Older Kindles lose support this week: What you can still do with them
Source: Mashable Tech
If you’ve been using a trusty Kindle device for the past 15 years, this week might be tough for some of you.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amazon announced recently that it is ending support for many older Kindle models on May 20. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop using the device entirely, but you need to be prepared for what comes next. Below is all the info you need for the old Kindle shutdown this week, including what you can still do with the device once it happens.
Amazon Kindle shutdown: What you can still do
Affected devices (all Kindle models released before 2013):
- Kindle (1st generation)
- Kindle (2nd generation)
- Kindle DX
- Kindle DX Graphite
- Kindle Keyboard
- Kindle 4
- Kindle Touch
- Kindle 5
- Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)
- Kindle Fire (1st generation)
- Kindle Fire (2nd generation)
- Kindle Fire HD 7
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9
According to Amazon, all of the Kindle models listed above will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store. They will still turn on, and you can continue to read books already installed on the device, but you will no longer be able to purchase or download new ones directly from the Kindle Store.
What you can do next
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Download what you need now – Load as many books as possible onto the device before the cutoff date and live with the fact that those will be the only titles you can access on that Kindle.
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Sideload or jailbreak – Some users are finding ways to sideload books or jailbreak their devices. Keep in mind that this almost certainly violates Amazon’s terms of service.
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Upgrade to a newer e‑reader – If the above options aren’t appealing, consider checking out the best e‑readers of 2026 and purchasing a new device. While spending money on a new e‑reader isn’t especially fun, Amazon’s decision has effectively cornered owners of older Kindles.