Fix it
E-Reader Problems? Fixes (2026)
Common e-reader problems: books not syncing, frozen screens, battery drain, Wi-Fi trouble, and files that will not open.
Most e-reader trouble comes from syncing, storage, or a tired battery, not from broken hardware. Work through these fixes in order before considering a repair or replacement.
New books are not appearing on the reader
Confirm the reader is connected to Wi-Fi and signed into the correct account, since purchases on a different account will not sync. Force a manual sync from the settings menu, and check that the book is not archived or hidden in a collection filter. If the book still does not appear, remove it from the device and re-download it, which clears corrupted downloads.
Screen is frozen or unresponsive
Hold the power button for a long press, typically around forty seconds, to force a restart, which clears most lock-ups without losing books or notes. If lock-ups repeat, check available storage, since a nearly full reader behaves erratically, and remove finished books or large files. Persistent lock-ups after a restart and storage check points to a software fault that a factory reset after backup may resolve.
Battery drains in days instead of weeks
Check for a stuck indexing or syncing process after adding many books, since the reader works hard to catalogue new files. Disable Wi-Fi when not syncing, lower front-light brightness, and avoid leaving the reader in hot cars or direct sun, which ages batteries. A battery several years old will hold less charge regardless of settings, and replacement or retirement is then the honest answer.
Wi-Fi will not connect or keeps dropping
Forget the network and reconnect with the password re-entered, which clears corrupted credentials. Restart the router as well as the reader, since router faults masquerade as reader faults. If the reader connects to other networks but not one specific network, the router's settings, particularly older security modes, are usually the cause.
A book file will not open
Confirm the format is supported by your reader: Kindle readers need converted or sent documents, while Kobo and PocketBook open EPUB directly. Re-download or re-transfer the file, since interrupted transfers corrupt files silently. If one file fails while others open, the file itself is damaged or protected, and a fresh copy from the original source is the fix.
Questions, answered
Will a restart lose my books and notes?
No, a normal restart preserves books, notes, and highlights, which are stored on the device and synced to your account. A factory reset is different: it erases local content, so back up and sync before resetting, and restore afterwards.
Why is my e-reader slow after adding many books?
Because the reader indexes new books for search, which takes time and power. Leave it charging and connected for a while after a large import, and the slowness resolves once indexing finishes.
How do I clean an e-reader screen?
With a soft, dry microfibre cloth, gently, without liquids or abrasive materials. For stubborn marks, a barely damp cloth followed by immediate drying works, but never spray cleaner directly onto the screen or into its edges.