Just when I was sorting my table the other day, I found several assorted chargers and it left me stuck. I didn’t know if Kindles could be charged with all chargers. Some chargers actually worked, but some didn’t. That was when I started thinking –
Do Kindles have different chargers?
Most Kindle Fire, Paperwhite, Kids version, and Signature Edition devices use USB C chargers, while 10th-generation Kindle devices require a micro-USB charger. In any case, chargers aren’t the same for all Kindle versions.
In this article, we’ll look at chargers for each version of Kindle along with other quick tips to charge your Kindle on the go.
What's inside?
Chargers and Kindle: Overview
Many people think that all Kindle chargers are the same. However, there are actually three different types of chargers for the different models of Kindle.
There are two types of chargers for Kindles:
- The USB charger
- The AC charger.
The USB charger is the most popular type of charger, as it can be plugged into any computer or USB port to charge your Kindle. The AC charger is less popular as it requires an AC outlet but can charge your Kindle faster than the USB charger.
Even some cars have multiple charging ports. So it only makes sense that Kindles would have different chargers as well.
Each model of Kindle has a slightly different charger, but they all use the same basic technology.
The main difference between the chargers is the connector type.
Some older models use a micro-USB connector, while newer ones use a Type-C connector. There are also some special editions of the Kindle that use a proprietary charger.
When charging over a micro-USB, a small light on the front of your device will turn on. It’ll take about 4 hours to fully charge your Kindle from a completely empty battery.
If you’re unsure which charger to use for your Kindle, you can always check the user manual or contact customer support.
The user manual can also answer questions related to the voltage level. Here’s an article – are Kindles dual voltage?
NOTE: Charging times will be much slower; this way, it could take up to 8 hours to fully charge your device.
Which Charger For My Kindle Version?
Here’s a table that summarizes the charger type to go for each Kindle version.
| Kindle Type | Version | Charging Port Type |
| Kindle | 10th gen | Micro-USB (or USB 2.0) |
| Kindle Oasis | 10th gen | Micro-USB (or USB 2.0) |
| Kindle Paperwhite (Kids & Signature) | 11th gen | USB C |
| Kindle Fire 7 | 9th gen | Micro-USB (or USB 2.0) |
| Kindle Fire 8 (Regular & Plus) | 10th gen | USB C |
| Kindle Fire HD 10 | 11th gen | USB C |
What Type Of Charger Does A Kindle Use?
The latest Kindle versions use micro USB chargers. That’s the same type of charger that’s used for many cell phones and other portable devices. So if you’ve a spare micro USB charger, you can use it to charge your Kindle.
Of course, you can also buy a dedicated Kindle charger. If you don’t have a micro-USB charger, don’t worry. They are widely available and relatively inexpensive.
You can find them at most electronics stores or online. Make sure to get a charger compatible with your Kindle model.
With a little planning, you can easily keep your Kindle charged and ready to use, no matter where you are.
Can I Use Any Charger To Charge My Kindle?
You can use any micro-USB charger to charge your Kindle, but we recommend only using the one with it. However, some cheaper chargers don’t give as much power as the official Amazon charger, resulting in a longer charging time. In extreme cases, it can even damage your Kindle.
So while you technically can use any micro-USB charger to charge your Kindle, we recommend sticking with the one that came with it. It has been designed to work well with your device, and you will avoid any potential problems.
FAQ
Will My Old Kindle Charger Work With Paperwhite?
It depends on which model Kindle you have and which charger you use. If you’ve an older Kindle with a mini-USB port, you can use any standard micro-USB charger to charge it. This includes the charger that came with your Paperwhite.
However, if you have a newer Kindle with a micro-USB port, you need to use the specific charger with your device.
The good news is that most micro-USB chargers are interchangeable, so you should be able to find one that works with your Paperwhite.
Generally, it is always best to use the charger with your device. This will ensure that you are getting optimal charging performance and avoiding any potential compatibility issues.
Can I Charge Kindle With A Phone Charger?
Your Kindle will work fine if you charge it with a phone charger. But, it takes a long time to charge and can hamper your battery upon prolonged use. It’s appropriate to check the manual.
Let me elaborate a bit on what happens when you charge your Kindle with a phone charger.
First, charging your Kindle with a phone charger will take significantly longer than using the included AC adapter. So, if you are in a hurry, it’s probably not the best option.
Secondly, using a phone charger can stress your battery over time. So, if you plan on doing this regularly, it is worth investing in a dedicated Kindle charger.
Finally, it is always best to consult your Kindle’s user manual before attempting to charge it with anything other than the included AC adapter. With that said, charging your Kindle with a phone charger is perfectly safe and will not damage your device.
Are Kindle Chargers Universal?
While some Kindle chargers are interchangeable, each individual Kindle model requires its specific charger to work correctly. So if you lose or break your charger, you have to replace it with the same model to keep your Kindle powered up.
Some third-party chargers claim to be universal, but they don’t always work as advertised. So, it is best to stick with the official charger for your specific model of Kindle.
That way, you know that it will work, and you won’t risk damaging your device. While it’s a pain to keep track of different chargers for different devices, it is just how things are with electronic devices these days.
So if you’re ever in need of a new Kindle charger, make sure you get the right one for your model; otherwise, you will be left with a dead Kindle and an unhappy reading experience.
