In case you missed it, there is a mandatory Kindle software update, and the deadline is March 22.
The update affects Kindle e-reader models from 2012 and earlier. Later models already have the necessary software. Some devices will have gotten the update automatically, but if you haven’t connected in a while, you’ll want to do so today or tomorrow. After the deadline, you’ll need to connect your Kindle to your computer via USB cable, download the software from Amazon to your PC, and upload it to your Kindle.
Without the update, your Kindle will not be able to “download books from the Amazon Cloud, access the Kindle store, [or] use other Kindle services.”
From the official Amazon announcement:
Customers using an outdated software version on Kindle e-readers, or that have not connected wirelessly since October 5, 2015, require an important software update by March 22, 2016, in order to continue to download Kindle books and use Kindle services
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.
And here is the list of affected models:
- Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
- Kindle 2nd Generation (2009)
- Kindle DX 2nd Generation (2009)
- Kindle Keyboard 3rd Generation (2010)
- Kindle 4th Generation (2011)
- Kindle 5th Generation (2012)
- Kindle Touch 4th Generation (2011)
- Kindle Paperwhite 5th Generation (2012)
You can read more about this on Amazon at “Critical Software Update For Kindle E-Readers“.
Sources: Kindle Owners Face Mandatory Update (Snopes); Critical Software Update for Kindle E-Readers (Amazon)
Lola
I don’t have a kindle, but they sure did a lot of effort to get this message out. I’ve seen it on social media a few times already this past week. It must be an important update. I only have the kindle app on my ipad and I checked to make sure, but it didn’t have an update. It’s a good idea to share it and I hope everyone get’s their kindle updated in time.
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Lark_Bookwyrm
I saw it on Facebook, but that was the first I’d come across it, so I wanted to give it a signal boost. 🙂
Daniela Ark
oh I don’t have a kindle but it is so nice of you to remind your readers! 🙂
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Lark_Bookwyrm
Thanks! My Kindle is new enough not to be affected, but I’d hate to be one of the people who didn’t hear about the update, so I thought I’d do my share to get the word out.