Change Your Kindle Name in Settings

You can change the name of your Kindle device through the Settings menu on the device itself. The name appears when you connect to Wi-Fi, send documents to your Kindle, or manage multiple devices in your Amazon account. The process takes about two minutes and requires no computer or app.

To start, open the menu on your Kindle by pressing the menu button (three horizontal lines). Scroll down and select Settings. Look for an option called Device Name or Device Options — the exact wording depends on your Kindle model. Tap it, and you'll see a text field with your current device name, usually something like "Kindle" or "Kindle Paperwhite."

Delete the old name and type a new one. Kindle accepts up to 32 characters, including letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens. Names like "Sarah's Kindle," "Bedroom E-Reader," or "Kindle-2024" all work fine. When you're done typing, select Done or press the checkmark button. The change takes effect when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Kindle name through the Settings menu on the device itself, not through the Amazon website or app.
  • The device name can be up to 32 characters long and appears when you send documents or manage multiple Kindles in your account.
  • Different Kindle models have slightly different menu layouts, but all have a Device Name or Device Options setting in Settings.
  • The name change happens when ready and does not affect your books, reading progress, or Amazon account.

Where to Find Settings on Different Kindle Models

The menu button location varies slightly by model. On Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis, press the three-line menu icon in the top-left corner of the home screen. On older Kindle models, the menu button may be in the top-right corner or accessed by pressing the Menu key on the keyboard (if your model has one).

Once you open the menu, scroll all the way down to Settings. This is always at the bottom of the menu list. If you don't see Settings, make sure you're on the home screen and not inside a book or document — the menu changes depending on where you are on the device.

Changing Your Kindle Name Through Amazon.com

You can also change your device name from your Amazon account online. Go to amazon.com and sign in. Hover over Account & Lists in the top-right corner and select Your Account. Scroll down to find Devices and Accessories or Manage Your Devices.

Find your Kindle in the list and click on it. Look for an edit button or pencil icon next to the device name. Click it, type your new name, and save. This method is useful if you're away from your device or prefer to manage settings on a computer. The name updates on your Kindle within a few minutes.

Why You Might Want to Rename Your Kindle

If you own multiple Kindles — perhaps one for home, one for travel, and one you share with a family member — renaming them makes it much easier to send books to the right device. When you send a document or book to your Kindle through email or the Amazon website, you choose which device receives it by name. Generic names like "Kindle" or "Kindle Paperwhite" become confusing fast.

A descriptive name also helps when you're troubleshooting Wi-Fi problems or managing devices in your Amazon account. Instead of trying to remember which serial number belongs to which device, you can see at a glance that "Kitchen Tablet" or "Dad's Kindle" is the one having issues.

What Happens to Your Books and Reading Progress

Changing your device name does not affect your books, bookmarks, highlights, or reading progress in any way. Your library stays exactly the same, and you can continue reading where you left off. The name change is purely cosmetic — it's just a label that helps you identify the device.

If you've synced your reading progress across devices through your Amazon account, that synchronization continues to work after you rename the device. Your notes and highlights remain attached to your books regardless of what you call the device.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is looking for the device name setting in the wrong place. Some readers search the Amazon app or website first, when the quickest route is the Settings menu on the Kindle itself. If you can't find Device Name in Settings, check that you're on the home screen — the menu is different when you're reading a book.

Another mistake is using special characters that Kindle doesn't accept. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens. Symbols like @, &, or quotation marks may cause an error or be stripped out when you save. If your name doesn't save, try removing any special characters and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Kindle name from the Amazon app on my phone?

You can view your device name in the Amazon app, but you cannot change it there. You must either change it on the Kindle device itself through Settings, or log into amazon.com on a computer and use the Manage Your Devices section. The app shows your devices but does not have an edit function for device names.

Will changing my Kindle name affect my Amazon account or library?

No. Your device name is just a label. Your Amazon account, library, reading progress, and all your books remain unchanged. You can rename your Kindle as many times as you want without any impact on your account or content.

What if I forget what I named my Kindle?

Go to amazon.com, sign in, and open Manage Your Devices. You'll see all your Kindles listed with their current names. You can also check the device name by opening Settings on the Kindle itself — the current name appears at the top of the Device Name field before you edit it.

Can I use the same name for two different Kindles?

Technically yes, but it's not a good idea. If you have two Kindles with the same name, you won't be able to tell them apart when sending books or managing devices in your account. Amazon allows it, but giving each device a unique name makes your life much easier.

How long does it take for the name change to show up everywhere?

If you change the name on the device itself, it updates when ready on that Kindle. If you change it through amazon.com, it usually appears on the device within a few minutes. You may need to restart your Kindle or refresh the page to see the change reflected everywhere.