Amazon has pushed out a critical update for its Kindle readers.  If you fail to install this update before midnight tonight your kindle will not have Internet access any longer.

 

As noted on the relevant Amazon webpage this affects mainly older Kindles and not the newer ones.  If you have any questions OR your Kindle looses Internet access tomorrow Contact ETC Maryland and we will get you back online.

 

Customers using an outdated software version on Kindle e-readers require an important software update by March 22, 2016 in order to continue to download Kindle books from the Cloud, access the Kindle Store, and use other Kindle services on their device.

 

Urgent: This update needs to be completed by March 22, 2016.
Important: If you do not update your device by March 22, 2016, you will receive the following message on your device: 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. If you see this message on your device on or after March 22, you will need to manually install the latest software update for your device. Go to Fire & Kindle Software Updates for more details.

The following devices require the latest software version:

Device and Year Software Version Your Device Needs Update via Wireless (2G/3G) or Wi-Fi
Kindle 1st Generation (2007) 1.2.1 Use Wireless
Kindle 2nd Generation (2009) * 2.5.8 Use Wireless
Kindle DX 2nd Generation (2009) * 2.5.8 Use Wireless
Kindle Keyboard 3rd Generation (2010) ** 3.4.2 or higher Use Wi-Fi
Kindle 4th Generation (2011) 4.1.3 or higher Use Wi-Fi
Kindle 5th Generation (2012) 4.1.3 or higher Use Wi-Fi
Kindle Touch 4th Generation (2011) ** 5.3.7.3 or higher Use Wi-Fi
Kindle Paperwhite 5th Generation (2012) ** 5.6.1.1 or higher Use Wi-Fi
Kindle Paperwhite 6th Generation (2013) No Update Needed No Update Needed
Kindle 7th Generation (2014) No Update Needed No Update Needed
Kindle Voyage 7th Generation (2014) No Update Needed No Update Needed
Kindle Paperwhite 7th Generation (2015) No Update Needed No Update Needed

* For these devices, even if you are running software version 2.5.8, if you have not connected to wireless (2G/3G) since October 5, 2015, please connect now.

** For these devices, even if your device has built-in 3G, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to receive the latest software update.

If you are not sure which Kindle e-reader you have, please consult Which Kindle E-reader do I have?

Update Your Kindle E-Reader via Wi-Fi

If your Kindle e-reader does not have the latest software version, connect your device to Wi-Fi to receive the software update.

To update your Kindle once connected to Wi-Fi:

  1. From the Home screen of your Kindle, select Menu or tap the Menu icon, and then choose Sync and Check for Items.
  2. Plug your Kindle in, and leave your Kindle plugged in and connected to a Wi-Fi network overnight.

While asleep, the software update will download and install automatically. Your device may restart multiple times during the update process.

You will get a final confirmation letter titled 03-2016 Successful Update on your device when the update is complete. You can find the letter on your device by viewing all items in your Kindle Library, and then sorting the items by Recent.

If you’re not sure if your device has the latest version, go to Determine Your Kindle E-Reader Software Version.

Update Your Kindle E-Reader via Wireless

If your Kindle (1st Generation) does not have the latest software version, ensure your device is connected wirelessly, and then sync your Kindle. If your Kindle (2nd Generation) or Kindle DX (2nd Generation) does not have the latest software version, or if you have not connected to wireless (2G/3G) since October 5, 2015, ensure your device is connected wirelessly, and then sync your Kindle.

To sync your Kindle:

  • Kindle (1st Generation)

    1. Move the wireless switch on the back of your Kindle to the ON position.
    2. From the Home screen of your Kindle, select Menu, and then choose Check for New Items.
    3. Plug your Kindle in, and leave your Kindle plugged in and connected to its wireless network overnight.
  • Kindle (2nd Generation) or Kindle DX (2nd Generation)

    1. From the Home screen of your Kindle, press the Menu button.
    2. Select Turn Wireless On with the 5-way controller.
    3. Press the Menu button again and select Sync & Check for Items.
    4. Plug your Kindle in, and leave your Kindle plugged in and connected to its wireless network overnight.

While asleep, the software update will download and install automatically. Your device may restart multiple times during the update process.

You will get a final confirmation letter titled 03-2016 Successful Update on your device when the update is complete. You can find the letter on your device by viewing all items in your Kindle Library, and then sorting the items by Recent.

If you’re not sure if your device has the latest version, go to Determine Your Kindle E-Reader Software Version.

Deregister Your Kindle E-Reader if You No Longer Have It

If you no longer have your Kindle e-reader, you can deregister the device from Manage Your Content and Devices.

To deregister your device:

  1. Go to Manage Your Content and Devices.
  2. Select the Your Devices tab, choose the device you want to deregister, and then click Deregister.
  3. Click Deregister again to confirm.