Connect Kindle 2 to 3G network

Somehow my Kindle 2 always connect to WhisperNet via GPRS network, not 3G network in HK.  A great tips from reader John and also Mobileread.com, you can actually select the network you want !!

First, turn on the wireless connection of your Kindle, then press “Home”, “Menu”, “Setting” and in that screen, press “311” (yap, that’s the magic number) from the Kindle keyboard. Then mysteriously, an application pops up and will warn you about this command, just select “OK”, and then you will see a message – “Scanning for available wireless providers …”.

About a minute later, a full list of network services providers (with both 2G and 3G connections) will be displayed. Just pick the one you want and that’s it !!. Try “Menu” again, and you shall see the “3G” symbol next to the signal bars, instead of previously the “GPRS“.

Please note that it does not matter whether you have a data plan with the network company to make this work, looks like Amazon already has a deal with the one listed …

Now my Kindle not only synchronize faster, it also works a lot faster when browsing the Kindle Store.

Enjoy !!

Update : If you’re using a Kindle 3 and cannot access to the numeric entry field – try pressing Alt-E, Alt-Q, Alt-Q … hope it helps.

Author: Michael Yung

Michael possessed over 30 years of experience in Information Technology with focuses on complex application development, database technologies and IT strategy. He also spent the last 20 years in Internet technology, eCommerce development / operations, web usability, computer security and Public Key Infrastructure technologies.

33 thoughts on “Connect Kindle 2 to 3G network”

  1. Hi Michael,

    Does this mean that even in countries that are not officially under the “International Kindle” list like Singapore we can now wirelessly sync from amazon.com kindle store considering that we can connect to the kindle store via 3G?

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  2. The situation is a bit interesting for Singapore.

    I have my Kindle International in Singapore right now. Although WhisperNet is not “officially” supported in Singapore, I’m able to use it to register my device without any problem. I used the above method suggested by Michael, and I was able to select among the Singtel, M1 and Starhub (both 2G and 3G) networks.

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  3. Tried PCCW 3G in Hong Kong. It doesn’t work after waited for a couple of minutes
    but Smartone works with full signal strength in Central!

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  5. hey i tried the 311 trip but nothign happened ????
    it says im not a registered user?? when though im on amazon
    when press register is comes up with kindle can not connect at this time?? 😦

    any suggestions? thanks

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    1. Hi Samantha,

      In that case, probably the Kindle 2 you have is an US version. And therefore, you shall turn off the wireless, it won’t work in Australia … and you cannot register your Kindle hardware. But you still can buy eBooks after register your Kindle “logically” thru the Amazon account.

      For the 311 trick, may be it will work only in the International version with the latest firmware … that I am not too sure.

      Hope it helps.

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  8. Hi All,
    i am actually looking for a device that allows me solely to read PDF files.
    -Do you think Kindle is a good choice to buy for such purpose?
    -Can Kindle be used to read PDFs without subscribing for a wireless connection?

    Thanks for advice.

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    1. Hi Cath,

      Kindle is still a good choice if the sole purpose is to read PDF files, but I think Kindle DX (with bigger screen) is the better choice. And yes, even without the wireless connection, you still can copy the PDF files to your Kindle thru the USB cable.

      Hope it helps.

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  9. Hi Michael,
    Thank you !!!…for your reply. Appreciated.
    Could you advise where i could see a demo of Kindle and Kindle DX?
    And how much is one unit?
    What is latest Kindle version?
    i heard of Kindle and could only find info on Kindle version online a few weeks ago… now there is Kindle DX version…woooh..
    How long has Kindle been out in the market?

    Thank you heaps, Michael.
    Your advise appreciated

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    1. Hi Cath,

      Since Kindle 2 and DX are available from Amazon, so you won’t / can’t really see a “demo” … unless you know someone also have one. Kindle 2 and DX are the latest version already (just DX with bigger screen) and they’ve been out for quite some time. For instance, Kindle 2 is released in March last year.

      Hope it helps.

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  10. Hi Michael,

    Is there a way to ensure that i get an International version and not a US version
    from Amazon.com?

    For wireless connection – you mean with mobile provider?
    If so, in that case it means the unit cannot be connected with internet/computer provider?

    Thanks again.

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    1. Hi Cath,

      Well if you surf to Amazon, you will find that the International version is the one you can buy now.

