Amazon is getting ready to end support for Kindle devices released before 2012, a change that will cut these older e-readers off from the Kindle Store and limit how they can be used going forward.
The company has set May 20, 2026, as the deadline, after which these devices will no longer be able to access key store features.
The update was shared through emails sent to customers this week, with screenshots later appearing on social media and Reddit, and Amazon has confirmed the details. According to the message, Kindle e-readers and tablets launched in 2012 or earlier will lose the ability to connect to the Kindle Store once the cutoff date arrives. This means users will no longer be able to buy, borrow, or download new books directly on those devices.
After May 20, these older Kindles will still work, but only for content that is already stored on them. If a device is deregistered or reset to factory settings after that date, it cannot be registered again, effectively locking it out of Amazon’s system.
The list of affected models includes some of the earliest Kindle devices such as the first and second generation Kindle, Kindle DX and DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4 and 5, Kindle Touch, and the first-generation Kindle Paperwhite.
Amazon says these devices have been supported for many years, with some lasting as long as 18 years. A company spokesperson explained that while they have provided long-term support, technology has advanced significantly, and it is time to move on from these older models. The company is also offering promotions to help users switch to newer devices.
For users who still want access to their digital libraries, Amazon says books can be read on newer Kindle devices, through the Kindle mobile app, or using Kindle for Web.
The decision has sparked frustration among longtime users, especially those who say their devices still work perfectly well. Many shared their concerns on Reddit, saying they do not see the need to replace a device that continues to perform without issues.
Some users also pointed out the environmental impact, noting that making working devices less useful adds to electronic waste. According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, global e-waste is expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, marking a significant rise from recent years.
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For those considering alternatives, some users mentioned other e-ink readers like the Boox Palma and Vivlio as possible options.
