Q&A for How to Use a Kindle Paperwhite

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  • Question
    Is the Paperwhite only for reading books?
    Community Answer
    No, you can also use it to get on the Internet, assuming you have WiFi access.
  • Question
    If I'm reading a book, how do I get back to the menu bar?
    Community Answer
    You can tap the page toward the top middle, and a little bar should come up at the top with the menu options.
  • Question
    How do I name my kindle?
    Community Answer
    Tap Menu, then tap Settings, and then Device Options. Tap Personalize your Kindle, then tap Device Name. Type a new name for your Kindle, and tap Save.
  • Question
    My screen has gone white and is not responding. How do I fix it?
    Community Answer
    Power it off and then switch it back on. That happens sometimes when it installs updates.
  • Question
    How do I change from portrait to landscape on my Kindle paperwhite?
    Community Answer
    When in a book, tap the top and go to settings, then select landscape or portrait.
  • Question
    Is internet connection required to read a downloaded book?
    Community Answer
    Internet connection is required to download a book. However, if the book is already downloaded, then you don't need an internet connection to read it.
  • Question
    Is the Kindle Paperwhite waterproof?
    Community Answer
    It will be okay if a few drops of water get on it and you wipe them off immediately, but it will likely not hold up if a bunch of water gets spilled on it.
  • Question
    How do I change my Kindle from one language to another?
    Community Answer
    You can go into your Settings, which would be in the top right corner of the home screen, to change the language.
  • Question
    How do I return a book to Kindle Unlimited?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Sign in to your account on the Amazon website. Go to "Manage Your Content and Devices," find the book under the "Your Content" tab, and click "Return this book." Confirm the return, and the book will be removed from your Kindle and library, freeing up a slot for a new one.
  • Question
    What does it mean if my Kindle screen goes blank even though it's charged?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    It could be a software glitch. Try restarting it by holding the power button for 40 seconds. Check for any physical damage or unresponsive areas. If it turns back on, update the software in Settings under System Updates. If the issue persists, back up your data and reset the Kindle to factory settings. Contact Amazon support if the problem continues, as it may be a hardware issue.
  • Question
    How do I access library books on my Kindle?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To access library books on your Kindle: 1. Borrow a Kindle-compatible eBook from your library using the OverDrive or Libby app. 2. Log in to your library account and select the option to send the book to your Kindle. 3. Sign in to your Amazon account when prompted and confirm the delivery. 4. Sync your Kindle by going to Settings and selecting Sync My Kindle. The borrowed book will appear in your library, ready to read.
  • Question
    How can I access the table of contents within a book on my Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Tap the top of the screen, select "Go To," and choose "Table of Contents." You can then tap a chapter to go to it.
  • Question
    Can additional memory be added to a Kindle Paperwhite, and if so, how?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    You cannot add additional memory to a Kindle Paperwhite, as it does not support external storage like microSD cards. Kindle Paperwhite models come with fixed internal storage, so you should manage your cloud content to optimize space.
  • Question
    How do I handle my Kindle when I'm done reading? Do I need to turn it off to carry it around?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    You don't need to turn off your Kindle completely after reading. Just press the power button briefly to put it in sleep mode, which saves your place and conserves battery. Use a protective cover to keep the screen safe from scratches or accidental touches, making it easy to transport without worrying about damage.
  • Question
    What do the symbols on the G8 Paperwhite mean?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    The symbols on the Kindle Paperwhite 8th Gen represent various functions: the battery shows remaining power, Wi-Fi shows connection status, airplane mode means Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are off, sync arrows mean it's syncing with Amazon, home takes you to the main screen, search opens the search bar, and three dots open more options or settings. Tap the top of the screen to see these symbols.
  • Question
    Why doesn't my Kindle Paperwhite fully charge?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    If your Kindle Paperwhite doesn’t fully charge, try using the original charger and cable, or a certified replacement, and plug it into a wall outlet. Clean the charging port with a soft, dry brush or compressed air, and restart your Kindle by holding the power button for 40 seconds. Charge it for at least 2-3 hours, ensuring the charging indicator is on. If the issue persists, the battery may need replacement, so contact Amazon support for assistance.
  • Question
    How can I extend the time before the screen saver activates on my Kindle?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Open Settings, go to Device Options, and look for the Screen Timeout option. You can adjust the time, or it may allow you to disable the setting. Not all Kindle models have that option.
