If your Kindle freezes and stops responding to your prompts or starts having frequent problems related to operation, you can reset it to try to resolve the situation. The standard reset procedure (called "soft reset" in jargon) consists of a forced restart of the device which can solve most problems. In the event of a more serious malfunction, you can always perform a factory reset (called a "hard reset" in jargon), a procedure that should guarantee a more stable and lasting solution. Fortunately, every Kindle can be restarted or reset by following a few simple steps.
Steps
Quick Problem Resolution
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Screen locked | Reset |
| Slow operation | Reset |
| The computer does not detect the Kindle | Perform the reset |
| Restarting does not solve the problem | Perform the reset |
| Failure to connect to wireless networks | Perform the reset |
| Kindle hangs on restart | Fully charge the battery then reset |
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Kindle
Step 1. Before resetting your Kindle, simply try restarting it
Sometimes the device gets stuck in an intermediate state between being turned off and on. The screen may suddenly freeze or the buttons may temporarily stop working. In these cases, simply turn off the Kindle. Plug it into the electrical outlet so that it can fully charge, then turn it back on. Before trying more extreme solutions it is always best to try this simple procedure. This way you don't have to make your life too difficult to solve minor problems.
Step 2. Choose whether to perform soft reset or factory reset
The soft reset procedure does not delete the data present in the device (passwords, e-books, etc.). The soft reset is mainly used to speed up normal Kindle operation or to restore full screen functionality after a lock. On the contrary, the hard reset deletes all data stored on the device by restoring the factory default settings. This is an extreme solution that should only be undertaken in the case of severe problems, continuous device freezes, damage to configuration files, etc.
- If you have already soft reset multiple times without coming to an acceptable solution, then you most likely need to reset your Kindle.
- Amazon has great customer service that can help you adopt the best solution for your specific case.
- If you've accidentally dropped your Kindle or caused it to come into contact with water, your best bet is to rely on the skills of a professional expert. If your device is still covered by the warranty period, Amazon will replace it for free. If the warranty has already expired, you will be offered the purchase of a refurbished Kindle at a discounted price.
Step 3. Charge the Kindle battery
This is an essential step for both performing the reset and performing the reset. Connect the device using the cable supplied at the time of purchase. Make sure that the battery indicator, located at the top of the Home screen, is completely full. Once the battery is charged, you can disconnect the device.
In order to reset your Kindle, the battery must be charged to at least 40% of its total capacity
Step 4. Back up your passwords and most important files
By resetting the device all personal data stored inside will be deleted. All content purchased through the Amazon store will still remain linked to your account and can therefore be re-downloaded at any time. Conversely, e-books and applications purchased or installed through third parties will need to be saved separately. You can back up your Kindle by connecting it to your computer using the supplied USB cable. Drag all the items you want to save to a special folder stored on your computer.
Part 2 of 3: Soft Reset Your Kindle
Step 1. Soft reset of a first generation Kindle
First, turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Open the back cover of the device and remove the battery. Wait a minute, then reinstall the battery in its bay. Reattach the back cover and turn your Kindle on by moving the power switch to the "On" position.
- In order to remove the battery from its compartment, you will need to use your fingernails or a small pointed object, such as a pen. Do not use scissors or knives as this could damage the battery permanently.
- When refitting the rear cover, make sure it is properly installed in its seat. When this happens you should hear a "click" sound.
Step 2. Reset a 2nd Generation or Later Generation Kindle
First, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds. Move the power switch and hold it in place for about 20-30 seconds, then release it. This will instruct the Kindle to reboot rather than just shut it down. As soon as you release the power switch the classic restart screen should appear (the screen will appear completely black or clear).
Step 3. Wait for the Kindle to restart
This step takes 1-2 minutes. Be patient and give the device time to complete the reset. Once the reset is complete, your Kindle will automatically turn on again. If it does not do so within 10 minutes after the start of the procedure, turn it on manually using the power switch.
There is a possibility that the Kindle will freeze during restart. You will notice this if the device continues to display the restart screen for more than 10 minutes
Step 4. Charge the Kindle Battery
If your device freezes during reboot or does not reset as required, charge it and wait at least 30 minutes or longer. Make sure you have enough time to allow your Kindle to fully charge the battery. If the battery is not sufficiently charged, you may need to repeat the previous steps again.
