Free the Kindle: New jailbreak works on 2024 Kindles

After spending a year or so in development, HackerDude, formally known as Bluebotlabs, has released the WinterBreak exploit for the Kindle 5 and newer devices on the mobile read forums. This exploit reportedly works on all Kindle devices, even 2024 models, with any firmware version and grants users full access to the underlying Linux OS. With a jailbroken Kindle, users can bypass Amazon's restrictions and gain access to a host of new features, which include:

• No ads
• Custom screensavers
• Dark mode
• Apps, including a few games

For most, the top reason to jailbreak a Kindle is to install the KOReader app. KOReader is a document viewer that brings support for EPUB, PDF, DjVu, XPS, CBT, CBZ, FB2, PDB, TXT, HTML, RTF, CHM, DOC, MOBI and ZIP files to the Kindle. Typically, users are restricted to the offerings found in the Amazon ecosystem and a reading experience with very few customization options. Fortunately, besides the extended format support, KOReader has options for custom fonts, progress syncing across devices, and dictionary support. Additionally, KOReader can wirelessly synch titles from a Calibre library hosted on the same network as the Kindle.

However, jailbreaking any device inherently carries a few risks, the worst of which is bricking the device. While the instructions for this jailbreak seem straightforward, users attempting the exploit are encouraged to read through all the supporting documentation. Thankfully, the tutorial offers abundant troubleshooting information, and many users on the forum have documented their success utilizing the exploit. For those interested, more details on WinterBreak and jailbroken Kindles are available below.