Kindle Jailbreak Compatibility Quick Reference
Covers all current and discontinued Kindle models · Firmware version requirements for jailbreaking each model
How to check your firmware version: On your Kindle: Menu → Settings → Menu → Device Info, where you will see the "Firmware Version".
Before jailbreaking: To prevent your Kindle from auto-updating during the jailbreak process, it is strongly recommended to fill the storage to leave less than 100MB free and delete any .bin files from the root directory of your Kindle.
| Model | Jailbreakable Firmware | Status | Tutorial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle 11, KPW 5/6, Scribe 1/2, Colorsoft | ≤5.19.6 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| Kindle 11（KT 4/5/6）、KPW 4/5/6、KO3、Scribe 1/2、Colorsoft | 5.16.3~5.19.5 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| All Kindle models | 5.16.4 ~ 5.18.3 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KPW5, Kindle 10/11 | 5.19.2 or 5.18.1.1.1 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KPW5, Kindle 11, KO3 | 5.16.4~5.18.6 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| All Kindle models | 5.18.1 ~ 5.18.5 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| All Kindle models | <5.18.1 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KS, KO 1/2/3, KV, Kindle 7/8/10/11, KPW 2/3/4/5 | ≤5.16.2.1.1 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KO 1/2/3, KV, Kindle 7/8/10, KPW 2/3/4/5 | 5.12.2.2 ~ 5.14.2 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KO 1/2/3, KV, Kindle 7/8/10, KPW 2/3/4 | 5.10.3 ~ 5.13.3 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KPW4 | 5.10.2 ~ 5.13.3 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KPW4 | 5.10.0.1~5.10.1.3 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KPW3 | 5.8.9.0.1 or 5.9.6.1 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| K10 | 5.11.0 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KO2 | 5.9.0.5.1 or 5.9.0.6 | Specific firmware only | View Tutorial |
| KO 1/2, KV, KPW 2/3/4, K7/8/10 | ≤5.8.7 | Special firmware required | View Tutorial |
| KPW2, K5, KT, KPW1, and KT2 | ≤5.4.5.1 | Firmware downgrade required | View Tutorial |
| KPW1 | <5.4.4 | Firmware downgrade required | View Tutorial |
This method comes from MobileRead and only applies to Kindle Paperwhite 4 (KPW4) with factory firmware 5.10.0.1 – 5.10.1.3. If you already updated it (e.g. to 5.10.1.2), this won't work. The original thread says it was only tested on 8GB/32GB WiFi KPW4 units with serials starting G000T6 and G000PP.
Risk notice: Jailbreaking is risky — proceed carefully at your own risk. Skip WiFi setup before you begin, or disconnect WiFi immediately if already connected, to avoid firmware updates.
The flow matches the factory-firmware method: install factory firmware → jailbreak → patch → update → install plugins.
1. Download the factory firmware
Pick the file matching your factory firmware — do not mix versions:
5.10.0.1: update_kindle_all_new_paperwhite_v2_5.10.0.1_factory.bin
5.10.0.2: update_kindle_all_new_paperwhite_v2_5.10.0.2_factory.bin
5.10.1.3: update_pw4_5.10.1.3_factory.bin
2. Install the factory firmware
Connect via USB and copy the factory firmware to the root (same level as documents).
Eject, tap Menu → Settings → Menu → Update Your Kindle, and wait until the downgrade finishes and the Kindle boots again.
Note: Installing the factory firmware can take 30+ minutes — keep the battery full and don't touch the device during installation.
3. Jailbreak the factory firmware
To block auto-updates, create an empty folder named update.bin.tmp.partial at the root (no extension, empty).
Step 1: Jailbreak with kindle-jb-factory:
Download kindle-jb-factory: Official page
Unzip
kindle-jb-factory-x.x-rxxx.tar.xzto getmain-htmlviewer.tar.gz.Connect via USB, copy
main-htmlviewer.tar.gzto the root, and eject.Tap the search bar, type
;installHtml(semicolon, capital H, lowercase l), press Enter.The screen flashes and the Kindle restarts — the device is now jailbroken.
Step 2: Install the JailBreak Hotfix to survive firmware updates:
Download JailBreak-hotfix: Official page
Note: JailBreak-1.15.N-FW-5.x-hotfix.zip only supports KPW4 units with serials starting G000T6, G000PP, G000T1, G000T2 (8GB/32GB WiFi and US/EU 32GB LTE).
Connect via USB and unzip
JailBreak-x.xx.N-FW-x.x-hotfix.zipto getUpdate_jailbreak_hotfix_x.xx.N_install.bin.Copy the .bin file to the root and eject.
Tap Menu → Settings → Menu → Update Your Kindle and wait for the restart.
After reboot, firmware updates keep the jailbreak intact.
Note: After jailbreaking you can update to the latest firmware, but don't install plugins before the update — the jailbreak survives, plugins don't. Update first, then install plugins.
Thanks to user "549606205" for the field test and the reference article, and to MobileRead's coplate for the jailbreak steps. For issues, see the original thread.
© "Ereadertoolbar" Original Article. Please credit the source and include a link back to the original post when republishing. https://ereadertoolbar.xyz/en/tutorial/article/kindle-paperwhite-4-jailbreak-5100-51013/