Recently, a small update was launched for Kindle Fire by Amazon. This update gives users some parental control features and extra security enhancements. For more details you can refer to my post about the New Features of Kindle Fire software version 6.3. Just like previous updates, Kindle tablets end up loosing their root access after updating to this new update. Furthermore, the update also installs itself without user confirmation. If you wish to re-root your tablet after loosing root access due to the new update or would like to enjoy the new features with the root access, then here is a process to root your tablet on Kindle Fire software update 6.3.1. There is also an alternative method that can be used to update your tablet with root access, you can check out this process here.
You can root your Kindle tablet on the new software version by using the same tools that were used for update versions 6.3. Once your tablet is rooted, you will be able to install Google Play store, alter your homescreen and make other changes. Moreover, after you tablet has been rooted, you can install custom recovery and custom bootloader to backup/restore your device and load alternative OS, such as CyanogenMod or MIUI.
Disclaimer: Please follow the below given guide at your own risk. WML Cloud and it’s team will not be responsible if your device gets damaged or bricked during the below mentioned process. Rooting your tablet and installation of any custom firmware can result in voiding your warranty and there is no Amazon support for fixing issues (if any occur), during the below mentioned process.
Instructions:
1. Download Kindle Fire Utility 0.9.5 or a later version and unzip it in a folder on your PC (this tutorial is for Windows users only). The given link provides the latest version of this utility.
2. Install required Kindle fire drivers. For those of you who have previously rooted their devices, the drivers will already be installed. Select the Skip option if this is the case. In case you do not have the drivers, then connect your tablet to your PC via USB cable, navigate to the folder where you just unzipped, the file downloaded in step 1 and tap the “install_drivers.bat” file twice.
- Check Driver installation: To check whether the drivers have been installed, you can run the Kindle Fire Utility and see if ADB status is “online”. if it is listed as “offline”, the drivers are not installed.
- Alternative Method: In such a case, right click Computer (My Computer), select Manage, followed by Device Manager, and look for Amazon (or a similar name with a yellow exclamation mark). Right click this icon and select “Update Driver” –> Browse my computer for driver software –> Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer –> select “Android Composite ADB Interface –> Next. This should install the required drivers on your PC.
3. Run Kindle Fire Utility. Go to the folder where you unzipped the file in step 1 and double click to run the .bat file. When the black window opens, see if ADB status is “online”. If not see instructions mentioned in step 2 to install required drivers.
4. Root Tablet. Now, select the option: Install Permanent Root with Superuser (see below image). Your tablet will be rooted and custom bootloader and recovery will be installed.
Caution: Wait for the Kindle Fire Utility to tell you that it is now safe to unplug your tablet, before moving further.
5. Backup Your Device. You can now backup your device by the following method:
a). Shut Down device completely.
b). Turn on device and press and hold the power button once more when you see the icon on screen. This will take you to custom recovery, (ClockworkMod or TWRP).
c). Select backup option and create a backup for your device.
If anything ever goes wrong with your tablet, this recovery can be used to restore you’re your device settings by entering custom recovery again and selecting the backup that you created in the above steps.
6. Install Google Apps: To access to Google Play, Gmail and Google Maps without altering your device, you can select Extras” option in the Kindle Fire utility, followed by “Install Google Apps.”
