Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (previous generation - 2018 release)

Kindle Paperwhite User Manual

Model: (previous generation - 2018 release)

Brand: Amazon

1. Introduction

The Kindle Paperwhite (10th Generation - 2018 release) is designed for an optimal reading experience. It is the thinnest and lightest Kindle Paperwhite yet, featuring a flush-front design and a 300 ppi glare-free display that mimics real paper, even in bright sunlight. This device is waterproof, allowing for reading in various environments without concern.

Key features include:

  • Waterproof (IPX8 rated) for reading by the pool, beach, or in the bath.
  • Available with 8 GB or 32 GB of storage, capable of holding thousands of books, magazines, comics, and audiobooks.
  • Integrated Audible support, allowing connection to Bluetooth headphones or speakers for listening to audiobooks.
  • Exceptional battery life, lasting weeks on a single charge.
  • Built-in adjustable light for comfortable reading indoors and outdoors, day or night.
Kindle Paperwhite device

Image: Front view of the Kindle Paperwhite device.

2. What's Included

Your Kindle Paperwhite package includes the following items:

  • Kindle Paperwhite device
  • USB 2.0 charging cable
  • Quick Start Guide

3. Setup

3.1 Charging Your Device

Before first use, it is recommended to fully charge your Kindle Paperwhite. Connect the included USB 2.0 charging cable to the device and a computer or a 5W USB power adapter (not included).

  • Charging from a computer via USB cable: Approximately 4 hours.
  • Charging with a 5W USB power adapter: Less than 3 hours.

3.2 Initial Power On and Wi-Fi Setup

To power on your Kindle Paperwhite, press and hold the power button located on the bottom edge of the device until the screen illuminates. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language and connect to a Wi-Fi network.

The device supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots using 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n standards with support for WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).

4. Operating Your Kindle Paperwhite

4.1 Reading Books

Navigate through your library by tapping on book covers. Once a book is open, tap the right side of the screen to turn to the next page, or the left side to go back. To access reading options, tap the top of the screen.

4.2 Adjusting the Built-in Light

The Kindle Paperwhite features an adjustable front light. To adjust the brightness, tap the top of the screen while reading to bring up the toolbar, then select the light bulb icon. Use the slider to increase or decrease the brightness to your preference.

4.3 Using Audible

Your Kindle Paperwhite supports Audible audiobooks. To listen, ensure your device is connected to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. From the home screen, navigate to your Audible library and select an audiobook to begin playback.

Person listening to Audible on Kindle Paperwhite with headphones

Image: A person using the Kindle Paperwhite to listen to an Audible audiobook with headphones.

4.4 Waterproofing

The Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof with an IPX8 rating, meaning it has been tested to withstand accidental immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes. This allows for worry-free reading in environments where water exposure is possible, such as baths, pools, or beaches.

Hand holding Kindle Paperwhite with water dripping off it

Image: A hand holding the Kindle Paperwhite with water droplets on its surface, demonstrating its waterproof capability.

Kindle Paperwhite with water splashing on its screen

Image: Close-up of the Kindle Paperwhite screen with water splashing, highlighting its waterproof design.

5. Features

5.1 Display Technology

The Kindle Paperwhite features Amazon's 6-inch Paperwhite display technology with a built-in light, 300 ppi (pixels per inch), optimized font technology, and 16-level grayscale. The flush-front design integrates the screen seamlessly with the bezel, providing a sleek appearance and making it easier to clean.

Close-up of Kindle Paperwhite showing flush-front design

Image: A close-up view of the Kindle Paperwhite's screen and bezel, illustrating the new flush-front design.

5.2 Storage

The device comes with either 8 GB or 32 GB of on-device storage, capable of holding thousands of books. Additionally, all Amazon content benefits from free cloud storage, ensuring your purchases are always accessible.

5.3 Battery Life

A single charge can last up to six weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life will vary depending on light settings, wireless usage, and Audible audiobook streaming over Bluetooth.

5.4 Accessibility Features

The Kindle Paperwhite includes several accessibility features:

  • VoiceView screen reader: Available over Bluetooth audio, providing spoken feedback to navigate your device and read books with text-to-speech (English only).
  • Ability to invert Black and White colors.
  • Adjustable font size, font face, line spacing, and margins.

5.5 Supported Content Formats

The device natively supports Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, and PRC. Through conversion, it also supports HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PMP, and Audible audio format (AAX).

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning Your Kindle Paperwhite

To clean the screen and body of your device, use a soft, lint-free cloth. For stubborn smudges, slightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or aerosol sprays, as these can damage the device's finish or screen.

6.2 Storage

When not in use for extended periods, store your Kindle Paperwhite in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure the device is adequately charged before long-term storage to preserve battery health.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 Device Not Responding

If your Kindle Paperwhite becomes unresponsive, try a forced restart. Press and hold the power button for 40 seconds or until the device restarts. If the device does not restart, ensure it is charged.

7.2 Charging Issues

If your device is not charging, ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the Kindle and the power source. Try using a different USB port or power adapter. Verify that the charging cable is not damaged.

7.3 Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems

If you are experiencing issues connecting to Wi-Fi:

  • Ensure your Wi-Fi router is on and functioning correctly.
  • Verify you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password.
  • Try restarting your Kindle Paperwhite and your Wi-Fi router.
  • Move closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength.

8. Specifications

FeatureDescription
DisplayAmazon's 6” Paperwhite display technology with built-in light, 300ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale.
Size6.6” x 4.6” x 0.3” (167 x 116 x 8.18 mm).
WeightWi-Fi: 6.4 oz (182 g); Wi-Fi + Free Cellular Connectivity: 6.8 oz (191 g). Actual size and weight may vary.
System RequirementsNone; fully wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content.
On-Device Storage8 GB or 32 GB; holds thousands of books.
Cloud StorageFree cloud storage for all Amazon content.
Battery LifeUp to six (6) weeks on a single charge (based on 30 mins reading/day, wireless off, light setting 13). Varies with usage.
Charge TimeApprox. 4 hours via USB cable from computer; less than 3 hours with 5W USB power adapter.
Wi-Fi Connectivity802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n standard with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security.
Accessibility FeaturesVoiceView screen reader (Bluetooth audio, English only), invert Black and White, adjust font size, font face, line spacing, margins.
Content Formats SupportedKindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX).
WaterproofingIPX8 rated, tested to withstand immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes.
GenerationKindle Paperwhite 10th Generation - 2018 release.

9. Warranty and Support

9.1 Warranty Information

Your Kindle Paperwhite comes with a 1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year Extended Warranty plans are available for U.S. customers and are sold separately. Use of the Kindle device is subject to the terms found on the official Amazon website.

9.2 Documentation and Further Support

For more detailed information, refer to the Quick Start Guide included in your product box or the comprehensive Kindle User Guide available online. For specific device information or additional support, visit the 'Manage Your Content and Devices' section on the Amazon website.

This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on Amazon websites.

© 2024 Amazon. All rights reserved.

Ask a question about this manual

Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.

After a successful submission, we securely hash the supplied account or form email before sending it to Microsoft Advertising for conversion attribution. Privacy details.