What can I do with an old Fire HDX 7, and can I install a newer OS on it?

General Discussions
1

I have a Fire HDX 7 that still works but runs an old version of Fire OS, so many apps like Disney+ won’t run. I’ve considered using it as a mini Plex movie poster display via a browser or turning it into a digital picture frame.

Are there other useful ways to repurpose this device? Is it possible to install a newer operating system on it to expand its capabilities?

2

I had an old Fire HDX 7 lying around too, and I found it surprisingly useful for media tasks:

  • Digital photo frame → Amazon Photos or Google Photos web app works well in the browser.

  • Mini media display → You can cast or stream videos using Plex, Kodi (via sideloading), or even just the web player for Netflix/YouTube.

  • Recipe or dashboard tablet → Mount it in the kitchen for recipes, weather, or smart home dashboards (Home Assistant or SmartThings web panels).

Even on the older Fire OS, browser-based tools can breathe new life into the device without rooting or installing anything risky.

3

Technically, you can install a custom OS like LineageOS (Android) on older Fire tablets, but there are some caveats:

The Fire HDX 7 is quite old, so official custom ROM support is limited. LineageOS 14 or 15 (based on Android 7–8) is usually the max you can get.

You’ll need to unlock the bootloader and sideload the ROM, which can be risky and may brick the tablet if done incorrectly.

Google Play Services and some apps may still be tricky to install or run smoothly due to hardware limitations.

Personally, I’d only go this route if you’re comfortable with Android modding and willing to experiment.

4

If you don’t want to mess with custom ROMs, there are other cool ways to repurpose it:

  • Dedicated e-reader → Kindle eBooks or PDFs, works perfectly for a mini e-reader.

  • Home automation panel → Use it as a touch interface for smart lights, thermostats, or cameras.

  • Guest tablet / kiosk → Lock it to a web app or media player for kids or visitors, preventing accidental purchases or app installs.

I ended up using mine as a mini dashboard for Plex + Home Assistant, and it works surprisingly well despite the outdated OS.