Enabling internet connectivity on our Kindle device offers the convenience of synchronizing our purchased or downloaded books and accessing the store for new purchases. However, there are instances when the connection doesn’t function properly. If you’re currently experiencing difficulties connecting your Kindle and encounter a similar message on the screen, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.
To send new titles to your Amazon eReader, you can utilize Calibre, the online store (if your account is linked), or directly from the device itself. However, an internet connection is essential for purchasing or downloading books, and there are various factors that may be causing the connection to fail.
Compatibility and networks
The first thing to consider is whether the connection issues you’re experiencing on your Kindle are also present on other devices. It is advisable to check if there’s a problem with your internet service provider or a network outage. Verify the router’s functionality and ensure that other devices are able to connect. If the WiFi is not working on your Kindle, it may be due to a broader internet connectivity issue rather than a problem specific to the Amazon eReader.
Another factor to consider is device compatibility. According to the help page, Kindle devices are not compatible with 6 GHz WiFi bands. Additionally, models released before 2021 do not support 5 GHz networks or WPA3 encryption. If you own a recent model, you need not worry about these compatibility limitations.
Check all devices
In addition to checking the Kindle settings, it is important to consider the environment surrounding the device. Ensure that the book reader is placed away from other gadgets or devices that can cause interference, such as baby monitors or microwaves. Amazon also recommends avoiding proximity to WiFi devices with high bandwidth consumption to minimize potential errors.
If none of these factors are causing the issue, it’s worth checking the functionality of all devices connected to the same WiFi network. As mentioned earlier, this helps determine if the problem is specific to the Kindle or if it’s a more general issue. If other devices are working fine, you can try temporarily turning off some of them. Overloading the network with multiple connected devices may result in a poor connection, so reducing the number of active devices can help improve the Kindle’s connectivity.
From your Kindle
If none of the above works, we can take action from the Kindle itself in its settings.
Check the connections
To troubleshoot internet connection issues on your Kindle, it’s important to check the network settings. First, ensure that the device is not in “Flight mode” and is properly connected to the network. To do this, turn on your e-reader and tap on the menu icon on the “home” screen, then navigate to settings.
In the settings menu, locate the “Flight mode” option in the first section. Make sure it is disabled if you want the Kindle to connect to the internet and synchronize your books or access the online store.
Next, navigate to the “WiFi” section. Here, you will see a list of available networks. Check if your Kindle is connected to the desired network. If it is not, select the network you want to connect to, enter the password if required, and wait for the connection to be established.
Other tips
If you’re still experiencing difficulties with your Kindle’s internet connection, there are additional troubleshooting steps you can try. Firstly, ensure that your device has the latest software version installed. Normally, updates are automatically installed, but if not, you can visit the Kindle website, search for your specific model, and access the “Kindle E-reader Software” section. From there, you can download the latest update and transfer it to your Kindle via a USB cable.
Another suggestion from Amazon is to attempt connecting your Kindle to the internet using your smartphone as a Personal Hotspot. This allows you to check if the Kindle can establish a connection through an alternative network. Keep in mind that syncing your books typically requires only a small amount of data, so you shouldn’t consume many megabytes from your mobile data plan during this process.
By following these steps, you can increase the chances of resolving internet connectivity issues on your Kindle.
Reboot and reset
If all else fails, you can try restarting your Kindle or performing a factory reset.
To restart the device, follow these steps:
1. Go to the menu located on the home page by tapping the three dots on the right.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. Tap on the three dots on the right again.
4. Choose the “Restart” option.
5. After a few seconds, your Kindle will turn on again.
Please note that restarting the device only involves turning it off and on again, and it does not delete any content or settings.
If you decide to perform a factory reset, it’s important to keep in mind that this will delete all content and settings on your Kindle. You will need to set it up again from scratch, so only proceed with this option if nothing else has resolved the issue.
To factory reset your Kindle, follow these steps:
1. Go to the start menu.
2. Select “Menu.”
3. Navigate to “Settings.”
4. Tap the three dots on the screen.
5. Choose the “Reset device” option.
Performing a factory reset will erase all your data, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding with this option.