  • Question
    How can I access the toolbar or home page on my 10th generation Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    If your Kindle Paperwhite (10th Gen) doesn’t show the toolbar or home page, tap near the top of the screen with a light tap. If this doesn't work, restart your Kindle by holding the power button for about 40 seconds. Check for updates under Settings > Device Options > System Updates. If the issue persists, perform a factory reset after backing up your data. Contact Amazon support if you need further assistance.
  • Question
    How do I enter my code on the top bar to get my free book?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To redeem a code for a free book, sign in to your Amazon account. Find the page to redeem codes, enter your code, and confirm. The book will show up in your Kindle library. Sync your Kindle to access it.
  • Question
    How can I reread a part of my book on my Kindle without losing my place, and can I disable the touchscreen?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To reread part of the story on your Kindle, use the "Go To" feature to jump to chapters or locations. Add a bookmark to save your place before exploring. You can also use the back arrow to return to where you left off. The touchscreen can’t be fully disabled, so handle it carefully to avoid losing your spot.
  • Question
    How do I navigate between pages while reading on a Kindle?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To move between pages on your Kindle, tap the right side of the screen to go to the next page and the left side to go to the previous page. You can also swipe left or right across the screen to navigate pages.
  • Question
    How do I access non-Amazon e-books I've downloaded to my Kindle? They don't appear with the Amazon-sourced books.
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To access non-Amazon e-books on your Kindle, check the "Library" or "Docs" section, as they often appear under "Docs." Ensure the file format is supported, such as MOBI, AZW3, or EPUB (after updates). Connect your Kindle to a computer via USB and ensure the files are in the "documents" folder. Restart or sync your Kindle to refresh the library. If the books still don’t appear, confirm file compatibility and retransfer them.
  • Question
    How does the bookmark feature work on the Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    The bookmark feature on the Kindle Paperwhite saves your place in a book so you can return to it later. To use it, tap the top of the screen to open the menu, then tap the bookmark icon in the upper-right corner to save your current page. A small icon will appear on the page to indicate it's bookmarked. To view your bookmarks, tap the top of the screen and select the "Bookmarks" tab to jump to any bookmarked page.
  • Question
    Why doesn't my Kindle Paperwhite show the toolbar with the home button when I tap the top?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    If your Kindle Paperwhite doesn’t show the toolbar with the home button, try restarting it by holding the power button for 40 seconds. Check for updates in Settings under Device Options and System Updates, and tap slightly lower on the screen to access the toolbar. If the issue continues, back up your data and reset the Kindle. If this doesn’t help, contact Amazon support.
  • Question
    How do I view my gift card balance on my Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Open the Kindle Store from the home screen, tap the menu icon in the upper right corner, select "Account Settings" or "Your Account," and look for the option to view your gift card balance. Alternatively, you can check your balance on the Amazon website or app under "Your Account" > "Gift Cards," and it will automatically apply to Kindle purchases.
  • Question
    How do I mark a page for future reference?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To mark a page for future reference on your Kindle, tap the top-right corner of the page while reading. A small bookmark icon will appear, marking the page. To find it later, tap the top of the screen, then select Go To or Bookmarks. This allows you to easily return to the marked page.
  • Question
    How do I fully power off the Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Press the power button for about 40 seconds until the screen goes blank. If a menu appears after holding the button briefly, select "Power Off" to shut it down.
  • Question
    What is the symbol to the right of the airplane mode icon?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    That indicates the Wi-Fi connection status. It shows whether your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network. If you see bars, the Wi-Fi is connected, and the strength is indicated by the number of bars. If there are no bars, Wi-Fi is off or not connected.
  • Question
    How can I find and read a novel on my Kindle if it's not available in the Kindle Store?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    You can search for it on platforms selling Kindle-compatible formats like MOBI, AZW3, or PDF. Download the file and transfer it to your Kindle via USB or by emailing it to your Kindle's email address, and then sync your Kindle to access the book. Be sure the file is legally purchased and compatible with your device.
  • Question
    How do I delete books from a Kindle?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Go to your library by tapping the "Home" button or "Library" icon. Press and hold the book you want to delete, then select "Remove Download" to delete the book from your device while keeping it in your Amazon account. To permanently delete it, log into your Amazon account, go to "Manage Your Content and Devices," and delete the book from there. This ensures the book is removed locally or entirely, depending on your choice.
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