What to do when your Kindle isn’t charging

⚡ Fast fix

• Switch to a different wall outlet and avoid charging via a laptop USB port for more power.
• Clean the charging port using a toothpick or compressed air to remove lint and debris.
• Hold the power button for 40 seconds to force a restart while the device is plugged in.
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You’re ready to read the page-turner you downloaded for book club, but you can’t get started because your Kindle® or Kindle Paperwhite isn’t charging. Before you go out and buy a hardback copy of the book, we can help solve your charging issues. 

At Asurion, when tech gets glitchy or breaks, we fix it whether your phone won’t turn on or you want to extend the battery life of your Kindle. Here’s our guide on what to do when your Amazon™ Kindle won’t charge. 

How to tell if your Kindle is charging 

If your Kindle is charging, the indicator light on the Power button will turn orange while charging and green when the battery is fully charged. If you don’t see a light or if the light doesn’t turn green after charging your device for several hours, it’s probably not charging. 

Troubleshooting a Kindle that’s not charging

If your Kindle is stuck on a low battery screen or won’t take a charge, here are a few fixes to try: 

Remove the cover

If your Kindle has a cover, make sure the cover flap doesn’t block the port or charging cable or try removing the cover. 

Restart your Kindle

Try restarting your device to see if you can get it to charge: 

1. Press and hold the Power button until you see the Power menu box or your screen goes blank. 
2. Keep holding the Power button for 40 seconds, then release it and let your device reboot. 

Inspect the charging cable or wireless charging dock 

Check your device’s charging cable or wireless charging dock for any damage. If you use a cable, it should fit snugly into your device. Also, make sure you’re using the cord or dock that came with your e-reader. Off-brand accessories may not work properly. 

Unplug your Kindle

If you’re using a cable to charge your Kindle, unplug it from your device and the power outlet, then reconnect it. Let your Kindle charge for at least an hour. 

Check the charging port

Take a look at your device's charging port. If it’s damaged, you’ll need to fix or replace it. 

Check your power source

If your Kindle won’t charge when you plug it into a wall outlet or when you use a wireless charging dock, unplug your device or the dock and try a different outlet. It’s possible the one you’re using isn’t working. 

What’s the temperature?

If it’s too hot or too cold, your Kindle may not charge. If you think this could be the issue, move your device to a room away from a sunny window or air conditioner and try charging it again. 

Perform a factory reset

If your Kindle is still not charging or no longer charges at all, you may need to factory reset it. This should be your last resort as a factory reset returns your Kindle to its original settings, removing all your personal data and content that hasn’t been synced. If you’re ready for this step, here’s what to do on most Kindle e-reader models:

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

FAQ

Why won’t my Kindle charge at all?

Most of the time, it’s the cable or power adapter—not the Kindle itself. Try a different charging cable and wall adapter first before assuming the device is broken.

How do I know if my Kindle battery is dead or just frozen?

If the screen won’t turn on but the charging light appears, it may just need time. Leave it plugged in for at least 30 minutes, then try a hard restart.

What does the orange or amber light mean on my Kindle?

An orange or amber light usually means your Kindle is charging. A green light means it’s fully charged. No light at all could point to a cable or port issue.

Why is my Kindle charging very slowly?

Slow charging can happen if you’re using a low-power USB port (like from a laptop) instead of a wall adapter. It can also happen if debris is blocking the charging port.

When should I replace my Kindle battery?

If it charges but drains unusually fast—or won’t hold a charge even after several hours plugged in—the battery may be wearing out. Check in with a local repair expert for a free diagnostic and fast fixes.