Kindle Unlimited Not Working: How To Fix [2023]

Has your Kindle Unlimited subscription ceased to work even though you are still within the duration of the membership?

I, like many other Kindle Unlimited (KU) users, did experience this issue a couple of days ago by which I could no longer access the subscription or downloaded books.

Upon further investigation and trying out various troubleshooting steps, I did eventually get to the bottom of this issue. Here's what I found out.

If your Kindle Unlimited is not working, try restarting the Kindle e-Reader or the host device. Check your network connection and update the app or firmware to the latest available version. Check if the Kindle Unlimited subscription has expired. Clearing cache and app data can also fix this issue.

Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to execute the above-mentioned troubleshooting methods.

Restart the Kindle E-Reader or the Host Device

The first troubleshooting method you should always try is a simple restart of your Kindle reader or the device you are using to access the Kindle Unlimited membership.

The app may have software issues that are preventing access to the Kindle Unlimited subscription which a restart could help fix.

To restart your Kindle device, follow the steps below:

Kindle Power Button
  • Press and hold the Kindle's power button till either a dialog box appears or the screen goes blank.
  • Once this happens, do not let go. Hold the button pressed for about 40 seconds and then let go.
  • You should now see the charge indicator light come back ON and your Kindle device will reboot.
  • Once complete, try accessing Kindle Unlimited to check if the restart has fixed the issue.
Kindle Restarting

Refreshing the Kindle E-reader will also refresh the system internals and make it more efficient and faster. Hence, making it a suitable fix if your Kindle reader becomes slow.

To restart the host device that you are using to access Kindle Unlimited, the process will most likely be similar. Press and hold the power button until the device shuts down.

Once shut down, pressing the power button again will bring the device back to life.

Make sure you complete a check of the functioning before you proceed to the next solution once the device powers back up.

Check for Issues with the Network

Check for Issues with the Network

Users have found that sometimes, Kindle Unlimited access issues arises from network problems.

First and foremost, you need an active and stable internet service to access Kindle Unlimited. In the wake of a failing network connection, the Kindle store might become unavailable.

To know if your internet is stable and healthy, you can check the Wi-Fi icon shown on the notification bar of your device.

Additionally, you can also connect another device to the network and try to access the internet to check if the issue lies with the network or the host device.

If you find that the issue lies with your network, try a soft reset of your router/modem to restore network connectivity.

Doing so could also fix issues with several Kindle features like if Send to Kindle does not work.

To do a soft reset of your router/modem, follow the steps below:

Router unplugged
  • Find and press the power button on the back of the router to power off the device.
  • Now wait for at least 30 seconds and power the device back on.
  • Wait for the router/modem to reinitialize and check if network connectivity has been restored.

Many users, including myself, turn on airplane mode while reading to conserve battery since you can read Kindle books offline.

Make sure you are connected to the internet before accessing Kindle Unlimited.

On switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi, some users were able to resolve the Amazon Kindle Unlimited access issue.

To try this fix, close the app and switch your connection type from whichever one you have enabled to the alternate connection type.

Now, try launching the app and check if you have access to Amazon Kindle Unlimited.

Another factor to be mindful of is third-party VPN services. Using VPN services can cause problems with Amazon Kindle Unlimited. So if you are using such a service, try re-launching KU after disabling VPNs.

Check the Server Status

At times, Amazon servers can also be at fault. If this is in fact the case, there is little you can do.

Amazon server outages are rare but not improbable. In such circumstances, waiting out the outage is the only choice.

If the issue persists, you can also check in with the Amazon team to help resolve the issue.

Switch the Network Bands

Kindle devices do not support 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands. So if your modem or router employs 6 GHz bands, then you cannot access the internet.

Also, Kindle devices released before 2021 do not support 5 GHz and WPA3 encryption. So check your model and also your Wi-Fi bandwidths to know about compatibility.

Making sure that your Kindle or host device is away from devices that cause interference such as microwaves, baby monitors or other high bandwidth-consuming devices may also yield results.

Update the Kindle Firmware and the App

Update the Kindle Firmware and the App

If you are running an older firmware on your Kindle device, it could be why you are having issues with Kindle Unlimited.

On devices besides the Kindle, if you are using an outdated version of the Kindle app, it could also interfere with your reading experience.

So make sure to update the Kindle app as well as the Kindle device firmware to keep up to date with new features and recent patches.

You can check the Play Store to see if there are any available updates.

On Android devices, do the following to check if your Kindle app has pending updates:

  • Go to 'Google Play Store' and tap on the profile icon.
  • Navigate to the 'Manage apps and devices' tab. If you have updates pending, you will see an 'Update' option next to the Kindle app.
  • Tap on 'Update' to get the latest firmware.
  • Check if this has resolved the issue with Kindle Unlimited.

On Apple devices, you can do the following steps to check for an update:

  • Open 'App Store' and tap on the 'Profile icon'.
  • Here, you can see if an update is available for the Kindle app.
  • If available, update and check the Kindle app once the update is complete.

If you are using an Amazon Kindle to access your Kindle Unlimited subscription, then you should check if Amazon has released an update for your device.

