Can Confirm Firestick 4k VM2402 Still Rootable OOB

[beatbreakee]

As stated, for all who are interested/looking. The CURRENT Firestick 4k , direct from Amazon is still 100% Unlock/Rootable. I have had the first release, for a while and it finally burned out. So i took the plunge and ordered a brand new one. Obviously it goes without saying that there is only 1 generation of Firestick 4k, but there have been many reports of ppl not being able to run the script on them. Well i am here to confirm that straight OOB direct from Amazon you will get a stick that has no newer than 6.2.8.1 on it, and if you immediately crash the update from installing via the initial setup, you can enable dev options, usb debug, and run the OTA disable app to erase the downloaded update, and block the update channels that are normally contacted. (search forum for the TDUK Firestick Update Blocker). Then it is completely safe to connect back to your network to quickly log into your amazon account, and then disconnect again IMMEDIATELY once completed. (Failure to disconnect immediately will allow built in scripts to start the update download again in the background and then either once you let the device go to sleep, or if you accidentally reboot, it will auto install on the next load!) But if you completed the 1st part, then you're good to go on using the Kamakiri 2.0.1 scripts to Unlock/Twrp/Root without having to open your stick up. EZ - Peezy. 5 min and my stick is ready to re-customize like i want, but i get the new remote, and it seems a bit snappier... might be just me.

*Also, for those who dont have an OTG, or dont want to use one: simple process is to unplug the usb cable from the OEM adapter that comes with the stick, and plug that straight into your computer. 1st get your linux / fireiso environment ready, and have Kamakiri already on the "Waiting for Device" prompt... Then unplug from your adapter block, and plug right into your PC's USB port. Script should immediately take action, and you're still connected to your TV, so after running the 'fastboot-step.sh' , you will see TWRP on your TV. Now just run "adb shell" , in your same terminal window you have open. Then use TWRP cli to install Magisk, or flash your Rom /whatever you plan on doing. No need to swipe to allow modifications, cuz running "twrp install <whatever you want.zip>, it will automatically bypass that for you.*

hope this info helps somebody!

(PS. DO NOT choose to have Amazon link your device, in the ordering screen. It will offer this before checkout, and I'm almost positive that if you do this, then they open the package and setup your stick for you, thus almost guaranteed they will install the current updated firmware, which is said to block the pre-loader setup ... you want a virgin Firestick, untouched by their grubby little update installing hands! lol)

 

[Sus_i]

But if you completed the 1st part, then you're good to go on using the Kamakiri 2.0.1 scripts to Unlock/Twrp/Root without having to open your stick up. EZ - Peezy.

We are good to go on using kamakiri 2.x just out of the box...
Thats the safest way, no need to do anything infront of the unlock.

 

[beatbreakee]

We are good to go on using kamakiri 2.x just out of the box...
Thats the safest way, no need to do anything infront of the unlock.

true, thats what i was confirming, because several threads in this and the other android development forum had replies from ppl who claimed that the currently sold Firestick 4k was being shipped with a version of FireOS that was not exploitable via the Kamakiri method... basically claiming that the 2018 firestick 4k (as marketed by Amazon) and the CURRENT released 4k are somehow different, which in fact they are absolutely NOT. Theres not a single difference in the board layout or chipset.

Then theres ppl claiming that the updated builds after 6.2.8.1 have patched the access to the pre-loader. Well even if that was true, there would have to be some form of hardware modification that would have had to take place, or at the bare minimum Amazon would have had to trigger an E-fuse to be blown during your initial setup, that would make it unable to downgrade via the short method. BUT they did do exactly that with the Firestick 2nd Gens, that were re-released as some other model, i forget. But i know for a fact that this did happen because i have 3 of those which do not recognize the short, and will not advance past the very 1st file when connected using the NO SHORT method. They freeze immediately and lock up the process. So i was simply doing both a CONFIRMATION to those who stated that there were no UNLOCKABLE versions being sold by Amazon right now, because that is an outright lie... The ONLY firestick 4k being sold by Amazon IS the Unlockable version.... AFAIK the only BLOCKED version being sold is the 4k Max... There is not a "NOT UNLOCKABLE" Firestick 4k being sold anywhere. BUT i also was warning everyone that if you DO purchase a new 4k with the intent of unlocking it, that they need to be aware that Amazon is sneaking an option into the order where you can just check YES and it will come pre-connected to your prime account.

(Some lesser knowing individual might see this as a GOOD OPTION, because they think they wont have to worry about connecting it to the internet to set it up, and risk updating the firmware... but this is EXACTLY Amazon's intent; They WANT ppl to have them link the device before they ship it because that insures that the newest FW is installed onto it, before it leaves the warehouse, thus rendering any mitigations useless if indeed they have patched out the pre-loader exploit!)

I have a few friends in the Software dev team in Cali, and they have told me it is COMPLETELY an ongoing process to disable or nullify all possible methods to Unlock/Alter the bootloader of some current, and ALL future FireOS devices, because they have gotten some pretty nasty legal issues directed at them for allowing system mods that are enabling these 3rd party apps which provide access to Unreleased and In theatre Movies, as well as FREE access to many of the paid streaming platforms! Paramount, Peacock, Hulu, and HBO to name a few have all blamed Amazon for not doing something to prevent the installation of these apps and services which are cutting into their profit margin. Mainly because companies like ROKU disabled all access to their Custom channel lineup, and the ability to use secret codes to install 3rd party apps, on ALL their devices, new and old!.

