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The Kindle power button’s location depends on the model: it is on the top-right side of the Kindle (2026 release), but on the bottom edge of the Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft, and Kindle (11th Generation). A brief press wakes the screen or puts the Kindle to sleep; to turn the screen off, hold the button for nine seconds and choose Screen Off in the power dialog.
Find the button for your Kindle model
“New Kindle” can mean different models or generations, so check the model name before searching for the control. Amazon’s setup instructions give these locations:
| Kindle model | Power button location |
|---|---|
| Kindle (2026 release) | Top-right side. Amazon’s Kindle (2026 release) setup instructions |
| Kindle Paperwhite | Bottom edge. Amazon’s Paperwhite setup instructions |
| Kindle Colorsoft | Bottom edge. Amazon’s cited setup instructions |
| Kindle (11th Generation) | Bottom edge. Amazon’s 11th Generation setup instructions |
If your Kindle is a different generation or the location does not match, identify the device first with Amazon’s Identify Your Kindle E-Reader page, then use the setup instructions for that model. Amazon notes that not every generation was available in every marketplace.
Use a brief press for sleep and wake
Press the power button once briefly to put the Kindle to sleep. Press it again to wake the screen. This is the normal sleep-and-wake action; Amazon’s battery guidance describes a brief button press for sleep.
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- Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
Turn off the screen from the power dialog
- Press and hold the power button for nine seconds, until the power dialog appears.
- Select Screen Off.
Amazon documents this sequence on the setup pages cited above. A nine-second hold brings up the dialog; choose Screen Off to turn off the screen. Do not treat the hold by itself as a universal full shutdown command. If your Kindle’s controls or dialog differ, follow the setup guide for its exact model.
Restart only to troubleshoot
A restart is different from sleep or turning off the screen. If the Kindle is frozen or unusually slow, Amazon’s restart instructions are to hold the power button until a dialog appears or the screen goes blank, continue holding for 40 seconds, then release it. The device should reboot after a few seconds. See Amazon’s Kindle restart instructions for the official procedure.
Rank #2
- Light and compact - With adjustable brightness, high contrast ratio, and fast page turns.
- Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
- Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
- Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you - 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
Do you need an accessory?
No accessory is required to find or use the power button. The USB-C connection is for charging and file transfer, not a substitute for the button. Some Kids covers can wake or put compatible Kids models to sleep when opened or closed, but that is an optional accessory feature.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
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- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Upgrade your reading experience – The Signature Edition features an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB storage.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Adapts to your surroundings – The auto-adjusting front light lets you read in the brightest sunlight or late into the night.
Rank #3
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
