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ZDNET Highlights
- Jailbreaking a Kindle allows you to modify its software to bypass some of Amazon’s restrictions.
- This is most useful for users with older Kindle devices that are no longer supported by Amazon.
- Starting May 20, eight Kindle models will no longer be supported.
Amazon plans to end technical support for older Kindle devices starting May 20, but that doesn’t mean users should get rid of them. Kindle 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 the lifespan of your Kindle is to jailbreak it. Doing so lets you bypass some of Amazon’s biggest restrictions, providing more UI customization, access to unused settings, and even the ability to install alternative reading software.
Plus: This e-reader lets you see in color, and it’s now $60 cheaper
Most people who want to jailbreak an old Kindle today install KOReader, KUAL Launcher, and maybe some custom fonts and screensavers, all of which I recently tested on my old Paperwhite. Here’s how I jailbroken my old Kindle to unlock more access to features, and what I learned in the process.
Other ways to get the most from your Kindle:
How to Jailbreak an Old Kindle
Comment: 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.
- Identify your Kindle model and firmware: Go to your Kindle’s Settings, then open Device Options and select Device Information. Find your Kindle’s model name and firmware version. For example, my Kindle said “Kindle Paperwhite (10th Generation)” with firmware version 5.18.1.
- Stop Automatic Kindle Updates: Over-the-air updates have historically patched jailbreaks and blocked custom software, so many people keep their Kindle Wi-Fi off to avoid updates or permanently use airplane mode.
- Download a package: This is where things can get risky, which is why I prefer to add books via USB rather than doing a full jailbreak. You can find jailbreak files from a variety of online sources, including message boards and technology forums. Since these are unverified sources, you run the risk of receiving unwanted files.
- Plug your Kindle into your computer: Using a USB cable, connect your Kindle to your computer, then copy the jailbreak .bin file to the root directory of the Kindle. Run an update to install the file.
- Install the hotfix or developer certificate: Kindle jailbreaks often rely on them because Amazon added a check to prevent unsigned apps. Following the jailbreak instructions, you may need to add a MKK file to your Kindle folder.
- Install Kual: well There is an app launcher for your jailbroken Kindle that acts as the device’s menu system.
- Install Corridor: Most use jailbroken Kindles CorridorAn open-source ebook reader application. It lets you extensively customize your new e-reader and supports multiple file formats like EPUB. KOReader offers an intuitive PDF viewing experience, advanced typography, custom gestures, a file browser, and fast navigation for large libraries.
Drawbacks of Jailbreaking a Kindle
When using my Kindle Paperwhite with KOReader, I immediately discovered the drawbacks of jailbreaking an Amazon tablet, which you should also be aware of.
First of all, jailbreaking any device comes with the risk of software breakage, whether it results in random app crashes or complete system crashes. After all, you are running unofficial software on the device. For example, whenever my Kindle reboots or is low on battery, I’ve noticed that some apps and features are lagging or not responding.
Also: Your Kindle isn’t obsolete, it just needs a jailbreak – and I’ll show you how to do it
Speaking of which, jailbreaking can often take a toll on your device’s battery life, as was the case with my Kindle. Because KOReader is less optimized and power-efficient than Amazon’s native operating system, battery life dropped significantly when I used my tablet day and night.
Safe way to add books to old Kindle
For what it’s worth, the older Kindle can still be used as an e-reader without being jailbroken; You can load books on them with the help of USB cable and computer. This process is much easier than a full jailbreak (and which I prefer), but you can read more about both options below.
you can add digital files easily on your Kindle, as long as they are in EPUB, PDF, RTF, DOC, DOCX, HTML, HTM, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, or BMP format.
- Connect your Kindle to your computer using a USB cable: Use a USB cable to connect your Kindle to your computer or laptop, as you would with any other external storage device.
- Find your Kindle storage drive: Navigate to your Kindle’s folder on your computer. Use Finder on Mac or Windows Explorer on Windows to find the folder for your device.
- Add ebook files to Documents folder: Within the Kindle folder on your computer, find the Documents folder and add your e-books to it.
- Take out your Kindle: In the folder on your computer, eject it before disconnecting it.
Decision
After successfully jailbreaking the 2018 Kindle Paperwhite, I found that I prefer to use the sideloading method via USB to add ebooks rather than a full jailbreak. The main reason for this is that jailbreaking is risky for your devices, and finding a reputable online source of jailbreak files is close to impossible – and equally risky – which is why I didn’t recommend most of the options out there.
If you plug your Kindle into your computer using the USB cable, but can’t find it when you navigate your folders, check the cable. A bad cable or 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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The Kindle has a long useful life compared to 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 just because a new model is available.
As a result, many users prefer to keep their Kindles when they know they work even when offline. This has led to a lot of interest in sideloading, using Caliber to add books, installing Coreader, and other ways to preserve older e-readers after software support ends.
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You don’t need to jailbreak your old Kindle to keep using it, even if Amazon no longer supports it. Many users prefer to add ebooks to their Kindle via USB rather than jailbreaking.
Sideloading your Kindle via USB is safer, easier for most users, doesn’t require any hacks or downloads of questionable files, won’t break your Kindle, works on many older Kindles, and maintains the original Kindle interface.
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If you add ebooks to your old Kindle via USB but they don’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 need to convert it to a compatible format. You can use Caliber to convert it to compatible Kindle files.
Protected books cannot be dragged to a folder unless they are properly authorized, legally converted, or DRM-free. Books purchased from some stores may have Adobe DRM or Kindle DRM, which is a copy protection digital rights management system that keeps them locked.
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