How do I fix a Kindle app or e-reader that won't download books?
Answer
This usually happens when the app is out of date, the device and app are registered to different accounts, or a temporary connection issue interrupts the download. Confirming the account and updating the app resolves most cases.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Deregistering a device can remove books that were only stored locally and not backed up to the account; confirm important content is safely tied to the account first.
Follow these steps
Update the Kindle app
Open the App Store or Play Store and check for an available update for the Kindle app, installing it if one exists.
You should see: The app shows as up to date, or updates and reopens successfully.
Restart the device and try a different book
Restart the phone, tablet, or e-reader, then open the Kindle app and try downloading a different book to see if the issue is specific to one title.
You should see: A different book downloads successfully, or the same error appears regardless of title.
Confirm both devices use the same Amazon account
Check the account settings on both the e-reader and the app to confirm they are registered to the exact same Amazon account.
You should see: Both devices show the same account email or name in their settings.
Check available storage
Check the device's available storage space, since a nearly full device can cause downloads to fail silently or with a generic error.
You should see: Enough free storage is available for the book file, or space is freed up if it was low.
Deregister and reregister the device if needed
If the issue continues, deregister the e-reader from the Amazon account in its settings, then register it again by signing back in.
You should see: The device reappears in the account's device list and downloads can be attempted again.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the error appears immediately on tapping download or after a delay, and whether it happens on every book or just one.
Before you change anything: Confirm the exact device and app version being used. Check whether the error happens on every title or just one specific book. Confirm you are signed into the official Kindle or Amazon app, not a third-party reader. Never share the Amazon account password with anyone.