How to Find Out Which Kindle Model You Have

Knowing exactly which Kindle model you have is essential for finding the right case, troubleshooting software issues, or checking compatibility with accessories. This guide walks you through several quick methods to identify your device, from checking the settings menu to inspecting the physical hardware. No prior technical knowledge is needed—just your Kindle and a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

• Your Kindle device (any generation)
• Optional: the original packaging or purchase receipt
• Optional: a computer with internet access to verify model numbers

Step-by-Step

1. Turn on your Kindle and go to the home screen. If it’s asleep, press the power button briefly to wake it.
2. Open the Settings menu. Tap the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the screen, then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
3. Go to Device Options. In the Settings menu, tap Device Options (on some older models this may be labeled Device Info).
4. Find the Device Info section. Look for a line that says Device Model or Model Number. This will show something like “Kindle Paperwhite” or “Kindle Oasis.”
5. Check the serial number. On the same screen, you’ll see a Serial Number entry. Write it down or take a photo—this is the key to identifying the exact generation.
6. Decode the serial number. The first two digits of the serial number indicate the device family. For example, 90 or 92 typically denote a Kindle Paperwhite, while G0 or G1 appear on Kindle Oasis models. A full list of prefixes is available on Amazon’s help pages.
7. Check the back of the device. If your Kindle is off or you can’t access the menu, turn it over. Most Kindles have small text near the bottom edge that includes the model name (e.g., “Kindle Paperwhite 11th Generation”).
8. Use the original packaging. If you still have the box, the model name and generation are printed on the side or bottom label. This is often the fastest way if you haven’t thrown it away.
9. Verify online. Go to Amazon’s “Identify Your Kindle” page and enter your serial number (without spaces) to see the exact model and generation. This is the most reliable method if the on-device info is ambiguous.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing the device name with the generation. For instance, “Kindle Paperwhite” has been used since 2012, but there are now 12 generations. The name alone isn’t enough; you need the generation number or serial prefix.
• Looking at the wrong number. On some models, the back of the device shows the FCC ID or a barcode, not the model name. The model name is usually printed in plain text, but it can be tiny and easy to miss.
• Relying on the Wi-Fi MAC address. This isn’t the serial number and won’t help identify the model.
• Assuming all Kindles have the same menu layout. Older Kindles (pre-2014) use a different menu structure—look for a Menu button instead of the dots icon.

Tips

• If you have a Kindle Fire (the tablet, not e-reader), the process is different. Go to Settings → Device Options → About Device to see the model number.
• Take a screenshot of the Device Info screen (tap the top of the screen, then the camera icon) so you have a record without writing it down.
• If you bought your Kindle second-hand, the previous owner may have registered it to their account. You can still see the model in Settings, but you’ll need to deregister it to use your own account.
• Amazon’s customer service can identify your model from the serial number if you’re still unsure—just ask them via chat or phone.

Troubleshooting

• Can’t find the Settings menu? On very old Kindles (keyboard models), press the Menu button on the device, then select Settings. On newer ones, swipe down from the top to access quick settings, then tap the gear icon.
• The Device Model line is blank or says “Unknown.” This can happen if the software is corrupted. Try restarting your Kindle by holding the power button for 40 seconds, then release and wait for it to reboot. If it still doesn’t show, check the serial number on the back and use Amazon’s online tool.
• Your Kindle won’t turn on. Charge it for at least 30 minutes, then try again. If it still doesn’t power up, look for the model name on the back—it’s often printed near the bottom, even when the device is off.
• The serial number prefix isn’t in the list you found. Amazon updates the prefixes with new models. Use their official lookup page or contact support—they have the most current database.
• You have a Kindle Fire and the e-reader steps don’t work. Fire tablets run a different OS. Go to Settings → Device Options → About to see the model number and serial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find the model number on a Kindle without turning it on?
A: Look at the back of the device near the bottom. Most Kindles have the model name and generation printed in small text. If it’s too worn, the serial number is also on the back—use that with Amazon’s lookup tool.

Q: What if my Kindle shows “Kindle” only, not the specific model?
A: Older basic Kindles (like the 7th or 8th generation) may just say “Kindle.” In that case, use the serial number to identify the exact generation. The first two digits of the serial are the key.

Q: Does the model number affect which accessories I can buy?
A: Yes. Cases, screen protectors, and charging docks are often specific to a generation. For example, a case for the 10th generation Paperwhite won’t fit the 11th generation because the dimensions changed.

Q: Can I find the model in the Kindle app on my phone?
A: No. The app doesn’t show which physical device you own. You need to check the device itself or your Amazon account under “Manage Your Content and Devices”—each registered device lists its model there.

Q: Are Kindle model numbers the same as serial numbers?
A: No. The model number is a general identifier (e.g., “Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen”), while the serial number is unique to your specific device. The serial number can be used to look up the model number, but they are not the same.

Q: What do the letters in the serial number mean?
A: The first two or three characters indicate the device family and generation. For instance, “G0” often means Kindle Oasis, while “90” typically means Paperwhite. Amazon doesn’t publish a complete list, but their lookup tool decodes it for you.

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