Amazon Asks Users to Update Their Kindles for Internet Support

Any Amazon e-reader bought before 2013 will need to be updated.

Amazon Kindle users have been instructed by the company to update their devices by 22 March. If you miss out on the upgrade, then as per Amazon, your Kindle will no longer support internet connectivity.

Customers using an outdated software version on Kindle e-readers require an important software update by 22 March 2016 in order to continue to download Kindle books from the Cloud, access the Kindle Store, and use other Kindle services on their device.

Amazon blog post

Paperwhite Folks, Don’t Worry

The software update ultimatum from Amazon is mostly meant for Kindle devices that were launched before the first Paperwhite edition in 2013. However, the 5th edition Paperwhite needs the software update to continue supporting built-in internet service.

Kindle E-Readers That Need the Update:

• 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
• Kindle 5th Generation (2012) - 4.1.3 or higher
• Wi-Fi Kindle Touch 4th Generation (2011) - 5.3.7.3 or higher
• Wi-Fi Kindle Paperwhite 5th Generation (2012) - 5.6.1.1 or higher

If you are unable to upgrade the software version of any aforementioned Kindle, then Amazon will allow you to upgrade manually.

If you do not update your device by 22 March 2016, you will receive the following message on your device: 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. If you see this message on your device on or after 22 March, you will need to manually install the latest software update for your device. Go to Fire & Kindle Software Updates for more details.

Amazon blog post

Amazon’s Kindle 3G and Wi-Fi models allow you to buy books on-the-go without the user having to buy data packs for the device. This unique feature is what has made the Kindle e-reader a popular choice among readers over the years.