If your Kindle is unresponsive or starts to have frequent problems, you can solve it by trying to reset it. A standard soft reset will solve most problems, but you can also reset the device to factory settings (hard reset) for a more permanent solution. Fortunately, for each Kindle, there are a few simple steps that must be followed in order to restore it to proper function.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare to Reset Your Kindle
Step 1. Try a simple reboot before you begin
Sometimes a Kindle can get stuck in a toggle position between on and off. The screen may freeze quickly or the buttons may not work temporarily. Just turn off your Kindle, plug it into the wall so it can charge, and turn it back on. It is better to try this first; This way, you don't have to go through the hassle of fixing a minor problem.
Step 2. Choose either a soft or hard reset (to factory setting)
A soft reset will not erase any strong passwords or digital books. Soft reboots are primarily to make your Kindle run faster or to reboot a frozen home screen. A hard reset will erase all data and restore factory settings on your Kindle. This is a last resort intended for Kindles experiencing large-scale technical issues, continually frozen screens, internal damage, etc.
- If you've already repeatedly tried a soft reset, it may be time to try a hard reset.
- Amazon also offers very good customer service, which can help you decide which option is best for you.
- If you accidentally dropped your Kindle or submerged it in water, it may be best to give it to a professional. Amazon offers a free replacement if you are still within the warranty period. If you're out of the warranty period, they can send you a refurbished Kindle at a discounted price.
Step 3. Charge your Kindle
This is crucial for either a soft or hard reboot. Connect your Kindle using the power cord that came with it. Make sure the battery bar at the top of the main screen is completely full. Once the battery is charged, unplug your Kindle.
You will need your Kindle to have at least 40% battery in order to perform a hard reset
Step 4. Make backup copies of any crucial files or passwords
When you erase your Kindle, you lose everything you put on it. Content that you have purchased through Amazon will remain linked to your account and can be downloaded again. However, third party digital books and apps will need to be stored separately. This can be done by connecting your Kindle to a laptop using a USB cable. You must drag everything with the mouse to the special folder in your download section.
Part 2 of 3: Perform a soft reset of your Kindle
Step 1. Perform a soft reset of your 1st generation Kindle
First, turn off the Kindle. Open the back cover of your Kindle and remove the battery. Wait a minute before putting the battery back in place. Replace the back cover of your Kindle and turn it on by pressing the "power" button.
- To remove the battery from the Kindle, use your fingernails or a small, pointed object such as a ballpoint pen. Do not use scissors or a knife, which could damage the battery.
- When replacing the back cover of the Kindle, make sure it snaps into place. You should hear a click when it's secured.
Step 2. Reset your second-generation or higher Kindle
First, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds. Slide the power button and hold it down for 20-30 seconds before releasing it. Doing so tells the device to reboot rather than just shutting down. The reset screen (a black or transparent screen) should appear as soon as you release the power button.
Step 3. Give your Kindle time to restart
The Kindle will restart in one to two minutes. Be patient and give your device time to finish the reboot. After the Kindle finishes restarting, it will turn on again automatically. If the Kindle does not turn back on within 10 minutes, turn it on manually.
There is a possibility that the Kindle will freeze as it restarts. This may be the case if your Kindle keeps frozen on the reset screen for more than 10 minutes
Step 4. Charge your Kindle
If the device freezes during reboot or does not respond to reboot at all, plug in the charger and let your Kindle charge for 30 minutes or more. Make sure your Kindle has enough time for a full charge. If you disconnect your Kindle from the charger too soon, you may have to repeat the steps above.
Step 5. Hold down the power button again
After your Kindle is finished charging, slide the power button down and hold it for another 20 seconds. The reset screen should appear again. Give the device a minute or two to reboot before checking again. This should finish the reboot.
Step 6. Check the functions of your Kindle
Turn the pages of a selection of books using the arrows on the side of your Kindle. Press the buttons on the bottom of your Kindle to see if they work properly. Turn your Kindle off and on to see if it does it correctly. Keep testing and experimenting with your Kindle until you are sure it now works. If not, you may need to repeat the steps above or go through a hard reset.
Part 3 of 3: Reset Your Kindle to Factory Settings
Step 1. Reset your first-generation Kindle to factory settings
First, turn on the Kindle. Open the back cover with your finger or a small, sharp object. Find the small hole that is the reset button. Take a sharp pen or toothpick and press the button for 30 seconds or until your Kindle turns off. Wait until the Kindle restarts.
Step 2. Reset your second-generation Kindle
Slide and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Immediately after doing this, press and hold the home button. Do this until your Kindle screen flashes. After this, wait for your Kindle to restart.
Step 3. Reset your Kindle Keyboard to factory settings
Press and hold the power button for 15 to 30 seconds. After this, just wait for the Kindle to reboot. This will reset your Kindle to its original settings. If this doesn't work, you can always repeat it and try again. Make sure your Kindle is fully charged.
Step 4. Reset your Kindle DX
Just press the power button for at least 20 seconds. The Kindle should turn off and the screen should go black. Then wait for it to restart. If this doesn't work, you can always try again. Make sure your Kindle has at least 40% battery power, the amount necessary to perform a hard reset.
Step 5. Troubleshoot your Kindle Touch
First click on the "Start" button. Then click "Menu" on the screen. A bar will appear in which you must click on "Settings". Then click "Menu" again and then click "Reset to factory settings." Then all you have to do is wait for your Kindle to restart.
Step 6. Reboot and reset the 5-way controller on your Kindle
This includes both the fourth and fifth generation Kindles. Navigate to the "Menu" page of your Kindle. Choose "Settings" and then "Menu" again. Finally you will click on "Restore factory settings". Wait for your Kindle to restart.
Step 7. Reset your Kindle Paperwhite
You must first click on "Menu" on the home screen. A screen will appear where you will click on "Settings". After clicking "Settings", go back to the "Menu", scroll down to the new screen and click "Reset device". A warning screen will appear allowing you to back up from resetting your Kindle. Clicking "Yes" will reset your Kindle to factory settings.
Step 8. Reset your Kindle Fire and Fire HD
Scroll down the top menu and click on "More …". Click on "Settings," then scroll down until you see the "Device" option and click on it. Finally, at the bottom, click on "Reset to factory settings". Now just wait for your Kindle to restart. If this doesn't work, you can always try again. Make sure your battery is charged before trying again.
Advice
- If resetting your Kindle doesn't solve the problem, contact Amazon here. You can also call Amazon Kindle Help at 1-866-321-8851 or their international number 1-206-266-0927.
- Try again and again. Sometimes the Kindle will not respond to a restart. It may take two or three.
- Take breaks between restart attempts. It is never good to restart your Kindle many times in a row. Give your Kindle some time to rest. You can also charge it during this time.
Warnings
- If you're afraid something is seriously wrong with your Kindle, take it to a tech professional. Don't try to work on the wiring yourself.
- Always keep backup files for your digital books and passwords. Even if you're only going to do a soft reset, you could lose data.