Amazon will stop support for Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets from 2012 or earlier starting May 20, preventing users from buying, borrowing or downloading new books. Owners can still read previously downloaded content, but deregistering or factory resetting the devices will render them unusable. The company is offering discounts to encourage upgrades.
Amazon has notified owners of older Kindle devices via email that support ends on May 20, 2026. Affected models include e-readers such as the Kindle 1st Generation from 2007, Kindle DX and DX Graphite from 2009 and 2010, Kindle Keyboard from 2010, Kindle 4 and Touch from 2011, Kindle 5 and Paperwhite 1st Generation from 2012. Kindle Fire tablets from 2011 and 2012, including the HD 7 and HD 8.9, are also impacted. Fewer than 3% of Amazon's Kindle users still rely on these devices, according to the company told Engadget and CNET as first reported by PCMag after an Australian user's alert on Reddit. Amazon said the devices have been supported for 14 to 18 years. A spokesperson told CNET, “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.” Users retain access to downloaded books but lose network connectivity for new content. Amazon advises against deregistering or resetting, as affected devices with software older than version 5.12.2.2 cannot reregister. Alternatives include the Kindle app on Android, iOS or desktop devices. To aid transitions, Amazon offers US customers a 20% discount on new Kindles and a $20 ebook credit for purchases before June 20. New models start at $110. Nathan Proctor of PIRG told CNET, “We dispose of way too many electronics, many of which we should be able to fix or update.” Previously, Amazon required a 2016 update for store access and ended 3G support earlier this decade, but this marks the first full cutoff of store access.
