Kindle Paperwhite Not Waking Up? – (Try These Solutions)

Do you have a Kindle Paperwhite not waking up problem? We’ve got your back!

Reading your books will be difficult if your device doesn’t wake up. The error indicates a few potential battery, software, and hardware issues. 

To get your Kindle Paperwhite to turn on again, ensure it has sufficient battery level by plugging it in for a few more hours. You also want to use the power cable that came with the box to avoid any issues.

Now, let’s start exploring the solutions!

Kindle Paperwhite Not Waking Up – 10 Solutions to Fix This Issue

We organized ten solutions from the simplest to the most complex.

Start with the first solution and work through it until you find one that resolves your problem.

#1: Charge Your Kindle Paperwhite For a Few More Hours

If the Kindle’s battery is completely drained, it will not wake up.

This usually happens if you have not charged your device for a long time or used it extensively.

To fix this, charge your Kindle Paperwhite for a few more hours. 

1. Plug your Kindle Paperwhite into a wall outlet using its original charger and cable.
2. Ensure the charging indicator light is on.
3. Check if the battery icon on the screen shows that it’s charging.
4. Leave your device plugged in for at least 4 hours or until fully charged.
5. Unplug your device and press the power button to turn it on.

If your Kindle Paperwhite turns on, you’ve successfully fixed the problem. Otherwise, move on to the next solution. 

#2: Use a Different Power Cable

Use a different power cable if your Kindle Paperwhite still doesn’t turn on after charging it.

A faulty or incompatible cable prevents your device from getting enough power to wake up.  

1. Unplug your Kindle Paperwhite from the wall outlet. 
2. Disconnect the charger and cable from your device.
3. Find another charger and cable compatible with your device.
4. Plug your Kindle Paperwhite into a wall outlet using the new cable and charger.
5. Ensure the charging indicator light is on.
6. Check if the battery icon on the screen shows that it’s charging. 
7. Leave your device plugged in for at least 4 hours or until fully charged. 
8. Unplug your device and press the power button to turn it on. 
9. See if the issue is fixed. 

Note: Buy a USB-to-micro-USB cable from Amazon or a reputable retailer. 

#3: Plug Your Charger to a Different Power Source

Another reason your Kindle Paperwhite does not wake up is it’s not getting enough electricity.

A faulty or overloaded outlet prevents your device from having enough power to wake up.

To fix this, plug your charger into a different power source.

1. Unplug your Kindle Paperwhite from the wall outlet. 
2. Disconnect the charger and cable from your device.
3. Find another working outlet that is not overloaded with other devices.   
4. Plug your Kindle Paperwhite into a new outlet using the original cable and charger.
5. Ensure the charging indicator light is on.
6. Check if the battery icon shows it is charging.
7. Leave your device plugged in for at least 4 hours or until fully charged.
8. Unplug your device and press the power button to turn it on.

Tip: Use an extension cord or a power strip if necessary.

#4: Clean the Charging Socket and Cable Contacts

If there is dust or dirt in the charging socket and cable contacts, your Kindle Paperwhite won’t wake up either.

Dirt and dust interfere with the charging process and prevent you from getting enough power to wake up.  

To clean the charging socket and cable contacts, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the Kindle Paperwhite from the wall outlet. 
2. Disconnect the cable and charger from your device.
3. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft cloth to gently wipe away dust or dirt. 
4. Use compressed air or a hair dryer on low heat to remove remaining dust and dirt. 
5. Plug your Kindle Paperwhite into a wall outlet using the original cable and charger.
6. Ensure the charging indicator light is on.
7. Check if the battery icon shows it is charging.
8. Leave your device plugged in for at least 4 hours or until fully charged.
9. Unplug your device and press the power button to turn it on.

If your device turns on, you’ve successfully fixed the problem.

Otherwise, move on to the next solution. 

#5: Remove the Cover from Your Kindle

A very thick or tight cover obstructs or interferes with the power button or the screen.

You must remove it from your Kindle to wake it up.

1. Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds to turn on your Kindle.
2. Tap Power Off on the screen.
3. Carefully detach the cover from your device by pulling it away from the edges.
4. Check if there is any damage or dirt.
5. Clean the cover, power button, and screen with a soft cloth.
6. Turn on your device by pressing the power button.

#6: Force Reboot your Kindle Paperwhite

A software glitch will cause your device to freeze or crash.

The best and most effective solution to fix your problem is to force reboot your Kindle Paperwhite. 

1. Press and hold the power button for 40 seconds.
2. Release the power button and wait for a few seconds.
3. Press the power button again to turn on your Kindle.
4. If your device turns on, the issue is fixed.
5. If it doesn’t, move on to the next solution. 

Note: The software glitch happens when you install a faulty app, download a corrupted file, or update the firmware incorrectly. 

#7: Allow Your Kindle to Cool Down

If you’re still asking, “Why isn’t my Kindle waking up?” your Kindle is either overheating or damaged by extreme temperatures.

This usually happens when you leave your device in a hot or cold environment. 

Allow it to cool down by following these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds to turn off your device.
2. Tap Power Off on the screen.
3. Remove the cover from the device (if applicable). 
4. Place your device in a cool and dry place away from heat sources.
5. Wait for at least 30 minutes or until your device reaches normal temperature.
6. Press the power button again to turn on your Kindle.

If your Kindle Paperwhite turns on, you’ve successfully fixed the problem. 

#8: Check for Stuck or Jammed Buttons 

If a button is pressed or stuck in an off mode or sleep mode, your Kindle Paperwhite won’t wake up.

This happens when you accidentally press a button too hard or something lodged in between the buttons. 

To check for stuck or jammed buttons, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds.
2. Tap Power Off on the screen.
3. Remove the cover from your device (if applicable).
4. Examine the power button and other buttons for signs of damage or dirt.
5. Use a toothpick or needle to pry out any debris between the buttons.
6. Use a cotton swab or soft cloth to wipe away dust or dirt.
7. Press each button several times to ensure they’re working properly. 

#9: Update Your Kindle Paperwhite’s Firmware

If your Kindle Paperwhite has outdated or corrupted firmware, it won’t wake up.

To fix this, update it to its latest version. 

1. Connect your device to a WiFi network.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Select Device Options.
4. Tap on Advanced Options.
5. Choose Update your Kindle.
6. If an update is available, tap OK to download and install it. 
7. If no update is available, tap OK to exit.
8. Wait for your device to restart and apply the update.

Note: The update process usually takes a few minutes. During this time, do not disconnect your Kindle Paperwhite from the WiFi.  

#10: Reset Your Device to Factory Settings

If none of the above solutions works, reset your device to factory settings.

It will erase all your data and settings and restore your Kindle to its original state. 

1. Ensure your Kindle Paperwhite is turned on. 
2. Press and hold the Power and Down buttons simultaneously for 20 seconds.
3. When you see the Reset Device screen, release the buttons.
4. Use the Up and Down buttons to select Reset Device.
5. Press Select and your Kindle will reset to factory settings.    

Pro Tip: Back up your data before resetting your Kindle device. 

Quick Recap

The issue with Kindle Paperwhite not waking up is usually caused by charging problems.

To troubleshoot, use a different cable or power source to charge your device. Additionally, remove the cover as it interferes with the sensors or power button.