How can I root the Amazon FireTV? I would like to root my Amazon FireTV so I can sideload applications on it. Like XBMC (Kodi), Google Play, Google Play Movies.

My FireTV OS version is 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. Can I root it? What are the steps to root it?
Important: Not all versions of the FireTV can be rooted. See below if your version can be rooted.

For a list that may be more up-to-date, see AFTVNews software list.


  Due to recent software updates that block rooting, some Fire TVs
  cannot be rooted. To know if your Fire TV can be rooted, check your
  software version by going to: Settings > System > About on your Fire
  TV.



51.1.4.3_user_514020320


Released: 2/5/2015
Rootable: NO

51.1.4.2_user_514015320


Released: 12/15/2014
Rootable: NO

51.1.4.1_user_514013920


Released: 11/18/2014
Rootable: NO

51.1.4.0_user_514005520


Released: 10/23/2014
Rootable: NO

51.1.4.0_user_514006420


Released: 10/23/2014
Rootable: NO

51.1.3.0_user_513010720


Released: 10/26/2014
Rootable: NO

51.1.3.0_user_513011820


Released: 9/25/2014
Rootable: NO

51.1.3.0_user_513011520


Released: 9/13/2014
Rootable: NO

51.1.2.0_user_512073320


Released: 8/13/2014
Rootable: NO
Notes: As of 1/1/2015, all updates after this date have not been rootable.

51.1.1.0_user_511070220


Released: 7/9/2014
Rootable: YES

51.1.1.0_user_511069920


Released: 6/25/2014
Rootable: YES

51.1.0.2_user_510058520


Released: 4/29/2014
Rootable: YES

51.1.0.1_user_510055620


Released: 4/7/2014
Rootable: YES

51.1.0_user_510047320


Released: 4/2/2014
Rootable: YES





If you made it this far, congratulations! You have a build of FireOS that is rootable. Let's proceed


Download TowelRoot by clicking on the Red Icon

Download SuperSU Apk - We need the APK because we do not have Google Play - XDA Thread for SuperSU
Side load the applications on to the FireTV - This is beyond this question, I may do a Q&amp;A for this in the future. In the mean time, look for adbFire to sideload the apps or Ask a Question for help with this step.
Launch towelroot from your FireTV application menu
Use the remote and click make it ra1n button

Wait for towelrootto finish.


You may need to reboot.

Launch SuperSU
Update su binary if you are asked. 
Verify you have root access - see how can I tell if I have root


this can be done from a console/terminal window and connect to the FireTV via adb  

adb connect xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:5555
adb shell su

You should be promted on your FireTV with a Grant request