Your old Kindle tablet may have lost update support — but it’s still very useful (for free)

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Highlights taken by ZDNET

• If your Kindle is from 2012 or earlier, access to the Kindle Store and software updates is gone.
• These Kindle users will still be able to access the books already on their devices.
• Kindle ereaders and Fire tablets from 2012 or later cannot purchase, borrow, or download new content.

Amazon recently ended software support for eight Kindle and Fire tablet models from before 2013. As a result, Kindle owners with these older devices can no longer access the Kindle Store to purchase new books or download software updates. However, they will retain access to their existing Kindle library, including purchased books.

Plus: This e-reader lets you view in color, and it’s $60 cheaper now

Indeed, Amazon offers Kindle devices a great support period, especially when compared to other tablets. The Kindle gets anywhere between 10 and 15 years of software support before Amazon makes major cuts, while most tablets and smartphones from other manufacturers on the market get between 3 and 7 years.

This, along with the fact that Kindles are single-purpose devices, has earned Amazon a loyal user base.

Kindle models are no longer supported as of May 20

These are the Kindle and Fire tablet models that Amazon no longer supports.

Kindle e-readers

Here are the Kindle devices that will no longer receive software support:

• First generation Kindle Paperwhite (2012)
• Kindle 5 (2012)
• Kindle Touch (2011)
• Kindle 4 (2011)
• Kindle Keyboard (2010)
• Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)
• First generation Kindle (2007)

Kindle Fire tablets

Amazon is also ending support for Kindle Fire Tablets released before 2013:

• Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)
• Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
• Kindle Fire 2nd Gen (2012)
• Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011)

How to get the most out of your Kindle

Whether you have an old Kindle that no longer receives software support or a newer model, there are plenty of tips, hacks, and solutions for these e-readers that you can take advantage of. Whatever your Kindle needs, ZDNET has you covered, from free books and file conversions to our favorite accessories. Here’s a roundup of our Kindle-related tips:

• How to get free Kindle books: I read books quickly, which can be expensive. Because of this, I like to explore different ways to get free e-books for my Kindle, and there are quite a few. Whether you want to borrow books from the library, download books for $0 from the Kindle Store, or use a Kindle Unlimited subscription, learn all the ways you can get great books for free.
• How to share or borrow a Kindle book: Like me, my kids love to read with their Kindle devices, so I always share books directly with them. There are many ways to share Kindle books, and I walk you through the process so you can share them with someone and spread the love of reading.
• How to buy books on Kindle: Going back to the basics, I walk you through the process of buying a book for your Kindle device, including how to do it from your Android phone or iPhone, and how to buy books in a foreign language.
• How to send articles and files to your Kindle: The Kindle e-reader isn’t just limited to books from the Kindle Store; and you can send PDFs and other documents that you can read on your e-ink display. There are also ways to send online articles from your phone or computer to read on your Kindle. I used the Send to Kindle website, a browser extension, the share button on my phone, and, my favorite, my Kindle’s email address.
• How to jailbreak an old Kindle: Although the Kindle Store is not accessible on older, unsupported Kindle models, there are still ways you can add books to your e-reader, bypassing Amazon’s restrictions. I test the easy way to add books to an old Kindle and the technical way — and yes, I found a favorite.
• To convert EPUB files to Kindle format: Older Kindle devices don’t support EPUB files, but ZDNET’s David Gewirtz walks you through how to convert them to Kindle files and use your outdated Kindle to keep reading.
• Our favorite Kindle accessories: Yes, I’m a full-on book reader with a set to match, and I’ve rounded up my favorite Kindle cases, holders, chargers, and page-turners in one place. Am I be reading with a Kindle stand and turning pages with the remote without having to take my hand out from under my blanket? No, but don’t beat it until you try it.

How can I use an old Kindle?

Although your pre-2013 Kindle ereader will no longer allow you to purchase new books or receive software updates, you will still be able to access books that are already in your Kindle library. If you’d like to add new books, however, you don’t have to rely on the Kindle Store; you can simply transfer books to your Kindle via USB.

As for how to get new ebooks, you can do that outside of the Kindle Store. There are several reputable e-book sellers, including Bookshop.org again eBooks.comand you can get ebooks in PDF format or books from your local library.

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Your local library probably partners with a service like Libby or Hoopla that gives users access to an online catalog of millions of e-books and audiobooks — all you need is a free library card.

ZDNET has reached out to Amazon for comment on other ways to add ebooks to older Kindle devices and will update as soon as we learn more.

Why is Amazon ending support for older Kindles?

Amazon cites technical changes to justify ending support for older Kindle devices from before 2013. Here’s a statement the company shared with ZDNET about it:

“These models have been supported for at least 14 years — some 18 years — but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported going forward. We appreciate those who are still actively using them and are offering promotions to help with the transition to new devices.”

Also: How to turn your old, obsolete Kindle into the ultimate open source reader

Ending software support for older devices is par for the course for all tech companies. As new devices come on the market, maintaining older devices is expensive, and many older models often lack the necessary hardware power to use new features.

Amazon has confirmed that the “accounts and Kindle Library” of these users remain fully accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.