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Amazon plans to end technical support for older Kindle devices starting on May 20, but that doesn't mean users must get rid of them. Kindles and Fire tablets released before 2013 will no longer receive software support from Amazon, leaving many users looking for alternative ways to continue using them as e-readers.
One of the most popular ways to extend your Kindle's lifespan is to jailbreak it. Doing so lets you bypass some of Amazon's biggest restrictions, offering greater UI customizations, access to untapped settings, and even the ability to install alternative reading software.
Also: This e-reader lets you view in color, and it's $60 cheaper now
Most people looking to jailbreak an older Kindle today install KOReader, KUAL Launcher, and maybe some custom fonts and screensavers, all of which I recently tested on my aging Paperwhite. Here's how I jailbroke my old Kindle to unlock greater access to features, and what I learned in the process.
Other ways to get the most out of your Kindle:
Note: ZDNET does not encourage the use of jailbroken devices to break the law. Each user must understand and comply with applicable laws regarding digital rights management and device modification. In case of uncertainty, we recommend consulting a legal expert.
While using my Kindle Paperwhite with KOReader, I quickly learned the drawbacks of jailbreaking the Amazon tablet, which you should know about as well.
First, jailbreaking any device puts the software at risk of breaking, whether it's random app crashes or a full system crash. You're running unofficial software on the device, after all. I noticed certain apps and features stuttering or simply not responding whenever my Kindle rebooted or was low on battery, for example.
Also: Your Kindle's not obsolete, it just needs a jailbreak - and I'll show you how it's done
Speaking of which, jailbreaking can often take a toll on your device's battery life, as it did to my Kindle. Because KOReader is less optimized and power-efficient than Amazon's native operating system, there was a noticeable decline in battery life as I used my tablet day and night.
For what it's worth, older Kindles can still be used as e-readers without jailbreaking; you can load books onto them with a USB cable and a computer. This process is much easier (and one I prefer) than a full jailbreak, but you can read more about both options below.
You can add digital files to your Kindle easily, as long as they're in EPUB, PDF, RTF, DOC, DOCX, HTML, HTM, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, or BMP format.
After successfully jailbreaking a 2018 Kindle Paperwhite, I found that I preferred using a sideloading method via USB to add ebooks rather than a full jailbreak. This is largely because jailbreaking is risky for your devices, and finding a reputable online source of jailbreak files is close to impossible -- and just as risky -- which is why I didn't recommend most options there.
If you plug your Kindle into your computer using a USB cable but can't find it when navigating your folders, check the cable. A bad cable or a damaged Micro-USB port can cause connectivity issues. You should also make sure not to use a charge-only USB cable.
To troubleshoot this, try using a different cable to connect your Kindle to your computer.
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Kindles have a longer useful life than other tablets, but Amazon has reduced support for older models from 2012 and earlier. Because Kindles are single-purpose reading devices, users are hesitant to upgrade them only because a newer model is available.
As a result, a lot of users like to keep their Kindles when they realize they still work when offline. This has brought a lot of renewed interest to sideloading, using Calibre to add books, installing KOReader, and other ways to preserve older e-readers after software support ends.
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You don't have to jailbreak an older Kindle to continue using it, even if Amazon no longer supports it. Many users prefer adding ebooks to their Kindles via USB over jailbreaking.
USB sideloading your Kindle is safer, easier for most users, doesn't require any hacks or downloads of questionable files, won't brick your Kindle, works on many older Kindles, and keeps the original Kindle interface.
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If you add ebooks to your older Kindle via USB but they won't open on your device, it may be a formatting issue or the book may be protected.
Some older Kindles can't read EPUB, so you'll have to convert it to a compatible format. You can use Calibre to convert it to compatible Kindle files.
Protected books cannot be dragged into a folder unless they're properly authorized, legally converted, or DRM-free. Books bought from certain stores may have Adobe DRM or Kindle DRM, a copy protection Digital Rights Management system that keeps them locked.
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