Does Amazon Repair Kindles in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
As one of the world‘s largest retailers, Amazon sells millions of electronic devices each year – including an estimated over 100 million Kindle eReaders to date. But with that much usage, Kindles will inevitably break down over time.
So what options exist nowadays when your Kindle stops working? This 2023 guide has everything you need to know about Amazon Kindle repairs, replacements, warranties and more.
Overview of Amazon‘s Kindle Repair Policy
According to Amazon‘s policy, most new Kindles come with a 1-year limited warranty. This means that defects from manufacturing or workmanship will be repaired for free within the first year of ownership.
After that initial coverage expires, options for fixing your Kindle include:
- Paying for labor and parts with a third-party repair shop (costs vary)
- Ordering a replacement Kindle device from Amazon at full price or discounted for older models
- Attempting do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes with online video tutorials, forums and replacement parts
Below we explore all these approaches in detail, including what issues tend to occur with Kindles that may require fixing by Amazon or externally.
Common Kindle Problems Requiring Repair
First, let‘s examine some of the most frequent problems that Kindle owners face after prolonged use of their devices:
Battery Life Issues
According to iFixit‘s 2022 Kindle repairability report, the #1 problem owners cited was poor battery performance or faster than expected drainage. Kindle batteries are not easily user replaceable and require disassembling the device.
Cracked Screens
Over 25% of damaged Kindles sent for repairs have cracked screens according to Cellphone Repair Cambridge. An impact or drop can easily crack the glass enclosure and digitizer underneath and may interfere with touch or display functions.
Device Freezing/Software Issues
Internal software glitches can sometimes cause Kindles to freeze or reset unexpectedly per MakeTechEasier. While less common than battery or physical damage, a software failure may require a motherboard replacement which is difficult for owners to DIY.
Next, let‘s review what Kindle owners can expect from Amazon directly if they need an in-warranty repair or a replacement.
Amazon Kindle Repairs Under Warranty
| Kindle Model | Warranty Period |
|---|---|
| New Kindle Devices | 1 year from purchase date |
| Refurbished/Used Kindle Devices | 90 days from purchase date |
For all new Kindle devices and even most refurbished ones, Amazon provides at least a 90 day warranty on materials and workmanship according to their policies.
To start a claim, owners must contact Kindle Customer Support via phone, online chat or email. Amazon will first try remote troubleshooting. If the issue persists, they will initiate a replacement order for your Kindle model.
This typically takes 1-2 weeks after receiving your original damaged device. All shipping fees are covered by Amazon during the warranty period as well.
After the warranty however, repair options change…
Post-Warranty Fixes: Replace or Repair Your Kindle?
Once the standard 1 year coverage ends, trying to fix an aging Kindle presents more options – and costs:
Ordering a Replacement Kindle
If the issues are extensive enough, buying a new replacement Kindle altogether may be better than paying for expensive component-level repairs.
But should you buy new or refurbished? Here‘s a comparison of what to consider:
| New Kindle Device | Refurbished Kindle Device | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | MSRP from $89.99+ | Discounted 20-30% typically |
| Condition | Brand new | Used/returned but tested |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited | 90 Days Limited |
If on a tight budget, refurbished Kindles can offer massive savings. Just ensure it comes with a 90 day warranty from Amazon.
Using Third Party Repair Shops
For less severe issues like cracked screens or battery replacements, specialists like uBreakiFix have competitive rates, with repair warranties and faster turnaround times than directly through Amazon in most areas.
[Average Repair Costs for Kindle]| Repair Type | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Battery Replacement | $39+ |
| Screen Replacement | $99+ |
| Motherboard Swap | $199+ |
Keep in mind with any third party, check reviews and service warranties closely before sending devices in.
DIY Repairs
If comfortable with electronics repair, Kindle owners can often replace common failing parts themselves following online repair tutorials. Stores like iFixit sell Kindle spare parts like batteries, screens and tools for this.
However, DIY should only be attempted for basic issues. Motherboard swaps or soldering should be left to experienced pros with proper equipment.
Should You Even Repair an Old Kindle?
With the exponential advancement of eReader display quality, internal storage, cloud syncing and other features – an aging Kindle from over 5+ years ago may not be worth investing repair dollars into nowadays, even if issues are minor.
Instead, either replace the unit with a new or refurbished one, or trade-in/recycle the device if upgrading. Many readers find the latest entry-level Kindles offer enough for most casual reading needs.
So assess the repair costs versus available discounts on buying new/used replacement units before deciding the best route forward.
Bottom Line: Weigh the Options Carefully on Kindle Repairs
Like any consumer electronics device nowadays, making economical repair vs. replacement decisions around Kindles requires homework given the pace of technological change.
While Amazon does offer warranty coverage for defects, post-warranty options expand across DIY fixes, third party shops and buying discounted Kindles in some cases.
Evaluate the repair specifics, your usage needs and budget before sending units away or cracking them open yourself. And don‘t hesitate to reach out with any other Kindle repair questions!
