If you have an older Kindle e-reader, you should check the software version to ensure it is up to date. Without the update, your Kindle will no longer be able to browse the Kindle store or download Kindle books after March 22nd. Kindles with the e-ink display older than 2013 need this update.
| Device and Year | Software Version Your Device Needs |
|---|---|
| Kindle 1st Generation (2007) | 1.2.1 |
| Kindle 2nd Generation (2009) * | 2.5.8 |
| Kindle DX 2nd Generation (2009) * | 2.5.8 |
| Kindle Keyboard 3rd Generation (2010) ** | 3.4.2 or higher |
| Kindle 4th Generation (2011) | 4.1.3 or higher |
| Kindle 5th Generation (2012) | 4.1.3 or higher |
| Kindle Touch 4th Generation (2011) ** | 5.3.7.3 or higher |
| Kindle Paperwhite 5th Generation (2012) ** | 5.6.1.1 or higher |
Most devices should have updated themselves if they have been connected to the Internet for enough time since October 2015. You can find the Kindle’s software version from the Menu, Settings option or Menu, Settings, Device Info.
In order to perform the update on your Kindle E-Reader, first connect to WiFi. From the Home screen, select Menu and then choose ‘Sync and Check for Items’. This will take some time so you should leave your Kindle charging and connected to Wi-Fi overnight. If your older device does not have Wi-Fi, you can turn the Wireless switch on and choose ‘Check for new items’ from the menu and again leave it charging and connected overnight. The Kindle may reboot itself several times during the update. You should receive a message ’03-2016 Successful Update’ when it is all done.
If March 22nd, 2016 rolls around and your Kindle is not up to date, you will receive this message:
Your Kindle is unable to connect at this time. Please make sure you are within wireless range and try again. If the problem persists, please restart your Kindle from the Menu in Settings and try again.
At that point, it is still not the end of the world. You can manually download the update on a computer and transfer it to your Kindle via USB. See the Amazon Support pages for more details and instructions specific to your model and generation of Kindle.
