If your Kindle is unresponsive or has frequent issues, you can do a reset to fix it. Most of the problems that arise on the Kindle are actually quite resolved with a regular soft reset. However, if you want a more permanent solution, Kindle can also be factory reset (hard reset). Once finished rebooting, Kindle will work like new again. Fortunately, for each different Kindle, there are a few easy steps to get the Kindle back to working normally.
Step
Quick Ways to Solve Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Frozen/unresponsive screen | Do a soft reset |
| Kindle running sluggish | Do a soft reset |
| Computer doesn't recognize Kindle | Do a factory reset |
| Kindle keeps crashing after restart | Do a factory reset |
| Kindle can't connect to wireless network | Do a factory reset |
| Kindle freezes on reboot | Recharge Kindle battery and perform soft reset |
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Reset Kindle
Step 1. Decide if you need to reset the Kindle
Generally a Kindle reset is done to fix a frozen or unresponsive screen. A reset can also be performed if your computer no longer recognizes the Kindle or you receive an error message when plugging the device into the computer. Try doing a reset if the screen tells you that you need to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Step 2. Choose between soft reset or hard reset (factory default)
A soft reset won't erase your saved passwords or digital books, and is generally done to make the Kindle run faster or fix a frozen home screen. Meanwhile, a hard reset will erase all data and return the Kindle to factory settings. This is done as a last resort in case the Kindle experiences large-scale glitches, repeated freezing screens, internal crashes, etc.
- If you have tried a soft reset many times, it might be time to try a hard reset.
- Amazon also offers customer service that can help decide which option is best for you.
- If your Kindle is accidentally dropped or plunged into the water, you should take it to a professional. Amazon offers a free replacement if your warranty period is still in effect. When the warranty period has expired, they can send you a refurbished Kindle at a discount.
Step 3. Recharge your Kindle battery
This is especially important if you are doing a soft or hard reset. Plug in your Kindle using the power cable provided with the device. Make sure the battery indicator bar at the top of the main screen is completely charged. Once the battery is fully charged, unplug the Kindle from the power cable.
The battery must be charged at least forty percent to be able to perform a hard reset
Step 4. Backup all your important passwords and files. Once you delete the contents of your Kindle, you will lose everything you saved. Content you purchase through Amazon will remain linked to your account and can be re-downloaded. However, e-books and third-party applications must be stored separately. This can be done by connecting the Kindle to the laptop using a USB cable. Click and drag everything you need to a special folder in the download section.
Step 5. Try restarting before starting the reset
Sometimes the Kindle can get stuck in the flux position between on and off. The screen may freeze quickly or the buttons will temporarily stop working. Simply turn off your Kindle, then plug it into a power outlet to recharge its battery. After that restart the Kindle. Try this method first before you bother doing a reset just to fix a problem that might actually be minor.
Part 2 of 3: Performing a Soft Reset on Kindle
Step 1. Soft reset on the Kindle First Generation. First, turn off your Kindle. Open the Kindle's back cover and remove the battery. Wait for one minute before you replace the battery. Replace the back cover, then turn on your Kindle.
- To remove the battery from the Kindle, use your fingernail or a pointed object such as a ballpoint pen. Do not use scissors or knives which can damage the battery.
- Make sure you re-attach the Kindle back cover until it locks completely, which is indicated by a “snap” sound.
Step 2. Reset Kindle Second Generation and/or later versions
First, hold down the power button for 20 seconds. Press the power button and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds before releasing it. The device will reboot instead of turning it off right away. A reboot screen (complete black, or blank screen) will appear as soon as the power button is released.
Step 3. Give Kindle time to reboot
The Kindle will reboot for a minute or two. Be patient and allow enough time for the device to complete the reset process. Kindle will turn on automatically after the reboot process is complete. If the Kindle doesn't turn on for up to ten minutes, turn on the power manually.
