Amazon to end support for older Kindles, prompting user outcry

The move means owners of Kindles released before 2013 will be unable to download new e-books.

Amazon is rolling back support on many of its older Kindle models. In a statement obtained by USA TODAY, Amazon confirmed it is discontinuing support for 12 of its Kindle e-readers starting on Wednesday, May 20. Users with these models will no longer be able to purchase, borrow or download new content from the Kindle Store. "These models have been supported for at least 14 years – some as long as 18 years – but technology has come a long way in that time," the statement said. Are you a Kindle user? Here's what to know about the latest announcement.

Amazon has announced it will end support for certain older Kindle and Kindle Fire devices starting May 20, 2026. After this date, affected models—some up to 18 years old—will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content from the Kindle Store. The change, which impacts around 3% of users, is due to the advancing technology of newer Kindle models, which now feature larger displays, front illumination, and more refined designs. While this update will limit functionality for older devices, already-downloaded books will remain accessible, and users can still access content via the Kindle app and web. As compensation, Amazon is offering affected users a 20% discount on a new Kindle and a £15 book credit. Email notifications will be sent to inform users and provide discount details. Recommended replacement models include the Kindle (11th Gen) priced at £74.99 and the Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) at £159.99.

Amazon has announced the end of support for Kindle and Kindle Fire devices from 2012 and earlier, effective May 20, 2026. After this date, users will still be able to read content already downloaded on their devices but will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new books directly to these older models. Devices that are deregistered or factory reset will not be eligible for reactivation, rendering them unusable. To encourage upgrades, Amazon is offering affected users a 20% discount on new Kindle models and a $20 or AU$30 ebook credit, depending on the region. The incentives are valid until June 20, 2026.

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon will end support for older Kindle models released in 2012 or earlier, including the popular Kindle 3, Kindle 4, and first-generation Kindle Paperwhite. While users will still be able to read already-downloaded content, they will no longer be able to purchase or download new books from Amazon on these devices. This decision has sparked widespread frustration among users, especially on Reddit, where many argue that their older Kindles remain perfectly functional for their simple purpose—reading books—and see no need for forced upgrades. Users suspect the move is financially motivated by Amazon to push newer, more expensive models. Despite the shutdown, many Kindle owners are turning to sideloading as a workaround, using alternative methods such as transferring files via USB or sending EPUB files to their Kindle email. However, concerns persist about whether Amazon may eventually block sideloading too. Overall, the decision has stirred a debate over planned obsolescence and user rights in digital device ecosystems.

Amazon will end support for older Kindle devices in May 2026. See the full list of affected models and what it means for users.

Amazon is preparing to end support for Kindle devices released before 2012 — cutting them off from the Kindle Store and making them virtually unable to load any new content. The company set a cutoff date for May 20, 2026. Amazon sent an email to customers this week announcing it would end support for the devices, according to screenshots of the message posted to social media and Reddit from customers, and confirmed by Amazon. According to the message, Kindle e-readers and tablets released in 2012 or earlier will lose access to Kindle Store functions after the deadline. That means affected devices will no longer be able to buy, borrow, or download new books directly. After May 20, users will only be able to use their devices to read content that’s already downloaded. Once an older device is deregistered or reset to factory settings, it cannot be re-registered after May 20.

Amazon is making a slew of older Kindle devices obsolete starting in May. This means that you won't be able to download new books unless you find a workaround or purchase a newer model. As reported by The Verge (and elsewhere), starting on May 20th, 2026 Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets released in 2012 and before will "no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store." Any books you already have on those devices will still be accessible. And you can still access your accounts and purchases via the Kindle mobile app, Kindle site and newer models.

Amazon is to stop supporting older Kindle models leaving longtime ebook fans unable to access new content from the Kindle store. Devices released during or before 2012 will no longer receive updates from 20 May, affecting owners of older Kindles, including the earliest models such as the Touch and some Fire tablets. It is thought that 2m e-readers could be affected. Users will still be able to read ebooks they have downloaded, and their accounts and their Kindle library will remain accessible on mobile and desktop apps.