Amazon Kindle Fire owners reporting Wi-Fi bug

cnet.com - 12/5/2011
Lance Whitney

Just three weeks after the debut of the Kindle Fire, some users are complaining of problems accessing Wi-Fi networks and the Internet.

Noted by tech enthusiast site Electronista, some Firetablet owners are saying they can't connect to their Wi-Fi networks, while others say they can connect to their routers but can't access the Internet.

Among the 175 posts about the subject in Amazon's ownkindle forum several frustrated users described the problem.

One posted that "my Kindle Fire is not connecting to my network either. It recognizes my router but once I enter the security key it attempts to connect and fails. Another said: "Have just opened Kindle Fire. Can connect to wifi but no internet. All other wireless devices in home are working fine connecting to internet."

One person said that he spoke with Amazon's customer support, who told him it was a "known issue" and one that would be resolved in a few hours. The support rep reportedly promised to e-mail or call back but failed to follow up. And a few hours later, Internet connectivity was still down.

On a positive note, many forum posters were apparently able to fix the glitch by installing the latest software update for the Fire. Initially version 6.1 and now 6.2, the update makes no specific reference to Wi-Fi bug fixes. But several users who installed the 6.1 update via a USB port and rebooted their routers were then able to get online. However, others who installed 6.1 said their Wi-Fi or Internet access was still down.

Kindle Fire users who continue to have trouble connecting after installing version 6.1 may want to try the new 6.2 update since Amazon does describe this latest software upgrade as providing "improvements to the operation of your Kindle Fire."

Electronista reported that "Amazon has yet to publicly acknowledge problems with Wi-Fi connectivity." Amazon did not immediately return CNET's request for comment.

Are you having problems with your tablet or pc? we can help! geeksoncall.com

Keywords: geeksoncall, geeks on call, geeksoncall.com, 800-905-geek, computer repair, computer service, home computer repair, home computer service, information technology, business network service, virus removal, network, wireless network, facebook, safety, analyze computer, internet explorer, malware, gmail, productivity...