There is a possibility that the Kindle will freeze during the reboot process. Maybe this is what happens when the Kindle stays frozen on reboot screen for more than ten minutes
Step 4. Recharge Kindle battery
If the device freezes on reboot or doesn't respond to reset at all, plug it into the charger and let the battery charge for 30 minutes or so. Make sure your Kindle has enough time to fully charge the battery. If you unplug your Kindle from the charger too early, you may need to repeat the previous steps.
Step 5. Hold down the power button again
Once the Kindle's battery is charged, press the power button and hold it for 20 seconds until the reboot screen appears again. Allow the device to reboot for a minute or two before you check again. This will complete the reset process.
Step 6. Double-check the functionality on the Kindle
Scroll through each page in the book of your choice using the arrow tabs located on the side of the Kindle. Press the buttons on the bottom of the Kindle to check if the buttons are working properly. Turn your Kindle off and on to see if it turns off/on smoothly. Keep playing and experimenting with the Kindle until you're sure it's working as intended. If not, you may want to repeat the previous steps, or do a hard reset.
Part 3 of 3: Reset Kindle to Factory Default Settings
Step 1. Restore Kindle First Generation to factory settings
First, turn on your Kindle. Open the Kindle's back cover with your finger or a small sharp-pointed object. Look for a small hole, which is the reset button. Use a ballpoint pen or toothpick to press the button for 30 seconds or until the Kindle turns off. Wait for the Kindle to reboot itself.
Step 2. Restore Kindle Second Generation as before
Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. As soon as you do, press and hold the Home button. Do this until your Kindle screen flashes. Wait for the Kindle to reboot itself.
Step 3. Restore Kindle Keyboard to factory settings
Press and hold the power button for 15-30 seconds. After this wait for your Kindle to reboot itself, and the Kindle will return to its original settings. If this method doesn't work, you can try again. Make sure your Kindle battery is fully charged.
Step 4. Restore Kindle DX as before
Just press and hold the power button for 20 seconds. The Kindle screen will turn off and turn black. Then wait for the Kindle to reboot itself. If this method doesn't work, you can try again. Make sure your Kindle's battery is at least 40% charged, which is enough to do a hard reset.
Step 5. Restore Kindle Touch as it was
First click the “Home” button, then click “Menu” on the screen. A bar will appear, and you will have to click on “Settings”. Then click "Menu" again, then click "Reset to Factory Settings". Wait until your Kindle reboots itself.
Step 6. Restart and return the Kindle 5-Way Controller to its original state. This step applies to both Kindle Fourth and Fifth Generation. Navigate your Kindle to the “Menu” page. Select “Settings”, then press “Menu” again. Then click "Restore to Factory Settings". Wait until your Kindle reboots itself
Step 7. Reset Kindle Paper white. First, press “Menu” on the main screen. A new screen will appear, where you have to click on “Settings”. After you click “Settings”, return to “Menu”, scroll down to the new screen, and click “Reset Device”. A warning screen will appear allowing you to cancel the reset process in case you change your mind. Click “Yes” to reset the Kindle back to factory settings.
Step 8. Clean Kindle Fire and Fire HD
Scroll down from the top menu and click “More…”. Then click “Settings” and keep scrolling down until you find “Device” and press it. Then at the very bottom, click "Restore to Factory Settings". Wait for the Kindle to restart. If this method doesn't work, you can try again. Make sure the battery is charged before you try again.
Tips
- If resetting the Kindle doesn't solve your problem, contact Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/contact-us. You can also call Amazon Kindle Support at 1-866-321-8851 or the international number at 1-206-266-0927.
- Try to do it continuously. Sometimes Kindle won't respond after just one restart. It may take two or three restarts.
- Give pause each restart attempt. Do not restart your Kindle repeatedly in succession. Let your Kindle 'rest'. You can also recharge the battery during this idle time.
Warning
- If you're afraid there's a serious problem with your Kindle, take it to a professional. Don't try to fix it yourself.
- Always have and keep a backup of your files, both e-books and passwords. Even if you only do a soft reset, there is still a chance that you could lose information.
