Weeks ago, Amazon rolled out an update for the Kindle Fire, bringing the newest software version 6.2.1 to the tablet. Among those who had rooted their Kindle Fire and customized it, version 6.2.1 of the Amazon software revoked root access, and took away the Android Market and pretty much every other modification and customization that users made on their tablets.

Would the Android developer community let that go by unnoticed? Apparently not. A member of XDA Developers was able to build a pre-rooted ROM based on the latest version 6.2.1 update from Amazon. Installing this ROM allows you to update your Kindle Fire’s software to version 6.2.1 and retain root access. However, if you install this ROM, you will lose your current customizations and other data, although you can reinstall them afterwards (e.g., Android Market, keyboard apps, etc.).

What You Need

• A rooted Kindle Fire with TWRP 2.0 recovery installed on it.
• Copy of the pre-rooted stock 6.2.1 update. This is available in two versions: one with secure boot image, the other with unsecure boot image. Download the secure boot image from here. You can get the unsecure boot image from here.

We will not be held liable for any damages arising from your use of this guide. Update your device at your own risk.

Instructions

If you’re all set, follow these steps to update your Kindle Fire to software version 6.2.1.

1. Download the pre-rooted stock 6.2.1 update and save the file to your computer. (See download links above.)
2. Copy the downloaded file to the root of your SD card.
3. Switch off your Kindle Fire and boot it into TWRP 2.0 recovery. To do that, turn on the device, and when the yellow triangle appears on the screen, press and hold the Power button until TWRP 2.0 Recovery loads.
4. In recovery mode, create a backup of your currently working system. You can find the tools in the Backup section in TWRP 2.0 Recovery.
5. Go back to the main screen. Click the Install button.
6. Your downloaded ROM will be displayed on the right panel of the screen.
7. Tap on the ROM’s name, then choose “Flash” to start flashing the update. Just ignore messages saying that TWRP 2.0 could not find the /misc or /sd-ext partitions. Those partitions don’t exist on the Kindle Fire. You can safely ignore those messages without affecting the flashing process.
8. After the flashing process is completed, reboot your device.

Take note that you will need to reinstall the Android Market or set up again the customizations you previously made to your device. With the pre-rooted ROM on your Kindle Fire, you can now enjoy the updated features of software version 6.2.1 without giving up root privileges.

How is the performance of your Kindle Fire running software version 6.2.1? Is it any better than the earlier versions?