Guides for Fire Tablet

Kindle Fire Guide

Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide 2025

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Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2025

Amazon Fire tablets remain the most affordable route to a premium entertainment experience. While 2025 hasn't introduced a completely new lineup, it has brought significant maturity to the ecosystem. The headline for 2025 is the widespread availability of Generative AI features and the “soft launch” of the upgraded Fire HD 8 (2024 release), which redefines the budget tablet market.

In this 2025 edition of the Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide, we analyze how the current models hold up against modern apps, why the “Plus” models are effectively discontinued, and which tablet is the best value for your money in 2025-2026. We also updated the buyer's guide with the best time to buy a Fire tablet and some technical warnings.

Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2025 will help you decide:

  • Is a Fire tablet right for me?
  • Which Fire tablet is for me?
  • How to get the best deal on a Fire tablet?

This Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2025 edition is an updated version of Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2024, which highlighted the new Fire HD 8 2024, and new generative AI features: webpage summaries, wallpaper creator, and writing assist.

Difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet

Amazon Fire tablet is not exactly an Android tablet, although it is often quoted as the most affordable Android tablet.

Amazon Fire tablet differs from a “normal” Android tablet in a few aspects, including:

  • No official Google Play Store access. The official app store is Amazon's Appstore, whose app pool is less than 1/100 of Google Play.
  • No Google-related apps, for example, Gmail, YouTube, Photos, and Chrome.
  • Some Android apps may not work with the Fire tablet.
… Read the rest

How to use Wallpaper Creator on your Fire tablet?

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Wallpaper Creator on Fire tablet for AI image generation

Wallpaper Creator is one of the three AI features Amazon offers to their recent Fire tablets, together with Webpage Summaries and Writing Assist.

This Fire tablet guide explains Wallpaper Creator, how to access and use Wallpaper Creator on your Fire tablet to create your unique wallpapers, how to manage and edit these AI-generated images on Fire tablet, the limitations of this feature, and its availability for Fire tablets.

For other generative AI features, you may check this guide for Webpage Summaries and this guide for Writing Assist for your Fire tablet.

What is Wallpaper Creator on Fire tablet?

Wallpaper Creator for Fire Tablet is essentially an AI image generator. It was announced with Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen) and was also offered to the latest generation of Fire HD 10 (Fire HD 10 2023) and Fire Max 11 with a Fire OS update in late October.

With Wallpaper Creator, you can describe what you want (i.e., prompt) to dictate the wallpaper generation. The actual image generation is done on Amazon servers, not on the tablet, which is not capable of running such a generative AI model locally.

In addition to the prompt (text description), you need to also specify one of the following styles to generate substantially different wallpapers:

  • Suggested.
  • Photorealistic.
  • Fantasy.
  • Oil painting.
  • Starry night.
  • Wtercolor.
  • Pop up paper art.
  • Color pencil.
  • Cartoon.

The image generated will be in a fixed resolution of 2048px by 2048px. The generated image will be saved on the phone Gallery automatically. You can also apply it as the wallpaper directly in the Wallpaper Creator.

Two common ways to access Wallpaper Creator on Fire tablet

There are at least two frequently used ways to access the Wallpaper Creator on Fire tablet:

  1. From Wallpaper Creator app.
… Read the rest

Amazon Fire Max 11 Keyboard Case: Everything You Need to Know

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Amazon Fire Max 11 Keyboard Case

Amazon Fire Max 11 keyboard case is the first keyboard case with the Amazon brand on it. The unique design and special keyboard features make the accessory very impressive, although it is not cheap at $89.99.

This Fire tablet guide explains everything you need to know about the Amazon Fire Max 11 keyboard case to help you decide whether it is for you or not. The guide also shows you how to use and customize Amazon Fire Max 11 keyboard case and its unique features.

The Amazon Fire Max 11 keyboard case is for Fire Max 11 only. Although the keyboard piece is removable, you cannot use the keyboard on any other devices because it is NOT a Bluetooth keyboard.

Update: In October 2024, Amazon added three generative AI features, Webpage Summaries, Wallpaper Creator, and Writing Assist, to Fire Max 11 in the Fire OS 8.3.3 update. You can use Writing Assist with Fire Max 11 Keyboard Case.

Unique features of Amazon Fire Max 11 keyboard case

Amazon Fire Max 11 is the first “premium” Fire tablet from Amazon after discontinuing the Fire HDX series long ago, although there are some missing features of the Fire Max 11.

