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If your Kindle Paperwhite won’t connect to Wi-Fi, first check Airplane mode, the network name and password, and whether another device can use the same network. Then check whether your Paperwhite supports the router’s Wi-Fi band and security settings. Work through the steps below in order; save a factory reset for last.
1. Check the Kindle’s Wi-Fi settings and network
- Make sure Airplane mode is off, then select the intended Wi-Fi network and carefully re-enter its current password.
- Try connecting a phone or computer to the same network. If that device also cannot connect, the problem may be with the router or internet service rather than the Kindle.
- If the Kindle can’t find your Wi-Fi network, move closer to the router and scan again. A hidden network will not appear in the detected list. From the Wi-Fi network list, choose Other and enter the network name and password manually. See Amazon’s Kindle Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance.
For a hotel, café, library, or other public hotspot
Some public networks require a welcome-page sign-in, PIN, voucher, or one-time password. If the sign-in page does not appear automatically after connecting, open a simple webpage in the Kindle browser to prompt it, then follow the provider’s instructions.
2. Check whether the Paperwhite supports your router’s band and security
Wi-Fi compatibility varies by Kindle release. Amazon’s current guidance says, “Kindle devices don’t support 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands. Kindle devices released before 2021 also don’t support 5 GHz and WPA3 encryption.” Read Amazon’s Wi-Fi compatibility guidance before changing router settings.
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- Paperwhite released before 2021: Try a 2.4 GHz network with security supported by the device.
- Newer Paperwhite: It may support 5 GHz, but Amazon says Kindle devices do not support 6 GHz.
Router controls differ, so there is no universal menu path for changing bands or security. If you test another security mode, do so only with the network owner’s permission and restore secure settings after troubleshooting.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
3. Improve the signal and restart the Kindle and network
Move the Kindle closer to the router and away from potential sources of interference such as microwaves, baby monitors, and other wireless devices. Amazon also suggests disconnecting other devices to free bandwidth.
Restart the Kindle
- Hold the Kindle’s power button for 40 seconds, then release it.
- Allow the device to reboot, then try connecting to Wi-Fi again. See Amazon’s Kindle restart instructions.
Restart the modem and router
- Unplug the modem and router for several minutes.
- Reconnect the modem first and wait for it to reconnect to internet service.
- Plug in the router and wait for the Wi-Fi network to return.
- Restart the Kindle and try connecting again. Amazon’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance covers network restarts.
4. Check the software version and test another network
Compare the Kindle’s software with its model-specific update listing
On the Kindle, open Settings and check the device software version. Compare it with the listing for your exact Paperwhite generation on Amazon’s Kindle software updates page. Version numbers change and differ by model, so use the live listing rather than relying on a version number quoted elsewhere.
Rank #2
- 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.
Try a phone hotspot or another known-working Wi-Fi network
Connect the Paperwhite to a smartphone personal hotspot, if available, or another network you know is working. If it connects there, the original network or its compatibility settings are the more likely source of the problem. The test helps isolate the fault; it does not mean a hotspot is a necessary permanent solution.
| What happens | What it suggests | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Other devices also fail on the home Wi-Fi | The issue may affect the network or internet service. | Contact your internet service provider if the outage persists. |
| The Paperwhite connects to a hotspot or another working network | The original router or network settings are more likely involved. | Recheck band and security compatibility, then seek help with the original network if needed. |
| The Paperwhite fails on multiple known-working networks | The issue may be specific to the Kindle. | After the preceding checks, contact Amazon device support. |
5. Consider a factory reset only as a last resort
If the earlier checks do not help, Amazon lists a factory reset as a Kindle-side option. It is disruptive and may require you to set up and register the device again. Before resetting, read Amazon’s factory-reset instructions for your specific model and make sure you understand the consequences. If the Kindle still fails on multiple known-working networks, contact Amazon device support rather than assuming a repair or replacement is needed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- 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.
