GoKawiilMaria Diaz/ZDNET
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Jailbreaking a Kindle lets you modify its software to bypass some of Amazon's restrictions.
This is most useful for users with older Kindle devices that are no longer supported by Amazon.
As of May 20, eight Kindle models will no longer receive support.
Amazon plans to end technical support for older Kindle devices starting on May 20, but that doesn't mean users must get rid of them. Kindles and Fire tablets released before 2013 will no longer receive software support from Amazon, leaving many users looking for alternative ways to continue using them as e-readers.
One of the most popular ways to extend your Kindle's lifespan is to jailbreak it. Doing so lets you bypass some of Amazon's biggest restrictions, offering greater UI customizations, access to untapped settings, and even the ability to install alternative reading software.
Also: This e-reader lets you view in color, and it's $60 cheaper now
Most people looking to jailbreak an older Kindle today install KOReader, KUAL Launcher, and maybe some custom fonts and screensavers, all of which I recently tested on my aging Paperwhite. Here's how I jailbroke my old Kindle to unlock greater access to features, and what I learned in the process.
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