Amazon is warning users of older versions of its popular Kindle e-readers that they must get a “critical” software update, or they will be cut off from accessing Kindle services.
If you don’t get the update over the internet on or before Tuesday, 22 March 2016, you won’t be able to use the Kindle Store to download Kindle e-books, or get the update via Wi-Fi or a wireless connection.
The message appears on the Amazon customer service and help website:
Customers using an outdated software version on Kindle e-readers require an important software update by March 22, 2016 in order to continue to download Kindle books from the Cloud, access the Kindle Store, and use other Kindle services on their device.
The company has published a table of affected Kindle devices and software versions, along with instructions on how to receive the update over the air (reproduced below):
| Device and Year | Software Version Your Device Needs | Update via Wireless (2G/3G) or Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Kindle 1st Generation (2007) | 1.2.1 | Use Wireless |
| Kindle 2nd Generation (2009) | 2.5.8 | Use Wireless |
| Kindle DX 2nd Generation (2009) | 2.5.8 | Use Wireless |
| Kindle Keyboard 3rd Generation (2010) | 3.4.2 or higher | Use Wi-Fi |
| Kindle 4th Generation (2011) | 4.1.3 or higher | Use Wi-Fi |
| Kindle 5th Generation (2012) | 4.1.3 or higher | Use Wi-Fi |
| Kindle Touch 4th Generation (2011) | 5.3.7.3 or higher | Use Wi-Fi |
| Kindle Paperwhite 5th Generation (2012) | 5.6.1.1 or higher | Use Wi-Fi |
| Kindle Paperwhite 6th Generation (2013) | No Update Needed | No Update Needed |
| Kindle 7th Generation (2014) | No Update Needed | No Update Needed |
| Kindle Voyage 7th Generation (2014) | No Update Needed | No Update Needed |
| Kindle Paperwhite 7th Generation (2015) | No Update Needed | No Update Needed |
After 22 March, you’ll need to update the software manually – you can find instructions on how to download the updates yourself on the Amazon Fire and Kindle updates page.
Amazon is resorting to old-fashioned methods to get Kindle users to update their devices, by sending reminders to some users via snail mail, according to The Digital Reader.
That message, sent on postcards, says Amazon has been “trying to contact you via email and other methods to let you know that one or more of your Kindle e-readers requires a critical update.”
If you have a Kindle that needs an update, get it as soon as possible.
And remember to keep ALL of your devices, software and applications up to date with the latest security updates.
Image of Amazon Kindle courtesy of dean bertoncelj / Shutterstock.com.