If you’ve been holding on to an old Kindle device for over a decade, it’s likely time to move on. An Amazon spokesperson has confirmed to The Verge that Kindle eReaders and Kindle Fire tablets released in 2012 and earlier will no longer have Kindle Store access to buy, borrow, or download books after May 20th, 2026.
Existing books will still be readable after the cutoff, and Kindle Fire users can still use other apps. However, you’ll need to keep the device registered. If it’s deregistered or wiped after the deadline, you can’t register it again. We asked the company to explain the reasoning behind this change, and it responded with a fairly generic message:
Starting May 20, 2026, customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store. These models have been supported for at least 14 years—some as long as 18 years—but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward. We are notifying those still actively using them and offering promotions to help with the transition to newer devices. Their accounts and Kindle Library also remain fully accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.
- Storage
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16GB
- Weight
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7.6oz (215g)
The move ends the practical lifespans of some of Amazon’s most iconic hardware, ranging from 2007’s original Kindle through to first-generation Kindle Fire tablets and the initial Kindle Paperwhite. Here’s the list of devices losing support on May 20th:
- Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
- Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)
- Kindle Keyboard (2010)
- Kindle 4 (2011)
- Kindle Touch (2011)
- Kindle 5 (2012)
- Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012)
- Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011)
- Kindle Fire 2nd Gen (2012)
- Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)
Amazon no longer supports my Kindle: what can I do?
You have multiple options
If you own one of the soon-to-be-unsupported devices, you’ll have multiple solutions — including an incentive to upgrade.
Amazon is offering affected users a 20% discount on the purchase of a new Kindle device until June 20th, 2026, and will provide a $20 book credit at the same time. If you prefer to use a dedicated eReader, this may be your moment to buy modern hardware like the Kindle Colorsoft. You can also buy used if you’re more interested in bargains than new technology like color displays.
You have more options if you’re happy to read on other devices. Kindle apps are widely available on phones and tablets. You can also access Kindle books through Amazon’s web reader. This might be the most practical option, as you likely have at least one mobile device that will work.
After that, your choices are more complicated. You can jailbreak a Kindle (that is, break Amazon’s software restrictions) to install third-party library managers like Calibre and otherwise avoid dependence on the Kindle Store. This does require technical know-how and isn’t without risks, but it’s free.
Whatever you choose, Amazon’s end-of-support notice underscores the concerns about devices and stores that rely on proprietary copy protection. Your legal options for book downloads and transfers are limited without the Kindle Store. You’ll likely have to move on even if your Kindle is working perfectly.
With that said, the devices losing support are at least 14 years old. If you haven’t upgraded, you’re already dealing with reduced battery life, storage limits, and limited connectivity. Amazon’s move will mainly impact you if you’re determined to hold on to an old device at all costs, whether it’s out of nostalgia or passing on an old eReader to your kids.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