So, Amazon packed some unique features and upgrades into Fire Max 11: both the tablet itself and the accessories. For example, the active pen was introduced. And the USI 2.0 pen can now also be used in the recently released Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen). The Amazon Fire Max 11 keyboard case is the first keyboard case made “by” Amazon.

The first “official” keyboard case for Fire tablet is the official keyboard case for Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen).… Read the rest

The Definite Guide on Amazon Stylus Pen for Fire Max 11

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The Definite Guide on Amazon Stylus Pen for Fire Max 11

Fire Max 11 is the first Amazon tablet with active stylus pen support (and fingerprint support). And Amazon released the official accessory for it: Amazon Stylus Pen for Fire Max 11.

This Amazon Fire tablet how-to guide explains the difference between an active stylus pen and a capacitive stylus, the key features and functions of the Amazon Stylus Pen for Fire Max 11, how to use it in different apps, how to customize the settings for it, and answers to questions you may have on using the Amazon Stylus Pen for Fire Max 11 on Fire Max 11.

Because Fire Max 11 supports an active stylus (USI 2.0) and Amazon Stylus Pen for Fire Max 11 is essentially a USI 2.0 active pen, it is necessary to explain the difference between active and capacitive styluses first.

Update: Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen) became the second Fire tablet with active stylus support. You can use Amazon Stylus Pen for Fire Max 11 on Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen).

Active stylus pen vs. capacitive stylus

For tablets, currently, there are two types of stylus in the market:

  • Capacitive.
  • Active. There are different types of active pens. Fire Max 11 only supports USI 2.0 active pen. For example, you can NOT use the S Pen (a Wacom Electromagnetic Resonance type active Pen) on Fire Max 11. Of course, Apple Pencil does not work either.

We do not include the old PDA-era resistive stylus because it has been almost out of the tablet market.

The difference between active and capacitive styluses can be highlighted from these 5 aspects.

1. Compatibility with touchscreens

Generally speaking, the capacitive stylus is compatible with all touchscreens found in all tablets (including Android tablets and iPads) in the market today.… Read the rest

Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide 2023

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Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023

Amazon Fire tablet (Fire 7, Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, and Fire Max 11) is the most affordable Android tablet on the planet. Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023 will help you decide:

  • Is a Fire tablet right for me?
  • Which Fire tablet is for me?
  • How to get the best deal on a Fire tablet.

In this Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023, I will first explain the difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet, when you may consider buying a Fire tablet, and when you should not consider the Fire tablet at all. The current (2023) models of Amazon Fire tablets are compared to explain the differences among these available models in 2023. You can then decide whether to get the 7″ Fire 7 or 8″ and 10″ HD or 11″ Fire max tablet based on your budget usage, portability, and special needs.

Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023 also explains what are the additional features or upgrades in the Plus version for Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10. Kids edition is also discussed in detail so that you may know whether you should consider it.

This Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023 finally explains why you should not buy a Fire tablet of the old generation and why you should avoid the refurbished Fire tablet.

Update: Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2024.

Update (latest): Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2025.

Difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet

Amazon Fire tablet is not exactly an Android tablet, although it is often quoted as the most affordable Android tablet.

Amazon Fire tablet differs from a “normal” Android tablet in a few aspects, including:

  • No official Google Play Store access.
… Read the rest

Amazon Fire Max 11: A Closer Look at the Top 10 New Features

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Amazon Fire Max 11: A Closer Look at the Top 10 New Features

The Amazon Fire Max 11 is the latest addition (13th Gen) to Amazon's lineup of the Amazon Fire tablet.

With its stunning display, faster CPU and more RAM, 14-hour battery life, improved (8MP) camera sensor, elevated multitasking capabilities, immersive audio, a fingerprint sensor, 64/128GB storage, premium design and build, and keyboard and stylus support, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is designed to be a “premium” Fire tablet. However, it is not the reborn of the discontinued HDX series.

In this post, the top 10 new features of Amazon Fire Max 11 will be discussed to help you understand the uniqueness of Amazon Fire Max 11. The issues and missing features of this tablet will be discussed in this article.

Amazon introduced three generative AI features, Webpage Summaries, Wallpaper Creator, and Writing Assist, with the release of Fire HD 8 2024. Now, all these AI features are available on Fire Max 11.

Stunning Display: Fire Max 11's Immersive Screen

One of the standout new features of the Fire Max 11 is its stunning display.

Amazon Fire Max 11's large (11 inches as suggested by the name), high-resolution (2000*1200) screen offers a wider field of view, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their favorite movies, games, and online content.

