Why Is My Kindle Paperwhite Not Connecting To WiFi? (Quick Fix)

Kindle Paperwhite not connecting to WiFi and everything you’ve tried failed? We can help!

A lot of factors could be influencing your Kindle Paperwhite’s ability to connect wirelessly, such as range-related issues, router outages, or incompatibility.

Here are the best methods to address Kindle Wi-Fi issues:

Let’s connect your Kindle to Wi-Fi, shall we?

Kindle Paperwhite Not Connecting to WiFi – Fixed in 7 Steps!

Note: Needless to say, rebooting the Kindle Paperwhite may sometimes address Wi-Fi issues.

1. Reconnect the Kindle Manually

The first step is to ensure that the Paperwhite has been connected appropriately.

Typing down an incorrect password, selecting the wrong hostname, or moving out of the network’s range could all result in a connection drop.

Here are the instructions to reconnect the Kindle Paperwhite properly:

1. Navigate to the “Home” page on your Kindle Paperwhite.
2. Extend the options tab by tapping the three horizontal lines.
3. Go to “Settings” and tap the “Wi-Fi Networks” menu option.
4. Wait until Kindle automatically scans for your Wi-Fi network.
5. Optional: Press on “Rescan” if your Wi-Fi does not appear.
6. Select the Wi-Fi network from the list and type the password.
7. Click the middle “Connect” option to pair your Kindle device.

Quick Tip: Verify to check “Save password to Amazon” before finalizing the Wi-Fi connection!

2. Set Up Kindle’s Connection Over WPS

If the traditional method for establishing a manual Wi-Fi connection does not seem to work, you can connect over WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), if the router supports it.

So, before proceeding further, check if your router or gateway (not the modem) has a built-in “WPS” button on its back.

Here’s how to set up Kindle Paperwhite over WPS:

1. Tap the three horizontal lines in the upper-right screen corner.
2. Select “Settings” at the bottom of the Kindle drop-down menu.
3. Press Wi-Fi Networks from the list and wait for Kindle to scan.
4. Note: “Wi-Fi Networks” could be called “Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.”
5. Tap on your Wi-Fi network from the list to start a connection.
6. Press the “WPS” button on your router for about 5 seconds.
7. Tap “WPS” in the lower-right corner of the connection prompt.
8. Wait until your Kindle Paperwhite establishes the connection.

Verify the Paperwhite is within 5–10 feet distance of the router during the Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

Once connected, you can move the device around in your router’s connection range.

3. Pair Kindle to a 2.4 GHz (WPA2) Wi-Fi

Kindle Paperwhite devices released prior to 2021 will be limited to connecting only with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connections, using a WPA2 or older encryption.

Hence, this could be the reason why your Paperwhite fails to connect or even if it does, there is no internet.

3.1 How to Check Wi-Fi Network Type?

Typically, the network’s frequency is included in the SSID.

If the hostname of your Wi-Fi network does not say 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, an easy way to check is by using a computer or smartphone.

Here are the easiest methods to check through each platform:

How to Check Wi-Fi Network Frequency?
Android Phone	Access the notification panel and long-press the Wi-Fi icon. Select the “Properties” option next to the Wi-Fi and check if the “Frequency” setting says “2.4” or “5” GHz.
iOS iPhone	Download an application such as “Wi-Fi Analyzer” that lets you check the frequency of the paired Wi-Fi.
macOS Computer	Hold the “Option” and “Alt” keys on your keyboard and press the Wi-Fi icon in the upper corner. Check if the “Channel” line says “2.4 GHz” or “5 GHz.”
Windows Computer	Pair to the Wi-Fi network and access the Wi-Fi panel from the PC’s taskbar. Click “Properties” after selecting your network and scroll all the way down to “Properties.” Check if “Network Band” says “2.4 GHz” or “5 GHz.”

Note: Older Kindle Paperwhite models may not even recognize Wi-Fi using a 5 GHz frequency!

4. Troubleshoot Internal Network Issues

If your Kindle Paperwhite can’t connect to your Wi-Fi, the problem could be with the network or broadband, rather than with your reader.

The primary suspect is your router and Wi-Fi network.

Here is a list of the best-performing troubleshooting steps:

• Performing a power cycle (hard reset) on the router.
• Reconnecting the Ethernet or Optical network cord.
• Checking the router and modem’s cable connection.
• Disabling/moving transmitters of wireless frequency.
• Performing a factory reset on your router or modem.

If other devices connected to your network also have symptoms of an inconsistent connection, you may want to speak with your ISP. 

Quick Tip: Test your internet speed and consistency for free!

5. Toggle “Aeroplane Mode” On and Off

Temporarily activating the “Aeroplane” mode in your Paperwhite’s settings is a quick solution to cases when Kindle Paperwhite won’t connect to WiFi.

While active, all of your Kindle’s wireless features will be suspended and rendered unusable.

Here’s how to enable the “Aeroplane Mode” on your Kindle Paperwhite:

1. First, go to “Home” and tap the horizontal lines in the upper corner.
2. Open  “Settings” and go to “Wi-Fi Networks” or “Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.”
3. Set the activation slider next to “Aeroplane Mode” to “On” and wait.
4. After 40 seconds, disable the mode and try to connect your Kindle.

Info: Your Kindle Paperwhite should say “No Service” while the “Aeroplane Mode” is active!

6. Test on your Mobile Hotspot Network

To rule out potential faults with your home Wi-Fi network, you should test connecting your Kindle Paperwhite to the smartphone’s cellular hotspot.

This Android/iOS feature turns the smartphone into a portable router, using your mobile data to share Wi-Fi with nearby devices such as Kindle.

6.1 How to Set Up Mobile Hotspot On Android?

You can activate the hotspot on most Android smartphones by going to “Settings” → “Network & Internet” → “Hotspot & tethering.” 

Alternatively, you can use the search field in the smartphone’s settings app to find the hotspot configuration and learn the hostname and password.

6.2 How to Set Up a Mobile Hotspot On iOS?

Open the “Settings” app on your Apple device,  tap “Personal Hotspot| and ensure that “Allows Others to Join” is set to “On” and check the password. 

Note: After enabling your phone’s hotspot, connect the Paperwhite through the “Wi-Fi Networks” or “Wi-Fi & Bluetooth” tab within the settings.

7. Restore Kindle’s Factory Default Settings

A fault with the settings of the Kindle Paperwhite could be the eventual reason for the Wi-Fi inconsistencies.

You can restore the e-reader’s settings to defaults and determine if that will have an impact on the Wi-Fi connectivity status.

Warning: The factory reset will erase ALL data from your Kindle Paperwhite!

Here’s how to factory reset the Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader easily:

1. Swipe down from the home screen or tap the three horizontal lines.
2. Navigate to “Settings” or “All Settings” for newer Paperwhite models.
3. Head to the “Devices Options” section and press “Factory Reset.”
4. Optional: For older devices, press on “Reset Device” to continue.
5. When prompted to proceed with the reset, select the “Yes” option.
6. Wait until the Kindle Paperwhite finalizes the reset and test the Wi-Fi.

Quick Tip: Connect the Kindle Paperwhite to a charger for the continuity of the factory reset.

Kindle Paperwhite FAQs

Q: Kindle is Connected to Wi-Fi But No Internet?
A: If your e-reader is connected to the Wi-Fi, but you’re offline, your broadband might be offline, which keeps the so-called “empty Wi-Fi” visible but offline. 

Q: Kindle Connects to Hotspot but Not to Router?
A: This is either because your router’s Wi-Fi is not accessible (test via a different device), or because you’re attempting to connect to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi, where the hotspot is 2.4 GHz.