How to setup Kindle Paperwhite Bluetooth

6
 Minute Read
Updated: 
December 11, 2021
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In this modern world you would expect something as simple as bluetooth connectivity to be a breeze.

But I find a lot of our readers are still struggling to get their Kindle Paperwhite to pair with bluetooth headphones or speakers.

So, I’ve created a definitive “how to guide” to setting up Kindle Paperwhite Bluetooth. It has screenshots to make it nice and simple.

There is also a troubleshooting guide later on which cover all possibilities as to why your Kindle is not pairing and what to check to get connected.

Let’s get started!

Which Kindle has Bluetooth?

The latest Kindle Paperwhite does have bluetooth built in.

It’s important to know that not all Kindle Paperwhite models have Bluetooth.

The problem is that Amazon does not make it clear on their products which generation you own.

So, if you’ve been generously given a Paperwhite as a gift or handed on down from a relative or friend, first we need to find out which generation of Kindle you have.

The simplest method is to check the box in which the device came in. It should be clear on the front which Kindle generation you have.

If you no longer have the box, you can find the model number at the back of the device. Type the model number into Google search and it result should tell you what revision and generation

Here is a list of model numbers and corresponding Kindle Paperwhite Gen that have Bluetooth:

Those with a Kindle Paperwhite 3 (9th Gen) or earlier do not have this feature.
KindleModel GenerationReleasedBluetooth
Paperwhite 1 EY217th 2012No
Paperwhite 2 8th 2013No
Paperwhite 3 G090G19th 2015No
Paperwhite 4 PQ94WIF10th 2018Yes

As you can see, any device prior to the Kindle Paperwhite 4 (10th Gen) does not have Bluetooth.

Alternatively, the quickest way to check is to go to the main menu and check if there is a bluetooth icon. If not, it’s likely you do not have this feature.

How do I know if my Kindle has Bluetooth?

Tap near the top of the screen to bring up the Menu bar. Select Settings, this will give you a list of features available on your device. If the Bluetooth icon is not present, it means that your Kindle device does not support Bluetooth connectivity.

So, if you are fortunate enough to own the latest Kindle Paperwhite 4, I’m sure the next question you have is

“How do I connect via bluetooth?”

How to connect Bluetooth Headphones to Kindle Paperwhite? Step-by-Step Guide:

In this section, I’ll go through configuring and pairing bluetooth headphones to a Kindle Paperwhite.

In essence, all of these bluetooth devices are doing the same thing i.e scanning and pairing to your device. Once you understand how to setup one, the others are pretty much identical.

In most cases, the reason why we have connectivity issues are two things:

  • We have not enabled bluetooth on one or both devices.
  • Either device has stopped attempting to pair, so you need to rescan.

So, let’s start with enabling bluetooth on our Kindle Paperwhite.

1. To do this we need to go to the main menu at the top the screen and tap on Settings.

2. The menu will expand, you should now see the Bluetooth icon.

3. If the icon looks darker than the rest, this means that bluetooth is disabled. Simply tap on this icon to enable Bluetooth.

4. Once enabled, you should see a smaller icon across the top menu bar, next to the WIFI and battery icon.

5. Bluetooth is now setup and ready to pair with another device.

Pairing Kindle to Bluetooth Headphones

We will now attempt to connect the bluetooth headphones to your Kindle Paperwhite.

  1. In Settings, tap on All Settings.
  2. Select Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.
  3. To ensure your Bluetooth is enabled you should see the Bluetooth switch set to “On”. If not, just simply tap the switch the enable this.
  4. Now, select Bluetooth Devices. Tap this option.
  5. You will now be presented with the Bluetooth Devices window, with a Rescan button at the bottom-right of the window.
  6. Press and hold the Power button on your bluetooth headphones.
  7. The headphones will now attempt to pair with the Kindle.
  8. If the Kindle has detected the headphones you should see the device ID displayed.
  9. Tap on the Connect button to pair the devices together.
  10. The headphones are now be paired with your Kindle device.

From here you can do a number of things such as listen to audiobooks from your Audible collection, or listen to an ebook you are currently reading using Whispersync.

If you haven’t tried Whispersync out yet, I encourage you to do so as it’s an excellent feature that’s free for Kindle users, just be sure to enable this in Managed Devices on your online Account. For more details we have a guide on setting up Whispersync.

Be mindful that it’s only available for ebooks with voiceovers. You can search on Amazon to see if your ebook has this feature.

Kindle Paperwhite Bluetooth not Working? Troubleshooting Guide:

Kindle Paperwhite is not Pairing, what should I do?

Of course, things do not always run as smoothly as the example above.

