Kindle Won’t Turn On? 10 Easy Fixes

Quick Fix

Kindle won’t turn on? Hold the power button for 40 seconds – not 10, a full 40 seconds. Release and press power button again. If battery is dead, plug into charger and wait 30 minutes before trying. Use the original Amazon charger, not a phone charger which may be too weak.

Why Won’t Kindle Turn On?

Kindle fails to turn on due to dead battery, frozen software, faulty charger, or hardware issues. E-readers use very little power so a frozen Kindle may appear dead. The 40-second reset usually fixes software freezes.

Method 1: Hard Reset (40 Seconds)

Longer reset for frozen Kindle.

1. Press and hold power button
2. Hold for 40 seconds (count slowly)
3. Release button
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Press power button once to turn on
6. Screen may flash during reset

Method 2: Charge with Original Adapter

Battery may be completely dead.

1. Use Amazon’s original charger
2. Plug directly into wall outlet
3. Charge for at least 30 minutes
4. Orange light = charging
5. Don’t use computer USB (too weak)
6. Try power button after charging

Method 3: Try Different Charging Cable

Cable may be faulty.

1. Try a different USB cable
2. Check cable for damage
3. Use Amazon or quality branded cable
4. Newer Kindles use USB-C
5. Older Kindles use micro-USB

Method 4: Clean Charging Port

Debris blocks charging.

1. Inspect charging port with flashlight
2. Use wooden toothpick to remove lint
3. Blow gently to remove dust
4. Don’t use metal objects
5. Try charging again

Method 5: Check for Amber Light

Light indicates power status.

• Amber light: Charging (normal)
• Green light: Fully charged
• No light: Not charging or dead battery
• If no light, try different outlet/cable

Method 6: Let It Charge Longer

Deeply discharged battery needs time.

1. Plug into charger
2. Leave for 2-4 hours
3. Completely dead battery takes time
4. Don’t try power button during this time
5. Try 40-second reset after charging

Method 7: Try Different Outlet

Outlet may not work.

1. Plug charger into different outlet
2. Try outlets in different rooms
3. Avoid power strips
4. Test outlet with another device

Method 8: Connect to Computer

May trigger response.

1. Connect Kindle to computer via USB
2. Wait for computer to recognize it
3. If recognized, battery has some charge
4. Let it charge via computer for a while
5. Try 40-second reset

Method 9: Check Screen Carefully

Screen may show faint image.

1. Look at screen in bright light
2. E-ink screens retain last image when dead
3. May show very faint low battery icon
4. If showing anything, needs charging

Method 10: Contact Amazon Support

Hardware failure needs replacement.

• Check warranty at amazon.com/devicesupport
• Kindle has 1-year warranty
• Amazon often replaces even out-of-warranty devices
• Chat with support through Amazon account

FAQ

Why is my Kindle screen frozen?

Frozen screens happen from software glitches. Hold power button for 40 full seconds to force restart. If screen shows same image after reset, the e-ink display may be damaged – contact Amazon support.

How long does Kindle battery last?

Kindle battery lasts weeks with WiFi off, about a week with WiFi on. If battery drains quickly, disable WiFi when not downloading books, reduce screen brightness, and close books when done reading.

Can I replace Kindle battery?

Kindle batteries aren’t user-replaceable. Third-party repair shops can replace them for $30-50. For older Kindles, replacement may cost more than a new device. Amazon sometimes offers trade-in credit.