Your old Kindle e-reader will lose internet connectivity later this year

By Michael Allison Published July 29, 2021

Amazon has warned a big change is coming to some of its oldest cellular-enabled Kindle e-readers. From December 2021, some Kindles will no longer be able to use the cellular capabilities, potentially robbing them of connectivity entirely. It’s not Amazon’s fault though, but is due to carriers switching over solely to newer 4G and 5G networks, leaving behind the 2G and 3G connections used by the old Kindle e-readers.

It’s a move that’s been long telegraphed, but you may not have heard much about it until now, as most smartphones currently sold today use 4G or 5G, and upgrade offers are always being made for older devices. Amazon calls out the following Kindle devices affected by the change:

Kindle (1st and 2nd Generation)
Kindle DX (2nd Generation)
Kindle Keyboard (3rd Generation)
Kindle Touch (4th Generation)
Kindle Paperwhite (5th Generation)/(6th Generation)/(7th Generation)
Kindle Voyage (7th Generation)
Kindle Oasis (8th Generation)

Recommended Videos

Some devices will be hit a lot harder than others. While the first and second-generation Kindles as well as the second-generation Kindle DX will lose internet access completely due to the lack of Wi-Fi, every other device on the list has Wi-Fi to fall back on. This means that while you won’t be able to use those on the go with a SIM card anymore, you will still be able to download content on them at home.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

It’s worth noting that this isn’t an issue simply for Kindles, it has wider implications. If you’re using a 3G-only phone in 2021, the time to upgrade is now. Carriers globally are slowly switching off their older 2G and 3G networks in a bid to free up the spectrum for the newer standards. While Amazon is ending support in 2021, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon will all wind down their pre-LTE networks in 2022.

If your Kindle is about to become useless, Amazon does have some sympathy. Amazon supports Wi-Fi on all of its most recent e-readers, and the cellular-capable ones have 4G onboard. Amazon is offering $50 off a new Kindle Paperwhite or Oasis, with $15 in ebook credits to help ease the pain. If you don’t take up Amazon’s offer in time, you will find some cheap Kindle deals here, or you could even consider another e-book reader if you’re feeling the need for change.

Topics

Michael Allison

Former Digital Trends Contributor

A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…

Mobile

Your old iPhone may not get iOS 17 this year, and that’s good

Apple iPhone X Review

With Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference coming on June 5, we’re expecting a lot of cool things to be announced during the keynote. This could finally be the time that Apple unveils its mixed reality headset, and — of course — we’ll be getting our usual slate of software updates for existing products. That includes iOS 17, which will no doubt ship with the iPhone 15 later this year.

But one rumor going around recently is that iOS 17 could be dropping support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. iPadOS 17 may also be leaving the first generation 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, as well as the fifth-generation iPad, in the dust. Though many people who are using these devices seem to be outraged at the possibility of not getting iOS 17 on their older iPhones, I think it’s the right decision. Here’s why.
You already got over 5 years of software upgrades

Mobile

The Kindle Paperwhite now comes in two stunning new colors

Kindle Paperwhite in green, black, and blue.

The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best e-readers currently on the market, and now it's being offered in two new colors. Starting today, February 1, the Paperwhite will be available in the classic black finish as well,as Agave Green and Denim, — two softer colors that give the classic e-reader a nice, pastel look.

In addition to the launch of the new colors, a new Agave Green leather and fabric Kindle cover will be added to the lineup of official Kindle cases to match the new green hardware. A blue, denim case that matches the new Denim Kindle Paperwhite has already been available.

Mobile

Why a Kindle Paperwhite is the best $100 you can spend on Cyber Monday

A personal reads on a Kindle Paperwhite while relaxing at campsite.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times throughout the year to get mobile tech at lower-than-usual prices. That means there are ample Cyber Monday phone deals, tablet deals, and smartwatch deals. But those aren't the only mobile gadgets you can buy for cheap. Also available at a discount today is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.

The Kindle Paperwhite isn't a particularly exciting mobile device, at least not on paper. It isn't a flashy flagship smartphone or a powerful tablet you can use to play CoD: Mobile. Instead, it's a very simple e-reader that's designed for reading e-books and nothing more. But it's because of that simplicity that the Kindle Paperwhite is so damn good — and why it's the best $100 you can spend on a new gadget this Cyber Monday.