Here are a few things you can check to connect your device.

1. Ensure the headphones have power:

Usually, most bluetooth headphones will have a power light to indicate it is on. If you have not used your headphones for a while, it could be that they have no power at all. In which case you will need to charge them before attempting to pair. I would suggest 30 mins is an adequate charge time.

2. Enable Pairing:

Some headphones or speakers may have a scan button. You should follow the instructions from your manufacturer to start broadcasting a signal to connect to the Kindle device. Usually, you will need to hold for 2-3 seconds to perform a scan.

3. Attempt a Rescan:

Do you know? 💡
Both devices will usually broadcast a signal for 1-2 minutes, after this it will disable pairing. So, you need to make sure you have your Kindle set and then power your headphones within the first minute. Doing so will give you a greater chance of success connecting the devices together.

If it fails, you can tap the rescan button on the Bluetooth Devices window to retry. At this point, I would suggest repowering the headphones to ensure both are broadcasting.

How to Rescan Bluetooth on a Kindle Device:

  1. In the Bluetooth Devices Window, tap Rescan which is at the bottom left-hand corner.
  2. You should now see the text Scanning for Bluetooth Devices at the top-left hand corner along with a circular progress icon rotating round.
  3. Cycle the power on your bluetooth headphones, by pressing the power button to turn it off and then to press and hold again until its powered. A light will indicate that the headphones have power.
  4. At some point, usually with 10-20 seconds your headphones Device ID or Name should be displayed.
  5. Tap on the device name and provided the two devices pair successfully, you should see a tick icon to the right of the Device ID.
  6. Both devices are now paired successfully. Time to celebrate!

4. Pair with another device:

For those of you who are still struggling with connection, try pairing with another device such as your mobile phone.

If the phone connects successfully then there is a connectivity issue with your Kindle. If not, it could be a problem with the speaker/headphones and you should try connecting another bluetooth device to your Kindle.

If there is still a problem with the Kindle connecting via Bluetooth  

It could be an issue with your device. You could take it to a local Target or electronic store and ask one a member of staff that are trained in technology devices to see if they can connect the Paperwhite successfully.

Kindle Bluetooth FAQ:

Does the Kindle Paperwhite have Bluetooth?

Only Kindle Paperwhite 4 (10th Generation) devices or later have Bluetooth connectivity. Any Paperwhite models before this do not have this option.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones with Kindle Paperwhite?

Yes you can connect any Bluetooth headphones with bluetooth version 3.1 or greater. Just be sure to power the headphones or earbuds on before you press the Rescan button on your device.

Does the Kindle Oasis have Bluetooth?

Both Kindle Oasis Generation 1 and 2 come with Bluetooth as standard.

My Kindle Paperwhite has no Bluetooth option?

This suggests that you have an earlier model. Any Kindle Paperwhite 3 or earlier will not have bluetooth fitted and therefore cannot be used.

To check which Kindle Paperwhite you have, check the model number on the back of the device. Then do a search on Google by typing the model number in, it should identify which model you have.

Can I use AirPods with my Kindle Paperwhite/Oasis?

AirPods are compatible with any Kindle ereader, provided it has Bluetooth connectivity. To connect Kindle to your AirPods, simply follow these instructions.

  1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Kindle.
  2. Go to the main Menu > Setting and check that the Bluetooth icon is on.
  3. Go to Settings > WIFI & Bluetooth > Bluetooth Devices
  4. Now, turn on your AirPods.
  5. The Bluetooth Devices window should display the AirPods ID.
  6. Tap on the name to pair the devices.
  7. The AirPods should now be connected to your Kindle device.

Summary:

I do hope you were able to get your Kindle Paperwhite to pair successfully via Bluetooth.

As with most things, once you have set it up the first time, it’s relatively easy to do. In fact, on your next attempt your device should connect automatically to the wire headset without having to perform a rescan.

If you are still struggling, it is always worth asking someone else for assistance as two heads are better than one. Any issues? Just leave a message in the comments section and I’ll see if I can help.

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Hey, I'm Debra and I ♡ READING. I've worked as a professional beauty therapist for 25 years but more recently focused on writing and journalism and am the author of two books dedicated to ereaders.
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Infant
Infant
2 years ago

Not all Kindle Paperwhite 10th gen have Bluetooth enabled. I think it is because Amazon lets only the customers from the US have Bluetooth functionality.

David
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Infant

Thanks for letting me know, I'm really surprised by this. It appears that Amazon disables this option in certain locations. If you changed the device location to US, I believe the Bluetooth option should appear. Either way, it's an odd thing to do.

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