To update your Kindle device manually, follow the steps below:

1. Using the browser on your computer, go to the Amazon website and download the latest update for your Kindle's model and version.

2. Now turn on your Kindle and connect it to your computer via the charging cable.

3. Move the file you downloaded from the computer to the Kindle drive.

4. Once transferred, eject the Kindle and safely disconnect from the computer.

Kindle All Settings tab

5. Now, on your Kindle, go to 'Menu', navigate to 'All Settings', and tap on 'Device options'.

Kindle Advanced options

6. Then open Advanced Settings and click on Update your Kindle.

Kindle Update your Kindle option grayed out

7. Confirm your choice by tapping 'OK' to start the update. Kindle should give you the prompt 'Your Kindle is Updating'.

Once the update is complete, try accessing Kindle Unlimited to check if the problem has been resolved.

Check the Status of your KU Membership and Payment Method

Status of your KU Membership

Are you sure whether your subscription period with Kindle Unlimited has not expired? This check is worthwhile to do because you do not want to spend hours trying to find the wrong cause.

To check the status of your Kindle Unlimited Membership, follow the steps given below :

  • Go to Amazon.com and navigate to 'Accounts and Lists'.
  • Click on 'Memberships and Subscriptions' to ensure the Kindle Unlimited Membership is active.

If you are using a device besides a Kindle, you can verify if the Kindle App on the device is registered to the Amazon account with a KU subscription by doing the following :

  • Go to 'Account & Lists' and navigate to 'Digital Content and Devices'.
  • Here, you can verify that the Kindle app and the device you are using it on are listed.

If you have borrowed Kindle Unlimited books using the Kindle app on that device, you can find a record of that as well under 'Digital Content and Devices' > Content.

Additionally, you should check that your one-click payment method is 'Current' in Digital Payment Settings.

Clear Cache and App data

Clear Cache and App data

Another effective fix for this issue is to clear the cache memory of your Kindle/Kindle Unlimited app.

A cache file is a temporary file created on your device by the app to improve your experience.

This can cause conflicts if an update has been completed and the app tries to sync with the cache file created prior to the update.

To clear your cache files, do the following steps:

On Android devices:

  1. Select 'Storage' from the 'Settings' menu.
  2. Tap on the 'Apps' in the list and you will be taken to a screen that shows all the apps that you have on your phone.
  3. Find and tap on the 'Amazon Kindle Unlimited' app.
  4. Tap on the 'Clear Cache' option on the app's information page.

On Apple devices:

  1. Open the 'Settings' of your device.
  2. Find 'Amazon Kindle Unlimited App' to delete the cache.
  3. Once you find and tap on it, scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see an option 'Clear temp data on next start'.
  4. To clear the cache, tap on it and open 'Amazon Kindle Unlimited' app from your home screen.

After you have done the process of clearing all the cache data, remove the application from your device.

You have to do this to all Amazon applications including Shop, Alexa, Kindle, and Audible.

Reinstall the Amazon Kindle Unlimited app and check if the issue has been resolved.

It is suggested that you clear the app's cache data regularly on your smartphone to prevent glitches.

Freeing up available space for your device to function is also a great way to ensure the proper functionality of apps.

Factory Reset the Device

Factory resetting your device is the last resort sort of action that you can take if none of the solutions in this article has solved the Kindle Unlimited issue.

Why you should not factory reset your device right away? Because a factory reset will remove all data and downloaded content on your Kindle or host device and return the device to the factory default configuration.

Doing so could also come in handy if you have trouble connecting to the Kindle store.

With that said, follow the steps below to factory reset your Amazon Kindle:

1. From the Kindle home screen, swipe down and access the 'Quick Actions' or open the 'Menu'.

Kindle All Settings tab

2. Find 'All Settings' and open 'Device Options'.

Kindle Reset option

3. Tap on 'Reset' to initiate the factory reset process. A prompt will appear asking you to confirm the choice to reset the device. Tap on 'Yes'.

4. Once the factory reset is complete, your Kindle will be deregistered from Amazon. Set up your device from its initial configuration.

If you are using another device, find device-specific information online and proceed to factory reset the device.

Final Thoughts

Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription service allows Prime members to read as many eBooks as they like without worrying about paying a monthly fee.

However, users are facing issues with the Kindle store and the unlimited service as it is not functioning properly.

If you have gone through all the troubleshooting fixes in this article but the issue remains unresolved, then you should contact Amazon customer service.

If the issue seems unfixable, Amazon might even offer a replacement as a terminal step to help you.

Hopefully, the methods outlined in this article were helpful!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a Kindle device to enjoy Kindle Unlimited?

No. You can access all Kindle Unlimited books on your Kindle device or on any compatible device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer by installing the free Kindle reading app.

Do I need to pay separately for magazine subscriptions in Kindle Unlimited?

No, a separate magazine subscription is not needed. A select range of magazine subscriptions is included with the Amazon Kindle Unlimited membership at no additional cost.

Is Kindle Unlimited available to customers living outside the US?

Currently, Kindle Unlimited is available to customers only in the US. However, customers in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, China, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Australia can sign up for Kindle Unlimited in their local Amazon marketplace.

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About Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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