How to Reset a Kindle

By Matt Koble

i Spencer Platt/Getty Images News/Getty Images

When an error occurs on your Amazon Kindle e-reader or Kindle Fire tablet, there are multiple ways to fix it, depending on the problem. A soft reset turns the Kindle off and on again, and may solve minor issues. A hard reset restarts the Kindle if it's unresponsive. A factory reset may remedy more serious issues by restoring your Kindle to factory settings, but it should always be the last resort: performing a factory reset on any Kindle model will completely erase your content and disconnect the device from your Amazon account.

E-Reader Soft Reset

Step 1

Open your Kindle's Menu while on the Home screen. Do so by pressing the Menu button, or the onscreen Menu icon for Kindle Paperwhite owners. Select the "Settings" option.

Step 2

Choose "Menu" again from within the Settings menu. This displays a different menu than before.

Step 3

Choose the "Restart" option. Wait while your Kindle powers off and on again.

E-Reader Hard Reset

Step 1

Charge your Kindle e-reader before performing a hard reset. Charging helps ensure your problem isn't related to the device having a low battery.

Step 2

Hold down the Power button for 20 seconds. The screen will change after a few seconds, but continue holding the power button for the full 20 seconds before releasing.

Step 3

Wait while your Kindle restarts.

E-Reader Factory Reset

Step 1

Press your Kindle's Menu button. Select "Settings" from the menu.

Step 2

Open the menu once more from within the Settings window. Select "Reset to Factory Defaults," or "Reset Device" if you're using a Paperwhite.

Step 3

Select "Yes" in the confirmation window after reading the warning. Wait while your Kindle restarts and restores.

Fire Soft Reset

Step 1

Hold the Power button down for three to five seconds. A Shutdown window appears.

Step 2

Tap the “Power Off” button in the Shutdown window. Wait for the Fire to shut down completely.

Step 3

Press the Power button to turn the device on again.

Fire Hard Reset

Step 1

Plug your Kindle Fire in and give it time to charge before performing a hard reset. This helps ensure your issues aren't related to having a low battery.

Step 2

Hold down the Power button for 20 seconds. The Kindle Fire will shut down.

Step 3

Press the Power button to turn the Kindle Fire back on.

Fire Factory Reset

Step 1

Swipe your finger down from the top of your Kindle Fire's screen, presenting the Quick Settings menu.

Step 2

Tap the "Settings" option and select "Device."

Step 3

Select "Reset to Factory Defaults," then tap the "Reset" button. Wait while your Kindle Fire restarts and restores.

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