Q&A for How to Use a Kindle Paperwhite

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • 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 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
    Is the Paperwhite or basic Kindle a better choice?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    The Kindle Paperwhite is often a better choice due to its features like a sharper screen, waterproofing, and adjustable warm light, making it ideal for various settings. The basic Kindle is more affordable and good for casual reading but lacks these advanced features. Choose the Paperwhite for a premium experience or the basic Kindle for a budget-friendly option.
  • 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 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
    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 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
    How do I restart my Kindle after charging?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Hold the power button for about 10 seconds. If it doesn't restart, hold the power button for 40 seconds until the screen goes blank and the Kindle restarts. Once restarted, your Kindle should function normally.
  • 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
    Can I send a highlighted section from my Kindle to my email?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Yes. Open the book and highlight the text you want to share, then go to your Kindle's Notebook or Notes section to view your highlights. Tap the Share option (if available), select Email, enter your email address, and send the highlighted section. Alternatively, you can access your highlights through the Kindle app or Amazon's "Your Notes and Highlights" page online and email them from there.
  • Question
    How do I make the screen go blank when I turn off my Kindle?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Hold the power button for about 9 seconds until a power menu appears, and select "Screen Off." If this option is unavailable, your Kindle will show a screensaver in sleep mode. To fully turn it off, hold the power button for 40 seconds until the screen clears.
  • 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 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 do I turn on page numbers on my Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Tap near the top of the screen to open the menu while reading. Tap "Aa" or "Page Display," then find "Reading Progress" or similar options, and select "Page in Book" to show page numbers if the book supports them. Otherwise, you'll see locations or percentage progress.
  • Question
    How do I turn off my Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Hold the power button for about 9 seconds until a menu appears, and select "Screen Off" to turn off the display. To fully power it down, hold the power button for about 40 seconds until the screen goes blank, then release the button.
  • Question
    How can I access the toolbar on my Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    If the toolbar on your Kindle Paperwhite isn’t appearing, try these steps: 1. Tap near the top of the screen with a single, light tap. 2. Restart your Kindle by holding the power button for 40 seconds. 3. Clean the screen gently with a soft cloth. 4. Check for software updates in Settings > Device Options > Update Your Kindle. If the issue persists, contact Amazon support for further help.
  • Question
    How do I underline a section and find it later on my Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To underline a section on your Kindle Paperwhite, press and hold the start of the text, drag to select the section, and choose "Highlight" from the menu. To find it later, open the menu, go to "Go To" or "Notebook," and view your highlights and notes.
  • Question
    What do the symbols on the Kindle Paperwhite 11 mean?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    The symbols on the Kindle Paperwhite 11 signify the following: The battery shows power level; Wi-Fi or airplane indicates connection status; sync arrows show syncing with Amazon; home takes you to the main screen; library opens your books; shop links to the Kindle Store; three dots open more options; the sun adjusts brightness; and the magnifying glass lets you search. Tap the top of the screen while reading to see these icons.
  • Question
    How do I set a password for my Kindle when it starts?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To set a password on your Kindle Paperwhite, tap the top of the screen and select "Settings." Then, go to "Device Options" and "Device Passcode," where you can enter and confirm a numeric passcode of your choice. Tap "OK" to save, and your Kindle will require this passcode whenever it starts or wakes from sleep.
  • Question
    How do I keep the book title visible while reading on my Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To keep the book title visible, tap near the top of the screen to open the menu. Select "Aa" or "Page Display," then look for an option like "Show Title" or "Show Header" and turn it on if available. If the title disappears, it might be a feature to reduce distractions. You can temporarily bring it back by tapping the top of the screen.
  • Question
    How can I get to the home page on my new Kindle Paperwhite?
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    To get to the home page on your Kindle Paperwhite, tap near the top of the screen while reading to open the toolbar, then select the "Home" icon or button. If the toolbar doesn’t appear, try restarting your Kindle by holding the power button for 40 seconds.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article