You have four solid options for an old Kindle: trade it in to Amazon, sell it, donate it, or recycle it. Before you do any of those, deregister it from your Amazon account so your books and login do not go with it.
A working Kindle still has plenty of readers who want it. Here is how to wipe it and pick the right next step. (If yours is a Kindle Fire tablet rather than an e-reader, see our creative uses for an old Kindle Fire instead.)
First: Deregister and Reset Your Kindle
- Deregister it. On the device, go to Settings, Your Account, and Deregister. You can also remove it from Amazon under Manage Your Content and Devices on the website.
- Factory reset. In Settings, choose Reset or Reset to Factory Defaults. This wipes your books, notes, and login.
Deregistering matters. If you skip it, the next person is tied to your Amazon account, and your library rides along with the device.
Trade It In or Sell It
- Amazon Trade-In. Amazon takes back many Kindle models for an Amazon gift card, plus they often add a discount toward a new one. They send a free shipping label.
- Sell it. Working Kindles sell on eBay and Facebook Marketplace. List the model and generation, since that sets the price.
Donate It
A Kindle is a great donation because it holds hundreds of books in one light device. Once it is wiped, consider:
- Local libraries and schools
- Senior centers and assisted living homes
- Nonprofits like World Computer Exchange that send devices where they are needed
Recycle It
If the screen is cracked or the battery is shot, recycle it as electronic waste. Amazon offers free device recycling with a prepaid mail-in label, and Best Buy accepts e-readers too. Do not put it in the trash, since it has a built-in battery. The same rule covers your old tablets and old iPads.
Repurpose an Old Kindle
Even a basic Kindle can have a second life. Use it as a dedicated bedside reader with no notifications, a recipe display in the kitchen, a weather or calendar screen, or a distraction-free device for a kid who is just starting to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wipe an old Kindle before selling it?
Deregister it under Settings, Your Account, then do a factory reset in Settings. You can also remove it from Amazon under Manage Your Content and Devices.
Does Amazon take old Kindles?
Yes. The Amazon Trade-In program accepts many models for a gift card, and Amazon also recycles any Kindle for free with a prepaid label.
Can you recycle a Kindle?
Yes. Use Amazon’s free mail-in recycling or drop it at Best Buy. Never toss it in the trash because of the battery.
What is the difference between a Kindle and a Kindle Fire?
A Kindle is an e-reader made mainly for books. A Kindle Fire is a full tablet that runs apps and video. They are different devices, so check which one you have.
Are old Kindles worth anything?
Working ones have modest trade-in or resale value. Older or damaged ones are usually worth more recycled or donated than sold.