Kindle Paperwhite Won’t Charge? (Here’s The Easy Fix!)

Kindle Paperwhite won’t charge and you’re clueless? This guide will help you charge it!

There aren’t many possibilities for charging issues with your e-reader.

In short, the Paperwhite’s charging could be disrupted due to a faulty charger, bad supply, or a recurring reboot loop. 

Those are the most effective ways to restore Kindle’s charging ability:

Keep reading to learn a detailed walkthrough of each solution from above!

My Kindle Paperwhite Won’t Charge? – (6 Instant Solutions)

Note: Have you checked if the charging light is on? 

1. Inspect the Charger’s Connection

The first step is to ensure that all of the charger’s connections are secured and that your Kindle receives an uninterrupted voltage.

If there is a loose or unsecured connection anywhere along the e-reader’s equipment, your Kindle will lose power consistently and may even fail to start up.

Inspect the following connections in the Kindle Paperwhite’s charger:

• The connection between the charger and your e-reader.
• The connection between your charger and your adapter.
• The connection between the A/C adapter and the outlet.

If all of the charger’s connections seem secure, detach both ends of the cable and reconnect them after 10–15 seconds.

The residue power should discharge quickly and reconnecting the charger should jump-start the Kindle Paperwhite.

Inspect the Physical Contact (Wireless Charging)

If you’re using a wireless charger with a more recent Kindle Paperwhite reader model, the most important thing to check is whether there’s proper physical contact with the magnetic surface.

The Kindle Paperwhite should be in proper contact with the charger’s magnetic surface at all times, to sustain charging. 

Reminder: Additionally, verify that the wireless charger’s power connection is also secured.

2. Unload Kindle’s Storage on Amazon

One way to address potential startup or charging issues with your Kindle is to decrease the amount of installed ebooks through your Amazon account.

This is particularly helpful if your Kindle Paperwhite won’t hold charge, shows “No Battery” or is currently stuck in a reboot loop.

Here’s how to unload the storage of your Kindle Paperwhite remotely:

1. Access Amazon on your computer, laptop, or smartphone.
2. Sign in to the Amazon account linked with your Paperwhite.
3. Click the three horizontal lines menu button in the corner.
4. Next, scroll down to the “Kindle Apps & Resources” section.
5. Click the “Manage Your Content and Devices” from below.
6. Click the checkbox next to each book you wish to uninstall.
7. Click on the “Delete” button above the book section and wait.

Delete only non-essential books or ones you’ve already read and determine if the Kindle will start working properly.

It’s advised to delete anywhere between 3 and 5 books to free up a considerable amount of space for your Kindle.

3. Alter the Paperwhite’s Power Source

It’s quite likely that your Kindle’s charging problems are related to a source insufficiency.

So, the next step is to relocate the reader charging equipment to a functional outlet (preferably tested).

Prior to testing the Kindle, connect any electrical appliance to the outlet, just to verify that the voltage is there.

Once the e-reader is connected to your new outlet, check if the “Battery” lamp right next to the charging port comes on.

Also, Check Kindle’s Voltage Supply!

It’s also important to supply the Kindle Paperwhite with the right amount of voltage.

• Going over or under 5,25V (500 mA) will respectively undercharge or overcharge the e-reader.

So, if you’re uncertain whether the e-reader charging cable is functional, use a voltmeter to test your outlet.

Important: Avoid all kinds of power strips, dividers, surge protectors, or electrical extenders!

4. Charge your Kindle from a PC/Laptop

Sometimes, jump-starting the Kindle Paperwhite’s battery is possible after charging the e-reader through a laptop or computer.

All you need from the Kindle’s charging equipment is your USB-A to micro-USB cable and a working computer with a 2.0/3.0 USB port.

Here’s how to charge the Kindle Paperwhite through a computer easily:

1. Turn your computer or laptop on and wait for your system to load.
2. Connect one end of the charging cable to your computer’s port.
3. Plug the other end into the charging port of the Kindle Paperwhite.
4. Wait until a pop-up appears on your computer regarding the USB.
5. Acknowledge that your computer has recognized the Paperwhite.
6. Hold the “Power” button on the e-reader for a total of 40 seconds.
7. Release the button and check if the Kindle’s battery lamp lights up.

If the connection is successful, the “Battery” indicator should remain lit.

Wait until the e-reader either powers up, or the “Battery” indicator goes off, and then hold the “Power” button again.

5. Replace the microUSB Charging Cable

At this point, it’s becoming evident that either your Kindle’s charging cable no longer works or the internal battery has gone bad.

Fortunately, it’s easy to come across a charging cable such as the one your Kindle uses, so the next step is to test with an alternative micro-USB adapter.

Before installing the replacement cable, it’s recommended to test it on another device preferably with a different power adapter.

• While Kindle devices can charge with any micro-USB, ensure the replacement supplies no more than 5,25V.

Important: Remove Charging Equipment:

Verify no third-party equipment such as power strips, dividers or cord extenders are present in the charging setup of your Kindle.

Use a direct outlet connection and determine if the Kindle Paperwhite’s “Battery” status lamp comes on.

6. Jump-Start Kindle Paperwhite’s Battery

If your Kindle Paperwhite low battery won’t charge, allowing the device to charge overnight or for at least 12 hours will revive the battery. 

Kindle owners shared that not using the Paperwhite for over a month or not charging it in that period could result in battery deterioration.

Some users even refer to this process as “coming back to life” as it generally occurs after the e-reader has not been used for a prolonged period.

Hence, allow Kindle to charge for a full day or night and reboot the e-reader using the “Power” button.

How to Jump-Start Kindle When Charged?

If the e-reader has reached a sufficient amount of battery charge, you should be able to bring up the actions menu by pressing and holding the “Power” button for 10 seconds.

So, do not unplug the e-reader yet and select the “Reboot” tile from the options menu.

Note: The e-reader should now power off along with the “Battery” lamp and turn it back on after an average of 15–25 seconds. 

Do not interact with the reader in that period.

Kindle Paperwhite Still Won’t Charge?

If you had no success with any of our solutions, all odds lead to a defective battery or charging cable.

First, replace the charging cable, and if it doesn’t work, bring your e-reader for servicing.

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