Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- If your Kindle is from 2012 or earlier, access to the Kindle Store and software updates has ended.
- These Kindle users will still have access to the books already on their devices.
- Kindle ereaders and Fire tablets from 2012 or older can’t buy, borrow, or download new content.
Amazon just ended software support for eight Kindle and Fire tablet models from before 2013. As a result, Kindle owners with these older devices will no longer have access to the Kindle Store to buy new books or download software updates. Still, they will retain access to their existing Kindle Library, including purchased books.
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Truly, Amazon offers Kindle devices a generous support period, especially when compared to other tablets. A Kindle gets anywhere between 10 and 15 years of software support before Amazon makes major cutoffs, while most tablets and smartphones from other manufacturers on the market get between 3 and 7 years. This, and the fact that Kindles are single-purpose devices, has earned Amazon a loyal user base.
Kindle models no longer supported as of May 20
These are the Kindle and Fire tablet models that Amazon no longer supports.
Kindle e-readers
Here are the Kindle devices that will no longer receive software support:
- Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012)
- Kindle 5 (2012)
- Kindle Touch (2011)
- Kindle 4 (2011)
- Kindle Keyboard (2010)
- Kindle DX and DX Graphite(2009 and 2010)
- Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
Kindle Fire tablets
Amazon is also ending support for Kindle Fire Tablets released before 2013:
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)
- Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
- Kindle Fire 2nd Gen (2012)
- Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011)
How to get the most out of your Kindle
Whether you have an older Kindle that is no longer receiving software support or a newer model, there are plenty of tips, hacks, and workarounds for these e-readers that you can take advantage of. Whatever your Kindle needs, ZDNET has you covered, from free books and file conversions to our favorite accessories. Here’s a roundup of our Kindle-related tips:
- How to get free Kindle books: I go through books quickly, which can get expensive. Because of this, I like to explore different ways to get free e-books for my Kindle, and there are quite a few. Whether you’re looking to borrow books from a library, download books for $0 from the Kindle Store, or use a Kindle Unlimited subscription, learn all the ways you can find great books for free.
- How to share or loan a Kindle book: Like me, my kids love reading and their Kindle devices, so I’m constantly sharing books directly with them. There are multiple ways to share Kindle books, and I take you through the process so you can share one with someone and spread the love of reading.
- How to buy books on Kindle: Going back to basics, I walk you through the process of buying a book for your Kindle device, including how to do it from your Android phone or iPhone, and how to buy foreign-language books.
- How to send articles and files to your Kindle: A Kindle e-reader isn’t just limited to books from the Kindle Store; you can also send PDFs and other documents to read on your e-ink display. There are even ways to send online articles from your phone or computer to read on your Kindle. I’ve used the Send to Kindle website, a browser extension, the share button on my phone, and, my favorite, my Kindle’s email address.
- How to jailbreak an old Kindle: While the Kindle Store is inaccessible on older, unsupported Kindle models, there are still ways you can add books to your e-reader, bypassing Amazon’s restrictions. I explore the easy way to add books to an obsolete Kindle and the techy way — and yes, I found a favorite.
- Converting EPUB files to Kindle format: Older Kindle devices don’t support EPUB files, but ZDNET’s David Gewirtz walks you through how you can convert them into Kindle files and use your obsolete Kindle to continue reading.
- Our favorite Kindle accessories: Yes, I’m a full-fledged book fiend with a setup to match, and I’ve rounded up my favorite Kindle cases, holders, charger, and page-turner in one place. Do I have to read with a Kindle stand and turn the pages with a remote control without having to take my hand out from under my blanket? No, but don’t knock it until you try it.
How can I still use an older Kindle?
While your pre-2013 Kindle ereader will no longer let you buy new books or get software updates, you’ll still have access to the books already in your Kindle Library. If you’d like to add new books, however, you don’t have to rely on the Kindle Store; you can simply transfer books to your Kindle via USB.
As for how to get new ebooks, you can do so without the Kindle Store. There are several reputable e-book sellers, including Bookshop.org and eBooks.com, and you can find ebooks in PDF format or books through your local library.
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Your local library most likely partners with a service like Libby or Hoopla that gives users access to an online inventory of millions of e-books and audiobooks — all you need is a free library card.
ZDNET reached out to Amazon for comment on other ways to add ebooks to older Kindle devices and will update as soon as we learn more.
Why is Amazon ending support for older Kindles?
Amazon is citing technology changes to justify ending support for older Kindle devices from before 2013. Here’s the statement the company shared with ZDNET about it:
“These models have been supported for at least 14 years — some as long as 18 years — but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward. We are notifying those still actively using them and offering promotions to help with the transition to newer devices.”
Also: How to transform your old, obsolete Kindle into the ultimate open-source reader
Ending software support for older devices is par for the course for all tech companies. As new devices come to market, maintaining older devices becomes expensive, and many older models often lack the necessary hardware capacity to run newer features.
Amazon has confirmed that these users’ “accounts and Kindle Library also remain fully accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.”
