Can a Kindle Fire battery be replaced?
Q
For years now my wife and I have enjoyed the excellent Kindle Fire tablets. The only problem we’ve ever had is when the batteries become unable to retain a useful level of charge, with each failing after a few years. No one seems to repair these tablets – not even Amazon itself. It seems such a waste to throw away a perfectly good tablet just because it cannot be charged up. Any advice would be appreciated. Paul Hunter
A
We agree, but the harsh truth is that because Kindle Fire tablet are so cheap, repairs might not be economically viable. Amazon will fix or replace devices still under warranty but, outside of that, you have to look to third-party repair firms. These do exist but, once you add on their need to make a profit, the sums start to add up: a new battery costs around £10-£15 and requires perhaps 30 minutes of labour to fit. Factor in postage, packaging and other overheads and it’s difficult for anyone to make much money replacing Kindle Fire batteries, especially when Amazon sells brand-new models from £50 – or cheaper still during its regular sales events.
But the sums get trickier still when you consider that Amazon doesn’t really want faulty devices repaired. Rather, the company offers owners of old Kindles 20 per cent off the cost of a new one plus a gift card (of a variable amount) by trading in an old model. Even a smashed-up unit will get you a £5 gift card, plus said 20 per cent discount. So, in effect, a brand-new, latest-generation Kindle Fire could cost £35 or even less. You’ll find full details of this Amazon scheme at www.snipca. com/41281. Amazon recycles the old devices, incidentally.
Now, if you’re not content with this – and you’re prepared to get your hands dirty – then you can do the job yourself.
It’s actually not that difficult and we suppose you don’t have a whole lot to lose. Search on ebay for the correct battery for your specific tablet model, and you’ll find no end of kits that include the necessary tools – the going price is around £15.
Then, visit the excellent ifixit website at www.snipca.com/41282 (pictured), where you’ll find a detailed illustrated guide to opening up your Kindle Fire and replacing the battery.