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Amazon is discontinuing support for a range of older Kindle devices, with users set to lose key features starting May 20, 2026.
The change impacts Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets released in 2012 or earlier, with Amazon confirming that affected devices will no longer be able to access the Kindle Store or download new content after the cutoff date.
The move has sparked backlash online, with longtime users criticizing the decision and raising concerns about losing access to devices that still function.
Older Kindle devices lose store access in May 2026
According to emails sent to customers, users with impacted devices will still be able to read books that are already downloaded. However, they will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new titles once support ends.
Amazon also warned that certain actions could permanently disable the devices. If a user factory resets or deregisters an affected Kindle, it will no longer be possible to set it up again, effectively rendering it unusable.
On older Kindle Fire models, users will lose access to purchasing and downloading content, though other services on the device will continue to function.
Devices included in the cutoff span several early models, including the original Kindle, Kindle 2, Kindle DX, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, Kindle 5, and the first-generation Kindle Paperwhite.
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Amazon said the decision follows more than a decade of support for the hardware. “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 company said in a statement to Engadget.
The company added that the change will affect around 3 percent of current Kindle users. Impacted customers are being offered a 20 percent discount on select Kindle devices, along with ebook credits if they upgrade before June 20.
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“Our newer Kindle devices bring meaningful improvements in screen quality, performance and accessibility, and you’ll have access to your complete Kindle library and the Kindle Store,” Amazon said.
The announcement has triggered frustration across social media, with users sharing concerns about losing access to long-used devices.
One user wrote on Threads: “This is so unnecessary. My Kindle works perfectly fine, and I’m happy with it. It used to belong to my Grandma, and I now use it every single day for work… now you’re telling me that in just over a month I’ll not be able to use it?”
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Another added: “I’m so disappointed to receive this email from Amazon today… It’s working perfectly. In order to access my Kindle books I must buy a new device that certainly won’t last so long.”
With the news, users are looking at alternatives to replace their aging Kindle, like the Boox Palma or Kobo Libra Colour.
