Kindle 5Th Gen And Older Users Should Download Amazon Update ASAP Or Risk Losing Wireless Connectivity

We're sure Amazon would love it if you purchased a new Kindle device each and every year, but if you're not the type that always needs to be on the bleeding edge of technology—and most mainstream buyers aren't—then you're probably perfectly content with your older Kindle gadget. And that's fine, just be sure to check for and apply the latest update by March 22 (tomorrow) or it will self-destruct!

Just kidding, Kindles don't do that, or at least we're not aware of any self-destructing ebook readers out there. However, failure to update your 5th generation or older Kindle device will result in the loss of wireless connectivity. That means no more downloading books from the cloud, accessing the Kindle Store, or using other online Kindle services.


Those who fail to apply the update in time will see the following message:

Your Kindle is unable to connect at this time. Please make sure you are within wireless range and try again. If the problem persists, please restart your Kindle from the Menu in Settings and try again.

Don't fret if this happens, all is not lost. Yes, you'll lose Wi-Fi connectivity and be thrust into the Stone Age, but the remedy is to manually download the software update for your device to your PC, which you can then transfer to your Kindle by way of a USB cable.

Any Kindles produced in 2013 or later (Kindle Paperwhite 6th Generation, Kindle 7th Generation, Kindle Voyage 7th Generation), and Kindle Paperwhite 7th Generation) don't need a software update. However, all previous Kindles with wireless connectivity do need to be updated, though it isn't clear why.