Wi-Fi Not Connecting
Amazon Kindle E-Reader
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Kindle Wi-Fi problems are most often caused by an incorrect Wi-Fi password saved on the device, the router needing a restart, or the Kindle only supporting 2.4 GHz while the router is broadcasting 5 GHz only. Forgetting and re-adding the network resolves most cases.
Affected Models
- Kindle Paperwhite (all generations)
- Kindle Oasis
- Kindle Basic
- Kindle Scribe
- Kindle Colorsoft
Common Causes
- Wrong Wi-Fi password stored on Kindle
- Router needs restart
- Kindle only supports 2.4 GHz — 5 GHz only networks are not visible
- Wi-Fi network uses WPA3 — older Kindle models only support WPA2
- Kindle software needs update
- Router MAC address filtering blocking the Kindle
How to Fix It
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Forget and re-add the Wi-Fi network.
Settings → Wi-Fi & Bluetooth → tap the network name → Forget this Network. Then tap the network again and re-enter the password carefully. This clears any incorrectly stored credentials — the most common cause of Kindle Wi-Fi failures.
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Restart the Kindle and the router.
Hold the Kindle power button for 40 seconds to restart it. Unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug back in. Wait 60 seconds for the router to fully restart. Then try connecting the Kindle again.
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Check for a 2.4 GHz network.
All Kindle models support only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi — they cannot connect to 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts only 5 GHz, the Kindle will not see it at all. Log into your router admin page and ensure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled and broadcasting. If your router uses a combined name for both bands, the Kindle should automatically connect to 2.4 GHz.
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Check the router security type.
Older Kindle models (Paperwhite 1st–3rd generation, Kindle Basic 2014–2019) may not support WPA3 security. Log into your router and check the Wi-Fi security setting. If set to WPA3 only, temporarily change it to WPA2/WPA3 mixed or WPA2 only to allow older devices to connect.
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Update Kindle software via USB.
If the Kindle cannot connect to Wi-Fi for updates, download the latest Kindle software from amazon.com/kindleupdate onto a computer. Connect the Kindle via USB. Copy the update file to the Kindle's root folder. Eject the Kindle, then: Settings → Device Options → Advanced Options → Update Your Kindle. A software update can fix Wi-Fi bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Kindle say 'Unable to connect to Wi-Fi' even with the correct password?
If the password is definitely correct and the Kindle still fails to connect, the most likely causes are a mismatch between the router's security type (WPA3 vs WPA2) and the Kindle's supported security protocols, or the router's 2.4 GHz band being switched off. Try changing the router security to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode and confirming the 2.4 GHz band is enabled. Also try a 40-second power reset on the Kindle before attempting to connect.