunt for or if there’s an even better version to look for.
Can I downgrade my firmware to be rootable, my serial week is 4282
Thought i should mention this 709003034282, can i downgrade to be rooted ? Thanks
The serial number check passed and it said Root is available but after blocking all the domains and spending 2 hours preparing for the final connection , I checked the system information and the firmware was not rootable :( Did I miss something? I guess I screwed up when it did the incremental upgrades.
I used to have a rooted Fire TV but after a failed upgrade from xbmc to kodi had to start all from scratch and a new version 51.1.4.3_user_514020320 was automatically installed after I made a hard reset on it.
Is there any way to roll back an old version on it? Or have I lost the oportunity already? THanks.
Sorry,…Once the update installed…rooting again is not possible.
Hello Friends,
Just got a AFTV2 with SN -> G070GV15639600KA.
The naming convention is obviously changed. Is there any luck with understanding what version it comes fith?
G070L812725431X2 This is the DSN number on the box my firestick came in. What version do I have? I want to install mouse toggle and it is asking me if I have a firestick Fire stick 1 or 2 or Fire TV 3. I purchased this firestick in 2017 I think. It says this is a Fire TV Stick 2nd. Generation