So just was warning any "Novelty" unlockers, that they need to make sure to not allow Amazon to pre-configure their devices. Hell several features have been removed already in just a few builds... namely the Permissions manager. I hsve one 4k stick here now that is UNLOCKED but the owner has installed several OTA updates to keep it current, and there is literally NO PERMISSIONS manager AT ALL, so several 3rd party apps wont even load. It also has no way to install the Settings V2, so theres, 1. No permission mgr, AND 2. No Accessibility options to grant access for some apps which request it.

 

[Rortiz2]

Just as a FYI, I also unlocked my new sheldonp (I ordered it on Prime Day) without any problem. Just make sure to run the unlock exploit before powering on the device.

 

[ForbEx]

sooo if I got my 4k max today, I should not power it on, and wait for unlock release, right?

 

[Sus_i]

sooo if I got my 4k max today, I should not power it on, and wait for unlock release, right?

Yes

 

[ycodryn]

Hmm let me get straight. Tomorrow I will get my 4k (non max) and I'm from Europe. Can't I power it on to see the firmware version? I bought it to escape from sony tv bloatware. Can't be still in the matrix please I'm looking into removing bloatware, root or no root as required to get the job done. I will use it only with kodi for local content. That's it.

 

[Sus_i]

Hmm let me get straight. Tomorrow I will get my 4k (non max) and I'm from Europe. Can't I power it on to see the firmware version?

No

I bought it to escape from sony tv bloatware. Can't be still in the matrix please I'm looking into removing bloatware, root or no root as required to get the job done. I will use it only with kodi for local content. That's it.

The best is if you try the unlock first, kamakiri 2.1 from this thread:

[UNLOCK][ROOT][TWRP][UNBRICK] Fire TV Stick 4K (mantis)

NOTE: There have been multiple reports of devices with serial numbers containing VM190 or higher being shipped with DL-Mode disabled in BROM. These devices cannot be unlocked using kamakiri. These devices do not show up at all on USB when...

forum.xda-developers.com

Note: The 'shorting' isn't necessary anymore... and it's very easy to do it now, you can see the updated procedere (or lets say guide) in this threads OP:

[UNLOCK][ROOT][TWRP][UNBRICK] Fire TV Stick 3 and Fire TV Stick Lite (sheldon/p)

Read this whole guide before starting. This is for the 3rd gen Fire TV Stick (sheldonp) and Fire TV Stick Lite (sheldon). NOTE: FireOS < 7.2.7.3 required NOTE: This process does not require you to open your device. What you need: A Linux...

forum.xda-developers.com

 

[ycodryn]

Thank you for your time. I will read the threads and comeback with some info.

 

[ycodryn]

Ok stick arrived, is with VM10137. Now is rooted and working. Thanks again.

 

[iCornflakes]

I've got mine from Blackfriday sales in Europe. Germany to be exact.

Never turned it on once. Did not connect to internet.

I always get "RuntimeError: ERROR: Serial protocol mismatch, expected 0000 got 2001"
on executing bootrom-step.sh

Boot-Fastboot.sh ran just fine saying "preloader ready, sending FACTACT"

I'm not sure if that means patched.

 

[juvenile43]

yes i can also confirm. i bought one a month ago and unlocked it out of the box no prob. I got excited so ordered a second and that one (same process) is giving me the 0000 got 2001 error also.

 

[ahsad]

and if you immediately crash the update from installing via the initial setup

Can anyone please point me to instructions on how to do this?

 

[ahsad]

because they have gotten some pretty nasty legal issues directed at them for allowing system mods that are enabling these 3rd party apps

IMHO, these Amazon claims do not hold water. I can buy a Dell computer that can do all those "nasty" things with apps, and Dell will not get into legal issues.

 

[Finnzz]

Can anyone please point me to instructions on how to do this?

As soon as you connect to WiFi during setup you will see checking for updates. Hold 'back'+'menu' on the remote for 5sec as soon as you see this screen. It will open an accessibility screen, just tap 'back' on the remote, and the update step is skipped.

You can either throttle your internet connection to give you more time on the checking for updates screen, or just unplug your router when you see that screen.
===========

Alternatively, when you are setting up WiFi (entering your password), tap on Advanced on the onscreen keyboard, enter Ighor's DNS address for DNS1 + DNS2, and the stick will be blocked from downloading updates right away. Then use back+menu to skip the check for updates screen.

 

[ahsad]

Is "Ighors DNS address for DNS1 + DNS2" the exact command, or should I put in the actual IPs for the DNS servers? If I am to enter IPs is the + necessary?

Did you mean to type "ignore" or is "lghors" what I really should type?

 

[Finnzz]

Is "Ighors DNS address for DNS1 + DNS2" the exact command, or should I put in the actual IPs for the DNS servers? If I am to enter IPs is the + necessary?

Did you mean to type "ignore" or is "lghors" what I really should type?

Yes Ighor, not ignore . Click on that link, and it has step by step information how how to fill out the advanced WiFi settings.

When you get to the option to enter the DNS, you need to enter the DNS IP address corresponding to one of Ighor's DNS servers (choose the one that corresponds to your geographical region).

Ighor's DNS servers block the addresses that serve Amazon's OTA updates. By using them in your advanced WiFi settings, you are blocking your FireTV from connecting to them.

 

[ahsad]

Thank you. I am new to the forum and did not catch that the blue writing was a link. I clicked it this time.

 

[this.guy.lol]

do i need to solder or anything to root this? tired in the past but failed. would love to root the 4k i have. its sitting on an OLD 6.x.x.x update. the custom launcher still boots by default without issue

 

[ahsad]

do i need to solder or anything to root this?

I am new here. That being said, what I have read here, and in another thread, indicated the disassembly and shorting are no longer needed. See message #2 of this thread.