How to fix a Kindle that won’t turn on

⚡ Fast fix

• Force a hard restart by holding the power button down for a full 40 seconds.
• Charge for at least an hour to ensure the battery isn't too low to trigger the screen.
• Connect it to a computer to see if the PC recognizes the drive even if the screen is blank.
• Kindle still won't wake up?
  Get 24/7 expert support for the tech you rely on.

You’ve got a digital library full of books to read, but that won’t do you much good if your Amazon™ Kindle® won’t turn on. Don’t worry—it’s easy to get your e-reader powered up again. 

Asurion Experts deal with tech care issues like this every day, whether your Kindle won’t connect to Wi-Fi or you’re not sure whether to fix or replace your tablet. Here’s our guide on what to do if your Kindle isn’t turning on. 

How to troubleshoot a Kindle that's not turning on

Here are a few things to try when your Kindle Paperwhite or any Kindle model won’t turn on:

Charge your Kindle 

To rule out a dead battery, plug in your Kindle (make sure the USB cable fits snugly with your device) or set it up to charge wirelessly and let it charge for at least an hour. When it’s fully charged (green light will turn on), try to turn on your device. 

If your Kindle won’t take a charge, check out our guide on what to do when your Kindle isn’t charging. 

Look for damage 

Inspect your Kindle for wear and tear. Is the Power button sticking when you press it? Are there any cracks in the screen? Is the charging port bent or broken? If so, contact a repair pro for help. 

Check the charger 

Make sure you’re using the charging cable or wireless dock that came with your Kindle. Then, check those accessories for damage. If the cable is frayed or the dock is broken, you’ll need to replace them.

Check your power source

If your Amazon Kindle won’t turn on, it’s possible your device is connected to a non-working wall outlet. Unplug your device or charging dock and switch to another power outlet.  

Avoid extreme temperatures

If you use your e-reader outside or in an indoor location that’s too hot or cold, your Kindle may not charge or turn on. Try using your device in a room away from a sunny window or air conditioner. 

Force restart

If your Kindle won’t turn on, you may need to give it a nudge with a forced restart. 

1. Press and hold the Power button until you see the Power menu box. 
2. Tap Restart. 
3. If you press and hold the Power button and the screen goes blank, continue holding the Power button for another 40 seconds. It should reset automatically. 

Factory reset your Kindle 

After you force your device to restart, if you’re still having trouble, you can try a factory reset. This should be your last resort as a factory reset returns your e-reader to its original settings, removing all account information and content that hasn’t been synced. If you’re ready for this step, here’s what to do.

To factory reset most modern Kindle e-readers (Paperwhite, Oasis, Scribe):

1. Tap the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top right.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Device Options.
4. Tap Reset (or Reset to Factory Defaults).
5. Confirm when prompted.

Can’t get Wi-Fi on your Kindle? Check out our guide on what to do when your Kindle won’t connect to the internet.