How to Fix a Kindle Fire Boot Loop

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The Kindle Fire is so much more than just an e-reader, but when yours is stuck in a boot loop it becomes an expensive paperweight. If your Kindle seems to be perpetually stuck at the boot screen and never fully boots up, there are various methods you can use to attempt to resuscitate the device. Whether it’s a hard reset or using free downloadable utilities that works for your device, you will be back to reading your favorite e-books in no time.

How to Fix a Kindle Fire Boot Loop

Learn how to reset your Fire tablet from the section below if you're having boot loop problems. This is the most likely solution for a Amazon Fire tablet that won't turn on, but if this doesn't work, you may have to opt for a third-party solution. Unfortunately, this can be hit-and-miss, so the best option may be returning your device to Amazon as faulty, provided you're still within your warranty period.

Boot Loop Definition and Causes

The Kindle Fire runs on the Android operating system, like many other tablets and phones. An Android boot loop occurs when an errant line of code prevents the device from completing its boot cycle, as explained by TechCult. This leads to a device that attempts to boot up the operating system, fails, and tries to boot again in an endless loop, resulting in your Amazon Fire tablet not turning on. Boot loops often occur after installing a software update – official or custom, or trying to run an app that is incompatible with your Kindle.

Try a Fire Tablet Reset First

Before attempting drastic measures, it’s possible your Kindle may just need a reset. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds then release, as described by TechShift. Wait for the Kindle to power off completely, then press the power button momentarily to restart it. If the Kindle goes right back into the boot loop, try charging it for 30 minute to an hour, then attempting to reset the Fire tablet again.

Third Party Recovery Utilities

If a reset fails to resolve the boot loop, there are some third-party utilities you can try. But note that using any third-party utility like this will most likely void your warranty with Amazon and possibly cause more problems with the device than already exist, so use them at your own risk.

The Kindle Fire Unbrick Utility (see Resources) is a program that automates recovery procedures that would normally be performed in the command line, making recovery a simpler process. Connect your Fire, launch the utility, select “Stuck at logo” from the initial dialog box and follow the prompts.

The Kindle Fire Utility (see Resources), a more advanced interface that runs at the command-line, is used to install recovery software directly on to the device, allowing you to fix the boot loop now and in the future should one occur again. Kindle Fire Utility works with first generation Kindle Fires only, and will not work correctly on any other version of the Kindle Fire.

Return to Sender

If all else fails, contact Amazon through their customer service department and describe your problem. If the Kindle is still under warranty, a repair or replacement may be offered. Outside of warranty, a charge may apply for restoring the device to working order. This may be the safest approach in many cases to avoid voiding your warranty.