How to Get a Kindle Fire Recognized

Try testing other USB devices to confirm that the problem is with the Kindle and not your PC.
... Spencer Platt/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Your computer should automatically detect your Kindle Fire when you connect it via USB so that you can transfer content to and from the device over File Explorer. If, however, your computer fails to recognize your Kindle or its internal storage, you may need to troubleshoot the connection or install additional software to your PC.

Connect the Kindle Fire directly to the computer; do not plug the device into a USB hub. Test each USB port on your PC if the first port you try doesn't work.

Wake the computer from sleep or hibernation mode, if applicable, and then restart your PC if it still fails to detect the tablet.

Press and hold the power button on your Kindle for at least 20 seconds, and then press the power button again after the device shuts off. If your computer still won't recognize your Kindle Fire, charge the device to full and then try again.

  • If you're running Windows XP, download and install Windows Media Player 11 (link in Resources) before connecting the Kindle Fire.
  • If you're connecting the Kindle Fire to OS X 10.5 or later, download and install Android File Transfer from the Android website (link in Resources).

Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.

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