Amazon Kindles are great e-readers. If you own one, you’ll be impressed by its readability and the sheer number of titles you’ve got to choose from – literally millions of books, magazines and newspapers.
But sometimes - just sometimes - e-readers don’t play nice. So, if you’re stuck on the same page or facing a blank screen, here’s all you need to know.
Why should I reset my Kindle?
You might want to reset your Kindle for reasons like sorting out software glitches, improving its performance, troubleshooting unresponsive screens, or preparing it for a new user. It's like giving your Kindle a fresh start.
Why is my Kindle frozen?
Your Kindle might be frozen due to a low battery, a software glitch or too many background apps running. It could even be the result of a recent software update. Restarting your Kindle resolves a lot of issues, so read on if you’d like to give it a try.
Preparing your Kindle for a reset
Before resetting your Kindle, it's important to back up your data.
First of all, make sure your Kindle is connected to Wi-Fi. Then go to Settings > Device Options > Backup & Restore, and back up your content. Doing this keeps your data safe, so you can easily restore it later.
How do I reset a Kindle Basic?
Follow these three simple steps to reset your Kindle Basic.
1. Power off. Turn off your Kindle Basic.
2. Hold button. Press and hold the power button for 40 seconds.
3. Release and restart. Release the button, wait a moment, then press the power button again to restart.
How do I reset a Kindle Paperweight?
Here’s what to do if you want to reset your Kindle Paperweight.
1. Power off. Turn off your Kindle Paperweight.
2. Hold button. Press and hold the power button for 40 seconds.
3. Release and restart. Release the button, wait a moment, then press the power button again to restart.
How do I reset a Kindle Scribe?
Resetting your Kindle Scribe? Easy as 1-2-3.
1. Power off. Turn off your Kindle Scribe.
2. Hold button. Press and hold the power button for 40 seconds.
3. Release and restart. Release the button, wait a moment, then press the power button again to restart.
Issues after a Kindle reset: a troubleshooting guide
Hopefully your reset will resolve any issues you’re having. But if not, here’s a quick troubleshooting guide to tackle other common Kindle problems.
Screen frozen or unresponsive. If your screen is still frozen or unresponsive after you’ve reset the Kindle, make sure it has the latest software. Go to Settings > Device Options > Software Updates and select Check for Updates. If an update is available, follow the onscreen prompts to action it.
Battery draining quickly. If you think that your battery life isn’t as good as it should be, try to lose some background apps. To do this, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap ‘Settings’. Then go to Apps & Notifications > Manage All Applications. You can now close any unnecessary background apps.
Not connecting to Wi-Fi. Check your Wi-Fi settings if your Kindle doesn’t seem to be connecting. Make sure that the Wi-Fi is actually turned on, and that your Kindle is connected to the correct network. Then go to Settings > Wireless" to verify.
eBooks not syncing. Swipe down from the top of the screen on the home page and tap Sync. This will ensure that your Kindle is right up to date with the latest content.
Kindle overheating. If your Kindle becomes hot, turn it off and let it cool down for a while before using it again. Try to avoid direct sunlight – easier said than done when you’re on holiday, we know – but it’s always a good idea to find some shade.
If issues persist with your Kindle, try visiting the official Kindle help page.
Top tips to preserve your Kindle data
Here are some handy tips to help keep your Kindle data safe and sound:
1. Regular backups. Make a habit of backing up your Kindle regularly to ensure you don't lose any precious data.
2. Cloud syncing. Enable Amazon's cloud sync feature to keep your reading progress, bookmarks, and notes up to date across devices.
3. Software updates. Keep your Kindle's software updated to benefit from the latest security features and bug fixes.
4. Password protection. Set up a secure password for your Kindle to prevent unauthorized access and protect your personal information.
5. Payment info. Make sure your payment information is up to date when you’re buying books, to avoid any issues with accessing your content.
6. Official apps only. Stick to the official Kindle store and apps to ensure the security of your data. Don’t download any unofficial apps, no matter how tempting they appear.
How to factory reset your Kindle safely
Before you hit reset, take a few minutes to back up anything important. A factory reset wipes your Kindle clean – like it just came out of the box. That means books, notes, settings and accounts will be removed.
Here’s how to do it safely:
Sync your Kindle – This saves your reading progress and downloads any recent purchases.
Back up your content – If you’ve added personal files (like PDFs), move them to your computer or cloud storage.
Check your Amazon account – Make sure you know your login details. You’ll need them to set up your Kindle again.
Go to Settings > Device Options > Reset – Tap ‘Reset’ and confirm.
Once it’s done, your Kindle will restart and be ready for a fresh setup.
What’s the difference between a restart and a reset?
It’s pretty easy to get these two mixed up, but they do very different things.
Restart is basically like turning your Kindle off and on again. It’s great for fixing small glitches, like a frozen screen or slow performance. Your books and settings stay just as they are.
Reset is a full wipe. It erases everything and takes your Kindle back to its original state. Use this if you’re selling your Kindle, giving it away or dealing with a major issue.
Think of a restart as a quick refresh, while a reset is like a clean slate.
When to contact Amazon support for Kindle issues
Sometimes, a restart or a refresh just doesn’t cut it. If your Kindle is still acting up, it might be time to call in the experts.
Here’s when to reach out to Amazon support:
Your Kindle won’t turn on, even after charging.
The screen is frozen and won’t respond.
You’ve tried a reset, but problems keep coming back.
You see error messages you don’t understand.
You need help with your Amazon account or purchases.
You can contact Amazon through their website or app. They offer live chat, phone support, and have a bunch of helpful articles to get you sorted quickly.
FAQs
Why is my Kindle not responding to touch?
There could be several reasons why your Kindle isn't responding to touch. Check for any screen damage, restart the device, make sure it's charged, and update the software. If issues persist, try contact Amazon support for help.
Where is the hard reset button on a Kindle?
Kindle devices typically don't have a physical hard reset button. To perform a hard reset, you can press and hold the power button for about 40 seconds until the device restarts. Make sure to release the button after the device restarts.
Any more questions?
Need more help choosing a new e-reader? Check out out other article on which Kindle e-reader should I buy? If you’d like to talk to an expert, pop in-store and chat to one of our colleagues. They’re always happy to help.
