You don’t need to ditch your old Kindle, but using it is about to become more challenging.
If you’ve relied on a Kindle device for the past 15 years, this week might be difficult for some users. Recently, Amazon announced that it is ending support for many older Kindle models on May 20. This doesn’t mean you have to stop using the device, but it does mean you should prepare for changes.
Amazon’s announcement affects several Kindle models released before 2013, including:
– Kindle (1st generation)
– Kindle (2nd generation)
– Kindle DX
– Kindle DX Graphite
– Kindle Keyboard
– Kindle 4
– Kindle Touch
– Kindle 5
– Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)
– Kindle Fire (1st and 2nd generation)
– Kindle Fire HD 7
– Kindle Fire HD 8.9
These models will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content from the Kindle Store. They will still function for reading already installed books.
Options for Kindle users include downloading as many books as possible before May 20 and exploring methods like sideloading books, although such actions often violate Amazon’s terms.
Alternatively, consider exploring our list of the best e-readers of 2026 to find a suitable new device. Although not ideal, Amazon has left long-time Kindle users with limited choices.