Amazon will end support for a range of older Kindle models on May 20, blocking new ebook purchases on the affected devices and limiting them to reading content already downloaded. The change covers the Kindle 1st Generation, Kindle 2nd Generation, Kindle DX, Kindle DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle 5, Kindle Touch, first-generation Kindle Paperwhite, first-generation Kindle Fire, second-generation Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD 7, and Kindle Fire HD 8.9.

New ebooks can no longer be purchased directly from Amazon on the affected devices, and most have already lost on-device access to the Kindle Store. Most of the models involved have not received firmware updates for more than a decade.

Owners of the affected devices can continue to sideload books using a USB cable. E-book files can be converted into Kindle-compatible formats using the open-source tool Calibre. Project Gutenberg offers ebooks that can be transferred to a Kindle via USB, and public-domain repositories such as Standard Ebooks provide free public-domain novels. DRM-free titles can be purchased legally from e-stores including ebook.com and Smashwords.

Older Kindle devices can also have their firmware unlocked to add functionality or run different software. Jailbreaking bypasses the software restrictions Amazon places on Kindle devices and allows users to install custom fonts, new screensavers, alternative reading apps, and third-party tools. Among the available options, the Kindle Unified Application Launcher can be used to manage apps, and KOReader, an open-source e-book reader, supports multiple file types, offers enhanced PDF handling, and includes a built-in file browser.

The jailbreak process typically involves disabling Wi-Fi or using airplane mode, downloading a jailbreak package from a trusted online forum such as the MobileRead Forum, copying .bin files to the Kindle via USB, and initiating installation by typing ";log mrpi" or selecting "Update Your Kindle" in settings. Not every Kindle model or firmware version supports the procedure.

Jailbreaking a Kindle may violate Amazon's terms of service. In many jurisdictions, jailbreaking for personal use is not considered a criminal offense but may become a crime if it involves copyright infringement, illegal software distribution, or the sale of modified devices. The process carries technical risks, including rendering the device unusable. Running unofficial software can cause frequent app crashes or leave the device non-functional, and the use of third-party apps may reduce battery life.

Other e-reader devices similar to the Kindle include the Boox Palma, the Vivlio e-reader, and the Xteink X3. Some owners repurpose old Kindles as photo frames or online dashboards.