Disabling OTA Updates
Kindles automatically update when connected to WiFi, which despite a hotfix, can often cause instabilities on jailbroken systems or outright remove the jailbreak.
Make sure to identify your Kindle’s firmware version before proceeding. Different firmware versions require different methods to disable OTA updates.
Determine your firmware version
Before proceeding, check your Kindle's firmware version by going to:
Home → Menu → Settings → Menu → Device Info
Follow the appropriate instructions for your firmware version in each step below
Preparation
Firmware <=5.10.x:
No preparation needed
Firmware 5.11.x+:
Download the renameotabin extension from MobileRead forums
Connect to computer
Firmware <=5.10.x:
Plug your Kindle into your PC via USB cable
Wait for your computer to recognize the device
Firmware 5.11.x+:
Plug your Kindle into your PC via USB cable
Wait for your computer to recognize the device
Disable OTA updates
Firmware <=5.10.x:
Navigate to the root directory of your Kindle
Create a folder called update.bin.tmp.partial
Right-click on the folder and select "Properties"
Check the read-only checkbox and click apply
Firmware 5.11.x+:
Copy the renameotabin folder from the zip to the extensions folder on your Kindle
If the extensions folder doesn't exist, you may need to create it first
Disconnect
Firmware <=5.10.x:
Safely eject your Kindle from your computer
Unplug the USB cable from your Kindle
No further action is needed - OTA updates are now disabled
Firmware 5.11.x+:
Safely eject your Kindle from your computer
Unplug the USB cable from your Kindle
Final steps
Firmware <=5.10.x:
No additional steps needed
Firmware 5.11.x+:
Open KUAL (Kindle Unified Application Launcher)
Select Rename OTA Binaries from the menu
Select Rename
Your Kindle will now reboot automatically
Done
Your Kindle is now jailbroken with OTA updates disabled!
Firmware <=5.10.x:
To restore OTA updates, simply delete the update.bin.tmp.partial folder
Firmware 5.11.x+:
If you want to factory reset, downgrade or update your Kindle, you will need to restore the binary by opening KUAL, selecting Rename OTA Binaries and then selecting Restore instead of rename
You can now safely turn off Airplane Mode and re-enable WiFi. Your Kindle will connect to the internet but will not download or install OTA updates.
If you want to maintain access to the Kindle Store, check out the guide for Re-enabling the Store
Credits
- Original guide written by Neon