Step 5. Press and hold the power switch again
After the Kindle's battery is fully charged, slide the power switch and hold it for 20 seconds. The reboot screen should appear on the screen. Before checking the result, wait 1-2 minutes for the device to reboot. This step should allow the reset procedure to complete.
Step 6. Check the Kindle's functionality
Using the directional buttons on the side, browse the pages of the selected book. Press the buttons on the bottom of the Kindle to verify that they are working properly. Try turning the device off and on again to make sure it can complete both procedures without any problems. Continue to use your Kindle as usual for everything to function properly. Otherwise, you can decide to perform the reset again or restore the factory default settings.
Part 3 of 3: Restoring the Factory Default Settings
Step 1. Restore the default factory settings on the first generation Kindle
Turn on the device using the switch. With a small sharp object or your fingers, remove the back cover. Locate the small hole for the reset button. Using a small pointed object, such as a pen, press and hold the reset button for about 30 seconds or until your Kindle turns off. Wait for the device to restart automatically.
Step 2. Reset a 2nd Generation Kindle
Slide and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Immediately after doing this, press and hold the Home button. Don't release it until you see the Kindle screen light up. At this point, wait for the device to restart automatically.
Step 3. Reset the Kindle Keyboard to factory default settings
Press and hold the power button for 20-30 seconds. When finished, simply wait for the Kindle to restart automatically. This simple procedure restores the device to factory default settings. If that doesn't work, repeat the step and try again. Before proceeding, always remember to make sure your Kindle's battery is fully charged.
Step 4. Reset a Kindle DX
Simply hold down the power button for at least 20 seconds. The device should turn off and the screen should go black. At this point, just wait for the Kindle to restart automatically. If that doesn't work, try again. Before resetting, make sure your Kindle's battery is charged to at least 40% of its total capacity.
Step 5. Troubleshooting a Kindle Touch
First press the "Home" button, then proceed by pressing the "Menu" button that appeared on the screen. A bar will appear from which you will have to select the "Settings" item. Then, press the "Menu" button again and choose the "Restore Factory Settings" option. When finished, simply wait for the Kindle to restart automatically.
Step 6. Restart and reset a Kindle with a navigation button
This passage refers to the fourth and fifth generation Kindles. Access the main "Menu" of the device. Select the "Settings" item, then press the "Menu" button again. At this point you can choose the option "Restore factory settings". When finished, simply wait for the Kindle to restart automatically.
Step 7. Reset a Kindle Paperwhite
First press the "Menu" button on the "Home" screen. A popup window will appear where you can choose the "Settings" option. Press the "Menu" button again, then scroll down the new screen that appeared to select the "Reset device" item. A pop-up window will appear allowing you to cancel the reset procedure. Pressing the "Yes" button will initiate the procedure for restoring the device to factory default settings.
Step 8. Restore a Kindl-e Fire and Fire HD
Access the menu by sliding your finger downwards from the top of the screen, then choose "More…". Select the "Settings" option, and then locate and click the "Device" item. As a last step, choose the "Reset to factory settings" option located at the bottom of the page that has just appeared. At this point you just have to wait for the Kindle to restart automatically. If that doesn't work, try a second time, but make sure your Kindle's battery is fully charged before doing so.
Advice
- If hard reset of the Kindle does not solve the problem, contact Amazon support at the following link. If you wish, you can contact Amazon support by phone by calling the following toll-free number: 800 628 805.
- Sometimes to solve a problem related to the Kindle it is necessary to perform the reset procedure several times, so do not stop at the first attempt and try again. Remember that 2 or 3 consecutive resets may be required.
- Allow some time to pass between one reset attempt. It is not recommended to force restart the Kindle several times in a row. Wait a few minutes between each test so that the device can stabilize. Also remember to keep it in charge while you run the tests.
Warnings
- If you are concerned that your Kindle has a serious problem, seek help from an experienced professional. Do not try to fix it yourself, especially if you need to access the internal circuitry of the device.
- Always make a regular backup of all e-books and passwords on your Kindle. Even if you perform a simple soft reset, it is possible that information will be lost.
