Blocking ads on Kindle depends on which device you own and where you see them
Amazon shows ads on some Kindle models and in the Kindle reading app, but your options to remove them vary. On e-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite or basic Kindle, ads appear on the lock screen and home screen — you can pay a one-time fee to remove them, or turn off the feature that displays them. In the Kindle app on your phone or tablet, ads show up between chapters and in the store, and blocking them requires different steps. This guide walks you through each situation so you can read without interruption.
Key Takeaways
- Ads on Kindle e-readers appear on the lock screen and home screen, and you can remove them by paying Amazon a fee or by disabling the ad-supported version of the device.
- The Kindle reading app on phones and tablets shows ads between chapters, which you can reduce by adjusting app settings or using a browser-based ad blocker if you read through a web browser.
- Amazon's Special Offers program is what delivers ads to your device, and opting out of it is the simplest way to stop seeing them on e-readers.
- Some ads in the Kindle Store cannot be blocked through device settings alone, but limiting your browsing in the store reduces the number you encounter.
Removing ads from Kindle e-readers
If you own a Kindle e-reader — the basic model, Paperwhite, Oasis, or Scribe — ads appear on your lock screen and home screen as part of Amazon's Special Offers program. These are not ads you see while reading; they only show when your device is idle or you return to the home screen. To remove them, you have two options: pay Amazon a one-time fee, or turn off the Special Offers feature entirely.
To remove ads by paying the fee, go to Manage Your Content and Devices on Amazon's website. Sign in with your account, click the Devices tab, select your Kindle from the list, and look for the option to remove Special Offers. The fee varies by device — typically $15 to $20 for standard models, less for older devices. Amazon will process the payment and remove ads within 24 hours. If you already paid this fee when you bought your device, ads should not appear at all.
If you want to stop seeing ads without paying, you can disable the Special Offers feature through your device settings. On most Kindle e-readers, go to Settings, then Device Options, and look for Special Offers or Ads. The exact name depends on your model and software version. Toggle this off, and the ads will disappear from your lock screen and home screen. Note that disabling Special Offers does not refund any fee you already paid — this option is only for devices that came with ads included.
Reducing ads in the Kindle app on phones and tablets
The Kindle reading app for iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets shows ads between chapters and in the Kindle Store. Unlike e-readers, the app does not have a built-in setting to turn off these ads completely. However, you can reduce how often they appear by adjusting your app settings and limiting your time in the store.
Open the Kindle app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then go to Settings. Look for options related to Notifications or Personalization and turn off any toggles that allow Amazon to send you promotional content or personalized recommendations. This reduces the number of ads the app shows you based on your reading history. You can also clear your app cache by going to your phone's Settings, finding the Kindle app, and selecting Clear Cache — this removes stored data that Amazon uses to target ads to you.
If you read books through a web browser instead of the Kindle app — by visiting read.amazon.com — you can use a browser-based ad blocker like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus. These extensions block many ads on the web version of Kindle, though Amazon may update its code to work around them. The web version of Kindle is less common than the app, but it gives you another avenue if app ads are persistent.
Understanding what ads you cannot block
Some ads on Kindle cannot be removed through settings or payments. The Kindle Store itself — where you browse and buy books — displays promotional content and sponsored book recommendations that are part of Amazon's business model. These ads are not tied to the Special Offers program and do not have an on-off switch. You can reduce your exposure to them by spending less time browsing the store, using the search function instead of browsing categories, and avoiding the home screen of the app.
Similarly, if you use Kindle Unlimited — Amazon's subscription service for unlimited reading — you will see ads for other books in the Unlimited catalog. These are not removable, but they only appear in the app and on the home screen, not while you are actively reading. If these ads bother you, the only solution is to avoid browsing the app when you are not reading.
Checking your device model and software version
The steps to remove ads vary slightly depending on which Kindle model you own and which software version it is running. To find out what you have, go to Settings on your device and look for Device Info or About. Write down the model name and software version number.
Then visit Amazon's support site and search for your specific model — for example, "Kindle Paperwhite 11th generation" — to find the exact steps for your device. Amazon's support pages include screenshots and detailed instructions for each model. If your device is several years old, the menu layout may be different from newer models, and the support page will show you where to find the Special Offers setting on your version.
What happens after you remove ads
Once you remove ads from a Kindle e-reader, your lock screen will show a blank background or a default image instead of promotional content. Your home screen will display your library and recent books without ads mixed in. If you paid the one-time fee, this change is permanent — ads will not return unless you reset your device to factory settings.
If you disabled Special Offers through settings instead of paying, you can re-enable ads at any time by going back to Settings and toggling the feature back on. There is no penalty for turning ads on and off, though Amazon may re-enable them if you reset your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove ads from a Kindle I already own without paying?
Yes. Go to your device settings, find the Special Offers option, and toggle it off. This works on all Kindle e-readers. If you already paid Amazon to remove ads when you bought the device, ads should not appear at all, and you do not need to do anything.
Will removing ads affect my reading experience or book library?
No. Removing ads only affects what you see on your lock screen and home screen. Your books, reading progress, and all other features work exactly the same. Ads do not appear while you are reading a book.
What if I remove ads and then want them back?
If you disabled Special Offers through settings, you can turn it back on in the same menu. If you paid the one-time fee to remove ads, you cannot get them back — that fee is non-refundable. You would need to contact Amazon support if you want to discuss your options.
Do I have to remove ads from every Kindle device separately?
Yes. Each Kindle device has its own settings. If you own multiple Kindles, you need to remove ads from each one individually, either by paying the fee or disabling Special Offers on each device through its own settings menu.
Why does the Kindle app show ads between chapters?
Amazon includes ads in the Kindle app as part of its free service model. Unlike e-readers, the app does not have a paid option to remove these ads. You can reduce them by adjusting notification settings and clearing your app cache, but you cannot eliminate them entirely without using a third-party ad blocker on a web browser.