What You Can Change on a Kindle Lock Screen

The Kindle lock screen is the image you see when your device is asleep or powered off. On most Kindle models, you can replace the default Amazon image with a photo of your own, a custom design, or a screensaver. What you can actually change depends on which Kindle device you own — older models and basic e-readers have fewer options than newer tablets.

Amazon calls these images "screensavers" in their settings, though the term is used loosely. On Kindle e-readers (the black-and-white devices), you can set a static image that appears when the device sleeps. On Kindle Fire tablets, you can set a rotating gallery of images or a single photo. The process differs between device types, and some models do not allow custom images at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets have different methods for changing the lock screen, so you need to know which device you own before you start.
  • On e-readers, you upload images through your Amazon account online, then select them in device settings; on Fire tablets, you choose from your device's photo library or Amazon's gallery.
  • Custom images on e-readers must be in JPG or PNG format and work best at 600 × 800 pixels or larger for standard models.
  • If you have a Kindle with Special Offers (the ad-supported version), you cannot remove the ads from the lock screen, but you can upgrade to remove them permanently.

Changing the Lock Screen on a Kindle E-Reader

On standard Kindle e-readers (Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Oasis), you upload images to your Amazon account first, then select them on the device. Start by going to manage your Kindle on Amazon's website. Sign in with your Amazon account, then look for "Personal Documents" or "Manage Your Content and Devices" in the menu. Upload your image file there — Amazon accepts JPG and PNG formats. The image should be at least 600 × 800 pixels; larger images work fine.

Once the image is uploaded to your account, pick up your Kindle device. Go to Settings, then Device Options, then Screensaver. You will see a list of available images, including the ones you just uploaded. Select the image you want. The device will display it the next time it goes to sleep. You can change this as often as you like by repeating the same steps.

If you own a basic Kindle (the entry-level model without a backlight), the process is the same, but image options may be more limited depending on your device's age and software version. Older Kindle models sometimes do not support custom screensavers at all — if you do not see a Screensaver option in Settings, your device does not have this feature.

Changing the Lock Screen on a Kindle Fire Tablet

Kindle Fire tablets handle lock screens differently. You do not upload images to Amazon first; instead, you choose from photos already on your device or from Amazon's built-in gallery. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel, then tap Settings. Look for Display or Lock Screen (the exact name varies by Fire model and software version). Tap Screensaver or Lock Screen Image.

You will see options to choose from your Photos app, Amazon's gallery of free images, or a slideshow that rotates through multiple photos. If you want to use a photo you took or downloaded, select Photos and browse to the image. If you want Amazon's default images or a rotating gallery, select that option instead. Once you choose, the lock screen updates immediately.

Some Fire tablets also let you set a clock, weather, or news feed to display on the lock screen instead of an image. These options appear in the same Settings menu. You can switch between them at any time.

Preparing and Uploading Images for E-Readers

The image you choose matters. Kindle e-readers display in black and white (or grayscale on some models), so a color photo will be converted automatically. Images with high contrast — dark and light areas — usually look better than images with many shades of gray. Text on the lock screen is readable, but small details may blur.

File size and format are important. Use JPG or PNG files only; other formats will not upload. The image should be at least 600 × 800 pixels for standard Kindle models, or 1072 × 1448 pixels for Kindle Paperwhite and Oasis models. Larger images are fine — Amazon will resize them to fit your device. If your image is smaller than the recommended size, it may appear pixelated or stretched.

To upload, log into your Amazon account on a computer or phone, go to Manage Your Content and Devices, select Personal Documents, and click Upload Your Own Document. Choose the image file from your computer. It will appear in your Kindle library within a few minutes. From there, you can send it to any Kindle device linked to your account, or simply select it as your screensaver in device settings.

Removing or Resetting the Lock Screen

If you want to go back to Amazon's default lock screen image, go to Settings on your device, then Screensaver, and select one of Amazon's built-in options. This removes your custom image but does not delete it from your account — you can select it again later if you change your mind.

On Fire tablets, you can reset to the default by going to Settings, Display or Lock Screen, and choosing Amazon's default gallery or clock option. The process is the same: you are just switching to a different screensaver source, not erasing anything.

If you have a Kindle with Special Offers (the ad-supported version), the lock screen will always show an advertisement or promotional image. You cannot remove these ads through screensaver settings. The only way to remove them is to pay Amazon a one-time fee to upgrade your device to the ad-free version. This fee varies but is usually around $20 to $30 depending on the device model.

Troubleshooting Common Lock Screen Problems

If your custom image does not appear after you upload it, check that the file format is JPG or PNG and that the file size is not corrupted. Try uploading it again through Manage Your Content and Devices. If it still does not show up, the image may be too small — resize it to at least 600 × 800 pixels and upload again.

If you uploaded an image but cannot find it in your Screensaver list on the device, make sure you are looking in the right place. On e-readers, go to Settings, Device Options, Screensaver — not just Settings alone. On Fire tablets, the menu path is Settings, Display (or Lock Screen), Screensaver. If the image still does not appear, restart your device and try again.

If your lock screen shows a blank or corrupted image, the file may have been damaged during upload. Delete it from your Amazon account and upload a fresh copy. If the problem continues, try a different image file to rule out a problem with that specific file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a GIF or animated image as my Kindle lock screen?

No. Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets both display static images only. GIFs and other animated formats will not work. Convert your image to JPG or PNG format before uploading.

What happens to my custom lock screen if I factory reset my Kindle?

On e-readers, the image stays in your Amazon account, so you can select it again after the reset. On Fire tablets, images stored on the device will be erased, but images from Amazon's gallery will still be available. If you want to keep a photo, save it to your Amazon Photos account before resetting.

Can I set a different lock screen image for each Kindle device I own?

Yes. Each device has its own screensaver setting. You can upload one image to your account and set it on one Kindle, then set a different image on another Kindle. The settings do not sync across devices.

Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi to change my lock screen?

To upload an image to your Amazon account, you need internet access on the computer or phone you are using. To select a screensaver on your Kindle device, you do not need Wi-Fi, but your device must have been connected to Wi-Fi at least once to sync with your account.

Why does my lock screen image look blurry or pixelated?

The image is probably smaller than the recommended size for your device. Kindle e-readers need at least 600 × 800 pixels; Paperwhite and Oasis need at least 1072 × 1448 pixels. Resize your image to these dimensions and upload it again.