Your Kindle Can Finally Be Jai

Summary #

The video discusses the renewed ability to jailbreak Kindles using a new exploit called Adbreak, developed by 9H. It outlines the benefits of jailbreaking, including customization, freedom from Amazon's ecosystem, and enhanced functionality. The tutorial demonstrates the jailbreaking process, covering preparation, enabling ads (if necessary), exploiting the ad mechanism, installing a hotfix, and blocking future updates. The video also showcases popular applications and modifications made possible by jailbreaking and provides resources for further exploration within the Kindle modding community.

Introduction to Kindle Jailbreaking #

• Kindle jailbreaking is gaining popularity.
• "Damn it, Jeff" is a recommended resource for Kindle jailbreaking video tutorials.
• Jailbreaking provides independence from Amazon's control over ebooks and audiobooks.
• Amazon can patch jailbreaks; it's a time-sensitive process.

Benefits of Jailbreaking a Kindle #

• Customization: Custom readers, lock screens, and themes.
• Ad Removal: Eliminate Amazon's advertisements without paying.
• Enhanced Functionality: Audio support, new app stores, and Linux compatibility.
• Ethical Reasons: Disconnecting from Amazon's ecosystem and maintaining device control.
• Libby Compatibility: Jailbroken Kindles can still use services like Libby for library access.

"Adbreak" Jailbreak Overview #

• Developer: "9H" (HH H).
• Mechanism: Exploits how ads are pushed to the Kindle.
• Compatibility: Works on a wide range of firmware versions, including the latest at the time of recording.
• Exceptions: Coloroft Kindles and Kindle Scribes (2024 model) currently lack ad-enabling methods for jailbreaking.
• Workaround for Scribe (2022): Using a French Amazon account.

Jailbreaking Process: Three-Step Guide #

Step 1: Prevent Automatic Updates #

• Fill Kindle Storage:
  • Connect Kindle to computer (ensure data-transfer cable).
  • Mac Users: Use "Send to Kindle" app (USB File Manager) to access Kindle.
  • Windows Users: Plug in directly.
  • Download large zip files (e.g., from Stan Marin's collection) matching Kindle storage size.
  • Drag and drop files to inflate Kindle storage; leave ~100MB free.
  • Delete any "update.bin" files.
  • Unplug and verify no space for updates.

Step 2: Enable Ads and Exploit #

• Ensure Ads are Enabled:
  • If you have an ad-free Kindle or no ads in your country:
    • Go to Amazon account -> Devices tab -> select Kindle -> "Sign up for offers."
    • For unsupported countries: Register Kindle with a US Amazon account (can use fake US address and credit card generator; only one address in address book).
    • Wait for ads to appear (may take ~5 minutes), then turn on airplane mode.
• Grab and Modify Ad Files:
  • Plug in Kindle to computer.
  • Locate the "system" folder (hidden: Command+Shift+. on Mac, View tab -> "Hidden items" on Windows).
  • Copy the "assets" folder (where ads are stored) to your computer.
  • Download the jailbreak files from the wiki guide.
  • Drag extracted jailbreak files into the copied "assets" folder on your computer.
  • Windows: Double-click the .bat file.
  • Mac: Use Terminal: view -> show pathbar -> right-click -> open in terminal -> paste command from description -> Enter.
  • Delete the original "assets" folder from the Kindle.
  • Drag the modified "assets" folder from your computer back to the Kindle.
  • Unplug Kindle and load an ad.

Step 3: Hotfix and Block Updates #

• Install Hotfix:
  • Download hotfix file from Kindle modding wiki.
  • Drag and drop the file into your Kindle's root directory.
  • On Kindle: Settings -> Device Info -> Update Your Kindle (this loads the hotfix, not a system update).
  • After reboot, a book titled "run hotfix" will appear; use it to re-jailbreak if an update occurs.
• Permanently Block Updates:
  • Turn on airplane mode.
  • Delete filler files (empty computer's recycling bin to fully erase from Kindle).
  • Download MRPI (for custom app installation) and Koal (app access).
  • Unzip and drag Koal folders into your Kindle.
  • Drag MRPI's .bin file into the new "MR packages" folder on Kindle.
  • Download the "block updates" package.
  • Unzip and drag the "block updates" folder into the "extensions" folder on Kindle.
  • On Kindle: Search bar -> type ;log mrpi install.
  • After loading, "Koal" icon appears.
  • Search bar -> type ;log mrpi install again.
  • Tap on the "block updates" extension in Koal and rename it.
  • Reboot Kindle.
  • Updates are now disabled, and airplane mode can be turned off.

Post-Jailbreaking: Applications and Modifications #

Essential Tools #

• Kindle Forge: Simple app store for jailbroken Kindles.
• Disable Ads Script: Completely removes ads from ad-supported Kindles.
• KoReader: The most important app for jailbroken Kindles.
  • Replaces stock reading interface.
  • Extensive customization options (themes, fonts, series organization, progress trackers).
  • Allows direct drag-and-drop of ePubs and PDFs (bypasses Amazon's encryption).
  • Custom lock screens (book covers, reading stats, unique community-designed screensavers).
  • Improved battery life compared to the stock Kindle app.
  • Supports transparent images for lock screens.

Other Notable Applications #

• Socks Media Player:
  • Turns Kindle into a music player (requires Bluetooth speaker).
  • Plays music, audiobooks, and connects to internet radio.
  • Currently bare-bones (no skip button) but promising.
• KWordle: Wordle game ported to Kindle for a "distimulating" experience.
• Kreate: Simple drawing app (future plans for export).
• Kinki: Robust flashcard app, especially useful for language learning.
• Gambit (K2): Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulator.
  • Improved performance since earlier versions.
  • Multi-touch support.
  • Sound support (though the quality is questionable).
• Full Screen Web Browser:
  • Displays any URL in full screen.
  • Can be used as a low-power smart home controller (e.g., Home Assistant dashboard).
  • Easier setup now (edit HTML with URL, drag script to documents folder).
  • Supports multiple shortcuts.
• Linux on Kindle:
  • Full fork of Linux with a desktop environment, Bluetooth, and web browser.
  • Can play games (very poorly).

Community Resources #

• Kindle Mod Shelf Site: Essential apps, wallpapers, tutorials, KoReader plugins.
• Kindle Tweaks Discord: Runs Kindle Forge, offers support, and development contributions.
• Personal Discord: A more focused, chill, and adult-oriented space for new modders, wallpaper sharing, and setup showcases.
• Kindle Fire Tablets Modding: Separate, extensive modding scene for Android-based Kindle Fire tablets (has its own dedicated video).

Sponsorship #

• Zocdoc: Free service to find healthcare providers, filter by insurance and location, access patient reviews, and book appointments.