Unlocking a locked Kindle

rky47 · 02-27-2015, 02:26 AM

HI Everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me. My brother recently passed away and I have his Kindle fire and I'm hoping it has some recent pictures of him or anything important on it that relates directly to him. I cant figure out his numeric pass code and just sit here trying. I did read conflicting posts that if I unregistered it through his Amazon account(which I have access to) it will unlock? But I see some say all files will be deleted and others say not? I don't want to take ANY chances on loosing anything he may have on here. I am not making this story up and Am desperately seeking any help to unlock it with out loosing anything. Amazon just said to do a hard reset which I wont do for obvious reasons. all I know is that its a kindle Fire and it has a touch screen. Is there a way to tell which model by serial number on amazon Thanks in advance

booklover6 · 03-01-2015, 12:18 PM

Have you tried plugging it in to your computer? I think you should be able to view files that way.

eschwartz · 03-01-2015, 06:04 PM

Um, not if there is a password?

Usually you can try passwords until it tells you you need to re-enter your Google Accounts password... but not on a Kindle Fire.
If USB debugging was enabled, then you can access the files using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) -- according to HERE it is enabled by default (terribly secure, huh?

).

Otherwise, there is a problem... by design, these devices are programmed to secure your data from thieves -- that also locks out people who just want to return the device, as well as people who inherit them from a family member who passed away.

Any way of retrieving the data might then require forensics -- although if you can pull apart the device and read the filesystem from another hardware system, that is one way to circumvent virtually any protection.

Any help you can get from Amazon will only relate to securely wiping the device so another person can use it from scratch.

booklover6 · 03-02-2015, 06:49 AM

So you don't even think it's worth a try?

On a kindle with ads you can plug it in and view the files without tapping to get out of the ads screen. So I was thinking it was a possibility on a kindle with a PW.

I'd certainly try it before giving up, wouldn't you?

eschwartz · 03-02-2015, 10:07 AM

Ads are a type of screensaver, that is totally different from passwords. Passwords are designed to keep your stuff secure against thieves who would plug your Kindle into their computer to steal your files.

I am not saying not to try, just that it won't work.

02-27-2015, 02:26 AM	#1
rky47 Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2015 Device: kindle fire	Unlocking a locked Kindle HI Everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me. My brother recently passed away and I have his Kindle fire and I'm hoping it has some recent pictures of him or anything important on it that relates directly to him. I cant figure out his numeric pass code and just sit here trying. I did read conflicting posts that if I unregistered it through his Amazon account(which I have access to) it will unlock? But I see some say all files will be deleted and others say not? I don't want to take ANY chances on loosing anything he may have on here. I am not making this story up and Am desperately seeking any help to unlock it with out loosing anything. Amazon just said to do a hard reset which I wont do for obvious reasons. all I know is that its a kindle Fire and it has a touch screen. Is there a way to tell which model by serial number on amazon Thanks in advance

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Unlocking the Kindle Paperwhite	knc1	Kindle Developer's Corner	12	03-12-2013 02:39 PM
Unlocking internet on KIndle touch 3G	tomeks85	Kindle Developer's Corner	6	12-26-2011 10:28 PM
Free (Kindle/Nook) The Root of Thought: Unlocking Glia	arcadata	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	5	10-10-2011 02:19 PM
Kindle 3 locked up twice.	Corran006	Amazon Kindle	12	09-11-2010 06:20 PM

03-01-2015, 12:18 PM	#2
booklover6 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,545 Karma: 14008730 Join Date: May 2008 Location: PA (USA) Device: Kobo Clara, 2E, Libre 1, PW4, PW5, 2022 Kindle, Kobo Libre Colour	Have you tried plugging it in to your computer? I think you should be able to view files that way.

03-01-2015, 06:04 PM	#3
eschwartz Ex-Helpdesk Junkie Posts: 19,421 Karma: 85400180 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Beaten Path, USA, Roundworld, This Side of Infinity Device: Kindle Touch fw5.3.7 (Wifi only)	Um, not if there is a password? Usually you can try passwords until it tells you you need to re-enter your Google Accounts password... but not on a Kindle Fire. If USB debugging was enabled, then you can access the files using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) -- according to HERE it is enabled by default (terribly secure, huh? ). Otherwise, there is a problem... by design, these devices are programmed to secure your data from thieves -- that also locks out people who just want to return the device, as well as people who inherit them from a family member who passed away. Any way of retrieving the data might then require forensics -- although if you can pull apart the device and read the filesystem from another hardware system, that is one way to circumvent virtually any protection. Any help you can get from Amazon will only relate to securely wiping the device so another person can use it from scratch.

03-02-2015, 06:49 AM	#4
booklover6 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,545 Karma: 14008730 Join Date: May 2008 Location: PA (USA) Device: Kobo Clara, 2E, Libre 1, PW4, PW5, 2022 Kindle, Kobo Libre Colour	So you don't even think it's worth a try? On a kindle with ads you can plug it in and view the files without tapping to get out of the ads screen. So I was thinking it was a possibility on a kindle with a PW. I'd certainly try it before giving up, wouldn't you?

03-02-2015, 10:07 AM	#5
eschwartz Ex-Helpdesk Junkie Posts: 19,421 Karma: 85400180 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Beaten Path, USA, Roundworld, This Side of Infinity Device: Kindle Touch fw5.3.7 (Wifi only)	Ads are a type of screensaver, that is totally different from passwords. Passwords are designed to keep your stuff secure against thieves who would plug your Kindle into their computer to steal your files. I am not saying not to try, just that it won't work.

Advert

Advert