It looks like the new version 5.0.5.1 software update has blocked the ability to root the Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick using the KingRoot utility. I have not received the update myself to confirm it, but IanMoz has commented that he was unable to root his 1st-gen Fire TV with KingRoot 4.1 after updating to the new software version. If you want to root your Fire TV, or keep root, be sure you have software updates blocked on the device itself and remain on software version 5.0.5 or older. There is also a report that Fire TV software updates are now being distributed via SSL. I have not confirmed this yet, but if true, it means blocking updates via your router or OpenDNS will no longer work. I will update this post once I receive the update and can confirm this information myself.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
Why would the router care if it’s SSL? Wouldn’t the destination still be something you can tell the ACL to drop? Does it obscure the destination address before it leaves the router? How does the router know where to send it? and if it does, then why can’t the ACL stop it?
Asus routers do not block https
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Limitations of the filtering function :
Compressed webpages that use HTTP compression technology cannot be filtered.
Https webpages cannot be filtered.
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Asus or just about any router running Shibby’s Tomato should be able to.
Would it even matter to an ACL if “http” or “https” is used as long as the domain name and top level domain match?
My network provider Huawei router blocks http. Many of them do, it’s not impossible to filter http, it’s just more likely that dodgy websites would not be http
I appreciate all your work Elias, but I think I’m done with the Fire TV. It used to be awesome and still could be if Amazon allowed us to use it the way we wanted. But as it is, I’ll be purchasing a Shield TV ASAP.
I hate the Shields. I apps are not fully integrated for it and don’t run as smoothly as those on the Fire TV store. Maybe if they improved app compatibility and made a more TV centred system and ditched the controller as the only control that comes basic then it might be a good contender. Right now it’s expensive and overrated. I hated it, had to send it back. Have both generations of Fire TV rooted and love it. If you know how to modify the Fire TV correctly you’ll get more out of it than Shield, it’s just most people here don’t really know what to do with root access
Darn it, I just got the 5.0.5.1 update. Hopefully it doesn’t throw off rbox’s TWRP attempts?
It will for those not already rooted. You need root access to use Rbox’s TWRP, and it seems they have patched the root. I was fortunate to rush out and buy the new Fire tV last week and get it rooted before the new update. Had a feeling they would patch it any day.
Have you attempted to root it with the latest King Root?
I presume the new 5.0.5.1 update also blocks the older A-to-A USB Cable Method root that Elias also lists in his guide? With that in mind, would it be possible to pick up a new AFTV2 tomorrow (Argos or Staples) and, knowing it wouldn’t yet be on 5.0.5.1, still root it?
Yes…just disable ota updates via method #2 here that requires Fire OS 5 (v5.0.0 and up):
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-software-updates-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/
Try to connect via ethernet…and connect long enough to sign in and then disconnect. Go to Settings>System>About>Network> Connect ethernet and then copy the ip address. Disconnect internet.Have adb on your pc/laptop running. Connect ethernet and attempt to connect via adb. Once connection is confirmed…run the disable command. You can now root and install twrp so you can install pre rooted 5.0.5 rom.
Then follow the no computer necessary rooting guide here:
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-root-the-fire-tv-2-install-twrp-custom-recovery-and-a-pre-rooted-rom-all-without-a-pc/
Thanks very much for reply. That all sounds workable. A couple more questions if possible:
1. Does using KingRoot method still effect Kodi? I read somewhere that it stops a stream in Kodi after 20-30mins?
2. In his guide, after using KingRoot, Elias recommends performing a factory reset to remove junk left over by KingRoot. However, in his next guide about how to do so (http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-factory-reset-a-rooted-fire-tv-using-twrp-custom-recovery/) it states that a factory reset disable ADB debugging. Is that correct?
3. Isn’t ADB debugging a necessary function to communicate from PC to FireTV2? Also to use Firestarter home click detections?
Thanks for any help (and sorry if these are rooting newb questions)!
If you use King Root then flash the prerooted 5.0.5 rom using TWRP, then do an advanced factory restore to give you a clean root without traces of king root. After you do that you will need to re-enable ADB debugging in the usual developers setting and make sure to disable updates again via adb. Do all that and Kodi will run perfectly as it will be the same clean factory rom you originally had only it will be rooted.
Just to clarify, ADB debugging is not disabled after a factory reset, it is simply switched off just like it is when you use the Fire TV for the first time, all you have to do is turn it back on in the developer’s setting. This is what Elias is referring to. I have done all these steps and have no issues with ADB or Kodi. Just make sure you carefully follow every step
Thanks very much for info, much appreciated. OK, I’ve just managed to find and buy a FireTV2 in town today (UK). Argos were sold out but Currys had a few in. I presume 5.0.5.1 won’t be pre-installed and I should be able to root :)
The only concern I have is getting past the initial setup without updating. Is this still the best guide: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-complete-the-fire-tv-initial-setup-without-updating/
I read somewhere else (on XDA) that Elias says it’s harder to use the Ethernet unplug option to skip the update on AFTV2 but it is still possible. If anyone has anymore tips or can give any more links that would be much appreciated.
Thanks again :)
Elias has kindly updated his guide to get past initial setup without updating: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-complete-the-fire-tv-initial-setup-without-updating/
Does anyone know if 5.0.5.1 also blocks second rooting method (using A-to-A USB cable) that Elias lists here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-root-the-amazon-fire-tv-2/
I ask becuase the header to this page suggest only KingRoot method is blocked.
Great news: http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-2-running-5-0-5-1-is-still-rootable-using-rboxzeroepoch-method/
Thanks again Elias!