      And yes, there is no WiFi with the Kindle but I think that’s good as I don’t need to find hotspots to download stuff. And of course 3G network is eveywhere here in Hong Kong.

      Hope it helps.

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  12. hi michael

    i just bought a wall USB charger as i got sick of chargign my kindle off my computer.. but its not charging it?? it charges my IPOD and other usb things but not my kindle?? an idea why? thanks!

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    1. Hi Samantha,

      Not sure the reason but I think to achieve your goal, you shall use the power adapter come with your Kindle and then with a plug converter (if necessary). According to Amazon site, the power adapter (in US prongs) supports 100-240V.

      Hope it helps.

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  13. thanks michael… i didnt get a wall charger with my kindle as i bought the AUS version which only came with the USB cord??

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    1. Hi Samantha,

      That’s strange but then I checked Amazon website and indeed Kindles shipping to Australia do not have a wall charger included !! That’s really weird … so looks like your Kindle is a special edition that can charge with USB only 😎

      Thanks for letting me know !! But sorry for not helping you much here …

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  15. Hi Michael

    I need your advice on this:
    I need to read a lot of pdf files, and do a lot of web surf (with text mainly). I am thinking to buy either an ebook reader (like KindleDX or Hanvon) or iPad. I wonder is it possible to use KindleDX to surf the internet? as i read the amazon website it says the free 3G connection is only for browsing & buying ebook there. Have you ever try to use a normally 3G sim card to surf the net?

    Hanvon has launched an version of traditional chinese version of ebook reader but their officially website has nothing on it, nor their hk agency (Gateway) has enough information about it. Really bad marketing and website design for them…

    iPad sounds cool but i am afraid the screen will make my eye even worst for long hours reading ( i do it now with the iphone while i am on the road, you can imagine…)

    Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.

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    1. Hi Ben,

      Yes you can use Kindle DX to surf the net but purely on text based websites only. However, using the keyboard to enter URL address and browse the webpage is not very user friendly. On the other hand, surf the net with Kindle (DX and 2) does not require 3G sim card as the 3G connection is built into each Kindle.

      To surf the net, I tend to think iPad may be better. But of course, the current version (as of early April) supports WiFi only and no Flash. And you are right, the screen is not for long hours reading.

      Hope it helps.

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  16. Thanks for your advice, Michael~ It is just an “add-on” function i would like to have, so i can read the online newspaper website on the road. Now i am using the iphone i think it is hurting my eyes… BTW, just found out that the Hanvon N526 have NO wireless / 3G connection, so i definitely have to go for Kindle 2 / DX when I have a deep pocket.

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    1. Hi Ben, if you read online newspaper a lot, then may be Kindle is not for you … because it’s really a pain use Kindle to do lots of browsing. If you really like to do that, suggest to use http://www.instapaper.com to save your webpage to Kindle format first, then read it later. If you don’t mind the screen, iPad may be the better option.

      Hope it helps.

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  17. I just got a Kindle and it won’t connect to 3G or 2G I did the “311” and picked a connection. It will blink a few times and then nothing happens. I’m still not connected to the internet.

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    1. Hi Tax,

      Is your country / city residing supported by Kindle International version ? If not, it may not work. If yes, may be you need to try other connections in the 311 setting (I assume you have turn on the wireless …). BTW, you mentioned “nothing happens”, what are you expecting it happen ? Surfing the Internet ? May be you can try the Kindle bookstore first.

      Hope it helps.

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  18. Wish I had known this when I was staying at the Beach in Brazil. I had a great Kindle connection until the new year hit then zap it was gone BUT..

    When we traveled out of town to the next Beach…Wala! back in business and time enough to download a few books. When I returned I purchased a USB stick to get Internet (TIM) but could only get Internet if configured for 2G. People at the TIM store explained because the vacation crowd at the beach and amount people using networks 2G is all that would be available.

    Maybe if I had known the hack I could have used the 2G network….but does the Kindle default to 2G network connections?

    I was thinking that I lost connectivity because the Kindle only used 3G connections or only 3G connections in Brazil or more specifically that carrier…???

    I was neat to be able to browse the web on the beach while sipping cool drink and I was getting pretty good at using the experimental browser to check email and send and read mobilized versions of websites.

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