How to Reset Your Kindle
"Reset" means two very different things on a Kindle. A soft reset just reboots it — safe, keeps everything, fixes most glitches. A factory reset wipes it completely — only do this before selling, trading in, or as a last resort for a persistent software problem.
- ✔ Hold the power button 40-60 seconds
- ✔ Keeps all books, settings, and account
- ✔ Safe to try any time, no downside
- ✖ Erases everything on the device
- ✖ Deregisters it from your Amazon account
- ✖ Purchased books stay safe in your Amazon library
🔄 How to Soft Reset (Reboot)
Use this first for a frozen screen, a stuck app, or general glitchy behavior. It's the equivalent of restarting a computer — nothing is deleted.
- Press and hold the power button continuously for 40 to 60 seconds.
- Release — the screen should flash and the device will reboot on its own.
- If the touchscreen is fully unresponsive, plug into a wall charger first, then repeat — a dead battery can look identical to a frozen screen on e-ink.
🗑️ How to Factory Reset
Use this only when you're selling the device, giving it away, or a soft reset hasn't fixed a persistent problem.
- From the home screen, swipe down to open Quick Actions, then tap Settings (or All Settings).
- Go to Device Options.
- Select Reset Device (labeled Factory Reset on some models) and confirm.
- The Kindle wipes itself and restarts at the initial setup screen — exactly like a brand-new device.
Your purchased books aren't gone for good — they stay in your Amazon account's cloud library and redownload automatically the next time you sign in on any Kindle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a soft reset and factory reset on Kindle?
A soft reset just reboots the device — it fixes freezing and glitches without deleting anything. A factory reset wipes all content, personal documents, and settings, and deregisters the device from your Amazon account, returning it to out-of-box condition.
Will factory resetting delete my books?
Yes, locally on the device — but books purchased through Amazon remain in your Amazon library and can be re-downloaded anytime by signing back into the same account on any Kindle.
Do I need to factory reset before selling my Kindle?
Yes — a factory reset also deregisters the device from your Amazon account, which is essential before selling or giving it away. Skipping this leaves your account linked to a device you no longer own.
How do I soft reset a frozen Kindle?
Hold the power button continuously for 40 to 60 seconds, then release. This forces a reboot even if the touchscreen isn't responding, and doesn't erase any content.
🔧 Reset didn't fix a frozen or dead Kindle? See Kindle Won't Turn On — full troubleshooting →