Jailbreaking and Rooting

GZreader runs next to the device's own software, so a Kindle has to be jailbroken (allowed to run software Amazon didn't sign) and a Nook rooted. Neither is done by GZreader: these are community methods, and the guides linked below are where they're kept up to date. Read the guide for your device in full first, charge the battery, and back up your books.

Jailbreaking and rooting are at your own risk. Methods change as firmware changes: when this page and the linked guide disagree, follow the guide.

Kindles

Before anything: turn on airplane mode, so the Kindle doesn't update itself to a firmware the jailbreak can't handle (kindlemodding.org also suggests filling the storage to block updates until the jailbreak is in). Find the firmware version in Settings → Device Options → Device Info (older Kindles: Menu → Settings).

kindlemodding.org lists the current methods; its Jailbreak Wizard picks the one for your Kindle from its serial number and firmware. A Kindle can't be downgraded without a jailbreak, and a firmware that's been patched against every method has to wait for a new one.

Kindle 2, Kindle Keyboard (3), DX, DX Graphite

1. NiLuJe's K2/DX/DXG/K3 jailbreak: copy its Update_jailbreak_….bin to the Kindle (delete any other .bin or update.bin.tmp.partial files there), eject, then Home → Menu → Settings → Menu → Update Your Kindle. Error U006 on firmware 2.x is expected.
2. KUAL: put KUAL-KDK-1.0.azw2 in documents (Installing KUAL & MRPI). A KUAL book appears in the library.

Then: install the kindle-legacy package.

Kindle 4

1. NiLuJe's K4 jailbreak: copy its three files (data.tar.gz, ENABLE_DIAGS, diagnostic_logs) to the Kindle, eject, restart it (Menu → Settings → Menu → Restart) into diagnostics mode, then with the 5-way: D) Exit, Reboot or Disable Diags → R) Reboot System → Q) To continue. A "You are Jailbroken" book appears.
2. KUAL: KUAL-KDK-1.0.azw2 in documents (Installing KUAL & MRPI).

Then: install the kindle package.

Kindle Touch

1. NiLuJe's K5 jailbreak: copy the files from its zip to the top of the Kindle's drive, eject, then Home → Menu → Settings → Menu → Update Your Kindle; "**** JAILBREAK ****" shows at the bottom of the screen when it's done. Restarting the Kindle afterwards is recommended.
2. KUAL and MRPI: Installing KUAL & MRPI (KUAL's KUAL.sh and KUAL.jar, and MRPI's extensions and mrpackages folders); also a hotfix so a firmware update doesn't undo the jailbreak.

Then: install the kindle package.

Paperwhite and newer touch Kindles

Use the method the Jailbreak Wizard names for your Kindle and firmware. For example WinterBreak works on firmware below 5.18.1 (it runs from the Kindle Store, with Wi‑Fi briefly on); older firmware has older methods (LanguageBreak, WatchThis, Popcorn for the PW2/PW3…, under kindlemodding.org's Legacy section, with a hotfix and KUAL & MRPI).

The current jailbreaks block updates themselves and run scriptlets (.sh files in documents, shown as books): GZreader's package brings one, documents/GZreader.sh, so nothing else is needed.

Then: kindlepw2 (firmware 5.6.1 – 5.16.2.x) or kindlehf (5.16.3 or newer).

Nooks

GZreader needs root on a Nook (to pause the Nook's software and reach its screens), and adb to install it: Android's platform tools on your computer.

Nook 1st Edition

1. Find the serial number (Settings → About your nook, or under the back cover). It decides the method: methods for older Nooks can brick newer hardware.
2. Serial below 1003: nookDevs' Softroot (an update file on a microSD card; adds adb over USB). GZreader has been run on a Nook with firmware 1.0.0 and Softroot 2.5.1.
3. Serial 1003 or above (firmware 1.4.1 and later): nookDevs' Rooting New Hardware, or the newer browser-based method in Rooting the Barnes & Noble Nook 1st Generation (adb over Wi‑Fi).
4. Check that adb shell id says uid=0(root).
5. Take bravo_update.dat off the card afterwards: holding the page button while turning the Nook on would install it again.

Then: install the nook-1st-edition package.

Nook Simple Touch

1. Root it with NookManager (a bootable microSD card image; firmware 1.2.x): back up the Nook with it first, then root. Guides: NookManager on XDA, a 2023 walkthrough.
2. Connect adb (over USB, or Wi‑Fi: adb connect <the Nook's IP>) and check that adb shell id says root (or that su works).

Then: install the nook package.