Fix: Amazon Kindle and Paperwhite won’t connect to WiFi

Amazon Kindle and Paperwhite users often come across an issue when these e-readers just won’t connect to WiFi. As a result, the users can’t download, buy, or sync any Kindle content.

The most common reason for this happening is that Kindle’s airplane mode is turned on. And as we know, WiFi does not connect when this happens. So, simply turn off airplane mode and connect to WiFi again.

Secondly, the main problem can also be outdated software. If your Kindle is failing to establish a WiFi connection, then check if it’s fully updated or not. If not, then do update it to the latest version.

Anyway, it’s not a serious issue and can be solved without any technical expertise. Simply follow the methods below, and you’ll be good to go.

1. Use Kindle close to your Wi-Fi Router

If your WiFi router is too far away from where you’re using your Kindle, then the connection will fail. Therefore, make sure to use your Kindle within the range of WiFi signals.

Secondly, don’t use the Kindle close to interfering devices that consume high WiFi bandwidth. For instance, keep away from microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, baby monitors, walkie-talkies, and so on.

If you’ve been avoiding both of these things but your Kindle still fails to make a WiFi connection, then follow the next methods.

2. Turn off Airplane Mode

Many people turn on airplane mode to increase Kindle’s battery life but forget to turn it off. Similarly, one can do the same when they are reading the books offline. However, turning on airplane mode means that the Kindle won’t connect to WiFi until the mode is activated.

So, the easiest way to solve this issue is to turn off airplane mode. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Swipe down on the home screen to access the Quick Actions menu.
2. Locate the Airplane mode icon and tap on it to turn it off.

3. Restart Kindle and your Router

Restarting the Kindle will remove the minor issues and software bugs that are stopping the WiFi connection. It’s always a good idea to restart your Kindle when facing problems. There could be non-responsive software, which is the reason for many issues. Secondly, restart your router at the same time.

Here’s how you can restart your Kindle e-reader:

1. Start by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds.
2. The Power dialog box should appear now.
3. Click on Restart.

4. Wait until the device reboots.

In case the Power menu does not appear and the screen goes black, do the following:

1. Press and hold Kindle’s power button for 40 seconds.
2. Kindle will restart automatically now.
3. If it doesn’t, then hold the power button again for a few seconds until you see the Kindle screen appear.

4. Turn Off the Wi-Fi on Other Devices Temporarily

Some WiFi networks only have the capacity to connect a handful of devices. If there’s a limit of, let’s say, 5 devices, then the 6th one won’t connect to the network.

Similarly, WiFi networks that allow unlimited connections also get overloaded if you connect too many devices.

If either of these cases applies to you, then turn off the WiFi on your smartphones, laptops, and other devices for some time. Now try to connect the Kindle to WiFI.

If it works, then it means your WiFi can’t establish a connection on more than a limited number of devices.

5. Manually Connect your Wi-Fi

If your Kindle previously connected to the WiFi network but won’t connect now, then it could be due to a glitch in the network.

At this point, you should forget your WiFi connection in settings and reconnect to it again, as follows:

1. Swipe down the top of the home screen and select the Settings or All Settings option.

2. Navigate to Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.

3. Tap on Wi-Fi Networks.

4. Select your network and tap Forget.
5. Now select your network again and enter the password.

6. Tap connect.
7. Wait for the connection to establish.

6. Change the 5 GHz Band to 2.4 GHz

The Kindle does not work with 6 GHz WiFi bands, and the pre-2021 models don’t support even 5 GHz bands.

So, it’ll be impossible for the Kindle to connect to Wi-Fi in these instances. What you can do, however, is change your 5 GHz band to 2.4 GHz.

Follow the steps below to do this:

1. Access your router’s admin dashboard.
2. Go to the Wireless settings > Advanced.
3. Locate the Wireless band option and select 2.4 GHz.

Note: The admin dashboard and settings will be different for every company.

4. Save the settings.
5. Reboot your router from the same admin panel.
6. Wait for the reboot to take place and exit the dashboard.
7. Try connecting Kindle to WiFi now.
8. If it connects, then again change the Wireless band to 5 GHz but don’t reboot the router this time.

7. Update Kindle to the Latest Software Version

If your e-reader is running on older software, then there will always be different issues. Newer software comes with many updates and bug fixes that help the Kindle run smoothly.

Follow the steps below to update your Amazon Kindle:

1. Start your computer and open a browser.
2. Now go to the Kindle E-Reader Software Updates page.

3. Download the latest update.
4. Use the charging cable and connect your Kindle to your PC or laptop.
5. Now drag and drop the update file you just downloaded to the Kindle drive from your computer.
6. Carefully disconnect Kindle from the computer afterward.
7. Now tap the three-dotted vertical menu icon on Kindle’s home screen.
8. Tap on Settings.

9. Tap on Menu once more and select Update Your Kindle.

10. Tap OK.
11. Now you’ll see a message that reads “Your Kindle Is Updating”.
12. Wait for the update to finish and connect to your Wi-Fi network again.

8. Use your Smartphone’s Hotspot for the Connection

If your Kindle still won’t connect to your WiFi router, then try using your mobile’s WiFi hotspot for the connection.

Here’s how you can connect the hotspot to your Kindle:

1. On your mobile device, go to Settings.
2. Tap on the Hotspot menu.

3. Turn on the hotspot.

4. Now go to Settings on your Kindle and tap on Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.

5. Next, tap on WiFi Networks and scan for new networks.

6. Tap on your personal hotspot network.
7. Enter the password and tap Connect.

9. Factory Reset Kindle

Factory-resetting your Kindle should be your last resort if none of the methods work. Make sure all your data is synced with your Amazon account; otherwise, you’ll lose all the files.

That being said, follow the steps below to factory reset your Kindle:

1. Go to Settings > Device Options.
2. Tap on Reset or Reset Device.
3. Tap Yes on the next prompt.

 

4. Wait for Kindle to reboot after resetting.
5. Connect to your WiFi network now.

Even if a factory reset doesn’t work, contact Amazon support.

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