Kindle Skills - Password Protect Your Kindle

updated from March, 2010

Yes, you can password protect your Kindle if you have the latest update. Here's how you can tell if you have the capability:

• With the Kindle on the Home screen, press the Menu button
• Scroll down (with the 5-way switch) to Settings and press in to select
• In the Settings screen, you should see Device Password at the bottom of the list. Scroll down until the words turn on is underlined (selected) and press in on the 5-way switch to select
• A Set Password dialog will appear. Enter the password you want to use, Type it again to confirm it.
• Enter a password hint to help you remember it
• Select Submit when finished

password notes: Once you have your password created, your Kindle will be protected. No one will be able to use your Kindle without entering the correct password. This includes you, so don't use the password feature if you have memory issues. If you forget your password, the only remedy is to reset your Kindle, which will also remove all content to prevent other people from accessing it. Not pretty.

If you forget your password, move the 5-way controller down to view your password hint. Your Kindle will also give you the Kindle Support phone number so customer service can help reset your Kindle password.

Change your mind? If you have not forgotten your password and want to change it or turn it off, navigate to the Settings menu again. When you get to the Device Password area, you will see the option to turn off the password. Of course you need to be signed onto your Kindle with your password, and you will need to enter your password in order to confirm and turn off the Device Password option. I believe the keywords here are not and forgotten.

If you lose your Kindle and you don't have it password protected, you can always go to your Amazon account on the web andDeregister your Kindle. This will divorce it from your account so whoever has it won't be able to purchase any new books. Unfortunately, they will have access to any books you already have on your Kindle. If you want, you can contact Amazon Customer Support and (I think) they can really render it useless. Click the word Help at the top right of the account area on Amazon. Navigate to the Kindle help area and look for a Contact Us button. It should be in the Self Service area on the right side of the web page. Amazon will phone you immediately. They are an amazing help resource.

Ask Mrs. Wizard: Please send me a personal email (mrswizard@mrswizard.com) if you have any questions. I answer all my emails and am more than happy to help any time I can. Your questions mean a lot to me, and may even inspire an article that will help others and make this a more valuable resource to anyone who reads it. 

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