The vibrant colors produced by the Fire Max 11's display add depth and richness to images, bringing them to life in a striking and realistic way. Whether it's the vivid hues of a scenic landscape or the vibrant costumes of characters in a movie, the screen accurately reproduces every shade and tone, creating a visually stunning spectacle.

Surprisingly, the gorgeous display does not support HDR10+.… Read the rest

How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8?

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Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8

With the release of Fire OS 8 on the 12th Gen Fire 7 (Fire 7 2022), Fire HD 8 (Fire HD 8 2022), and Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen), Dark theme on Fire tablets is now available in these devices, and the Fire Max 11 (13th Gen).

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains the advantages of the Dark Theme on Fire tablets, the difference between the Night Mode, Blue Shed, and Dark Theme, how to turn on/off the Dark Theme on Fire tablets with Fire OS 8, and how to schedule Dark theme on Fire tablets.

Dark Theme was introduced in Fire OS 8. So, this guide applies to Amazon Fire tablets with Fire OS 8.

Why do you need the Dark Theme on Fire tablets?

Dark Theme, aka system-wide dark theme, was officially introduced in Android 10. It allows you to show content in a dark background on the screen.

Fire OS 8, which is based on Android 10, implemented the Dark Theme on Fire tablets without messing it up.

The advantages of using the Dark Theme include the following:

  • Reduce eye strain, especially in a low-light environment.
  • Make the screen more comfortable (arguable) for most users in most situations.
  • Improve visibility for users with low vision and those who are sensitive to bright light.
  • Reduce battery usage (therefore, increase battery life) if adaptive brightness is available and enabled.

Fire 7 (all generations) does not have a light sensor. Therefore, it will not benefit from the longer battery life when enabling the Dark Theme. Fire HD 8 (including Fire HD 8 Plus) and Fire HD 10 (including Fire HD 10 Plus) support adaptable brightness.… Read the rest

How to use Quick Settings on Fire tablets?

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use Quick Settings on Fire tablets

Quick Settings on Fire tablets lets you enable or disable some features instantly without going through the Settings app.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains what the Quick Settings on Fire tablets is, how to access the Quick Settings panel on a Fire tablet, the differences in Quick Settings among Fire OS 5, Fire OS 7, and Fire OS 8, and how to use and customize the Quick Setting buttons.

Although the illustration and screenshots are based on Fire OS 8, this guide applies to most Fire tablets, including Fire 7 (12th Gen), Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8+ (12th Gen), Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen)Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen), and Fire Max 11(13th Gen).

What is Quick Settings on Fire tablets?

Quick Settings on Fire tablets is simply a special panel that lets you turn on/off some frequently used features without fiddling around the Settings.

For example, if you want to turn on (or off) Bluetooth on a Fire tablet without Quick Settings, you need 5 steps.

  1. Navigate to the Home screen (you may have to leave the app you are using).
  2. Locate the Settings app.
  3. Open the Settings app.
  4. Tap Connected devices.
  5. Tap Bluetooth

With Quick Settings on Fire tablets, it will take you two steps to turn on/off Bluetooth:

  1. Without leaving the app you are using, swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers.
  2. Tap the Bluetooth button.

So, it is a matter of “efficiency” if you can use Quick Settings on Fire tablets. The Quick Settings is even available when you are on the lock screen.

Like all other Android devices (although Amazon tried hard to hide “Android” in Fire tablets), all Fire tablets offer the Quick Settings feature.… Read the rest

How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro?

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How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro

You can use two different methods to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains the two methods to easily take screenshots on a Fire tablet: the power button + Volume down key method on all Fire tablets and using the power-off menu in Fire OS 7 and Fire OS 8. The guide also shows you how to edit and share screenshots on Fire tablets.

The results are identical. The two methods will take the same screenshots.

This guide covers all generations of Fire 7, Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, Fire Max 11, Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HDX 7, and Kindle Fire HDX 8.9.

Why do you need to take screenshots on a Fire tablet?

Occasionally, you may need to share what's shown on the screen with others or keep a record for yourself.

Sometimes, you may want to show the game progress or show others how to use some apps (or ask for help).

Or you find some interesting illustrations/info in a magazine or a book and want to check them later.

In all these cases, you may need to take screenshots on a Fire tablet. Taking photos for a screen with another device is always a challenge. Screenshots make it easy.

There are at least two methods to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps. We now go through them one by one.

Method 1: Use the Power button + Volume down button to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet

Like on any Android phone or tablet, you can simultaneously press and hold the power button and the Volume down button to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet, as shown in the picture below.… Read the rest