Kindle: download software updates - how does it work?
The Kindle usually gets its software updates automatically. You can also download it yourself and install it manually on your device - for example, if you don't have WiFi at home. In this practical tip we will show you how.
Do I need a Kindle update? - Check the software version
Of course, you should first check whether an update is necessary at all. Otherwise you would download the approximately 100 Mbyte firmware for free. You can find out the currently installed version as follows:
- Click on the symbol with the three bars in the top right of the main menu. Then click on "Device info".
- Under "Firmware version" you can see the version number of the installed software. You can find out whether it is outdated or not on the Amazon website. Just click on the Kindle you own. The current version is then displayed directly.
Install Kindle Update manually
There are slight differences in the Kindle devices when it comes to the installation sequence. For example, you may need to install two firmwares in a row on a device with very outdated software. The basic scheme is always the same:
- First, download the current firmware file from the Amazon website (file extension .bin).
- Then connect your activated Kindle to the PC via USB.
- Now copy the firmware into the root (main memory) of your Kindles. Do not create a subfolder. This is the only way for your Kindle to find the update file.
- Disconnect the Kindle from your PC.
- In the menu, which you have already called up to check the version, a new item now appears: "Update Kindle". Just select this item and your device updates. If the point is greyed out, something went wrong when downloading or transferring the file. In this case, repeat the above steps.
The instructions refer to a Kindle Paperwhite 2. You can find out how to display page numbers on your Kindle in this practical tip.