How can I root the Amazon FireTV?

Question

I would like to root my Amazon FireTV so I can sideload applications on it. Like XBMC (Kodi), Google Play, Google Play Movies.

My FireTV OS version is 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. Can I root it? What are the steps to root it?

Answer 1

Important: Not all versions of the FireTV can be rooted. See below if your version can be rooted.

For a list that may be more up-to-date, see AFTVNews software list.

Due to recent software updates that block rooting, some Fire TVs cannot be rooted. To know if your Fire TV can be rooted, check your software version by going to: Settings > System > About on your Fire TV.

• 51.1.4.3_user_514020320
  • Released: 2/5/2015
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.4.2_user_514015320
  • Released: 12/15/2014
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.4.1_user_514013920
  • Released: 11/18/2014
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.4.0_user_514005520
  • Released: 10/23/2014
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.4.0_user_514006420
  • Released: 10/23/2014
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.3.0_user_513010720
  • Released: 10/26/2014
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.3.0_user_513011820
  • Released: 9/25/2014
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.3.0_user_513011520
  • Released: 9/13/2014
  • Rootable: NO
• 51.1.2.0_user_512073320
  • Released: 8/13/2014
  • Rootable: NO
  • Notes: As of 1/1/2015, all updates after this date have not been rootable.
• 51.1.1.0_user_511070220
  • Released: 7/9/2014
  • Rootable: YES
• 51.1.1.0_user_511069920
  • Released: 6/25/2014
  • Rootable: YES
• 51.1.0.2_user_510058520
  • Released: 4/29/2014
  • Rootable: YES
• 51.1.0.1_user_510055620
  • Released: 4/7/2014
  • Rootable: YES
• 51.1.0_user_510047320
  • Released: 4/2/2014
  • Rootable: YES

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If you made it this far, congratulations! You have a build of FireOS that is rootable. Let's proceed

1. Download TowelRoot by clicking on the Red Icon
2. Download SuperSU Apk - We need the APK because we do not have Google Play - XDA Thread for SuperSU
3. Side load the applications on to the FireTV - This is beyond this question, I may do a Q&A for this in the future. In the mean time, look for adbFire to sideload the apps or Ask a Question for help with this step.
4. Launch towelroot from your FireTV application menu
5. Use the remote and click make it ra1n button
   
6. Wait for towelrootto finish.
   • You may need to reboot.
7. Launch SuperSU
8. Update su binary if you are asked.

9. Verify you have root access - see how can I tell if I have root

   • this can be done from a console/terminal window and connect to the FireTV via adb

     adb connect xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:5555
     adb shell su

10. You should be promted on your FireTV with a Grant request