Kindle: Update Software Now Or Kiss Book Downloads Goodbye

Users of Kindles running on an old version of Amazon’s Kindle software must update the software today or the devices will lose connectivity, preventing new book downloads.

Amazon has been warning customers via email of the March 22 cut-off point for the past few weeks.

Unable to connect

Any Kindle users who do not upgrade on time can expect to receive 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.”

After March 22, anyone who has not updated the Kindle software will have to manually update the software on each of their Kindle devices in order to restore access, Amazon explained.

The update is essential in order for users to continue downloading e-books and using Kindle services, it added.

The following devices/operating systems will be impacted:

Kindle 2nd Generation (2009) (2.5.8)
Kindle DX 2nd Generation (2009) (2.5.8)
Kindle Keyboard 3rd Generation (2010) (3.4.2)
Kindle 4th Generation (2011) (4.1.3)
Kindle 5th Generation (2012) (4.1.3)
Kindle Touch 4th Generation (2011) (5.3.7.3)
Kindle Paperwhite 5th Generation (2012) (5.6.1.1)

Kindle users can update the software by plugging the device into the mains, connecting to Wi-Fi, opening the menu and choosing ‘Sync and Check for Items’.