Kindles, like any other small electronic devices, are easy to lose; they’re also a good target for thieves. Here’s what to do if your Kindle goes missing.
Before Your Kindle Goes Missing
There are a few thing you can do before your Kindle goes missing to make it easier for someone to return it to you or make it useless to thieves, although the options are mutually exclusive.
The first option is to add some personal information to your Kindle—like an email address or contact number. The problem with this is that most people don’t know the option exists, so if they find your Kindle sitting in a coffee shop, they aren’t too likely to check for it.
Tap the Menu button and then select the “Settings” option.
Next, go to My Account > Personal Info.
Add some personal information, and then tap the “Save” button.
Now, anyone who thinks to check will be able to find your contact details.
Tap the Menu button, and then select the “Settings” option.
Go to Device Options > Device Passcode, and then enter a passcode. Confirm it, and then tap the “OK” button.
Now, when your device wakes up, you’ll need to enter the passcode to continue.
This won’t make your Kindle any easier to get back, but it will stop anyone else from using it.
Send a Document to Your Device With Your Contact Details
This is a long shot and should only really be used if you think you lost your Kindle by mistake. Your Kindle has an email address you can use to send files to it.
RELATED: How To Send eBooks & Other Documents To Your Kindle
Create a Word or text file with your name and your contact details. Follow the instructions in this article to send the file to your Kindle. If your Kindle has 3G, it will get delivered instantly. If not, it will get delivered if it ever connects to Wifi.
Again, there’s really only an outside shot this will work, especially if you think your Kindle has been stolen, but sometimes anything is worth a go.
Deregister and Block Your Kindle
Click the Menu button next to the Kindle that’s been stolen and take down the serial number. Once you have it written down somewhere, select Deregister.
Click Deregister again to remove it from your account.
Get a Refund From Any Purchased Books
Check out our article on getting refunds for accidental Kindle purchases for more information.
RELATED: How to Get a Refund for an Accidental Kindle Book Purchase
If your Kindle really gets stolen, the odds of getting it back are pretty slim. The police aren’t going to put many resources into finding a $100 Kindle. Now, at least, you know how to give yourself the best shot at getting it back and also make it useless to thieves.
