The Kindle Charge Light Does Not Come on
By Anthony Oster
A malfunctioning charge indicator light may be a symptom for one of several problems on your Kindle device. While several problems may be diagnosed and fixed via Amazon's troubleshooting guidelines, other more serious problems may require that you contact Amazon customer support and send your Kindle in for repair or replacement.
Check the Power Source
It is possible that the electrical outlet, USB port on your computer or even the USB cable itself may be damaged or malfunctioning. Test your electrical outlet and USB port by plugging another device into your power source. If those devices receive power, it is a sign that the power source is functioning normally, but may suggest that your USB cord or Kindle itself may be at fault. Replace the USB cable used to charge your Kindle. If the indicator light turns on, discard your original USB cable and use the current cable for your charging and data sync needs.
Restart Your Kindle
If your Kindle currently has power, resetting the device may solve the problem preventing your charge indicator from activating. Press and hold the "Power" button on your device for five seconds to turn off your Kindle. If you have a Kindle cover, disconnect it from the Kindle, as some Kindle covers draw power from the Kindle itself to power features such as built-in reading lamps. Press the "Power" button on your Kindle once again to turn the device on. Plug your Kindle into a power source to test the charge indicator light. If your Kindle does not respond, charge it for one hour then repeat this process.
Perform a Hard Reset
A hard reset may solve problems with the battery, clear memory problems and unlock a frozen or unresponsive screen. These types of problems may prevent the charge indicator from lighting up, even if the Kindle is receiving a charge. Disconnect your Kindle cover prior to performing a hard reset. To perform a hard reset on your Kindle, press and hold the "Power" button for 20 seconds then release it. If successful, the reboot screen will load and your Kindle may resume normal operation. Charge your Kindle for an hour and repeat this process if your Kindle does not respond to the hard reset.
Software Updates
If your Kindle has battery power available, you may be able to solve this problem by updating the device's software. To update your Kindle software, log on to Amazon's Kindle Software Updates website and download the most recent software update for your device. Connect your Kindle to your computer using the USB cable, then drag and drop the software update files directly to your device. From the Kindle's Home screen, press the "Menu" button, then select "Settings." Press the "Menu" button while in the settings menu and select "Update Your Kindle." Your Kindle will restart twice during the update procedure, after which, you may plug in USB cable into the Kindle and check the status of the charge indicator.
Contact Amazon Customer Support
If your Kindle continues to act erratically, refuses to charge or is otherwise unresponsive, contact Amazon custom support for information on repairing or replacing your Kindle. After logging in to Amazon's customer support page, you may select your registered Kindle device and describe the types of problems you are experiencing. Once completed, you will have the option of contacting Amazon via email, chat or telephone.
Writer Bio
Anthony Oster is a licensed professional counselor who earned his Master of Science in counseling psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has served as a writer and lead video editor for a small, South Louisiana-based video production company since 2007. Oster is the co-owner of a professional photography business and advises the owner on hardware and software acquisitions for the company.