So you’re getting an application error on your Kindle device? Wondering how to fix Kindle application error issues so you can get back to enjoying your books? Not to worry! Application errors on Kindle are actually fairly common and are usually quite simple and quick to fix.
I’ve personally experienced this issue with a Kindle Paperwhite application error, so today I’m going to share everything you need to know to fix your own application error on Kindle. By following the step-by-step guides below, you’ll be back to reading error-free on your Kindle e-reader in no time!
What Does “Application Error” on Kindle Mean?
Before we get into fixing this error, you first might be wondering: what is the Kindle application error? This error occurs at various times depending on the device, so it manifests differently for different users. Some people experience it when they first open their Kindle, others experience it after buying books through the Kindle store, and still others (like me!) run into this error while browsing book options in the Kindle store.
If you’ve experienced this error yourself at any of these times or another time, you’ll already know that it brings a pop-up message that reads: “Application Error. The selected application could not be started. Please try again.”
There are lots of possible reasons for this error, including a software bug, an issue with something in the memory cache, a temporary freeze, or temporary slow performance on your device. But the good news is that in almost all cases it is a temporary error and is fairly easy to fix! So let’s get started with the steps you need to take to fix it now.
How to Fix Kindle Application Errors on Kindle E-Readers
If you own a Kindle e-reader device (including the Kindle basic model, the Kindle Paperwhite, or the Kindle Oasis), then you should follow the steps below to try to fix your application error. You may find that your issue is solved after completing the first option, or you may find that you need to try all the methods in order to fix this Amazon Kindle application error.
I recommend trying these options in the order presented and one by one (e.g., follow the instructions for the first solution and then check your device to see if you are still getting the error. If the error is gone, then you are done! But if you are still getting the error, then you will want to move on to trying the next solution). Trying the possible solutions in the order listed means you will try the least disruptive options first and then move to progressively more aggressive solutions.
1. Hard Restart Your Kindle E-Reader
The hard restart is the least disruptive possibility for fixing your Kindle e-reader’s error, so this is the method I suggest you try first. To hard restart, there are two steps:
- Press and hold your Kindle’s power button until a power dialog box appears or your screen goes blank.
- Once you see the dialog box or the screen goes blank, continue holding the power button for 40 seconds and then let go.
Once you’ve completed these two steps, you should see the charge indicator light turn back on and your device will reboot. A hard restart will not wipe out your Kindle books or Kindle settings, so once your device reboots it should repopulate your books automatically and should look exactly they way you left it before you did the hard restart. Once the hard restart has finished, check to see if you are still getting the application error or if this has fixed it.
2. Check for Kindle E-Reader Updates
If the hard restart did not work to fix the error, your next step should be to manually update your Kindle e-reader software. It is possible that your Kindle device has not automatically downloaded the latest update, so updating your Kindle manually could solve the error issues. Here’s how to do this:
- Using your computer, download the latest update file for your Kindle’s model and version (e.g. Paperwhite 10th Generation). You can find all the latest software updates here.
- Turn on your Kindle.
- Connect your Kindle to the computer via your Kindle charging cable.
- Drag and drop the update file you downloaded into the “Kindle” drive that shows up on your computer when your Kindle is connected.
- After the file has transferred, eject the Kindle to safely disconnect it from your computer.
- On your Kindle, tap the Menu icon (three dots) and then tap Settings.
- Tap the Menu icon (three dots) again and then tap Update Your Kindle.
- Tap OK to start the update (a message saying “Your Kindle is Updating” should appear).
Once the update is finished, your Kindle will automatically restart. It’s recommended to plug your Kindle in overnight so it will charge and your books will re-index now that it is updated. Of course, you should also check to see if the application error has disappeared now! If so, then you are finished fixing your Kindle.
3. Factory Reset Your Kindle E-Reader
If neither of the previous two methods have worked, it’s time to factory reset your Kindle. This is my least favorite of the possible solutions to the Kindle application error, as it is the most disruptive. Why? Well, performing a factory reset means all your personal data and downloaded content are removed, your device is deregistered from your Amazon account, and the device is returned to its original factory settings.
So this is quite a big step and quite disruptive to your Kindle! But if the previous methods haven’t worked, then a factory reset is what you’ll have to try next. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- From the home screen, select the Menu icon (the three dots) then tap Settings.
- Select the Menu icon (three dots) again and tap Reset.
Your Kindle device will then start the factory reset process. When it has finished, it will load the start screen where you can re-register your device, choose your language, and re-add your settings just like you did when you first received your Kindle.
4. Contact Amazon Customer Service for Further Troubleshooting
Most Kindle application errors should be fixed by this point, but if yours is still showing the error then the final step is to contact Amazon customer service. You can open a chat with them to discuss your Kindle error issues, or you can even get help over the phone if you prefer. (Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting in touch with a live representative at Amazon, as it can sometimes be a little tricky!)
It’s likely that the customer service representative will have you run through some of the above methods (or at least ask you if you have taken those steps). But if they have any further suggestions for you to try, they will walk you through what you need to do. And as a last option (if the application error is not going away and the device is still under warranty) they may offer to replace it for you.
Hopefully the above three methods of fixing your Kindle e-reader’s error will have solved the issue for you, but if not then give Amazon’s customer service a try and see what they can do to help! You can start the chat process here.
Have you tried Kindle Unlimited or Audible yet? These are amazing services you can use on your Kindle, so if you haven’t tried them yet learn more about Kindle Unlimited or learn more about Audible to see if they are a good fit for you!
#1 solution worked
Glad to hear it!
So easy! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Karla!
Thank you so much. Fix no. 1 worked a treat. Thanks again.
Yay! So happy to hear it worked for you, Anne!
None of your steps worked for me. Amazon suggested I swap it out under warranty.
Sorry to hear that, Bill! Yes, occasionally there is no way to fix it except to swap it out or buy a new one. I’m glad Amazon is helping you out under warranty!
Thanks! You saved me:.))
You’re welcome, Teresa! Glad I could help!
Thank you, Abi! It worked! Was working on my phone Kindle app, but not on my Kindle device.
That’s fantastic, Robin! So happy to hear it worked for you!
Not only did option #1 fix the application error, but also made page transitions fast again! I didn’t realize how sluggish my Kindle had become when going from page to page. Thanks for the great instructions.
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that, Bruce! It’s always a good day when multiple issues get fixed at the same time 🙂
Thank you! The first option did the trick!
Yay! That’s great, Jean!
Thank you! First one worked. I now know how to address it in the future.
Awesome! So happy to hear that, Ingrid!
I followed all the steps and repeated them all but still the same issue. When I type my password it gives white blank screen. I cannot go through anything.
Hi Otman – I’m sorry to hear the steps aren’t working with your Kindle error. Did you get the error message mentioned in this post, or has your issue always been a white blank screen?