Kindle Questions: How do I update to the latest Kindle software?

Amazon recently released an updated version of Kindle’s software, giving it a better battery life, a better PDF reader for Kindle Global and US Wireless, and more.

Amazon usually rolls out software updates via Kindle’s wireless, but what if you want to install it now? According to Amazon’s Kindle Support section on software updates, you can follow the following steps:

1. Visit Amazon.com and make sure you’re logged into the Amazon.com account to which your Kindle is registered.
2. Determine which type of Kindle you have: Go to the Home screen, press the Menu key, and select “Settings.” Look in the bottom right corner of the screen. The version number will correspond to the kind of device:
   * Kindle (U.S. Wireless) devices begin with: 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.0.3, and 2.0.4.
   * Kindle (Global Wireless) devices begin with: 2.2, 2.2.1, and 2.2.2.
   * Kindle DX devices begin with: 2.1 and 2.1.1.

   If your version number begins with 2.3, you’ve already received the update and don’t need to take any further action.

3. Visit the appropriate link below to download the Kindle software update file directly to your computer:
   * Kindle (U.S. Wireless)
   * Kindle (Global Wireless)
   * Kindle DX
4. Turn your Kindle on and connect it to your computer using the USB cable.
5. Use your computer’s file browser to copy the update file from your computer to the Kindle root directory. (The root directory contains a number of folders — such as “audibles,” “documents,” and “music” — and is typically denoted by a “device” icon).
6. Check your file browser’s file transfer progress bar to ensure that file transfer to your Kindle is complete. When you’re confident the file has transferred successfully, you can use your computer’s unmount or eject function to safely disconnect Kindle from your computer.
7. Disconnect the USB cable from Kindle and your computer.
8. Go to the Home screen, press the Menu key, and select “Settings.”
9. Press the Menu key again, and then select “Update Your Kindle.” (This option will be grayed out if the most recent update has already been installed.)
10. Select “Ok” when prompted if you want to perform an update.

Once you’ve clicked “Update Your Kindle,” a progress bar will appear on your Kindle’s screen. Once the update is complete, your Kindle will automatically restart. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes.

If you have trouble with the update, you can contact Amazon customer support at one of these numbers: inside the United States: 1-866-321-8851 or outside the United States: 1-206-266-0927.