A number of Kindle e-reader models need to install a critical software update by March 22, or risk losing the ability to connect to the Internet.

Dawn Kawamoto, Associate Editor, Dark Reading

March 21, 2016

3 Min Read

 Siri, Cortana Are Listening: How 5 Digital Assistants Use Your Data

Siri, Cortana Are Listening: How 5 Digital Assistants Use Your Data


Siri, Cortana Are Listening: How 5 Digital Assistants Use Your Data (Click image for larger view and slideshow.)

Amazon is warning Kindle e-reader users to install a critical software update by Tuesday, March 22. Otherwise they risk the abilities to download Kindle books and access the Kindle Store or Kindle services.

Kindle users would be wise to hop on doing the update as soon as possible ahead of cut-off date to avoid the inconvenience.

Here is a list of affected Kindle devices along with the software versions each should be running:

  • Kindle 1st generation (2007), software version 1.2.1

  • Kindle 2nd generation (2009), software version 2.5.8. Device needs to have connected to the Internet since Oct. 5, 2015

  • Kindle DX 2nd generation (2009), software version 2.5.8. Device needs to have connected to the Internet since Oct. 5, 2015

  • Kindle Keyboard 3rd generation (2010), software version 3.4.2 or higher. Needs to connect to WiFi for latest software update

  • Kindle 4th generation (2011), software version 4.1.3 or higher

  • Kindle 5th generation (2012), software version 4.1.3 or higher

  • Kindle Touch 4th generation (2011), software version 5.3.7.3 or higher. Needs to connect to WiFi for latest software update

  • Kindle Paperwhite 6th generation (2012), software version 5.6.1.1 or higher. Needs to connect to WiFi for latest software update

Users who fail to install the critical update will see an error message flashing across their screen that says that the device is unable to connect to the Internet.

{Image 1}

Those users will have to install the update manually.

Amazon has been nudging customers for a while to install the critical update, an Amazon spokeswoman told InformationWeek.

Are you prepared for a new world of enterprise mobility? Attend the Wireless & Mobility Track at Interop Las Vegas, May 2-6. Register now!

"We have actively been contacting customers to encourage them to update their Kindle e-readers for months," the spokeswoman said, noting, "As I'm sure you can appreciate, the number of affected devices is not something we would share."

However, according to a Forbes report, potentially millions of Kindle e-reader customers could be affected. The reported estimated that Amazon sold approximately 2.4 million Kindle e-readers in 2009, a number that rose to 20.1 million Kindle devices in 2012.

When Amazon launched its high-end Kindle Paperwhite in 2012, the Internet e-commerce giant noted at the time it did not have clear visibility into whether it was leading to additional sales for its other products or services. Users who do not do the critical update may find themselves locked out of the Kindle Store and its services.

About the Author(s)

Dawn Kawamoto

Associate Editor, Dark Reading

Dawn Kawamoto is an Associate Editor for Dark Reading, where she covers cybersecurity news and trends. She is an award-winning journalist who has written and edited technology, management, leadership, career, finance, and innovation stories for such publications as CNET's News.com, TheStreet.com, AOL's DailyFinance, and The Motley Fool. More recently, she served as associate editor for technology careers site Dice.com.

Never Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.

You May Also Like


More Insights