Amazon Kindle iOS bug destroys users' libraries

Amazon has warned Kindle for iOS users not to update the app on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch following complaints it deleted people's libraries and saved settings from their devices.

The update, version 3.6.1, was released on 26 February and was meant to fix some minor bugs in version 3.6, as well as a problem in the registration process.

However, an issue with the update can cause the app to become de-registered and users to lose all the e-books they had accrued on their device.

While the books are not lost completely Amazon says they can be re-downloaded from the cloud many users are disgruntled due to the time and effort it will take to restore their libraries, some of which number hundreds of books.

Some users have expressed their displeasure on iTunes.

Shannon Noel said: "Thanks you, new update, for erasing all my saved settings. Now I have to go through my hundreds of books to find the ones I haven't read and change all of my screen settings."

Equinebob said: "The update deleted all books from my iPad, and I had to register again, creating a second name for the same iPad. It's like starting all over again. Now I have to upload over 130 books from the cloud."

Amazon has now posted a warning in the "what's new" section of the iTunes page, stating: "There is a known issue with this update. If you are an existing Kindle for iOS user, we recommend you do not install this update at this time."

Amazon says it has submitted an updated fix for the glitch and is working with Apple to get it released.

Jane McCallion
Deputy Editor

Jane McCallion is ITPro's deputy editor, specializing in cloud computing, cyber security, data centers and enterprise IT infrastructure. Before becoming Deputy Editor, she held the role of Features Editor, managing a pool of freelance and internal writers, while continuing to specialise in enterprise IT infrastructure, and business strategy.

Prior to joining ITPro, Jane was a freelance business journalist writing as both Jane McCallion and Jane Bordenave for titles such as European CEO, World Finance, and Business Excellence Magazine.